Patents by Inventor Robert E. Neal, II

Robert E. Neal, II 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).

  • Patent number: 11254926
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20210393327
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating conditions of the heart, particularly the occurrence of arrhythmias. The devices, systems and methods deliver therapeutic energy to portions the heart to provide tissue modification, such as to the entrances to the pulmonary veins in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Generally, the tissue modification systems include a specialized catheter, a high voltage waveform generator and at least one distinct energy delivery algorithm. Other embodiments include conventional ablation catheters and system components to enable use with a high voltage waveform generator. Example catheter designs include a variety of delivery types including focal delivery, “one-shot” delivery and various possible combinations. In some embodiments, energy is delivered in a monopolar fashion. However, it may be appreciated that a variety of other embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Galary, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Robert Eyster, Quim Castellvi, Timothy James Gundert, Robert E. Neal, II, Jonathan R. Waldstreicher, Isidro Gandionco, Steven D. Girouard, Vikramaditya Mediratta, Kevin James Taylor, Armaan G. Vachani, William S. Krimsky, Rajesh Pendekanti
  • Publication number: 20210236816
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary tissues via delivery of energy, generally characterized by high voltage pulses, to target tissue using a pulmonary tissue modification system (e.g., an energy delivery catheter system). Example pulmonary tissues include, without limitation, the epithelium (the goblet cells, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells, and basal cells), lamina propria, submucosa, submucosal glands, basement membrane, smooth muscle, cartilage, nerves, pathogens resident near or within the tissue, or a combination of any of these. The system may be used to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases or disorders such as or associated with COPD (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acute bronchitis and/or other pulmonary diseases or disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Galary, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Reuben Waldstreicher, William Sanford Krimsky, Denise M. Zarins, Robert J. Beetel, Paul Brian Friedrichs, Kevin James Taylor, Roman Turovskiy, Gary L. Long, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20210236815
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary tissues via delivery of energy, generally characterized by high voltage pulses, to target tissue using a pulmonary tissue modification system (e.g., an energy delivery catheter system). Example pulmonary tissues include, without limitation, those within the respiratory tract, particularly the epithelium (the goblet cells, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells, and basal cells), lamina propria, submucosa, submucosal glands, basement membrane, smooth muscle, cartilage, nerves, pathogens resident near or within the tissue, or a combination of any of these. The systems may be used to treat pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, particularly coronaviruses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Galary, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Waldstreicher, William S. Krimsky, Robert E. Neal, II, Denise M. Zarins, Robert J. Beetel, Paul Brian Friedrichs, Kevin James Taylor, Roman Turovskiy, Gary L. Long
  • Publication number: 20210186600
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20210146126
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary tissues via delivery of energy, generally characterized by high voltage pulses, to target tissue using a pulmonary tissue modification system (e.g., an energy delivery catheter system). Example pulmonary tissues include, without limitation, the epithelium (the goblet cells, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells, and basal cells), lamina propria, submucosa, submucosal glands, basement membrane, smooth muscle, cartilage, nerves, pathogens resident near or within the tissue, or a combination of any of these. The system may be used to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases or disorders such as or associated with COPD (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acute bronchitis and/or other pulmonary diseases or disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Galary, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Reuben Waldstreicher, William Sanford Krimsky, Denise M. Zarins, Robert J. Beetel, Paul Brian Friedrichs, Kevin James Taylor, Roman Turovskiy, Gary L. Long, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20210128221
    Abstract: Techniques for High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (HFIRE) using a single-pole tine-style internal device communicating with an external surface electrode are described. In an embodiment, a system for ablating tissue cells in a treatment region of a patient's body by irreversible electroporation without thermally damaging the tissue cells is described. The system includes at least one single-pole electrode probe for insertion into the treatment region, the single-pole electrode probe including one or more tines. The system further includes at least one external surface electrode for placement outside the patient's body and configured to complete a circuit with the single-pole electrode probe. The system also includes a control device for controlling HFIRE pulses to the single-pole tine-style electrode and the skin-surface electrode for the delivery of electric energy to the treatment region. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 10959772
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 10905492
    Abstract: Techniques for High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (HFIRE) using a single-pole tine-style internal device communicating with an external surface electrode are described. In an embodiment, a system for ablating tissue cells in a treatment region of a patient's body by irreversible electroporation without thermally damaging the tissue cells is described. The system includes at least one single-pole electrode probe for insertion into the treatment region, the single-pole electrode probe including one or more tines. The system further includes at least one external surface electrode for placement outside the patient's body and configured to complete a circuit with the single-pole electrode probe. The system also includes a control device for controlling HFIRE pulses to the single-pole tine-style electrode and the skin-surface electrode for the delivery of electric energy to the treatment region. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20200405373
    Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing electrical energy to tissue which minimize Joule heating, thermal effects, and/or thermal damage, without sacrificing efficacy of treatment, are described. The methods and systems are particularly suitable to electrical energy-based therapies employing multiple electrodes, such as arrays of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Brien, Robert E. Neal, II, Rafael V. Davalos
  • Publication number: 20200398048
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided which transmit energy to a body lumen or passageway in the form of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) and in a manner which provides focal therapy. In some embodiments, PEFs are delivered through independent electrically active electrodes of an energy delivery body, typically in a monopolar fashion. Such delivery concentrates the electrical energy over a smaller surface area, resulting in stronger effects than delivery through an electrode extending circumferentially around the lumen or passageway. It also forces the electrical energy to be delivered in a staged regional approach, mitigating the effect of preferential current pathways through the surrounding tissue. Focal delivery of PEFs can provide increased tissue lethality by employing precise timing and sequencing of energy delivery to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Galary, Inc.
    Inventors: William Sanford Krimsky, Denise M. Zarins, Robert J. Beetel, Paul Brian Friedrichs, Roman Turovskiy, Gary L. Long, Robert E. Neal, II, Jonathan Reuben Waldstreicher, Kevin James Taylor
  • Patent number: 10702326
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods for treating a lesion such as a vascular stenosis using non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE). Embodiments of the present invention provide a balloon catheter type NTIRE device for treating a target lesion comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned along the balloon that are electrically independent from each other so as to be individually selectable in order to more precisely treat an asymmetrical lesion in which the lesion extends only partially around the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, Peter Callas
  • Publication number: 20200093541
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20190376055
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20190256839
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20190233809
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20190175260
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 10245105
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Publication number: 20190083169
    Abstract: An improved user interface system for an irreversible electroporation (IRE) system is provided. User interfaces are provided that dynamically display information provided by an operator or provided by the IRE system during setup, planning, and implementation stages of an IRE procedure in a more intuitive and efficient manner. As a result of being provided the user interfaces described herein, operators can plan and implement more effective IRE procedures to the benefit of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Single, Robert E. Neal, II, David Warden
  • Publication number: 20180132922
    Abstract: Techniques for High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (HFIRE) using a single-pole tine-style internal device communicating with an external surface electrode are described. In an embodiment, a system for ablating tissue cells in a treatment region of a patient's body by irreversible electroporation without thermally damaging the tissue cells is described. The system includes at least one single-pole electrode probe for insertion into the treatment region, the single-pole electrode probe including one or more tines. The system further includes at least one external surface electrode for placement outside the patient's body and configured to complete a circuit with the single-pole electrode probe. The system also includes a control device for controlling HFIRE pulses to the single-pole tine-style electrode and the skin-surface electrode for the delivery of electric energy to the treatment region. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: AngioDymamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Neal, II