Patents by Inventor Steven C. Christian
Steven C. Christian 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: 20100324552Abstract: A method is provided for ablating a portion of the myocardium. The method includes inserting an occlusion catheter into a vessel on a heart, occluding the vessel using the occlusion catheter, inserting an ablation catheter into a chamber of the heart, positioning the ablation catheter against the myocardium, and ablating a portion of the myocardium while the vessel is occluded. The system includes an occlusion catheter having a catheter body including a tubular member having a distal portion and a bend located in the distal portion, a balloon located proximal of the bend and configured to contact an inner surface of the CS when positioned therewithin, a plurality of marker bands positioned on the catheter body, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the catheter body. One or more electrodes or coils can be used as a reference for an electroanatomical system and can be disposed on the occlusion catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: James V. Kauphusman, Andre d'Avila, Vivek Y. Reddy, William M. Sutton, Steven C. Christian, Harry A. Puryear
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Publication number: 20100305398Abstract: Tissue stabilizers including a clamp assembly, a turret assembly, an articulating arm having a tension element extending therethrough, a collet assembly and a head-link assembly are disclosed. Methods of stabilizing tissue are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Andrew L. Olson, Michael J. Hobday, Steven C. Christian, Tom P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin, Roderick E. Briscoe, William A. Steinberg, Adam A. Podbelski, Christopher J. Plott, Patrick J. Cloutier, Gerard C. Forest, Christopher P. Olig
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Patent number: 7794387Abstract: Tissue stabilizers including a clamp assembly, a turret assembly, an articulating arm having a tension element extending therethrough, a collet assembly and a head-link assembly are disclosed. Methods of stabilizing tissue are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Olson, Michael J. Hobday, Steven C. Christian, Tom P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin, Roderick E. Briscoe, William A. Steinberg, Adam A. Podbelski, Christopher J. Plott, Patrick J. Cloutier, Gerard C. Forest, Christopher P. Olig
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Publication number: 20100204716Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. Some embodiments of the system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. One embodiment discloses a method of accessing endocardial surfaces of the heart through the atrial appendage. Additional embodiments of the invention provide a clip occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage. A clip applicator can position the clip occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Mark T. Stewart, Alison Lutterman, David E. Francischelli, Leonard H. Leuer, Daneil C. Haeg, Marie T. Steinbrink, Roderick E. Briscoe, Tom P. Daigel, Eduardo N. Warman, Paul T. Rothstein, Phillip C. Falkner, Douglas A. Hettrick, David J.S. Kim, Steven C. Christian
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Publication number: 20100198041Abstract: A catheter for anchoring an electrode in a coronary sinus includes an elongate catheter body adapted to be inserted into a coronary sinus and at least one electrode on the catheter body. The elongate catheter body also includes at least one anchor movable between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. When the anchor is in the undeployed configuration, the catheter may be introduced into and removed from the coronary sinus. When the anchor is in the deployed configuration, the anchor engages a tissue surface of the coronary sinus to inhibit movement between the catheter body and the coronary sinus, preferably without completely occluding the coronary sinus. The anchor may be a section of the catheter body having an expandable axial cross-section, an expandable member mounted on the catheter body, one or more wire anchors, or a flexible section of the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Steven C. Christian, Harry A. Puryear, James V. Kauphusman, William M. Sutton
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Patent number: 7758576Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm having an upper neck, a link assembly, and an upper actuator. The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool can include a lower arm that mates with the upper arm. The lower arm can include a lower neck, a distal jaw, and a lower actuator. The distal jaw can include a jaw electrode, and the lower actuator can control movement of the distal jaw.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Rothstein, David E. Francischelli, Terri Jean Cormack, Tom P. Daigle, Alison Lutterman, Roderick E. Briscoe, Steven C. Christian
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Publication number: 20100121362Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel support system and a method of vessel harvesting. The system can include a cutting device, a catheter adapted to be inserted into a section of the vessel in order to support the vessel as the cutting device is advanced over the vessel, and a cannula adapted to be coupled to the vessel and adapted to receive the catheter as the catheter is inserted into the section of the vessel. The method can include orienting a cutting device coaxially with the cannula and the catheter and advancing the cutting device over the cannula, the catheter, and the section of the vessel in order to core out the section of the vessel and a portion of the surrounding tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: SCOTTSDALE MEDICAL DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Michael J. Hobday, Raymond W. Usher, Roderick E. Briscoe, Katherine S. Olig, Ana R. Menk, Christopher P. Olig, Eric A. Meyer, Steven C. Christian, Thomas P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, James R. Keogh, Matthew D. Bonner, Scott E. Jahns, Philip J. Haarstad
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Publication number: 20100114136Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and method of vessel harvesting. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member, a cutting element, and a centering member. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member with a flexible section and a cutting element. The method of vessel harvesting can include spacing a cutting element of the cutting device from the vessel as the cutting element is advanced over the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SCOTTSDALE MEDICAL DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Michael J. Hobday, Raymond W. Usher, Roderick E. Briscoe, Katherine S. Olig, Ana R. Menk, Christopher P. Olig, Eric A. Meyer, Steven C. Christian, Thomas P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, James R. Keogh, Matthew D. Bonner, Scott E. Jahns, Philip J. Haarstad
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Publication number: 20100081987Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems include vacuum-stabilized, irrigated ablation devices that have ablating elements capable of providing regions of relatively low pressure to maintain the ablating element in a stable position relative to the tissue, or minimize relative movement of the ablating element relative to the tissue. The ablation elements have integrated structures for vacuum-stabilization. The devices also include one or more electrodes for both orienting the ablating element as well as for diagnostic purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: Steven C. Christian
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Publication number: 20090270857Abstract: System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Steven C. Christian, Paul T. Rothstein, Tom P. Daigle
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Publication number: 20090254078Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips for use in connection with ablation catheters and ablation catheter systems. In an embodiment, an electrode tip for an ablation catheter is provided, comprising an electrode carrier, a first electrode, and second electrode, each adapted to direct energy is various directions and configured to be selectively activated. In another embodiment, an electrode is provided that comprises an electrode body having an insulated portion to protect adjacent tissue from ablation while further adapted to direct energy in a downward direction towards the target tissue. Other embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips providing ablative elements that are directed laterally are also disclosed. Moreover, embodiments of several types of electrodes and/or electrode tips, which may include positioning, orientation, irrigating, cooling, and deflecting features, whether provided individually or in various combinations, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Dale E. Just, James V. Kauphusman, Steven C. Christian, Troy T. Tegg, Allan M. Fuentes
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Patent number: 7566334Abstract: System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Christian, Paul T. Rothstein, Tom P. Daigle
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Publication number: 20090082620Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Haarstad, Christpher P. Olig, Paul T. Rothstein, Michael J. Hobday, William A. Steinberg, David J.S. Kim, Thomas P. Daigle, Ann M. Thomas, Brian J. Rose, Steven C. Christian, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin
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Patent number: 7494460Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Haarstad, Christopher P. Olig, Paul T. Rothstein, Michael J. Hobday, William J. Steinberg, David J. S. Kim, Thomas P. Daigle, Ann M. Thomas, Brian J. Ross, Steven C. Christian, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin
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Publication number: 20080269862Abstract: The disclosure describes a hand-held device that utilizes a mechanical lever system to operate the device with a single hand. The mechanical lever system is coupled to a sliding element within the housing of the hand-held device that slides linearly. The sliding element may be attached to another element that is extended, retracted, or rotated in or out of the device. For example, the hand-held device may be used for prostate ablation therapy. The hand-held device may include an ablation needle electrode that is extended out of a catheter and into a tissue of a patient by depressing an extension lever of the mechanical lever system to deliver ablation therapy. Depressing a retraction lever of the mechanical lever system may retract the needle electrode back into the catheter of the hand-held device. Other variations of the mechanical system and applications of the hand-held device are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Ahmed Elmouelhi, Steven C. Christian
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Publication number: 20080167669Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel tensioning handle and method of placing tension on a section of a vessel being harvested. The handle can include a housing, a bobbin assembly, a vessel tensioning tape, and a tensioning device member. The tensioning device member can be coupled to a cannula that is coupled to the vessel. The method can include using the vessel tensioning tape to place tension on the section of the vessel as the cutting device is advanced over the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Michael J. Hobday, Raymond W. Usher, Roderick E. Briscoe, Katherine S. Olig, Ana R. Menk, Christopher P. Olig, Eric A. Meyer, Steven C. Christian, Thomas P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, James R. Keogh, Matthew D. Bonner, Scott E. Jahns, Philip J. Haarstad
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Publication number: 20080161841Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and method of vessel harvesting. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member, a cutting element, and a centering member. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member with a flexible section and a cutting element. The method of vessel harvesting can include spacing a cutting element of the cutting device from the vessel as the cutting element is advanced over the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Michael J. Hobday, Raymond W. Usher, Roderick E. Briscoe, Katherine S. Olig, Ana R. Menk, Christopher P. Olig, Eric A. Meyer, Steven C. Christian, Thomas P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, James R. Keogh, Matthew D. Bonner, Scott E. Jahns, Philip J. Haarstad
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Publication number: 20080161843Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel support system and a method of vessel harvesting. The system can include a cutting device, a catheter adapted to be inserted into a section of the vessel in order to support the vessel as the cutting device is advanced over the vessel, and a cannula adapted to be coupled to the vessel and adapted to receive the catheter as the catheter is inserted into the section of the vessel. The method can include orienting a cutting device coaxially with the cannula and the catheter and advancing the cutting device over the cannula, the catheter, and the section of the vessel in order to core out the section of the vessel and a portion of the surrounding tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Michael J. Hobday, Raymond W. Usher, Roderick E. Briscoe, Katherine S. Olig, Ana R. Menk, Christopher P. Olig, Eric A. Meyer, Steven C. Christian, Thomas P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, James R. Keogh, Matthew D. Bonner, Scott E. Jahns, Philip J. Haarstad
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Publication number: 20080139879Abstract: Tissue stabilizers including a clamp assembly, a turret assembly, an articulating arm having a tension element extending therethrough, a collet assembly and a head-link assembly are disclosed. Methods of stabilizing tissue are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Andrew L. Olson, Michael J. Hobday, Steven C. Christian, Tom P. Daigle, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin, Roderick E. Briscoe, William A. Steinberg, Adam A. Podbelski, Christopher J. Plott, Patrick J. Cloutier, Gerard C. Forest, Christopher P. Olig
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Publication number: 20080091177Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient. In particular, the techniques provide for anchoring of the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device using a single actuator. As an example, a delivery device may anchor the capsule to the tissue site during a first motion of the actuator and release the capsule from the delivery device during a second motion of the actuator. This allows a user to place the capsule by interacting with only a single actuator, thus making delivery of the capsule easier and more reliable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Steven C. Christian