Systems Patents (Class 606/34)
  • Patent number: 9968779
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrical therapies includes at least one electrocatheter, or an electroneedle, and at least one power supply device capable of electrically supplying the electrocatheter or electroneedle with at least one current suitable for carrying out at least one therapy. The apparatus includes at least one system for testing whether at least one desired point of application of the electrocatheter or electroneedle has been reached in the body of a patient. The testing system includes at least one device for emitting an electric testing current with which to electrically supply the electrocatheter or electroneedle before the start of the therapy, and at least one reading device, capable of providing at least one reading of at least one response generated in the patient by the electrostimulation with the electrocatheter or electroneedle through the testing current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Gilberto Pari
    Inventor: Gilberto Pari
  • Patent number: 9943356
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first electrode spaced alongside a second electrode. The device can be operated as either a bipolar device or a monopolar device and includes a switch to inhibit capacitive coupling to one of the electrodes when the other electrode is used in monopolar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Brian M. Conley, Jonathan J. Barry, Roger D. Greeley, Steven G. Miller, Chad M. Greenlaw
  • Patent number: 9925008
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: William H. Nau, Jr., Craig A. Keller, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9901388
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument connectivity system providing monopolar and bipolar plugs each having a plurality of conductors which allow for use of combination monopolar/bipolar electrosurgical devices with industry standard electrosurgical generator outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Richard Curtis, Jyue Boon (Jonas) Lim, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, John Mensch
  • Patent number: 9901396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Radiofrequency surgical instrument comprising at least two dry electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5) and a electrode guiding device (6) comprising a main body (7), having a proximal end (73) and a distal end (74), and at least two insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) guiding said electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5), said insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) extending through the body (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Trod Medical
    Inventor: André Faure
  • Patent number: 9888955
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a first unit including a generator, and a second unit including an electrode assembly, the second unit being detachably connectible to the first unit such that radio frequency power can be conveyed to the electrode assembly, wherein the second unit firstly includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of a finite non-zero value indicative of a characteristic of the electrode assembly, and the second unit additionally includes an output circuit adapted to generate an identifiable characteristic signal, the first unit firstly including a sensing circuit for determining the value of the electrical identification component so as to identify the second unit when the second unit is connected to the first unit, and the first unit additionally including means for receiving the identifiable characteristic signal from the output circuit when the second unit is connected to the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: John Roland Hosier, Michael David Newton
  • Patent number: 9883903
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing an electrosurgical unit are provided. One system includes an electrosurgical unit analyzer having an input configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals from an electrosurgical generator and a measurement subsystem configured for programmable waveform detection corresponding to the received RF signals. The measurement subsystem includes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) defining one or more thresholds for the waveform detection. The electrosurgical unit analyzer further includes a user interface displaying information relating to individual pulses detected from the RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: LLOYD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lucio Simoni, Aaron Littich
  • Patent number: 9877772
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert Erickson, Daniel Friedrichs, James Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9878183
    Abstract: A surgical operation system includes a US signal output section, an HV signal output section, a probe having a treatment section which has an HV signal applied thereto and vibrates by ultrasound, an HV signal main control section that performs feedback control of the HV signal output section based on the HV signal, a US signal main control section that performs feedback control of the US signal output section based on a US signal, and an HV signal auxiliary control section that controls the HV signal output section based on the US signal, and has a response time shorter than that of the HV signal main control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazue Tanaka, Takashi Mihori, Yoshitaka Honda, Ryoichi Honda
  • Patent number: 9872698
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member. The ultrasonic blade includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal portion is configured to oscillate along the longitudinal axis to ultrasonically treat tissue. The distal portion includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a notch, and planar side segments. The notch is disposed on the bottom portion. One of the top portion, the bottom portion, or the notch is configured to dissect tissue. The top portion is configured to seal tissue. The jaw member is configured to move relative to the ultrasonic blade and is configured to contact the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard
  • Patent number: 9861425
    Abstract: A return electrode monitoring (REM) system for an electrosurgical system is disclosed. The REM system includes circuit components or circuitry for monitoring the magnitude of an interrogation or drive signal, and one or more electrode pads including one or more pairs of split electrode pads. The REM system, while sweeping an interrogation signal over or across a frequency range, monitors the magnitude of the interrogation signal. The REM system determines if there is a frequency shift in the interrogation signal. If there is a frequency shift, the REM system determines the frequency shift and uses it to calculate a reactance value of the impedance. The complex impedance can then be determined. The complex impedance, or at least the reactance value, can be used to determine the capacitive coupling between the patient and pad interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert J. Behnke, II
  • Patent number: 9839372
    Abstract: A guidance and placement system and associated methods for assisting a clinician in the placement of a catheter or other medical device within the vasculature of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for guiding a medical device to a desired location within a vasculature of a patient is also disclosed and comprises detecting an intravascular ECG signal of the patient and identifying a P-wave of a waveform of the intravascular ECG signal, wherein the P-wave varies according to proximity of the medical device to the desired location. The method further comprises determining whether the identified P-wave is elevated, determining a deflection value of the identified P-wave when the identified P-wave is elevated, and reporting information relating to a location of the medical device within the patient's vasculature at least partially according to the determined deflection value of the elevated P-wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladislav Bukhman, Anthony K. Misener, Valeriy Vassylyev, Robin S. Urry, Brian S. Tanner
  • Patent number: 9820805
    Abstract: A handheld electrosurgical instrument includes a handpiece (2) and an electrode assembly (3), the electrode assembly including one or more electrodes (12), (13) and a connector (8), (9) by which the electrode assembly (3) is capable of being attached and detached with respect to the handpiece (2). The handpiece includes a battery (4), an RF oscillator circuit (5) for generating a radio frequency output, and switching means (7) operable by a user of the electrosurgical instrument. A control circuit is provided (6) for controlling the RF output, the control circuit (6) being capable of receiving signals from the switching means (7) and causing one or more RF outputs to be supplied to the electrode assembly (3) in response thereto. The electrode assembly (3) includes a component (14), (21) capable of modifying the RF output reaching the one or more electrodes (12), (13) to produce a desired RF output at the one or more electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony K. Atwell
  • Patent number: 9820794
    Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are capable of killing tumor cells by delivering cell-disrupting agents into a tumor in an inward direction from a peripheral border about the tumor. In some examples, a covering that includes one or more emissive elements encompasses at least a portion of a tumor such that the emissive element is directed inwardly toward the tumor so as to be able to introduce a cell-disrupting agent into the tumor. In further examples, the covering is incorporated into a glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intermountain Invention Management, LLC
    Inventors: Mark John Ott, Troy J. Orr
  • Patent number: 9802033
    Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are provided for monitoring and regulating tissue compression and cutting to improve tissue effect. In general, these devices include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft and configured to engage tissue. In one embodiment, one or more sensors can be positioned at various locations on the device and can determine a force applied to tissue engaged by the end effector. When the force exceeds a threshold, a notification signal can be issued to a user. In another embodiment, a sensor can determine an amount of current moving between jaws of the end effector and a controller can slow a speed of the cutting element when the sensed current exceeds a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John Hibner, David C. Yates, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 9788851
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a body assembly, a power source, and a control module. The end effector is operable for use in a surgical procedure and can deliver energy to a surgical site. The end effector comprises at least one sensor. The sensor is able to measure at least one physical characteristic associated with the surgical site. The body assembly is in communication with the end effector. The power source is in communication with the body assembly and is operable to deliver power to the end effector. The control module is in communication with the sensor and is operable to change delivery of power to the end effector based on data from the sensor indicating a change in tissue density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: William D. Dannaher, Daniel W. Price, Cory G. Kimball, William D. Kelly, Sora Rhee, Jacob S. Gee, Brian D. Bertke, Alissa L. Welling
  • Patent number: 9770285
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus including an automatic applicator identifier used to communicate between an applicator and a generator unit, automatically presetting various values, is provided. These values may be stored in a one-wire serial memory storage device located in the applicator or connector coupled to the applicator. Communication from the applicator to the generator unit of these values is affected by a one-wire serial communication protocol. This information can be transferred over a direct electrical path through the connector that attaches that applicator to the generator unit, or instead by a wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Bovie Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Arik Zoran, Gregory A. Konesky
  • Patent number: 9763642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a property determination apparatus (1) for determining a property of an object (3). Optical sensing data being indicative of an optical property of the object and ultrasound sensing data being indicative of an ultrasound property of the object are generated, and a property determination unit (75) determines a property of the object based on at least one of the optical sensing data and the ultrasound sensing data. Since light and ultrasound have generally different penetration depths and scattering properties with respect to the object, a property of the object can be determined with good quality, even if the quality of one of the optical sensing data and the ultrasound sensing data is reduced by, for example, a relatively small penetration depth, or if one of the optical sensing data and the ultrasound sensing data is less suitable for determining a desired property of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Godefridus Antonius Harks, Rami Nachabe, Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Szabolcs Deladi
  • Patent number: 9750558
    Abstract: A method for mitigating leakage in an RF electrosurgical generator includes delivering an RF signal from an RF electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical electrode by way of a patient box; providing a balanced and symmetrical shielded transmission line coupling said electrosurgical generator disposed in a first housing to said patient box disposed in a second, different housing; providing a common mode choke in said patient box, said common mode choke including an output winding and a return winding, said output winding and said return winding spaced apart and in parallel to maintain a desired impedance, said output winding comprising a wire carrying said RF signal as an output signal and said return winding carrying a return signal from a return electrode; and directing a common mode signal from said RF signal to said common mode choke thereby blocking said common mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SENORX, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Daw, James Huntington Dabney
  • Patent number: 9739814
    Abstract: A system and method that improves and automates the measurement of power generated by an electrosurgical generator. An active load device is coupled to the generator output and is configured to simulate the change in tissue characteristics, such as an impedance change, that occurs when such tissue undergoes electrosurgical treatment. The active load faithfully simulates the change in tissue characteristics caused by a particular mode of electrosurgical energy delivery, such as without limitation, changes caused in response to a cutting mode, a coagulation mode, a blending mode, a sealing mode, and the like. Tests are conducted in accordance with test profiles containing target impedance and power values of the test scenario. A plurality of profiles may be stored for testing under various simulated operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James H. Orszulak, Steven E. McGraw
  • Patent number: 9734574
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an image processor of an embodiment has an imaging parameter acquirer and a virtual perspective image generator. The imaging parameter acquirer acquires an imaging parameter which is used by a radiographic imaging apparatus in capturing a perspective image of a target. The virtual perspective image generator determines a method of generating a virtual perspective image from volume data acquired by capturing the target in accordance with the imaging parameter. The virtual perspective image generator generates the virtual perspective image from the volume data in accordance with the determined method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kyoka Sugiura, Yukinobu Sakata, Ryusuke Hirai, Yasunori Taguchi, Takeshi Mita, Tomoyuki Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 9730750
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao
  • Patent number: 9724018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring phrenic nerve function of a patient are disclosed, including, including establishing a diaphragmatic movement value threshold; positioning a diaphragmatic movement sensor on an external surface of an abdomen of the patient; applying a treatment regimen to a tissue region in proximity to the phrenic nerve; measuring a diaphragmatic movement value with the diaphragmatic movement sensor; comparing the measured diaphragmatic movement value to the established diaphragmatic movement value threshold; and generating an alert in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP
    Inventors: Yong K. Cho, Scott A. Ransom, Xusheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9713507
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprising a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising (i) a blade, (ii) a first jaw member including a first electrode, and (iii) a second jaw member including a second electrode. The robotic surgical system may also comprise a motor and a control circuit configured to: (i) produce control signals comprising a first control signal and a second control signal, (ii) deliver an electrosurgical energy signal to the first electrode and the second electrode via the first control signal, (iii) deliver a drive signal to the motor via the second control signal (iv) receive at least one feedback signal, (v) determine a rate of change based on a first feedback signal of the at least one feedback signal, and (vi) maintain the rate of change at a predetermined rate or within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Randolph Stewart, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 9713491
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode configuration configured for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. A pre-assembled jaw configuration including jaw members including respective first and second electrodes is provided. One or more stop members are positioned on the first electrode. The first and second electrodes are approximated toward one another for contact therebetween so as to form an at least one indentation on the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Roy, Kim V. Brandt
  • Patent number: 9707032
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9707027
    Abstract: A medical device is described having a handle and an end effector coupled to the handle. The end effector has at least one electrode for providing electrical signals to a tissue or vessel to be treated. An RF drive circuit is provided for generating an RF drive signal that is applied to the end effector electrode. The RF drive circuit includes a resonant circuit and a frequency controller is used to vary the frequency of a signal passed through the resonant circuit in order to control the power supplied to the end effector electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Ruddenklau, Paul Christopher Roberts, Alan Edward Green
  • Patent number: 9700367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for thermosurgery. The device (10) comprises a generator (12) for supplying high frequency electrical treatment energy, an interface connection arrangement (14) which permits the connection of a plurality of electrodes to be placed on or in the body of a patient (18), the electrodes comprising an application electrode (16) to be positioned in the area of the treatment site and a plurality of planar counter-electrodes (21, 22, 26, 27), and impedance measurement means (30, 35, 40) which permit impedance measurement in a plurality of measurement circuits, each of which passes via at least one counter-electrode (21, 22, 26, 27) connected to the interface connection arrangement (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Rüdiger Stockert
  • Patent number: 9701954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for subjecting adherent cells to at least one electric field, in which the electric field is generated by applying a voltage to at least two active electrodes 63, wherein at least three electrodes 63, 64 are provided, and wherein at least two electrodes 63, 64 are active electrodes 63 when the voltage is applied in order to generate a first electric field, and in which at least one second electric field is generated, wherein at least one of the two previously active electrodes 63 is a potential-free electrode 64 when the voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: LONZA COLOGNE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Koblizek, Andreas Heinze, Timo Gleissner, Herbert Mueller-Hartmann, Andreas Wirth
  • Patent number: 9705456
    Abstract: A generator for use with an electrosurgical device is provided. The generator has a gain stage electrically disposed between a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail, wherein the gain stage includes an input and an output. A voltage source operably coupled to the gain stage input and configured to provide an input signal thereto responsive to a drive control signal is also provided. The generator also has one or more sensors configured to sense an operational parameter of the amplifier and to provide a sensor signal corresponding thereto and a controller adapted to receive the sensor signal(s) and in response thereto provide a drive control signal to the voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: James A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9668803
    Abstract: This disclosure describes impedance computation techniques that may reduce the effect of crosstalk, thus generating more accurate impedance measurements. In particular, an ablation system models the electrical interaction among the active electrodes and a common return electrode using a star-configuration resistor model. The ablation system computes one or more parameters of the star-configuration resistor model and adjusts the therapy based on at least the computed parameters of the star-configuration resistor model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikhil Bhushan, Thomas R. Skwarek, Graham Spall, Keith S. Bosacker
  • Patent number: 9662165
    Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue includes the initial steps of determining target tissue location and/or target tissue margins, positioning an ablation device for delivery of energy to target tissue, and introducing a material having a shape into a tissue region to be monitored. The material is adapted to change echogenic properties in response to heat. The method also includes the steps of applying energy to the ablation device, monitoring the material on a monitor, determining an echogenic response of the material, and terminating ablation if it is determined that the echogenic response of the material is outside a predetermined target tissue threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Alexey Sharonov
  • Patent number: 9655670
    Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Eric J. Larson, Carolyn G. Ford, Alexander M. Waskiewicz
  • Patent number: 9649149
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: JUST RIGHT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: David Ross, Joel Helfer
  • Patent number: 9649147
    Abstract: A tissue segmentation device, controller, and methods therefore are disclosed. The device has an active electrode, a return electrode, a mechanical force application mechanism, voltage and current sensors, and a controller. The controller is configured to control a power output of the segmentation device. The controller has a processing component, responsive to the sensors, configured to execute the following: (a) derive a power factor of power applied to the at least one electrode; and (b) responsive to the deriving a power factor, assign a circuit status to a circuit comprising the at least one electrode. IF (PF?0) and ((Vrms/Irms)?T), THEN the circuit status is “open”. IF (PF?0) and ((Vrms/Irms)<T), THEN the circuit status is “short”. PF is the power factor. T is a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: EXIMIS SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Gilbert, Steven C. Rupp, William N. Gregg, Kristin D. Johnson, Dirk Johnson
  • Patent number: 9642665
    Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Craig Weinberg, Kari Leidich
  • Patent number: 9610121
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: William H. Nau, Jr., Craig A. Keller, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9586062
    Abstract: An ultrasound device for therapeutic and aesthetic treatment is disclosed. Different types of hand probes used with the device produce different effects within biological tissues. The device can operate at low frequencies of around 20 KHz to 100 KHz. The device can be operated in continuous mode or pulsed mode with different duty cycles. Software and hardware is used to control power output of the hand probes; treatment time; to perform diagnostics of the hand probes; and to shut off ultrasound emissions in the case of abnormal or incorrect functioning of the hand probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Eurocomponents, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Da Madice, Dina Da Madice
  • Patent number: 9577432
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sherwin C. Li
  • Patent number: 9554854
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrosurgical systems and methods for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. An electrosurgical signal defining a plurality of pulses may be provided to first and second electrodes. A first reading may be received indicating an impedance between the first and second electrodes taken at a first point of a first pulse of the electrosurgical signal. A second reading may indicate the impedance a first point of a second pulse of the electrosurgical signal, where the first point of the first pulse and the first point of the second pulse are at equivalent positions within the first and second pulses. Based on a comparison of the first reading and the second reading, a short circuit may be determined and a signal indicating the short circuit may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Eitan T. Wiener, Robert A. Kemerling, Benjamin J. Danziger, Gavin M. Monson
  • Patent number: 9554853
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Strul, Csaba Truckai, Russel M. Sampson, Mark L. Kane
  • Patent number: 9550021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for querying a specification feature arranged in, at or on a medical technical functional means, the method comprising the step of: querying the specification feature by means of a medical device functionally coupled to or to be coupled to the medical technical functional means or by means of a device or means connected to or being arranged in signal transmission with the medical technical treatment apparatus. The invention further relates to a medical technical functional means, a medical device and a control unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a digital storage medium, a computer program product and a computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Beden, Juergen Klewinghaus
  • Patent number: 9526559
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical probe connected to a control console, wherein the probe is capable of coagulating and ablating tissue depending on a selected operating mode. Before operating the system, probe-specific data stored in a memory device associated with the probe is read by a processing device in the console. The data includes source impedance values specific to a coagulation or cutting mode of operation. A constant duty cycle value for a modulated cutting mode also is provided. Depending on the operating mode selected, an RF generator adjusted to have a predetermined source impedance value provides a voltage value to the probe. During the duty-cycled mode, the RF generator generates an instantaneous voltage value output for a duty cycle portion that is less than 100% of a time period, which value is no less than a maximum continuous average voltage value for the electrosurgical probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steffan A. Benamou, Andrew J. Hamel, David Hoffman, David I. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 9522038
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator which includes a controller configured to generate a first pulse train having at least one first control pulse and at least one first reset pulse. The controller also includes a second pulse train having at least one second control pulse and at least one second reset pulse. The first control pulse(s) and the second control pulse(s) are asynchronous and the reset pulse(s) are synchronous. The electrosurgical generator also includes an RF output stage which includes a first switching element and a second switching element. The control pulses are configured to activate the first switching element and second switching elements, respectively, in an asynchronous fashion to generate a non-continuous RF waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Robert H. Wham
  • Patent number: 9510893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9504516
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator and related systems and methods using a gain-compensated full bridge topology. Gain nonlinearity is corrected by applying impedance and phase correction factors to a control loop to achieve a linear gain structure. In embodiments, gain compensation is performed by comparing an RF setpoint signal with a calculated output signal to generate a first error signal. An impedance correction factor is applied to the first error signal to generate a second error signal. The second error signal is processed by a proportional-integral-derivative controller to generate a phase control signal. A phase control correction factor is applied to the phase control signal to generate a corrected pulse width modulation driving signal, which is used to generate PWM driving signals for a full-bridge inverter. One or more sensors provide feedback for comparison with the RF setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LLP
    Inventors: Aaron Mattmiller, Donald Tonn, Alexander M. Waskiewicz
  • Patent number: 9498276
    Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and associated methods of the present disclosure perform narrowband real impedance control for precise treatment of tissue in electrosurgery. The electrosurgical systems include an electrosurgical generator that includes an output stage configured to generate electrosurgical energy to treat tissue, a plurality of sensors configured to sense voltage and current waveforms of the electrosurgical energy, and a controller coupled to the output stage to control the generated electrosurgical energy. The controller includes a signal processor that (1) determines a complex-valued voltage and a complex-valued current based on the voltage waveform and the current waveform sensed by the plurality of sensors using a plurality narrowband filters, and (2) calculates a real part of an impedance of the tissue using the complex-valued voltage and the complex-valued current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9463067
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Steven P. Buysse, James H. Orszulak
  • Patent number: 9462642
    Abstract: Devices and methods that use returned power (RP) measurements during microwave energy delivery to perform one or more functions. For example, such microwave devices and systems can include one or more features to measure the returned microwave power. One or more measurements of the returned microwave power may be used to obtain information about one or more of: antenna shape, system status and system performance. One or more measurements of the returned microwave power shaping elements may also be used to obtain information about one or more properties of the target material. Devices and methods for delivering microwave energy to a variety of target materials to achieve a variety of desired microwave effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MicroCube, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Yiu Chu, Dinesh I. Mody, Ketan Shroff, Amrish J. Walke, Kirby Chiang, Christopher Ah New, Christine M. Tate
  • Patent number: 9445865
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs