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).

  • Publication number: 20180235698
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
  • Publication number: 20180235697
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, WILLIAM O. REID, DARION R. PETERSON, KAYLEN J. HALEY, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, KENLYN S. BONN
  • Patent number: 10022186
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10016236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9913687
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9901398
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, William O. Reid, Jr., Darion R. Peterson, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Publication number: 20170325797
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard
  • Publication number: 20170312030
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20170245932
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Patent number: 9707038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20170189115
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
  • Publication number: 20170172689
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, RICHARD A. WILLYARD
  • Patent number: 9668812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9597151
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Richard A. Willyard
  • Publication number: 20170056109
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
  • Publication number: 20170056049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
  • Patent number: 9498286
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9492190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
  • Publication number: 20160302867
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20160192987
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE