With Therapeutic Device Patents (Class 600/439)
  • Patent number: 10539539
    Abstract: In a method of using an ultrasonic sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, a plurality of ultrasonic signals are transmitted according to a beamforming pattern at a position of the two-dimensional array. The beamforming pattern focuses the plurality of ultrasonic signals to location above the two-dimensional array, wherein the beamforming pattern identifies ultrasonic transducers of the two-dimensional array that are activated during transmission of the ultrasonic signals, and wherein at least some ultrasonic transducers of the beamforming pattern are phase delayed with respect to other ultrasonic transducers of the beamforming pattern. At least one reflected ultrasonic signal is received at the position according to a receive pattern, wherein the receive pattern identifies at least one ultrasonic transducers of the two-dimensional array that is activated during the receiving. The transmitting and the receiving are repeated at a plurality of positions of the two-dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno W. Garlepp, Michael H. Perrott, James Christian Salvia
  • Patent number: 10532230
    Abstract: Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10512446
    Abstract: A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul A. Magnin, Russell W. Bowden, John W. Goodnow
  • Patent number: 10466375
    Abstract: A method for automatic interpretation of bulls-eye and sinusoidal features observed in LWD images is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes an automatic workflow for extracting smooth contours from images that demarcate boundaries of structural features, followed by projection of the contours to three-dimensional (3D) point clouds in the well coordinate system for structural interpretation. The method may characterize both sinusoidal features and bulls-eye features, taking into account variations of formation dip/azimuth, or well inclination/azimuth, on the topology of a structural feature. The disclosed method may be sufficiently fast for use in real-time analysis and interpretation, or to provide constraints for physics-based data inversion processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sushil Shetty, John Rasmus, Christopher Edward Morriss, Koji Ito, Shahzad Asif, Vittorio Picco
  • Patent number: 10456557
    Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus is disclosed for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component, an inner shaft component disposed within the outer shaft component, and a needle component slidably disposed within the inner shaft component. The inner shaft component includes a body portion and a needle housing, which is distal to the body portion. The needle housing is less flexible than the body portion. In order to smooth the transition between the body portion and the needle housing, the needle housing includes a transition portion that has a variable flexibility along its length that decreases in a distal direction. A curved distal end of the needle component is distally advanced relative to the inner shaft component to pierce through the intima of the vessel and thereafter enter the true lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Invatec S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Guala, Claudio Silvestro, Massimo Morero, Giovanni Scalvini
  • Patent number: 10456105
    Abstract: A catheter assembly for an ultrasound system includes an elongated catheter for insertion into the cardiovascular system of a patient. The catheter includes a sheath that defines a lumen extending along the sheath. The catheter assembly also includes an imaging core for inserting into the lumen of the catheter. The imaging core includes an elongated, rotatable driveshaft and an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the driveshaft with rotation of the driveshaft causing a corresponding rotation of the imaging device. The imaging device includes at least one transducer for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. The imaging core further includes a swellable material disposed on at least the at least one transducer and configured and arranged to rotate with rotation of the driveshaft and to swell upon exposure to a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Xin Lu, Eric Elliott
  • Patent number: 10448837
    Abstract: A system and method for mapping interluminal structures includes an elongated flexible instrument (102). An optical shape sensing device (152, 154) is disposed within the flexible instrument and is configured to determine a shape of the flexible instrument relative to a reference. The shape sensing device is configured to collect information based on its configuration to map an interluminal structure during a procedure. An imaging enabled ablation device (117) is mounted at or near a distal end portion of the flexible instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: KNONKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Manzke, Raymond Emmanuel Chan, Adrien Desjardins, Gert Wim 'T Hooft, Szabolcs Deladi
  • Patent number: 10441314
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to the location of target regions in imaging applications are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to devices and/or methods for image-guided identification of suitable regions at which to insert needles, catheters, and the like. Such systems and methods can be used in association with a variety of imaging technologies, including ultrasound imaging. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used in association with hand-held ultrasound imaging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Rivanna Medical LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Bizzell, Raeshon Lamont McNeil, Juan Carlos Perez
  • Patent number: 10441499
    Abstract: Devices and methods for generating acoustic shock wave within a cavity is disclosed. The shock wave device optionally includes a housing having a cylindrical portion and a cone frustum portion. The housing optionally forms a cavity configured to receive a body appendage. The shock wave device optionally includes a plurality of shock wave generators and a coupling assembly having a deformable sac configured to hold shock wave transmitting liquid. The volume of the transmitting liquid is optionally increased or decreased as needed so that the coupling assembly can conform to the shape of the body appendage. The shock waves generated optionally has an intensity gradient within the cavity of the shock wave device, where the intensity gradient is optionally controllable using a control and power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: S-WAVE CORP.
    Inventors: Da Zhu, Zhuoyu Chen
  • Patent number: 10433814
    Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: InnerOptic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharif Razzaque, Luv Kohli, Andrei State, Brian Heaney, Kurtis Keller, Caroline Green
  • Patent number: 10433906
    Abstract: Catheter systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage pulses to drive irreversible electroporation for minimally invasive transurethral prostate ablation. In one embodiment, a switch unit is used to modulate and apply voltage pulses from a cardiac defibrillator, while in another, the system controller can be configured to apply voltages to an independently selected multiplicity or subsets of electrodes. Devices are disclosed for more effective DC voltage application including the infusion of cooled fluid to elevate the irreversible electroporation threshold of urethral wall tissue and to selectively ablate regions of prostate tissue alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Farapulse, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Mickelsen
  • Patent number: 10426499
    Abstract: During shock wave therapy, a determination is made that a kidney stone has begun to fracture, and then a progress of its fragmentation is assessed. This determination can reduce the number of shock waves used to disintegrate kidney stones, and thereby reduce dose-dependent tissue damage. The identification of fracture is possible through the detection and analysis of resonant acoustic scattering, which is the radiation caused by reverberations within a stone particle that is struck by a shock wave. The scattering frequency can provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Related concepts employ displacement measurements of kidney stones/fragments to provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Such techniques can be combined with vibro-acoustography based gating that better targets the stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Neil Owen, Michael Bailey, Oleg Sapozhinikov
  • Patent number: 10426974
    Abstract: The generation of a pattern and for an adaptation to the specific geometry requires a lot of manual work. The workflow for the clinician is simplified during treatment planning. A treatment planning system is configured for determining a set of catheter or needle insertion positions to be used during treatment. The treatment planning system includes an image providing module for providing a medical image from which at least one treatment target structure can be derived. Further the treatment planning system includes a pattern providing module for providing one or a set of standard patterns for catheter or needle insertion including a plurality of catheter or needle insertion positions. The catheter or needle positions relate to treatment positions in the at least one treatment target structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignees: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V., SUNNYBROOK RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SRI)
    Inventors: Thomas Erik Amthor, Falk Uhlemann, SHyam Bharat, Ehsan Dehghan Marvast, Cynthia Ming-Fu Kung, Ananth Ravi, Jochen Kruecker
  • Patent number: 10420961
    Abstract: A method of operating a device (1) for treatment of a tissue (6) of a living being and such a device (1) including a transducer (2) comprising at least two subtransducers (2?, 2?), each for emitting a sub-beam (8?) of ultrasound waves, preferably high intensity focused ultrasound waves, for irradiating the tissue (6). Each of the sub-beams (8?) is focused on or focusable onto a focal point (F). In order to reduce skin burns, the intersection Area (Asi) of a skin surface (7) for each sub-beam (8?) is evaluated and a power (Psi) and/or a duration (tsi) of the irradiation, for every sub-transducer (2?, 2?), is determined as a rate of the total power (Ptotal) or duration (ttotal) depending from the evaluated intersection area (Asi).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Theraclion SA
    Inventor: Francois Lacoste
  • Patent number: 10423757
    Abstract: A system and method for ablation planning includes defining (502) shapes and sizes for one or more ablation volumes based on probability of treatment, and determining (510) a target volume to be treated. A procedure plan is provided (516) by determining a number and location of planned ablations within the target volume using the one or more ablation volumes. A joint probability distribution (520) is determined for at least two planned ablations in the target volume. A final configuration is visualized (530) to determine if plan objectives are met based on a probability of treatment for the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jochen Kruecker, Sandeep Dalal, Bradford Johns Wood, Sheng Xu
  • Patent number: 10413756
    Abstract: When a user designates a treatment range on a diagnostic image, a switch (12) selects a transmitter for treatment (16). Ultrasound with intensity for treatment is thereby transmitted from a probe (10) to the inside of an organism. When the treatment operation continues for a prescribed time, a control unit (18) controls the switch (12) to select a transmitter for diagnosis (14). The probe (10) thereby emits an ultrasound beam for diagnosis, senses an echo thereof, generates a diagnostic image, and carries out an inspection of a positional shift of the site to be treated. In the inspection, the control unit (18) compares the diagnostic image with a reference image, and if a significant difference is detected therebetween, determines that a shift has occurred, issues an alarm, and urges the user to correct the positional shift. It is possible to resume the treatment when the positional shift has been corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hiroaki Shimokawa, Hiroshi Kanai, Takashi Mochiduki, Yoshinori Seki
  • Patent number: 10413278
    Abstract: Various methods of performing ultrasound contrast assisted therapy are provided. One such method includes delivering a plurality of microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents to a target area and disrupting the microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents by delivering tone bursts of ultrasound to the target area. The oscillation of the microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents can be achieved by delivering ultrasound tone bursts of greater than 5 acoustic cycles with a pulse repetition frequency of between 0.01 and 20 Hz, with pressure greater than 0.3 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Xucai Chen, Jianjun Wang, John J. Pacella, Flordeliza S. Villanueva
  • Patent number: 10406528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature control system for a microfluidic device. The system allows for non-contact heating by employing an infrared emitter. In some instances, the system can be used in conjunction with a centrifugal microfluidic device. Optionally, a mask can be implemented to provide selective heating of desired assay areas of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Phaneuf, Chung-Yan Koh
  • Patent number: 10402513
    Abstract: A calculus targeting system for performing a calculus targeting method includes a processor, a storage unit, a calculus coordinate acquisition module, a model establishing module, a prediction module, a firing determination module, and a shock wave module, all the latter six of which are connected to the processor. The calculus targeting method can be programmed as a computer program product and essentially includes a sampling step for acquiring different sets of calculus coordinates in a sampled respiration cycle, a model establishing step for establishing a prediction model, and a firing determination step for determining according to the prediction model whether to fire or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Lite-Med Inc.
    Inventor: Yi-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 10383598
    Abstract: An elongate ultrasound probe (204) including a probe head (214) with a transducer array (216), a handle (208), a flexor (222) located between and affixed to the probe head and the handle, a flexor actuator (224) configured to flex the flexor, and a probe head motion actuator (226) configured to oscillate the flexor actuator and thereby oscillate the probe head. A method includes electronically vibrating a probe head, which includes a transducer array, of an ultrasound probe in connection with ultrasound elasticity imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: B-K Medical Aps
    Inventor: Jesper L. Manigoff
  • Patent number: 10368763
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer program for visualizing a conduction tract of a heart include adapting a generic heart model to match geometrical data of a patient's heart, where model data, corresponding to the generic heart model and indicating a shape and/or position of the conduction tract, is modified in accordance to the adaptation of the generic heart model. The modification of the model data is further refined based on electrophysiological data of the patient to produce refined model data, and the refined model data is used for generating a visualization of a refined model heart indicating a refined shape and/or refined position of the conduction tract of the patients heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Alexandra Groth, Juergen Weese, Helko Lehmann, Hans Barschdorf
  • Patent number: 10368845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe configured to release heat generated by a transducer to an exterior of the ultrasonic probe via a heat pipe and a radiator. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing; a transducer configured to generate ultrasonic waves while disposed in an interior of the housing; a heat pipe configured to transfer the heat generated by the transducer; a radiator connected to the heat pipe and configured to release the heat, which is transferred via the heat pipe, to the exterior of the housing; and a partition wall configured to separate an inside space within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyungil Cho, Jong Keun Song, Seungheun Lee, Baehyung Kim, Youngil Kim
  • Patent number: 10363440
    Abstract: The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a line-focused ultrasound transducer and a high intensity line-focused ultrasound generation device including the same in which ultrasound is focused in a line so that the treatment time can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. A line-focused ultrasound transducer which focuses in a line shape includes: a therapeutic piezoelectric member having a hollow semi-cylindrical shape; a first electrode portion which is provided on an inner surface of the therapeutic piezoelectric member; and a second electrode portion which is provided on an outer surface of the therapeutic piezoelectric member in correspondence with the first electrode portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KORUST CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Chan Cho, Min-Joo Choi
  • Patent number: 10357304
    Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method and/or a device of treating tissue near a first lumen comprising inserting an energy emission element into a second lumen and delivering energy in an amount sufficient to cause one or more spaced apart areas of tissue damage at preselected locations in tissue near the first lumen. There is also provided a method and/or a device for treating a carotid artery wall, for example, to reduce signal conduction. There is also provided a method and/or a device for treating a wall of a lumen in a limb, for example, to increase blood flow. There is also provided a method and/or a device for treating a wall of a heart, for example, to stop abnormal signal propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: CardioSonic Ltd.
    Inventors: Ariel Sverdlik, Yehuda Zadok, Or Shabtay, Iris Szwarcfiter, Avital Schauder, Krishna J. Rocha-Singh
  • Patent number: 10342565
    Abstract: A tissue removal system includes a morcellator having a cannula comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a sidewall, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. A cutting blade is disposed within a lumen of the cannula. Also included is a tissue shield that has an expandable frame element and a shield element attached to the expandable frame element, wherein the tissue shield serves to isolate non-target tissues from at least the cutting blade of the system so that such tissues remain unaffected by a surgical procedure conducted with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Roy H. Sullivan, Ronald D. Adams, Paul DiCesare, Jeffrey Radziunas, Danial Ferreira
  • Patent number: 10328258
    Abstract: Electrotherapeutic systems, devices, and methods are described. In one embodiment, a portion of a hepatic branch of a vagus nerve in a liver is stimulated with a lead implanted in the liver. In another embodiment, a stimulation member is delivered to a location in the gastrointestinal tract and implanted in a target area endoscopically and under ultrasound visualization. In another embodiment, a stimulation device is magnetically coupled to a stimulation member in order to electrically couple stimulation generation circuitry with a lead implanted in a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John Crowder Sigmon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10328289
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Lifting sagging tissue on a face, neck, and/or body are described. Treatment with heat is provided in several embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10332250
    Abstract: A three-dimensional cavitation quantitative imaging method for a microsecond-resolution cavitation spatial-temporal distribution includes steps of: after each wide beam detection, moving an array transducer by one unit; waiting until the cavitation nuclei distribution backs to an initial state, then detecting the cavitation by the wide beam detection with same cavitation energy incitation, so as to obtain a spatial series of two-dimensional cavitation raw radio frequency data corresponding to different placing positions of the array transducer; then changing the cavitation energy source duration, time delays between energy source incitation and the wide beam transmitted by the array transducer, and time delays between the pulsating pump and energy source incitation, so as to obtain a temporal series of two-dimensional cavitation raw radio frequency data; and then obtaining a microsecond-resolution three-dimensional cavitation spatial-temporal distribution image and a cavitation micro bubble concentration quan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mingxi Wan, Ting Ding, Hong Hu, Miao Yang, Shifang Guo
  • Patent number: 10307620
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ACOUSTIC MEDSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Everette C. Burdette
  • Patent number: 10293188
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: Russell J. Fedewa, Toyoaki Uchida, Narendra T. Sanghvi, Roy F. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10296722
    Abstract: A system and method providing virtual physical rehabilitation services to a patient in the context of automated patient healthcare delivery is disclosed. The system/method are controlled by a patient healthcare plan (PHP) deployed from a host computer system (HCS) that triggers execution of a video script dataset (VSD) to coordinate presentation to a patient of rehabilitation audio/video information (AVI) derived from a video database (VDB). A mobile user device (MUD) executes the PHP autonomously to coordinate AVI display on a video display unit (VDU) for patient presentation. Patient reactions to the AVI are observed by a video imaging unit (VIU). An operator interface computer (OIC) communicates with the HCS and MUD permitting visualization of the VIU and AVI information by a healthcare provider and allowing observed patient behavior to be synchronously scored/logged/stored in a patient history database (PHD) by the HCS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: VIVIFY HEALTH, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Rock
  • Patent number: 10292685
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment acquires a tomogram of a subject and displays the tomogram, based on a reception signal which is obtained by transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from the subject. The apparatus comprises maximum value memory circuitry, select circuitry, and an ultrasonic output controller. The maximum value memory circuitry stores a maximum value of an index value relating to an ultrasonic output, with respect to each of scan regions of the subject. The ultrasonic output controller acquires, from the maximum value memory circuitry, the maximum value of the index value corresponding to the scan region selected by the select circuitry, and controls the ultrasonic output such that the ultrasonic output does not exceed the maximum value of the index value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mio Azegami, Chihiro Shibata, Takuya Sasaki, Shigemitsu Nakaya, Masao Takimoto
  • Patent number: 10272272
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-intensity focused ultrasound operation device including a handle part for manipulation by an operator, an insertion part provided at the front end of the handle part and inserted into a vagina during operation, an ultrasound treatment transducer provided to the insertion part to generate high-intensity focused ultrasound, a driver for driving the ultrasound treatment transducer, and a controller for controlling the driver. The high-intensity focused ultrasound operation device may be utilized for a variety of operations such as beauty treatment, adipolysis, gynecological disease treatment, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Hironic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin U Lee, Sung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 10265550
    Abstract: A probe for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Systems and methods can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. In an embodiment, a treatment system and method can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal or deep dermal components of tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10265119
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector including first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue between the first and second jaw members to a closed configuration for grasping tissue for subsequent electrosurgical treatment thereof. One or more cutting electrodes are positioned on the first and/or second jaw members. The cutting electrode(s) includes one or more piezo-elements that are configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency when the cutting electrode(s) is energized to sever tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Nikolay A. Kharin, Ronald J. Podhajsky, William Scott Darrow, Arlen J. Reschke
  • Patent number: 10265048
    Abstract: A portable ultrasound scanning system for performing a diagnostic ultrasound scanning process of a patient. The system comprises a portable housing containing ultrasound electronics of a complete ultrasound scanning system including a beamformer that regulate and control operation of the scanning system. A user interface is accessible at the housing. A cable is attached at one end to the housing and at a second end has a connector. An interchangeable probe having a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements is interchangeably coupled to the connector for transmitting electrical signals between the ultrasound electronics in the housing and the transducer elements of the interchangeable probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SONOSCANNER SARL
    Inventors: Bruno Richard, Etienne Richard, Pierre-Adrien Nadal
  • Patent number: 10252086
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin, such as stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis or a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10252027
    Abstract: Transvascular access devices and methods for transvascular access are provided. The transvascular access devices can include a guidewire lumen and a guide tube and stylet disposed in a second lumen. The guide tube can be used to control the orientation of the stylet and provide additional support for the stylet. The methods include providing a second entry point in a vessel of a patient remote from a first entry point. A vascular catheter can enter the vascular system of a patient at a first entry point and be advanced to a second entry point. A guide tube can be advanced out the second lumen of the vascular catheter with a stylet advanced out of the guide tube to pierce the vessel wall and skin of the patient at the second entry point. A catheter can be introduced to the vascular system at the second entry point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Vascular Access Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lakshmikumar Pillai, Patrick Burt, John Lunsford, John Stiggelbout
  • Patent number: 10245450
    Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10238894
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe
  • Patent number: 10231712
    Abstract: A dual-mode ultrasound system provides real-time imaging and therapy delivery using the same transducer elements of a transducer array. The system may use a multichannel driver to drive the elements of the array. The system uses a real-time monitoring and feedback image control of the therapy based on imaging data acquired using the dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Further, for example, multimodal coded excitation may be used in both imaging and therapy modes. Still further, for example, adaptive, real-time refocusing for improved imaging and therapy can be achieved using, for example, array directivity vectors obtained from DMUA pulse-echo data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Emad S. Ebbini, Andrew J. Casper, Dalong Liu, John R. Ballard
  • Patent number: 10226232
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy instrument comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with at least one marker comprising a material suitable to be visualized using an ultrasonic and/or magnetic resonance imaging technique. The invention further relates to an image acquisition system and a method of image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Nucletron Operations B.V.
    Inventors: Cor Van de Wardt, Wilhelmus Petra Martinus Maria Van Erp, Luite Visscher
  • Patent number: 10217177
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for tracking, registering, etc. of medical staff, patients, instrumentation, events, or the like according to a treatment staging plan. For example a medical apparatus includes a right-patient verification device having an interrogation interface device that elicits at least one of identification data, authorization data, or treatment plan data from a medical procedure authorization device associated with a patient; and a right-site verification device that generates patient-specific treatment staging data consistent with the at least one of the identification data, the authorization data, or the treatment plan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, Ralph G. Dacey, Jr., Roy P. Diaz, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 10215849
    Abstract: A Continuous Transmission Frequency Modulated (CTFM) detection apparatus includes a projector, a sensor, and a hardware processor. The projector is configured to transmit underwater a frequency modulated transmission wave based on a transmission signal. The sensor is configured to form a reception beam directed downward and laterally outward to a side of the boat or the ship and receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave comprising a reflection of the transmission wave on a target object. The hardware processor is programmed to at least generate a beat signal based at least in part on the transmission signal and the reflected wave, extract a processing signal from the beat signal, and generate an image information related to the target object based on the extracted processing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohei Kozuki
  • Patent number: 10213187
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system provides coronal and transverse images for guiding a superior temporal artery guidewire (STA guidewire) through a tortuous region of the STA to an aortic arch region for snaring by a femoral artery catheter snare and pulling through for “through and through” guidewire access. The STA guidewire includes a knob at a distal end which is advanced into a superficial temporal artery (STA) using multi-plane ultrasound guidance, and the STA guidewire is guided through the tortuous region using transverse and coronal images provided by the multi-plane ultrasound imager. The transverse and coronal images indicate the rotational direction for the wire tip to advance the knob end of the STA guidewire within the STA to the external carotid artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventors: Mubin Syed, Al Stancampiano, Ashfaq Ahmed
  • Patent number: 10206652
    Abstract: A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Anthony D. Hill, Hua Zhong
  • Patent number: 10201291
    Abstract: A method for measuring skin thickness. The method includes at a first 3D point on an outer surface of a patient, exposing the first point to near infrared (NIR) energy from an NIR source. The method includes measuring reflected energy emanating near the first 3D point, or beam incident point. The method includes determining a pattern of the reflected energy based on a distance from a center of the reflected energy, wherein the center is approximated by the first 3D point. The method includes determining a skin thickness measurement based on the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GMBH
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., Ralf Bruder, Floris Ernst, Achim Schweikard
  • Patent number: 10182862
    Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jessica Grossman
  • Patent number: 10178999
    Abstract: A liquid feed conduit and a suction conduit extends in a hollow portion from a probe proximal portion direction to a probe distal portion direction in an inside of a probe, and an ejection port of the liquid feed conduit and a suction port of the suction conduit are located in the hollow portion. A collision surface is provided in the probe to be opposed to at least a part of the ejection port, and the collision surface is located on the probe distal portion direction side with respect to the suction port and the ejection port. At least part of a liquid ejected from the ejection port collides with the collision surface in the hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mizuki Komiya, Kazunori Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 10166378
    Abstract: Disclosed are a patch, system, and method for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a biological membrane of the subject. The patch comprises a matrix, at least one hydrophilic permeant disposed within the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the permeant can dissolve in biological moisture received from the subject, and at least one permeability enhancer disposed within the matrix. Also disclosed are systems and methods for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a skin layer of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Tagliaferri, Alan Smith, David Enscore, Gaurav Tolia, Mirek Baudys