Tip Or Other Heat Concentration Means Patents (Class 606/28)
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Patent number: 8784416Abstract: An improved electrosurgical scalpel, with light emission, for generating electrical signals intended for applications to the body of a patient via an electrosurgical electrode is provided. An electrosurgical scalpel includes a handle with a receptacle portion of a conductive member for mounting and retaining an electrode blade, a light source with a power source encapsulated within the handle and a means to direct the light emitted outwardly towards the electrode tip. Operation of a switch on the handle to an on position serves to complete a circuit, activating the light source and, thereby directing light through an opening or upper portion and out from the first end of the handle towards the distal end of the electrode blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Carl Balog
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Publication number: 20140200570Abstract: An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% to water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: TSUNAMI MEDTECH, LLCInventors: Michael HOEY, John H. SHADDUCK
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Publication number: 20140200569Abstract: A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: TSUNAMI MEDTECH, LLCInventor: John H. SHADDUCK
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Patent number: 8758341Abstract: This invention relates to the working end of a medical instrument that applies energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has a microfluidic tissue-engaging surface fabricated by soft lithography means together with optional superlattice cooling means that allows for very precise control of energy application, for example in neurosurgery applications. The tissue-engaging surface can eject a high-heat content vapor into the engaged tissue for treating tissue, while the superlattice cooling structure can prevent collateral thermal damage. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to localize heat at a selected depth in tissue and prevent surface ablation. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to prevent tissue sticking to a thermal energy delivery surface. In another embodiment, the tissue-engaging surface can be used in a jaw structure for sealing tissue together with hydrojet means for transecting the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLCInventor: John H. Shadduck
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Patent number: 8753381Abstract: An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Clinical Laserthermia Systems ABInventors: Par Hakan Henriksson, Karl-Goran Tranberg
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Publication number: 20140142560Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for performing microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device has an elastically deformable cutting element mounted within an elastomeric suction cup. The suction cup is attached to an arm for manipulating the device. The device can be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, through a corneal incision, to cut a piece from the anterior portion of the lens capsule of the eye. The device is secured against the lens capsule using suction applied by one or more suction elements. The device is then removed from the eye, with the cut piece of membrane retained within the device by suction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Mynosys Cellular Devices, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Guild Keller
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Patent number: 8727983Abstract: A catheter-based medical device includes a catheter that is configured and arranged for at least partial insertion into a patient and that defines at least one lumen that is configured and arranged to receive a first fluid. A conductive-fluid detector is coupled to the at least one lumen and is configured and arranged to detect when a second fluid is disposed within the at least one lumen that is more conductive than the first fluid. The conductive-fluid detector includes a plurality of axially-positioned bodies, each body defining a lumen. The lumens of the axially-positioned bodies are aligned to form a shared lumen in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the catheter. Spaced apart electrodes are disposed within the shared lumen.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Charlotte F. Kinnison
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Patent number: 8702769Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Syneron Medical LtdInventors: Shimon Eckhouse, Lion Flyash, Boris Vaynberg
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Patent number: 8696657Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope which is transendoscopically inserted into a body cavity for use, and which includes: a sheath at least partially composed of mixed material in which thermoplastic resin and a crosslinking promoter are mixed; a manipulation wire inserted through the aforementioned sheath so as to be capable of advancing and retracting; a treatment part attached to a first end of the aforementioned manipulation wire; and a manipulation part attached to a second end of the aforementioned manipulation wire; wherein said sheath has a crosslinked part where said thermoplastic resin is crosslinked by irradiating said mixed material with ionizing radiation, and a non-crosslinked region where said thermoplastic resin is not crosslinked.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Rei Matsunaga, Masahiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8690865Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for thermal treatment of a barrier to increase the permeability of the barrier. One form of increasing the permeability of the barrier comprises forming micropores which may be used for administration of active agents across the barrier, or may be used for sampling or collecting fluids, or may be used for detecting, measuring or determining analytes, or may be used for monitoring of physiological or other conditions. Devices of the present invention may comprise microheaters that are activated by inductive or ohmic heating power supply components.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Mark R. Prausnitz, Mark G. Allen, Jung-Hwan Park, Yong-Kyu Yoon, Jin-Woo Park
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Patent number: 8690866Abstract: An ablation device includes a handle assembly including a distal end and a probe extending distally from the distal end of the handle assembly. The probe includes a heat-transfer portion and at least one fluid-flow path in fluid communication with the heat-transfer portion. The handle assembly includes at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one fluid-flow path and at least one apparatus configured to cause fluid flow between the at least one fluid reservoir and the heat-transfer portion. The probe is configured to apply thermal energy released by an exothermic chemical reaction that occurs when fluid from the at least one fluid reservoir is caused to flow to the heat-transfer portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Joseph D. Brannan
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Publication number: 20140088581Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue in the wall of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to cure or ameliorate metabolic pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes mellitus are provided. Ablational treatment of target areas may be fractional or partial, rendering a post-treatment portion of target tissue ablated and another portion that is substantially intact. Fractional ablation is achieved by controlling the delivery of ablational energy across the surface area being treated, and controlling the depth of energy penetration into tissue. Surface area control of energy delivery may controlled by the spatial pattern of distributed ablation elements or by the selective activation of a subset of a dense pattern of ablation elements. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: DOUGLAS KELLY, DAVID S. UTLEY, ROBERT A. GANZ, MICHAEL P. WALLACE, NATHAN EVERY
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Publication number: 20140052117Abstract: Low profile devices and methods for delivering fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, an inner lumen extending therethrough and at least one outlet port formed therein and configured to deliver fluid to surrounding tissue. The device can also include at least one ablation element disposed along a length of the body adjacent to the at least one outlet port and configured to deliver energy to surrounding tissue, as well as at least one heating element disposed within the inner lumen of the elongate body. The device further includes a handle having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the handle being coupled to the proximal end of the elongate body. Further, a longitudinal axis of the elongate body extends at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: THERMEDICAL, INC.Inventor: Michael G. Curley
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Publication number: 20140052116Abstract: A portable, thermal cauterizing forceps device for use in surgery. The device incorporates a pair of ceramic heater elements mounted within the tips of the tines of a forceps. The forceps is used to grasp tissue or blood vessels and apply heat to effect cauterization. The forceps instrument can incorporate a battery and control electronics. The thermal-forceps is of a self-contained wireless, handheld disposable design. The forceps handpiece can be connected to an external power source. The forceps can incorporate a set of rapidly heating ceramic heater elements that may be composed of silicon nitride. An LED provides the operator feedback as to the operating level of the heaters and/or battery reserve. The forceps can include a rechargeable power supply, variable control of the heater temperature, as well as a, digital display of the tip temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: GARRETT TECHNOLOGIESInventor: Garrett D. Herzon
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Publication number: 20140052062Abstract: Device for electrically isolating the pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation for treatment thereof by means of ablation of a circumferential zone of tissue in a position where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium, comprising: a catheter (1) having a terminal part and a distal part and comprising a first tubular element (2); a second tubular element (4) concentric with said first tubular element (2) and an axial rod-like element (6) which extends beyond the distal end of said first and second tubular elements (2; 4); a first tubular toroidal element (13) supported by a plurality of tubular arms (11) which extend from said distal end towards said toroidal element (13) forming a kind of cage which can be opened in umbrella fashion around the distal end of said catheter (1), said tubular arms (11) and said toroidal element (13) being in fluid communication with each other and with said second tubular element (4) of said catheter (1); and a second toroidal tubular element (9) in fluid communication by means ofType: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Gian Battista Chierchia, Enrico Perfler
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Publication number: 20140046313Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating tissue necrosis include an energy delivery apparatus that can be positioned adjacent a target treatment site such as a vessel without direct contact with the treatment site tissue. Collimated energy is then directed to the vessel to create necrotic regions in the tissue. Exemplary use in renal vessels creates necrotic regions in adjacent nerves which can alleviate hypertension in a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: VytronUS, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Pederson, Patrick J. Phillips, John P. Madden, Michael J. Horzewski
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Patent number: 8636729Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Brady David Esch, Radit Tantisira
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Publication number: 20140025057Abstract: An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Tsunami MedTech, LLCInventors: Michael HOEY, John H. SHADDUCK
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Publication number: 20140025056Abstract: A method of removing undesirable cells and killing cells surrounding a cavity caused by the removal of the undesirable cells includes the step of inserting a probe through an incision made in the skin of a patient. The method further includes the steps of removing undesirable cells using the probe and using image-guided technology and inserting a balloon into the cavity formed by the removal of the undesirable cells. Still further, the method includes the steps of conforming the balloon to a shape of the cavity and providing sufficient fluid to fill the cavity based on the volume and reaching a temperature in the fluid to achieve a temperature in the tissue surrounding the cavity that kills cells surrounding the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventor: Kambiz DOWLATSHAHI
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Publication number: 20140025050Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for heating up a surface of a skin area that is to undergo a topical treatment are disclosed. A method placing a device enabled with vacuum suction pressure on a surface of a tissue area to be treated. Applying a vacuum suction pressure on the surface of the skin area to pull up the skin area, and an underlying tissue into an aperture opening of the device Simultaneously, while retaining vacuum suction, heating up a volume of tissue that is pulled up inside the aperture opening of the device such that the temperature of the tissue area rises to an elevated ambient temperature and performing a desired treatment, through an energy-generating module, on the tissue volume after the tissue area has been heated up.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Theradyme, Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Anderson
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Publication number: 20140018605Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Peter P. Soltesz, Nikolai Aljuri, Ajit Nair
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Patent number: 8628473Abstract: An ablation catheter with acoustic monitoring comprises an elongated catheter body; a distal member disposed adjacent a distal end and including an ablation element to ablate a biological member at a target region outside the catheter body; and one or more acoustic transducers each configured to direct an acoustic beam toward a respective target ablation region and receive reflection echoes therefrom. The distal member includes a transducer housing in which the acoustic transducers are disposed, the transducer housing including at least one transducer window which is the only portion in the distal member through which the acoustic beam passes, at least the at least one transducer window portion of the distal member being made of a material comprising at least 50% carbon by volume, the transducer window material having an acoustic impedance between that of the acoustic transducers and that of the biological member.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.Inventors: John Sliwa, Zhenyi Ma, Stephen Morse
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Patent number: 8617158Abstract: A medical assembly and method are provided to effectively treat abnormal tissue, such as, a tumor. The target tissue is thermally ablated using a suitable source, such as RF or laser energy. A cooling shield is placed in contact with non-target tissue adjacent the target tissue, and actively cooled to conduct thermal energy away from the non-target tissue. In one method, the cooling shield can be placed between two organs, in which case, one of the two organs can comprise the target tissue, and the other of the two organs can comprise the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield may comprise an actively cooled inflatable balloon, which can be disposed between the two organs when deflated, and then inflated. The inflatable balloon can be actively cooled by pumping a cooling medium through it. In another method, the cooling shield can be embedded within the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield can comprise one or more needles.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Garabedian, Robert F. Rioux
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Patent number: 8617151Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Scott Denis, Preston Manwaring, Phil Eggers, Kim Manwaring
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Publication number: 20130338657Abstract: A heating-type balloon catheter device is provided. The catheter device may include a heating-type balloon at a top end portion of a catheter main body and a vibration imparting device connected to a base end portion of the catheter main body. The vibration imparting device may impart vibration to a liquid for heating in the heating-type balloon and include an elastic tube with a base end portion connected to the catheter main body and with a top end portion thereof closed. The elastic tube may be filled with a liquid for heating. A vibrator device having a roller rotating about a rotary shaft at a position offset to the rotary shaft may be provided. The elastic tube may be set to such a vibrator device so that a predetermined direction of rotation of the roller extends from the side of the base end portion of the elastic tube to the side of the top end portion thereof and a margin volume part which is not pressed with the roller is provided on the side of the top end portion of the elastic tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Kazunari HASEBE
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Patent number: 8608734Abstract: An array advancing device that attaches to a tissue ablation probe comprises a housing sized for receiving the handle and reciprocating plunger of the ablation probe, the housing having a proximal section configured to engage the plunger, and a distal section configured to engage the handle, the proximal housing section being controllably moveable relative to the distal housing section to thereby controllably move the plunger relative to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Jeffery V. Bean
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Patent number: 8607800Abstract: A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Vytronus, Inc.Inventors: Hira V. Thapliyal, David A. Gallup, James W. Arenson
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Publication number: 20130317492Abstract: A medical for removing tissue from a patient includes an elongated probe with a working end. A pair of jaws is provided at the working end. The jaws may be closed for cutting and treatment of the tissue. Cutting may be effective through a sharpened cutting blade, and RF cutting blade, and similar cutting edges. The tissue may be remodeled using heat generated from passive heating elements on the jaws, active heating elements on the jaws, a PTCR heating element carried by the jaws, or resistive heaters on the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: ARQOS Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Csaba Truckai, Aaron Germain, John H. Shadduck
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Patent number: 8579893Abstract: A tissue evacuation device may be designed to provide a high-energy fluid (e.g., a heated vapor) to targeted tissue for breaking down the targeted tissue, such as the nucleus of an intervertebral disc. An inner tube positioned within an outer tube, having a nozzle coupled to distal ends of the tubes, having a heating element positioned between the inner and outer tubes, delivers a heated vapor through a port to the nozzle to break down tissue. After the nucleus or other targeted tissue is broken down, the tissue evacuation device may also remove some or all of the broken down tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLCInventor: Michael Hoey
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Publication number: 20130296838Abstract: Thermal, Electrosurgical and Mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using incising waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Patent number: 8568397Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a support base and a sealing plate formed from a ferrous material. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member including a support base, an electrical jaw lead and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate includes a first layer formed from a non-stick material and a second layer having a coil formed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Glenn A. Horner, Jeffrey M. Roy
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Publication number: 20130281998Abstract: A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the walls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicants: Baja Research, LLC, Caymus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, David Trottingwolf Aldridge, David K. Wrolstad, Mark A. Ritchart, Jeffrey E. Hull, Gene Reu
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Publication number: 20130253498Abstract: A probe for ablating tissue comprises an electrosurgical working end configured to provide a first plasma about a first surface location and a second plasma about a second surface location, the first plasma having first ablation parameters and the second plasma having second ablation parameters. The probe has a working end with a thickness below 3 mm and produces a low temperature plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: ARQOS Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Germain, Balazs Lesko, Benedek Orczy-Timko
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Patent number: 8540707Abstract: Template systems and methods for various procedures (e.g., tissue ablation procedures) are disclosed. An exemplary template system comprises a track having at least one suction port. The at least one suction port anchors the track to a tissue after the track is positioned adjacent a target area. The template system may further comprise a transducer operatively associated with the track. Exemplary transducers include imaging transducers and ablating transducers. The transducer is guided by the track adjacent the target area while the transducer is moved along the track for a procedure. One or more umbilical may provide a conduit to the track and/or transducer so that the template system may be positioned in a patient's body (e.g., for a procedure on the patient's heart) and operated remotely by a physician or other user from outside of the patient's body.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: John W. Sliwa, Thomas B. Eby
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Patent number: 8523850Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally, Loraine Manwaring
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Patent number: 8523851Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Patent number: 8523852Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally, Loraine Manwaring
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Publication number: 20130226164Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: John H. Shadduck, Michael Hoey
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Patent number: 8518018Abstract: A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may include replaceable suction tips that correspond in shape to differently shaped electrocautery electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventors: Noah Mark Minskoff, Nathan Andrew Terry
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Patent number: 8518032Abstract: A method for treating a sphincter provides a polymer material having a liquid state. The method also provides a catheter having a distal end, a tissue piercing device carried by the distal end, and an energy delivery device coupled to the tissue piercing device. The tissue piercing device has a lumen. The method introduces the catheter into an esophagus and pierces an exterior sphincter tissue surface within with the tissue piercing device. The method advances the tissue piercing device into an interior sphincter tissue site and conveys the polymer material while in a liquid state through the lumen into the interior sphincter tissue site. The method delivers energy to the tissue piercing device to transform the polymer material into a less liquid state within the interior sphincter tissue site, to thereby remodel the sphincter.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Mederi Therapeutics Inc.Inventors: Stuart D Edwards, David S Utley, Ronald G Lax, John Gaiser
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Publication number: 20130218069Abstract: A hemostasis instrument for actively stopping the bleeding, in particular after an open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic operation on a patient, having several hemostasis components. The hemostasis instrument has at least the following hemostasis components:—a thermal hemostasis device for tissue coagulation by producing a temperature above the coagulation temperature of biological tissue by means of a coagulation electrode;—a biochemical hemostasis device for producing a silent electric discharge by means of at least one discharge electrode, and an insulating device, wherein the insulating device is arranged between the discharge electrode and the tissue to be treated;—a supplying device for supplying substances that influence blood clotting to the tissue to be treated, and—a supply device for supplying noble gas to the tissue to be treated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBHInventors: Alexander Neugebauer, Klaus Fischer, Markus D. Enderle
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Patent number: 8511317Abstract: A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: VytronUS, Inc.Inventors: Hira V. Thapliyal, David A. Gallup, James W. Arenson
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Publication number: 20130211394Abstract: An ablation device comprising an ablation applicator adapted for ablating material from an object upon delivery of an ablation medium to the ablation applicator in an ablation mode, an ablation medium supply line adapted for supplying the ablation medium to the ablation applicator in the ablation mode, an ablation medium drain line adapted for draining the ablation medium received from the ablation applicator in the ablation mode, and a closure mechanism adapted for selectively enclosing a predefined volume in a fluidic path upon operating the ablation device in a no-flow mode or upon detecting a leak in the fluidic path, the fluidic path including the ablation applicator and being defined between the ablation medium supply line and the ablation medium drain line.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: AFREEZE GMBHInventors: Gerald Fischer, Florian Hintringer
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Publication number: 20130211395Abstract: A handheld device for the treatment of glaucoma that includes a casing, an ultrasonic transducer, a power supply, a transmission member operatively associated with the ultrasonic transducer, and a tip member located at the end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic energy is transferred from the ultrasonic transducer to the tip member. The tip includes a concave eye-engaging surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Donald N. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20130211396Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the a method of selectively treating tissue using non-focused ultrasound energy delivered intrabody comprising: selectively determining a target tissue in a wall of a lumen or cavity; selecting parameters sufficient to provide a desired effect in the target tissue; and applying the parameters to treat the target tissue using non-focused ultrasound to achieve the desired effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: CardioSonic Ltd.Inventors: Ariel Sverdlik, Iris Szwarcfiter, Or Shabtay
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Patent number: 8506561Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20130204242Abstract: An ultrasonic transceiver apparatus for intracorporeal use, comprises an undamped ultrasonic transceiver for placing in a confined intracorporeal space, the transceiver vibrating at an instantaneous frequency and being excited to cause vibration at said instantaneous frequency to produce an ultrasonic ablation beam for ablating surrounding tissues and being further excited to cause vibration by primary echo signals returning from surrounding tissues—from separate excitations during quiet periods between the ablation—to monitor ablation progress. A signal processor isolates the primary echo signals from ringing, secondary echoes and extraneous noise also received from the transceiver and uses presence or absence of the characteristic frequency, or of a body characteristic frequency such as pulse or breathing, as an isolation criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: CardioSonic Ltd.Inventors: Ariel Sverdlik, Or Shabtay, Mark Shein-Idelson, Oleg Malafriev
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Patent number: 8496652Abstract: A system for treating uterine disorders includes a balloon catheter having a cannula with a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable balloon secured over the distal end of the cannula. The device includes a heating assembly coupled with the distal end of the cannula and disposed inside the inflatable balloon, and an impeller disposed inside the heating assembly. In one embodiment, the heating assembly includes an elongated heating tube having a heating film covering an outer wall thereof, at least one fluid inlet extending though the outer wall and a fluid outlet located at a distal end of the elongated heating tube. The impeller is rotatable for drawing fluid through the at least one fluid inlet and into the elongated heating tube for heating the fluid, and discharging the heated fluid from the fluid outlet for circulating the fluid throughout the inflatable balloon.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Steven Nguyen, Vaclav O. Podany
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Patent number: 8491578Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Patent number: 8475444Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade is described which is formed of five symmetrically disposed layers. A martensitic stainless steel core is provided with oppositely disposed faces which are bonded to hard pure copper thermal transfer layers which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. The blade is heated by a blade heater circuit which is provided as a flexible circuit carrying one or more resistor heaters and associated leads supported by a polyimide substrate. A thermally conductive and electrically insulative adhesive is used to bond the flexible circuit to a blade blank. The system employs a multi-lead cable which is removable from an instrument handle. One blade embodiment involves an elongate stem for accessing body cavities and another embodiment incorporates a controller function within an instrument handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Hemostatix Medical Technologies, LLCInventor: Philip E. Eggers