Patents by Inventor Wenjeng Li

Wenjeng Li 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: 9775530
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, Dwayne Yamasaki, Marc Zimmermann, Kevin Mauch
  • Patent number: 9770577
    Abstract: An inflation device for selectively inflating a balloon of a surgical instrument including a syringe, a connector, a mechanical pressure indicator, and a relief port. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector fluidly connects an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon to establish a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The mechanical pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. The relief port is associated with the mechanical pressure indicator and configured to relieve a pressure of the inflation system when the system at least reaches the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Patent number: 9763624
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, David C. Hacker, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Carla A. Pagotto, Dwayne S. Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9579503
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Michael McKinney, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Lee McFarlin
  • Publication number: 20160345905
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventor: WENJENG LI
  • Publication number: 20160287325
    Abstract: Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A nerve monitoring system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a nerve monitoring assembly at the distal portion. The shaft is configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The nerve monitoring assembly can include a bipolar stimulation electrode array and a bipolar recording electrode array disposed distal to the bipolar stimulation electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Yamasaki, Bryan Courtney, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Mauch, Kevin McFarlin, Gabriel Brennan, David Gannon, David Hobbins, Brian Kelly, Stephen Nash, Matthew Bonner, Sean Ward
  • Publication number: 20160235474
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20160235468
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first and second electrode assemblies can each include a rotary connection assembly to allow spatial orientation of the cutting window relative to the housing and/or cutting tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20160235469
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 9398865
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Wenjeng Li
  • Patent number: 9327123
    Abstract: Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A nerve monitoring system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a nerve monitoring assembly at the distal portion. The shaft is configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The nerve monitoring assembly can include a bipolar stimulation electrode array and a bipolar recording electrode array disposed distal to the bipolar stimulation electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Yamasaki, Bryan Courtney, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Mauch, Kevin McFarlin, Gabriel Brennan, David Gannon, David Hobbins, Brian Kelly, Stephen Nash, Matthew Bonner, Sean Ward
  • Publication number: 20160106960
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20160074639
    Abstract: An inflation device for selectively inflating a balloon of a surgical instrument including a syringe, a connector, a mechanical pressure indicator, and a relief port. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector fluidly connects an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon to establish a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The mechanical pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. The relief port is associated with the mechanical pressure indicator and configured to relieve a pressure of the inflation system when the system at least reaches the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Patent number: 9238125
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20150282732
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventor: Wenjeng Li
  • Publication number: 20150250423
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20150173827
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft is disclosed. The tubular outer shaft includes an axis and a distal end region. The distal end region includes a distal-most tip and a cutting edge defining a window in the outer shaft proximal along the axis to the distal-most tip. The inner shaft inner shaft coaxially maintained within the outer shaft such that the inner shaft is movable about the axis with respect to the outer shaft and wherein a portion of the inner shaft is exposed in the window of the outer shaft. A first electrode is disposed on the outer shaft in a region proximal along the axis to the window, and a second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed on the inner shaft. The second electrode is exposed in the window of the outer shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Philip Berman, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Dana A. Oliver, John R. Prisco, Phillip P. Brown, Patrick Richart
  • Patent number: 9060744
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Wenjeng Li
  • Patent number: 9037226
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20150126839
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, Dwayne Yamasaki, Marc Zimmermann, Kevin Mauch