Antenna Or Transmission Line Patents (Class 607/156)
  • Patent number: 11867782
    Abstract: An energy delivery system includes a transmission member, an antenna at a distal end of the transmission member, a jacket surrounding the transmission member and the antenna, a fluid channel between the transmission member and the jacket, and a plug disposed at the distal end of the transmission member and a proximal end of the antenna. The plug is configured to prevent migration of a cooling fluid from the fluid channel to a cavity between the antenna and the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Serena H. Wong
  • Patent number: 11786303
    Abstract: Examples of a probe for microwave ablation are disclosed. The probe comprises a feed coaxial cable and an antenna that has a cylindrical outer housing with a predetermined diameter and a predetermined length defining a cavity therein and a radiating conductor positioned within the cavity with a matching stepped portion. The antenna further comprises a dielectric material placed in the cavity between the radiating conductor and the outer housing of the antenna to increase the mechanical strength of the probe as well as to improve the power coupling to the tissue to be ablated. The design of the coaxial cavity of the antenna with radiating conductor with a stepped portion fitted into dielectric materials increases antenna's mechanical strength to withstand higher temperatures and reduces an energy reflected back to the feed coaxial cable due to a good impedance match between the antenna and the feed cable such that antennas with smaller length can be used to fit curved paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: QUICKER-INSTRUMENT INC.
    Inventors: Binghui Liu, Ting Yang, Ye Liang, Yixin Yang, Yongfan Ke, Zhao Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 11730537
    Abstract: An antenna system for tissue ablation includes an energy transmission member, an antenna body coupled to the energy transmission member, a fluid source, and a choke member comprising an integrally formed choke body and choke connector electrically coupled to the energy transmission member by the choke connector. The choke body defines an outermost portion of the choke member. The choke body has an axial length and the choke connector extends along a majority of the length of the choke body and contacts the choke body along the majority of the length. The choke connector is in direct contact with a fluid from the fluid source. The choke connector is disposed between the choke body and the energy transmission member. The choke connector forms a delivery path for the fluid between the choke body and the energy transmission member. The choke connector and the choke body are a continuous wire mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Serena H. Wong, Joseph D. Bogusky
  • Patent number: 11642061
    Abstract: An intraluminal microneurography probe has a probe body configured to be introduced into an artery near an organ of a body without preventing the flow of blood through the artery. An expandable sense electrode and an expandable stimulation electrode are fixed to the probe body at one end of each electrode such that movement of the other end toward the fixed end causes the sense electrode to expand from the probe body toward a wall of the artery. A ground electrode is configured to couple to the body, and a plurality of electrical connections are operable to electrically couple the electrodes to electrical circuitry. The sense electrode is operable to measure sympathetic nerve activity in response to excitation of the stimulation electrode. A radio frequency ablation element is located between the expandable sense electrode and expandable stimulation electrode, and is operable to ablate nerves proximate to the artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ReCor Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Shimada, Harry A. Puryear
  • Patent number: 11583337
    Abstract: An ablation probe tip 100 having a shaft 102 with an insertion end 104 and an annular aperture 120 near the insertion end 104. A center of ablation 124 is located within the shaft 102 and surrounded by the annular aperture shaft 102. The ablation probe tip 100 may be part of an ablation probe system 50 that includes an ablation source 60 that provides ablation means 62 to the ablation probe tip 100. The center of ablation 124 is a focal region from which the ablation means 62 radiates through the annular aperture 120 to form an ablation zone 150, 160, 170. The system 50 has at least one intra-operative control selected from the group of: ablation zone positioning control, ablation zone shaping control, ablation center control, ablation zone temperature control, guided ablation volume/diameter control, and power loading control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TriAgenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Leigh E. Colby
  • Patent number: 11389235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with a linear array of antenna components having optimized energy delivery characteristics. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NEUWAVE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Warren van der Weide, Fred T. Lee, Jr., Paul F. Laeseke, Christopher Lee Brace
  • Patent number: 11291503
    Abstract: The present invention discloses medical systems and methods adapted for the delivery of various medical components such as microwave antennas within or on a body for performing one or more medical procedures. Several embodiments herein disclose medical systems comprising a combination of one or more medical components and one or more elongate steerable or non-steerable arms that are adapted to mechanically manipulate the one or more medical components. Several embodiments of microwave antennas are disclosed that comprise an additional diagnostic or therapeutic modality located on or in the vicinity of the microwave antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MicroCube, LLC
    Inventors: Clarence Emmons, Chun Yiu Chu, Amrish J. Walke, Dinesh I. Mody, Ketan Shroff
  • Patent number: 11213349
    Abstract: Current cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have significant side-effects for the patients. New treatments are being developed to reduce these side-effects while giving doctors alternative methods to treat patients. This invention introduces a new apparatus for treatment of malignant tumors including brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. The apparatus couples RF power into the tumor using evanescent waves. The evanescent waves disrupt the division of cancer cells causing the cancer cells to die and shrink the size of the tumor. Due to the targeted approach of the evanescent waves, less RF energy is wasted in healthy cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: EVANESC THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mehran Matloubian, Timothy J. Brockett, Gregg A. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 10953235
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a system and methods for targeted hyperthermia effective to differentially heat target organs. In certain embodiments, the system and/or method utilizes one or more pairs of inductive applicators coupled to the one or more RF generators and configured to deposit radio frequency radiation on a region of interest based on a set of configurable parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NEOTHERMA ONCOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Anderson, Michael George Wandell, Randall Jones
  • Patent number: 10799712
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a system and methods for targeted hyperthermia effective to differentially heat target organs. In certain embodiments, the system and/or method utilizes one or more pairs of inductive applicators coupled to the one or more RF generators and configured to deposit radio frequency radiation on a region of interest based on a set of configurable parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: NEOTHERMA ONCOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Anderson, Jr., Michael George Wandell, Randall Wayne Jones
  • Patent number: 10561336
    Abstract: A method for monitoring thoracic tissue. The method comprises intercepting reflections of electromagnetic (EM) radiation reflected from thoracic tissue of a patient in radiation sessions during a period of at least 24 hours, detecting a change of a dielectric coefficient of the thoracic tissue by analyzing respective the reflections, and outputting a notification indicating the change. The reflections are changed as an outcome of thoracic movements which occur during the period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Sensible Medical Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Rappaport, Nadav Mizrahi, Shlomi Bergida, Amir Saroka, Amir Ronen, Ilan Kochba
  • Patent number: 9968016
    Abstract: A magnetic field shield having a plurality of tunable resonant loops arranged on a planar support medium. The resonant loops are loaded with a lumped component such as a capacitor or variable capacitor and produce magnetic null points. The location of the magnetic null points may be moved three dimensionally about the planar support medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Debasish Banerjee, Hideo Iizuka
  • Patent number: 9861424
    Abstract: An energy delivery system for use in performing a medical procedure is provided. The medical procedure can employ an energy source, the energy source can be connected to an energy delivering device via a transmission line. The energy delivery system can include a measurement system, the measurement system can be configured to sample an output signal generated by the energy source. The energy delivery system includes a control system, which includes a calibration unit. The calibration unit can be configured to generate a calibration signal. The calibration signal can have a magnitude and phase, wherein the magnitude and phase is representative of the output signal and the transmission line loss information. The energy delivery system can also include a control unit, the control unit being configured to receive the calibration signal and adjust the energy source as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Robert Behnke
  • Patent number: 9788752
    Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus (24) includes a sealed case (80), comprising a biocompatible material and configured for implantation within a body of a human subject (22). A dielectrometric probe (26, 50, 63, 66, 70, 102, 160) is connected to the case and includes first and second conductors (40, 42, 54, 56, 64, 67, 68, 72, 74, 162, 164), which are configured to be placed in proximity to a target tissue (34) in the body. A driving circuit (82), which is contained in the case, is coupled to apply a radio-frequency (RF) signal to the probe and to sense the signal returned from the probe. Processing circuitry (84) is configured to evaluate, responsively to the returned signal, a dielectric property of the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL ISRAEL LTD.
    Inventors: Uriel Weinstein, Assaf Bernstein, Eyal Cohen, Dov Oppenheim, Moshe Mosesko
  • Patent number: 9700374
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Anthony C. Lee, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 9427285
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue includes a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue. The applicator includes one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to the tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer. The controller is configured so that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MIRAMAR LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Dan Francis, Jessi Ernest Johnson, Steven Kim, Alexey Salamini, Ted Su, Peter Smith, Dan Hallock
  • Patent number: 9276367
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system for directing energy to tissue includes a generator assembly operable to supply power having a selected phase, amplitude and frequency, and an applicator array assembly. The applicator array assembly includes a shell assembly, a plurality of energy applicators disposed within the shell assembly, and a power divider unit electrically coupled to the generator assembly. The power divider unit is operable to divide power into the applicator array assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9271788
    Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cividien LP
    Inventors: Steven Kim, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 9254172
    Abstract: A system for reducing radiated emissions the system including a microwave generator that supplies microwave energy at a fundamental frequency, a coaxial transmission cable that transmits microwave energy between the microwave generator and a microwave energy delivery device and an isolation apparatus connected between the microwave generator and the coaxial transmission cable. The isolation apparatus is configured to electrically isolate the coaxial transmission cable from the microwave generator and capacitively couple the microwave generator ground to the coaxial transmission cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Tom E. McMunigal
  • Patent number: 9028476
    Abstract: A system for generating microwave energy includes a microwave generator that generates first and second microwave signals, a transmission line and a dual antenna microwave device. The transmission line transmits the first and second microwave signals to the microwave device. The microwave device includes a first antenna proximal a second antenna and a dual-sided choke positioned therebetween. The first antenna receives the first microwave signal from the transmission line between a first conductor and a second conductor and the second antenna receives the second microwave signal between the second conductor and a third conductor. The dual-sided choke includes a first and a second antenna choke circuit. The first antenna choke circuit limits the propagation of electromagnetic fields generated by the first antenna toward the second antenna and the second antenna choke circuit limits the propagation of electromagnetic fields generated by the second antenna toward the first antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 9017319
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9011421
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9008794
    Abstract: A portable multi-sensor device includes a substantially sheet-like and at least partially flexible unit support element, a garment to be worn by a user and to be removably associated with the support element, a plurality of sensors, adapted to detect biological and/or vital parameters on the body of a user and transduce them into electric signals, at least one of which is incorporated in the unit support element, a transceiver for remote transmission of the electric signals to a remote monitoring center, a processing and control unit for processing and controlling the electric signals, therapeutic treatment elements associated with the unit support element and designed to contact one part of the wearer's body. The therapeutic treatment elements are electrically connected to the processing and control unit to be controlled thereby and to provide therapeutic and/or thermal therapeutic treatment to an area of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alberto Alexandre
  • Patent number: 8968300
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. A proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor at a distal end of the coaxial feedline. A distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor. First and second dielectric segments are coupled to the inner conductor and disposed between the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The device also includes an elongated shaft overlying the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve, the first dielectric segment, the second dielectric segment and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The elongated shaft includes an opening defined therethrough, wherein the opening is at least partially aligned with the first dielectric segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8968291
    Abstract: A microwave ablation probe for providing microwave energy to tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a secondary inner conductor, an insulating spacer, and an outer conductor. The inner conductor is slidably disposed within the secondary inner conductor. The feedline also includes a radiating portion having an extruded portion of the inner conductor centrally disposed therein, wherein longitudinal movement of the inner conductor relative to the feedline tunes the radiating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher T Rusin, Joseph Brannan
  • Patent number: 8965536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the treatment of tissue with microwave energy. The devices and methods disclosed herein incorporate an antenna assembly comprising outer and inner conductors having a dielectric material interposed therebetween, a sealing barrier, and a cooling system to minimize the likelihood that the antenna assembly will overheat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenlyn S. Bonn, Steven E. Butcher
  • Patent number: 8948878
    Abstract: A method and device for treating a condition aggravated by the presence of amyloid fibrils is disclosed. The method includes applying a plurality of ultra-short pulses to target tissue comprising amyloid fibrils. The plurality of ultra-short pulses produce an electric field in the target tissue sufficient to change a molecular structure of the amyloid fibrils without causing the death, destruction, or serious injury of healthy cells surrounding the target tissue. For example, the plurality of ultra-short pulses can be sufficient to change the molecular structure of amyloid fibrils without causing apoptosis or necrosis of surrounding cells. The ultra-short pulses can be applied using an electrode device or a wideband antenna. The ultra-short pulses can have a duration ranging from 1 ps to 10 ns, an amplitude ranging from 100 V to 1 MV, and can apply an electrical field to the target tissue ranging from 1 kV/cm to 1 MV/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Old Dominion University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Lesley Greene
  • Patent number: 8932281
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8808282
    Abstract: An electrosurgical energy generator apparatus includes a microwave generator configured to supply microwave energy and an RF generator configured to supply RF energy. A power supply is coupled to the microwave generator and the RF generator and is configured to supply power to each of the microwave and RF generators. A first output is coupled to the microwave generator and is configured to deliver microwave energy. A second output is coupled to the RF generator and is configured to deliver RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto, Steven Kim, Brian Shiu, Thomas J. Fogarty, Sascha Zarins
  • Patent number: 8781606
    Abstract: As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Keilman, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 8777937
    Abstract: A catheter for magnetic resonance-supported interventional procedures has an electric cable that connects a first electric component attached to one catheter end with a second electric component attached to the other catheter end, with the electric cable being coiled at least in sections thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Kroeckel
  • Patent number: 8777938
    Abstract: A method of resection of an organ employs a handheld microwave waveguide that receives a microwave signal and applies a substantially planar microwave beam into the organ for coagulation of a strip of tissue in an organ providing a barrier against blood loss during resection operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David M. Mahvi, Mark C. Converse, Punit Prakash, John G. Webster
  • Patent number: 8740893
    Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. The antenna assembly also includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor each disposed within the elongated member and extending along the longitudinal axis. A portion of the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor such that the antenna assembly may transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The antenna assembly also includes an expandable sheath at least partially disposed about a distal portion of the inner conductor and defining at one or more lumens configured to couple to a supply of dielectric material used to regulate the expansion of the expandable sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Brian Shiu, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Tao Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8690869
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an antenna assembly and an elongated body member. The elongated body member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal and distal end portions define a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has a chamber defined therein that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a body wall surrounding the chamber. An antenna assembly is disposed in the chamber. The elongated body member also includes an opening in the body wall to allow energy radiated from the antenna assembly to transfer into the target volume of tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8672933
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable feed including an inner conductor defining a portion of a radiating section of the microwave antenna, an outer conductor and dielectric shielding. The inner conductor loops back around and toward the outer conductor of the coaxial cable feed such that a distal end of the inner conductor is operably disposed adjacent the dielectric shielding. The inner conductor includes one or more reactive components disposed thereon forming a reactively-loaded loop configuration configured to maximize delivery of microwave energy from the power source to tissue such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Brian Shiu, Joseph D. Brannan, Mani N. Prakash
  • Patent number: 8672932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy employing a center fed dipole component. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Neuwave Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. van der Weide, Fred T. Lee, Jr., Paul F. Laeseke, Christopher L. Brace
  • Patent number: 8652184
    Abstract: A resonant frequency device provided with a transmitter, an amplifier and an impedance matching circuit connected to an antenna, such as a plasma antenna. A voltage or current balun could be provided between the impedance matching circuit and the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: James E. Bare
  • Patent number: 8617153
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element is disclosed. The probe includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anthony C. Lee, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 8588941
    Abstract: A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8568407
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device for directing energy to tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor; a balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. An electrically-conductive cylinder is coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure and a dielectric structure is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder and configured to extend to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member. An elongated handle assembly is coaxially disposed around a portion of the outer conductor proximal to the dielectric structure and a shell assembly is disposed at a distal end of the elongated handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8544170
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a percutaneous stimulation lead for applying electrically stimulation pulses to tissue of the patient comprises: a plurality of electrode assemblies electrically coupled to a plurality of terminals through a plurality of conductors of the stimulation lead, wherein each electrode assembly is disposed in an annular manner around the lead body and each electrode assembly comprises (i) an electrode adapted to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a patient, (ii) an interior conductive layer, and (iii) a dielectric layer disposed between the electrode and the interior conductive layer; the electrode and interior conductive layer being capacitively coupled, the dielectric layer further comprising an inductor, the inductor being electrically connected to one of the plurality of conductors through the interior conductive layer, and the inductor being electrically coupled to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cox, John Erickson, Enri Zhulati, Terry Daglow, John Swanson
  • Patent number: 8538556
    Abstract: As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Keilman, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 8498708
    Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Neuronix Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Bentwich
  • Patent number: 8491580
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the treatment of tissue with microwave energy. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize an antenna assembly which includes an elongate member, an outer conductor, an inner conductor, at least a portion of which is deployable, and a cooling system. The cooling system disclosed herein may significantly curtail any theoretical, or potential negative effects upon the target tissue experienced during the transmission of microwave energy to the antenna assembly due to ohmic heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Tao Nguyen, Christopher T. Rusin
  • Patent number: 8473077
    Abstract: A microwave surgical ablation probe having an arrangement of coolant channels in fluid communication with a cooling chamber disposed within the distal end of the probe is disclosed. A hypotube having one or more longitudinal ribs extending radially inward from an inner surface thereof is coaxially disposed around a coaxial feedline. The longitudinal ribs of the hypotube engage an outer sheath of the feedline to define a fluid inflow channel to deliver coolant to the cooling chamber, and a fluid outflow channel to receive fluid from the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be formed from porous ceramic or porous metallic material that provides structural support to the probe while permitting coolant to circulate therethrough. The probe includes dielectric and choke members that are adapted to control the microwave radiation pattern (e.g., ablation shape), and which may provide improved coupling of the probe to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenlyn S. Bonn, Ian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8463396
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave antenna assembly that includes proximal and distal radiating sections and a junction member. The proximal radiating section includes inner and outer conductors and DC power and neutral conductors. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and the DC power and neutral conductors are disposed radially outward therefrom. The junction member mates the distal and proximal radiating sections such that the distal and proximal radiating sections are positioned relative to one another. The junction member further includes a microwave signal amplifier (MSA) that receives a signal at a first energy level from the inner and outer conductors and a DC power signal from the DC power and neutral conductors. The MSA amplifies the signal from the first energy level to an additional, greater energy level. The junction member provides the microwave signal at the additional energy level to the proximal and distal radiating sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LLP
    Inventor: Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: 8409188
    Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Steven Kim, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 8355803
    Abstract: A microwave surgical ablation probe having an arrangement of coolant channels in fluid communication with a cooling chamber disposed within the distal end of the probe is disclosed. A hypotube having one or more longitudinal ribs extending radially inward from an inner surface thereof is coaxially disposed around a coaxial feedline. The longitudinal ribs of the hypotube engage an outer sheath of the feedline to define a fluid inflow channel to deliver coolant to the cooling chamber, and a fluid outflow channel to receive fluid from the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be formed from porous ceramic or porous metallic material that provides structural support to the probe while permitting coolant to circulate therethrough. The probe includes dielectric and choke members that are adapted to control the microwave radiation pattern (e.g., ablation shape), and which may provide improved coupling of the probe to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenlyn S. Bonn, Ian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8343145
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a conical hood reflector and method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a shaft assembly that has a coaxial feedline core having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by an insulating layer. A tubular catheter is disposed coaxially around the feedline and is configured to deliver coolant, such as saline or deionized water, to a coolant chamber at a distal end formed within the conical reflector. A radiating section disposed within the conical reflector may have a conical, cylindrical, or other suitable shape. A membrane disposed across a distal opening of the conical reflector seals coolant within the coolant chamber, and may conform to tissue contours during use. A resilient aperture may be included at the periphery of the conical hood. The shaft assembly may include an angled section, an adjustable section, and, additionally or alternatively, a malleable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 8343149
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system for treating tissue includes an assembly of antennas adapted to connect to a microwave generator. The microwave generator generates microwave energy. Each antenna of the assembly of antennas includes inner and outer conductors. The inner conductor has a length. The outer conductor has a longitudinal axis defined along a length thereof. The outer conductor at least partially surrounding the inner conductor at least partially along the length thereof. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable with respect to the other. At least one antenna of the assembly of antennas is deployable from a first state for ablating a first ablation region of tissue to a second deployable state for ablating a second ablation region of tissue. The first and second ablation tissue regions overlap to define an aggregate ablation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Francesca Rossetto, Mani N. Prakash