Patents by Inventor Richard A. Willyard
Richard A. Willyard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20180235698Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
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Publication number: 20180235697Abstract: A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, WILLIAM O. REID, DARION R. PETERSON, KAYLEN J. HALEY, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, KENLYN S. BONN
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Patent number: 10022186Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
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Patent number: 10016236Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
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Patent number: 9913687Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
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Patent number: 9901398Abstract: A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, William O. Reid, Jr., Darion R. Peterson, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard, Kenlyn S. Bonn
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Publication number: 20170325797Abstract: A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes an introducer including a lumen extending along a length thereof and defining a longitudinal axis therethrough. The introducer configured for placement adjacent target tissue. A shaft operably coupled to the introducer is deployable from a distal end thereof and includes a proximal end for approximating the distal end of the shaft adjacent target tissue. The distal end of the shaft is movable from a non-expanded configuration to an expanded configuration for separating target tissue from neighboring tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard
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Publication number: 20170312030Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
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Publication number: 20170245932Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from an energy source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the energy source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the energy source and a piezoelectric transducer operably coupled to the fluid path to detect a force of fluid flow through the fluid path. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate a signal based on the detected force of fluid through the fluid path. The controller is configured to control the energy source output based on the generated signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
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Patent number: 9707038Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
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Publication number: 20170189115Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
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Publication number: 20170172689Abstract: A system for detecting bending of an electrosurgical device includes a strain relief configured to be coupled to a shaft of an electrosurgical device, a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the strain relief and configured to bend upon bending of the electrosurgical device, and a bending detection circuit in electrical communication with the piezoelectric actuator and configured to detect a bending of the piezoelectric actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, RICHARD A. WILLYARD
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Patent number: 9668812Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from an energy source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the energy source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the energy source and a piezoelectric transducer operably coupled to the fluid path to detect a force of fluid flow through the fluid path. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate a signal based on the detected force of fluid through the fluid path. The controller is configured to control the energy source output based on the generated signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
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Patent number: 9597151Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device, one or more temperature sensors associated with the electrosurgical device, a fluid-flow path leading to the electrosurgical device, and a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path. The electrosurgical device includes a probe for directing energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes circuitry for detecting bending of the probe. The circuitry alerts the user of excessive bending by activating an alarm, such as an audible alarm, lighting one or more LEDs or other light sources, tactile feedback, or any other means. The electrosurgical system further includes a processor unit communicatively-coupled to the one or more temperature sensors and communicatively-coupled to the flow-control device. The processor unit is configured to control the flow-control device based on determination of a desired fluid-flow rate using one or more electrical signals outputted from the one or more temperature sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Richard A. Willyard
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Publication number: 20170056109Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
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Publication number: 20170056049Abstract: A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes a cannula and an introducer coaxially coupled to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. An introducer is coaxially coupleable to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. The introducer including a generally annular lumen disposed in fluid communication with an inflation port operably disposed on the introducer and in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon that couples to the introducer. The inflatable balloon is movable from a deflated condition for positioning the introducer adjacent target tissue, to an inflated condition for separating the target tissue from nearby tissue and for providing a barrier therebetween such that the nearby tissue is not affected during the electrosurgical procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
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Patent number: 9498286Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
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Patent number: 9492190Abstract: A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes a cannula and an introducer coaxially coupled to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. An introducer is coaxially coupleable to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. The introducer including a generally annular lumen disposed in fluid communication with an inflation port operably disposed on the introducer and in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon that couples to the introducer. The inflatable balloon is movable from a deflated condition for positioning the introducer adjacent target tissue, to an inflated condition for separating the target tissue from nearby tissue and for providing a barrier therebetween such that the nearby tissue is not affected during the electrosurgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
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Publication number: 20160302867Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
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Publication number: 20160192987Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE