Patents by Inventor Stephen Pons
Stephen Pons 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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Patent number: 12622715Abstract: A sensor-controlled thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a collection canister, aspiration tubing, an external unit separate containing a medial portion of the aspiration tubing, a sensing unit within the external unit, and a controller that can utilize an algorithm to generate pressure pulses in the sensor-controlled thrombectomy system.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2025Date of Patent: May 12, 2026Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12533147Abstract: A dynamic aspiration system includes a vacuum source, an aspiration catheter, a connecting tube, controllable valves to control a level of pressure in the aspiration catheter or the connecting tube, pressure sensors to detect pressure readings, and a controller capable of utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) trained to predict flow state classifications. The controller may receive pressure readings from the sensors, provide the pressure readings as input data for the ANN, classify, via the ANN, a current flow state in the aspiration catheter or the connecting tube based on outputs generated by the ANN, and operate the controllable valves based on the classification of the current flow state. The controller operates the controllable valves in a first pressure protocol if the classification by the ANN is restricted or obstructed, and operates the controllable valves in a second pressure protocol if the classification by the ANN is unrestricted.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2025Date of Patent: January 27, 2026Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12521132Abstract: A blood clot removal system including an aspiration catheter, an external unit having a first pressure sensor, a base unit having a second pressure sensor, a vacuum source connected to the base unit, connection tubing connecting the external unit to the aspiration catheter and the base unit, controllable sensory indicators, and a controller to receive a first pressure from the first pressure sensor and a second pressure from the second pressure sensor, determine a pressure differential based on the first pressure and the second pressure, determine a current catheter state from a plurality of catheter states based on the pressure differential, and transmit, via the one or more sensory indicators, one or more sensory indications of the current catheter state.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 13, 2026Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12502185Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal portion, a distal end and a lumen extending through the catheter, a vacuum source fluidically coupled to the catheter, a vacuum valve connected between the vacuum source and the proximal portion of the catheter to control a vacuum flow in the catheter lumen, a vent valve fluidically coupled to the proximal portion of the catheter, the vent valve being configured to control a flow of a vent fluid in the catheter lumen, and a controller configured to open and close the vacuum valve and the vent valve in a predetermined cycle to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the catheter and to control fluid flow in and out from the distal end of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: December 23, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12496076Abstract: A platform of computing systems is configured to receive thrombectomy procedure data that is associated with a user of an aspiration thrombectomy system. The procedure data includes sets of temporal datapoints associated with a thrombectomy procedure. The platform of computing systems is further configured to generate thrombectomy analytics data based on baseline procedure data and the sets of datapoints. The platform of computing systems is further configured to visually display the thrombectomy analytics data, and to provide comparative data metrics for selection on an interactive interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2024Date of Patent: December 16, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Patent number: 12414784Abstract: A dynamic aspiration system includes a connecting tube, a vacuum source, a pressure source, an aspiration catheter, a first controllable valve to control a level of negative pressure provided by the vacuum source, a second controllable valve to control a level of positive pressure provided by the pressure source, pressure sensors, and a controller. The controller modulates the controllable valves to generate pressure pulses, determines, for each of the pressure pulses, a degree of success corresponding to a change in a flow in the aspiration catheter or the connecting tube responsive to the pressure pulse, identifies one or more first pressure pulses determined to have the highest degrees of success, and modulates the controllable valves to generate the first pressure pulses in one or more pressure pulse cycles.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2025Date of Patent: September 16, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12408933Abstract: A vacuum aspiration control system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connection tubing configured to act as a fluid conduit between the vacuum source and the aspiration catheter. A controllable valve is configured to control a level of vacuum in the connection tubing provided by the vacuum source, and one or more pressure sensors are associated with the connection tubing. A controller is configured to periodically sample flow when the current flow state is unrestricted, utilize an artificial neural network to classify a flow state for the sampled flow, close the controllable valve if the flow state for the sampled flow is classified as unrestricted, and hold the controllable valve open if the flow state for the sampled flow is classified as restricted or obstructed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2023Date of Patent: September 9, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12239777Abstract: A thrombectomy system includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a valve in fluid communication with the catheter, and a cutting instrument associated with the distal end of the catheter. The cutting instrument may be configured for axial and/or rotational motion. A controller of the system may be configured to detect operational parameters of the cutting instrument. The controller may determine whether the cutting instrument is engaging with occlusive material based on the detected operational parameters. The controller may operate the valve in one or more operating modes to alter a level of pressure in the catheter based on whether the cutting instrument is engaging with the occlusive material.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2024Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Bo-Yu Su, Vinita Verma, Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12201311Abstract: A dynamic aspiration method including engaging a distal end of an aspiration catheter against an occlusion in a blood vessel, applying a vacuum through an aspiration lumen of the aspiration catheter using a vacuum source coupled to a proximal end of the aspiration lumen by a connecting tube, whereby portions of the occlusion are drawn into the aspiration lumen, through the connecting tube and into a collection receptacle by the vacuum source, sensing flow through the connecting tube, and automatically generating pressure differentials when a clog or restricted flow is detected.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2024Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12193690Abstract: An aspiration catheter assembly including an outer catheter having an elongate tubular body and a distal valve at a distal end of the aspiration catheter assembly, and an inner catheter configured to communicate with a vacuum source, the inner catheter being within the outer catheter and including an aspiration lumen for receiving at least a portion of a clot. The distal valve is configured to be opened and closed at the distal end of the aspiration catheter assembly, and the distal end of the aspiration catheter assembly is configured as a separator such that the portion of the clot can be separated at the distal end and drawn into the aspiration catheter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12156667Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient, and to determine one or more therapeutic-benefit metrics associated with continuance of the aspiration thrombectomy procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2024Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Patent number: 12156666Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to detect and identify pressure levels associated with an open flow state of the aspiration thrombectomy system, and to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2024Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Patent number: 12150660Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the aspiration catheter having a lumen to accommodate fluid, a vacuum source including a controllable vacuum valve, a tubing connected to the aspiration catheter, and a controller configured to detect a change in a catheter diameter corresponding to a change in the connection between the aspiration catheter and the tubing. The controller is configured to change a pulsation protocol associated with the aspiration catheter responsive to the change in the catheter diameter, and the pulsation protocol specifies pressure variations and pressure patterns to modulate the vacuum valve to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Publication number: 20240341784Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to detect and identify pressure levels associated with an open flow state of the aspiration thrombectomy system, and to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Publication number: 20240341786Abstract: A platform of computing systems is configured to receive thrombectomy procedure data that is associated with a user of an aspiration thrombectomy system. The procedure data includes sets of temporal datapoints associated with a thrombectomy procedure. The platform of computing systems is further configured to generate thrombectomy analytics data based on baseline procedure data and the sets of datapoints. The platform of computing systems is further configured to visually display the thrombectomy analytics data, and to provide comparative data metrics for selection on an interactive interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Publication number: 20240341785Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient, and to determine one or more therapeutic-benefit metrics associated with continuance of the aspiration thrombectomy procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventors: Nicole Trosper, Stephen Pons
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Patent number: 12108960Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the aspiration catheter having a lumen to accommodate fluid, a vacuum source including a controllable vacuum valve, a tubing connected to the aspiration catheter, and a controller configured to detect a change in a catheter diameter corresponding to a change in the connection between the aspiration catheter and the tubing. The controller is configured to change a pulsation protocol associated with the aspiration catheter responsive to the change in the catheter diameter, and the pulsation protocol specifies pressure variations and pressure patterns to modulate the vacuum valve to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12076032Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the aspiration catheter having a lumen to accommodate fluid, a vacuum source including a controllable vacuum valve, a tubing connected to the aspiration catheter, and a controller configured to detect a change in a catheter diameter corresponding to a change in the connection between the aspiration catheter and the tubing. The controller is configured to change a pulsation protocol associated with the aspiration catheter responsive to the change in the catheter diameter, and the pulsation protocol specifies pressure variations and pressure patterns to modulate the vacuum valve to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Publication number: 20240285846Abstract: A thrombectomy system includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a valve in fluid communication with the catheter, and a cutting instrument associated with the distal end of the catheter. The cutting instrument may be configured for axial and/or rotational motion. A controller of the system may be configured to detect operational parameters of the cutting instrument. The controller may determine whether the cutting instrument is engaging with occlusive material based on the detected operational parameters. The controller may operate the valve in one or more operating modes to alter a level of pressure in the catheter based on whether the cutting instrument is engaging with the occlusive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2024Publication date: August 29, 2024Inventors: Bo-Yu Su, Vinita Verma, Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins
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Patent number: 12035931Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system including an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the aspiration catheter having a lumen to accommodate fluid, a vacuum source including a controllable vacuum valve, a tubing connected to the aspiration catheter, and a controller configured to detect a change in a catheter diameter corresponding to a change in the connection between the aspiration catheter and the tubing. The controller is configured to change a pulsation protocol associated with the aspiration catheter responsive to the change in the catheter diameter, and the pulsation protocol specifies pressure variations and pressure patterns to modulate the vacuum valve to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Penumbra, Inc.Inventors: Scott Teigen, Steven Loisel, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins