Patents by Inventor Zachary R. Nicoson

Zachary R. Nicoson 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).

  • Publication number: 20090163870
    Abstract: A medical targeting device includes an elongated body member extending between a distal end and a proximal end. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional targeting region is formed adjacent to the distal end such that the targeting region is formed to be substantially co-planar with an outside surface of the body member. The targeting region further includes a contrast agent. A method for using the medical targeting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Jake Flagle, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20090087249
    Abstract: An adapater is disclosed. An adapter for securing a surgical device to a positioning stage is disclosed. The adapter includes a body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The body member includes at least one connector element for selectively securing the adapter to a positioning stage. One of the distal and proximal ends of the body member further includes a mounting member for securing a portion of the surgical device to the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Jake Flagle, Joseph L. Mark, Michael E. Miller, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20090088663
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Jake Flagle, Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20090088666
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Jake Flagle, Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20090088664
    Abstract: A method of using a surgical system that includes an outer cannula is disclosed. The method includes removably mounting a surgical device to an adapter. The adapter is secured to a stage. The surgical device and adapter is positioned at a predetermined location for inserting the outer cannula toward a target site in a body. Once positioned in the body, the outer cannula is fired to the target site. At least one tissue sample is taken using the surgical device and tissue samples are harvested from the surgical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Jake Flagle, Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20090082696
    Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The distal end of the stylet is blunt-shaped. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Zachary R. Nicoson, Jacob Flagle, Michael E. Miller, Joseph L. Mark
  • Publication number: 20080294092
    Abstract: A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20080269603
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a site marker are disclosed that comprise a body portion and a marker element. The body portion is constructed of a bioabsorbable material and defines at least one cavity therein. The marker element is captured within one of the cavities. The marker element is constructed of a material that may be imaged under at least one imaging modality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Zachary R. Nicoson, Brian Zimmer, Joseph L. Mark, Nicholas Terwiske, Laresha Fluker
  • Publication number: 20080228164
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a site marker deployment system that includes a deployment device having an inner cannula and a site marker that may be selectively interposed within the inner cannula. The site marker includes at least one generally elongated filament member. The filament member is selectively configurable between a first configuration, where the site marker can not be interposed within the inner cannula, and a second configuration, where the site marker may be interposed within the inner cannula. A portion of the site marker is elastically deformed when the site marker is interposed within the inner cannula. The site marker deployment system also includes a restraining member selectively interposed within the inner cannula and selectively engaging the site marker such that a force exerted on the restraining member may urge the site marker at least partially into the inner cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Zachary R. Nicoson, Aaron P. Barr
  • Publication number: 20080200833
    Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Terry D. Hardin, Joseph L. Mark, William O. Hodge, Zachary R. Nicoson, Michael E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080200834
    Abstract: A slotted introducer cannula includes an introducer sheath insertable into a patient's tissue. The cannula has an open distal end and an open proximal end, and an inner lumen therethrough. The introducer cannula may include at least one aperture in a side wall thereof, which allows fluid communication between the inner lumen and the area outside the cannula. The introducer cannula may also be in communication with a vacuum source, which may remove fluid near the distal end of the introducer cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20080194985
    Abstract: A system for treating a lesion site of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a cannula having a lumen, a conduit in communication with said lumen, an introducer stylet removably disposed within said cannula, a resecting device selectively insertable within said cannula, and an adjuvant treatment device selectively insertable within said cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Zachary R. Nicoson, Joseph L. Mark
  • Publication number: 20080161720
    Abstract: A medical targeting and device introduction system includes an introducer having a cannula, a hemostatic valve and a hub. The cannula is defined, at least in part, by an inner lumen. The hub includes a latch to releasably secure the hub to a biopsy device. The hub includes a proximal end and a distal end. The latch extends from the proximal end, and the hemostatic valve is interposed within the introducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Zachary R. Nicoson, Terry D. Hardin, Joseph L. Mark, William O. Hodge
  • Patent number: 7322990
    Abstract: In a biopsy system having a biopsy needle guide secured to a needle guide support bracket, a biopsy needle guide is provided that includes a body having a periphery that defines an edge of the needle guide, the periphery defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. A cradling aperture is positioned in the body and sized to engage the needle guide support bracket. A channel is provided in communication with the cradling aperture. The channel extends inwardly from one of the side surfaces of the body toward the cradling aperture. The needle guide of the present invention inhibits movement of the needle guide relative to the support bracket during a biopsy procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Suros Surgical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20070233157
    Abstract: An embodiment of a flexible needle guide comprises a support member and a body portion. The body portion is defined by a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the support member. The body portion further includes at least one receiving channel extending therethrough, wherein the receiving channel includes an axis extending therethrough. The body portion is at least partially constructed from a flexible material such that instruments inserted through the receiving channel may be selectively oriented at an angle with respect to the axis extending through the receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson