Patents by Inventor Stephan P. Miller
Stephan P. Miller 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: 11896284Abstract: A catheter and patch electrode system is provided for use with an apparatus, such as an ablation generator, having a 4-wire interface for improved impedance measurement. The 4-wire interface includes a pair of source connectors across which an excitation signal is produced and a pair of sense connector wires across which the impedance is measured. The RF ablation generator may also produce an ablation signal across a source wire and an indifferent return patch electrode. The system further includes a cable that connects the generator to a catheter. The catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with an ablation tip electrode disposed at the distal end. A source lead is electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end where it is terminated. An optional sense lead is also electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end. The system further includes a source return (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, IncInventors: Stephan P. Miller, Glen H. Kastner, Donald Curtis Deno
-
Patent number: 11517372Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Don Curtis Deno, Saurav Paul, Liane R. Teplitsky
-
Publication number: 20220338922Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
-
Patent number: 11324550Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
-
Publication number: 20200237426Abstract: A catheter and patch electrode system is provided for use with an apparatus, such as an ablation generator, having a 4-wire interface for improved impedance measurement. The 4-wire interface includes a pair of source connectors across which an excitation signal is produced and a pair of sense connector wires across which the impedance is measured. The RF ablation generator may also produce an ablation signal across a source wire and an indifferent return patch electrode. The system further includes a cable that connects the generator to a catheter. The catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with an ablation tip electrode disposed at the distal end. A source lead is electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end where it is terminated. An optional sense lead is also electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end. The system further includes a source return (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Glen H. Kastner, Donald Curtis Deno
-
Publication number: 20200188016Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Don Curtis Deno, Saurav Paul, Liane R. Teplitsky
-
Patent number: 10660690Abstract: A catheter and patch electrode system is provided for use with an apparatus, such as an ablation generator, having a 4-wire interface for improved impedance measurement. The 4-wire interface includes a pair of source connectors across which an excitation signal is produced and a pair of sense connector wires across which the impedance is measured. The RF ablation generator may also produce an ablation signal across a source wire and an indifferent return patch electrode. The system further includes a cable that connects the generator to a catheter. The catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with an ablation tip electrode disposed at the distal end. A source lead is electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end where it is terminated. An optional sense lead is also electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end. The system further includes a source return (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Glen H. Kastner, D. Curtis Deno
-
Patent number: 10362959Abstract: A method and system for assessing proximity between an electrode and tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an electrical coupling index (ECI) responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to determine the proximity of the electrode to the tissue. The ECU may be configured to calculate an electrical coupling index rate (ECIR) based on the calculated ECI and information relating to the change in location of the electrode, and to assess proximity based on the ECIR. Alternatively, the ECU may be configured to assess the proximity using the calculated ECI, as opposed to the ECIR.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Aiken, D. Curtis Deno, Glen H. Kastner, Stephan P. Miller
-
Publication number: 20190151014Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
-
Patent number: 10195397Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a deflectable distal region, a handle coupled to the proximal end, an actuator movable relative to the handle, and a resistance assembly adjacent the actuator. The resistance assembly exerts a force on the actuator that varies according to a direction in which the actuator is moving relative to the handle. For example, the resistance assembly can exert a lower (or zero) force when the actuator is moving relative to the handle in a direction that effects deflection of the distal region of the elongate body from neutral and higher when the actuator is moving relative to the handle in a direction that effects return of the distal region of the elongate body towards neutral. The resistance assembly can also include materials that exhibit anisotropic frictional properties and/or have surface finishes or treatments that yield directionally-dependent frictional forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Knutson, Michael Bowers, Stephan P. Miller
-
Patent number: 10130419Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
-
Patent number: 10130344Abstract: A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Ryan M. Albu
-
Publication number: 20170014112Abstract: A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Ryan M. Albu
-
Publication number: 20160220307Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Don Curtis Deno, Saurav Paul, Liane R. Teplitsky
-
Patent number: 9386967Abstract: A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Ryan M. Albu
-
Patent number: 9339325Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Stephan P. Miller, Don Curtis Deno, Saurav Paul, Liane R. Teplitsky
-
Publication number: 20160095642Abstract: A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Don Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller, Lewis C. Hill, Yuriy Malinin, Haris Sih
-
Publication number: 20160095651Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
-
Patent number: 9173586Abstract: A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Don Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller, Lewis C. Hill, Yuriy Malinin, Haris J. Sih
-
Patent number: 9173611Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller