Patents by Inventor Will Nau
Will Nau 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: 20210339054Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 11052267Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 10603522Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 10589131Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 10272271Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Publication number: 20190118005Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Publication number: 20190118003Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Publication number: 20190118004Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Publication number: 20150141876Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 8915949Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 8790281Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Acoustic Medsystems, Inc.Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Will Nau, Alison Jacoby, Dana Deardorff, Everette C. Burdette
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Publication number: 20110022133Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Patent number: 7819826Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford, John P. O'Banion, James C. Peacock, III
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Publication number: 20070255267Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris Diederich, Will Nau, Alison Jacoby, Dana Deardorff, Everette Burdette
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Patent number: 7211055Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
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Publication number: 20060241576Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Inventors: Chris Diederich, Jeffrey Lotz, Will Nau, David Bradford
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Publication number: 20030225331Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford, John P. O'Banion, James C. Peacock
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Publication number: 20030216721Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALFORNIAInventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford, Elizabeth Wistrom, Elisa Bass