US Patent No: 4,682,596

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Electrosurgical catheter and method for vascular applications

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Abstract

The method for resolving atherosclerotic plaque buildup and/or eroding unwanted tissue in a blood vessel includes the steps of: inserting an electrode in and along the lumen of a blood vessel; manually manipulating said electrode through the blood vessel; positioning said electrode proximate to atherosclerotic plaque buildup site or unwanted tissue site in the blood vessel; supplying a predetermined high-frequency, high-voltage electrical current to said electrode; maintaining said predetermined current for a predetermined time period; and sensing from time to time, the amount of plaque or unwanted tissue at the site. The electrosurgical plaque-resolving or tissue-eroding device is adapted to be inserted within and along the lumen of a blood vessel and manipulated therethrough to a desired position where the device is operated to resolve atherosclerotic plaque buildup or erode tissue in the blood vessel according to the method to re-establish desired blood flow through the blood vessel or to remove tissue therefrom. The device comprises an elongate flexible hollow tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end. A hollow tip member is mounted at the distal end of the flexible hollow tubular body and an electrode is associated with the hollow tip member for resolving plaque or eroding tissue. A power supply circuit for supplying a high-frequency, high-voltage electrical current to the electrode is coupled to the electrode. A mechanism for sensing, from time to time, the amount of plaque or tissue at the site in the blood vessel is also provided with the device.

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First Claim

Related Publications

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
CORDIS WEBSTER, INC.BALDWIN PARK, CA64

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Bales, Thomas O Coral Gables, FL 129 4781
Smith, Kevin W Houston, TX 344 7726

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (2)
4,217,910 Internal jugular and left ventricular thermodilution catheter 51 1978
4,240,441 Carotid thermodilution catheter 105 1978
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FLAIR INDUSTRIAL PARK RCBO (2)
4,429,694 Electrosurgical generator 85 1981
4,438,766 Electrosurgical generator 66 1981
 
Bio-Tronics, Inc. (1)
4,227,535 Proctologic device for the therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoids 26 1979
 
ELLMAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. (1)
4,517,975 Electrosurgical electrode for matrisectomy 82 1983
 
SIEMENS ELEMA AB (1)
4,534,366 Carbon fiber pacing electrode 10 1983
 
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (1)
4,449,528 Fast pulse thermal cautery probe and method 113 1981
 
UNWIRED PLANET, LLC (1)
2001/0001,008 Transmitter/receiver for GMSK and Offset-QAM 1 2000
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (4)
4,207,874 Laser tunnelling device 162 1978
4,347,842 Disposable electrical surgical suction tube and instrument 37 1980
4,423,727 Continuous flow urological endoscopic apparatus and method of using same 61 1981
4,524,770 Endoscope injection needle 92 1983

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
ARTHROCARE CORPORATION (159)
5,366,443 Method and apparatus for advancing catheters through occluded body lumens 356 1992
5,419,767 Methods and apparatus for advancing catheters through severely occluded body lumens 275 1993
6,024,733 System and method for epidermal tissue ablation 159 1995
5,902,272 Planar ablation probe and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 229 1996
5,873,855 Systems and methods for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization 207 1996
5,860,951 Systems and methods for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization 173 1996
6,312,408 Electrosurgical probe for treating tissue in electrically conductive fluid 137 1996
5,891,095 Electrosurgical treatment of tissue in electrically conductive fluid 283 1996
5,888,198 Electrosurgical system for resection and ablation of tissue in electrically conductive fluids 252 1996
5,871,469 System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 246 1997
6,179,824 System and methods for electrosurgical restenosis of body lumens 146 1997
6,113,597 Electrosurgical systems and methods for urological and gynecological procedures 55 1997
6,105,581 Electrosurgical systems and methods for treating the spine 133 1997
6,228,078 Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment 162 1997
6,210,402 Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment 167 1997
6,109,268 Systems and methods for electrosurgical endoscopic sinus surgery 160 1997
6,032,674 Systems and methods for myocardial revascularization 102 1997
6,183,469 Electrosurgical systems and methods for the removal of pacemaker leads 165 1998
6,190,381 Methods for tissue resection, ablation and aspiration 243 1998
6,620,155 System and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine 40 1998
6,557,559 Electrosurgical systems and methods with temperature control 70 1998
6,277,112 Methods for electrosurgical spine surgery 157 1998
6,355,032 Systems and methods for selective electrosurgical treatment of body structures 189 1998
6,391,025 Electrosurgical scalpel and methods for tissue cutting 148 1998
6,063,079 Methods for electrosurgical treatment of turbinates 129 1998
6,235,020 Power supply and methods for fluid delivery in electrosurgery 236 1998
6,582,423 Electrosurgical systems and methods for recanalization of occluded body lumens 56 1998
6,363,937 System and methods for electrosurgical treatment of the digestive system 177 1998
6,053,172 Systems and methods for electrosurgical sinus surgery 119 1998
6,047,700 Systems and methods for electrosurgical removal of calcified deposits 135 1998
6,102,046 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue revascularization 166 1998
6,224,592 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in conductive fluid 236 1998
6,045,532 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of tissue in the brain and spinal cord 121 1998
6,086,585 System and methods for electrosurgical treatment of sleep obstructive disorders 82 1998
6,461,350 Systems and methods for electrosurgical-assisted lipectomy 75 1998
6,117,109 Systems and methods for electrosurgical incisions on external skin surfaces 144 1998
6,066,134 Method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 195 1998
6,179,836 Planar ablation probe for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 196 1998
6,296,638 Systems for tissue ablation and aspiration 167 1998
6,228,082 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of vascular disorders 90 1998
6,149,620 System and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in the presence of electrically conductive fluid 208 1999
6,159,208 System and methods for electrosurgical treatment of obstructive sleep disorders 138 1999
7,758,537 Systems and methods for electrosurgical removal of the stratum corneum 4 1999
6,203,542 Method for electrosurgical treatment of submucosal tissue 144 1999
7,201,750 System for treating articular cartilage defects 65 1999
6,461,354 Systems for electrosurgical dermatological treatment 47 1999
6,309,387 Systems and methods for electrosurgical skin resurfacing 120 1999
6,264,652 Electrosurgical systems for treating tissue 155 1999
6,264,650 Methods for electrosurgical treatment of intervertebral discs 165 1999
6,283,961 Apparatus for electrosurgical spine surgery 276 1999
6,254,600 Systems for tissue ablation and aspiration 148 1999
6,238,391 Systems for tissue resection, ablation and aspiration 192 1999
6,264,651 Method for electrosurgical spine surgery 102 1999
7,422,585 System for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization 10 1999
7,505,812 Electrosurgical system for treating restenosis of body lumens 1 1999
6,296,636 Power supply and methods for limiting power in electrosurgery 221 1999
6,623,454 System and method for electrosurgical tissue contraction 29 1999
6,632,220 Systems for electrosurgical tissue treatment in conductive fluid 100 1999
7,572,251 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment 16 1999
6,632,193 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment 184 2000
6,322,549 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of tissue in the brain and spinal cord 142 2000
6,659,106 System and methods for electrosurgical treatment of turbinates 18 2000
6,416,507 Method for treating articular cartilage defects 124 2000
6,416,508 Methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in conductive fluid 165 2000
6,379,351 Electrosurgical method for the removal of pacemaker leads 136 2000
6,929,640 Methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine 113 2000
6,749,604 Electrosurgical instrument with axially-spaced electrodes 87 2000
7,131,969 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of obstructive sleep disorders 98 2000
6,896,672 Methods for electrosurgical incisions on external skin surfaces 26 2000
6,595,990 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue revascularization 46 2000
6,575,968 Electrosurgical system for treating the spine 108 2000
6,432,103 System for electrosurgical treatment of submucosal tissue 138 2000
6,482,201 Systems and methods for tissue resection, ablation and aspiration 127 2000
6,468,270 System and method for electrosurgical treatment of intervertebral discs 82 2000
7,070,596 Electrosurgical apparatus having a curved distal section 106 2000
6,896,674 Electrosurgical apparatus having digestion electrode and methods related thereto 55 2000
6,726,684 Methods for electrosurgical spine surgery 74 2000
6,855,143 Electrosurgical systems and methods for recanalization of occluded body lumens 25 2000
7,179,255 Methods for targeted electrosurgery on contained herniated discs 158 2000
6,832,996 Electrosurgical systems and methods for treating tissue 55 2001
6,589,237 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treating tissue 128 2001
6,464,695 Method for electrosurgical treatment of intervertebral discs 58 2001
6,915,806 Method for harvesting graft vessel 27 2001
6,544,261 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of submucosal tissue 22 2001
6,770,071 Bladed electrosurgical probe 112 2001
6,773,431 Method for epidermal tissue ablation 24 2001
7,429,262 Apparatus and methods for electrosurgical ablation and resection of target tissue 43 2001
6,746,447 Methods for ablating tissue 55 2001
6,974,453 Dual mode electrosurgical clamping probe and related methods 112 2001
6,805,130 Methods for electrosurgical tendon vascularization 25 2001
6,772,012 Methods for electrosurgical treatment of spinal tissue 93 2001
6,500,173 Methods for electrosurgical spine surgery 87 2001
7,442,191 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of turbinates 43 2001
6,837,887 Articulated electrosurgical probe and methods 96 2002
7,270,661 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatment and removal of tissue 57 2002
7,186,234 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatment and removal of tissue 75 2002
6,837,888 Electrosurgical probe with movable return electrode and methods related thereto 140 2002
6,719,754 Methods for electrosurgical assisted lipectomy 33 2002
6,766,202 Systems and methods for intradermal collagen stimulation 48 2002
7,393,351 Apparatus and methods for treating cervical inter-vertebral discs 24 2002
6,837,884 Electrosurgical apparatus having compound return electrode 42 2002
6,763,836 Methods for electrosurgical tendon vascularization 23 2002
7,435,247 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment 40 2002
6,712,811 Methods for electrosurgical spine surgery 46 2002
7,004,941 Systems and methods for electrosurigical treatment of obstructive sleep disorders 80 2002
6,920,883 Methods and apparatus for skin treatment 92 2002
7,824,398 Electrosurgical systems and methods for removing and modifying tissue 11 2003
6,949,096 Electrosurgical ablation and aspiration apparatus having flow directing feature and methods related thereto 92 2003
6,991,631 Electrosurgical probe having circular electrode array for ablating joint tissue and systems related thereto 101 2003
7,331,957 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for laparoscopy 23 2003
7,270,658 Systems and methods for electrosurgery 91 2003
7,192,428 Systems for epidermal tissue ablation 66 2003
7,094,215 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction 98 2003
7,104,986 Intervertebral disc replacement method 76 2003
7,357,798 Systems and methods for electrosurgical prevention of disc herniations 50 2003
7,217,268 Method for electrosurgical tissue treatment near a patient's heart 73 2003
7,090,672 Method for treating obstructive sleep disorder includes removing tissue from the base of tongue 75 2003
7,318,823 Methods for repairing damaged intervertebral discs 122 2003
6,960,204 Electrosurgical method using laterally arranged active electrode 83 2003
7,276,063 Instrument for electrosurgical tissue treatment 55 2003
RE40156 Methods for repairing damaged intervertebral discs 74 2003
7,241,293 Electrode screen enhanced electrosurgical apparatus and methods for ablating tissue 47 2003
7,297,143 Temperature indicating electrosurgical apparatus and methods 41 2004
7,387,625 Methods and apparatus for treating intervertebral discs 44 2004
8,012,153 Rotary electrosurgical apparatus and methods thereof 0 2004
7,708,733 Electrosurgical method and apparatus for removing tissue within a bone body 32 2004
7,419,488 Electrosurgical probe with movable return electrode and methods related thereto 40 2005
7,491,200 Method for treating obstructive sleep disorder includes removing tissue from base of tongue 14 2005
7,449,021 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine 18 2005
7,704,249 Apparatus and methods for electrosurgical ablation and resection of target tissue 7 2005
7,892,230 Electrosurgical device having planar vertical electrode and related methods 3 2005
7,632,267 Fuse-electrode electrosurgical apparatus 9 2005
7,270,659 Methods for electrosurgical treatment of spinal tissue 57 2005
7,297,145 Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue 38 2005
7,169,143 Methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in electrically conductive fluid 77 2005
7,691,101 Electrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcer 12 2006
7,879,034 Internally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and method 8 2006
7,331,956 Methods and apparatus for treating back pain 50 2006
7,429,260 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine 27 2006
7,445,618 Methods for tissue ablation using pulsed energy 25 2007
7,468,059 System and method for epidermal tissue ablation 24 2007
7,901,403 Internally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and method 8 2007
7,862,560 Ablation apparatus having reduced nerve stimulation and related methods 7 2007
7,507,236 System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 21 2007
8,114,071 Hard tissue ablation system 0 2007
7,988,689 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatment and removal of tissue 2 2007
7,717,912 Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue 0 2007
8,192,424 Electrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and method 8 2008
7,824,405 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for laparoscopy 4 2008
7,794,456 Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement 2 2008
7,819,863 System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation 4 2008
8,355,799 Systems and methods for limiting joint temperature 1 2008
8,257,350 Method and system of an electrosurgical controller with wave-shaping 0 2009
8,323,279 System, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable fluid delivery sheath 4 2009
8,372,067 Electrosurgery irrigation primer systems and methods 0 2009
7,951,141 Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement 1 2010
D658760 Wound care electrosurgical wand 2 2010
8,292,887 Internally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and method 4 2011
8,444,638 Hard tissue ablation system 0 2012
 
TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA (22)
7,794,474 Endovascular flexible stapling device 0 2002
7,165,552 Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale 41 2003
7,311,701 Methods and apparatus for non-invasively treating atrial fibrillation using high intensity focused ultrasound 15 2004
7,186,251 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 59 2004
7,293,562 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects 30 2004
7,367,975 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects 24 2004
7,922,716 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects 1 2005
7,637,924 Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale 5 2005
8,038,669 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2005
8,109,274 Methods and electrode apparatus to achieve a closure of a layered tissue defect 0 2006
8,075,554 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,070,747 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,066,701 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,038,672 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,038,673 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,057,469 Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
8,038,671 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2006
7,914,527 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 1 2006
8,021,362 Methods and apparatus for closing a layered tissue defect 0 2006
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8,052,678 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2007
8,133,221 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects 0 2007
 
GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED (20)
6,293,942 Electrosurgical generator method 214 1996
6,015,406 Electrosurgical instrument 199 1996
6,004,319 Electrosurgical instrument 231 1996
6,027,501 Electrosurgical instrument 206 1996
6,013,076 Electrosurgical instrument 149 1996
5,944,715 Electrosurgical instrument 240 1996
6,093,186 Electrosurgical generator and system 228 1997
6,416,509 Electrosurgical generator and system 197 1998
6,090,106 Electrosurgical instrument 167 1998
6,056,746 Electrosurgical instrument 240 1998
6,364,877 Electrosurgical generator and system 156 1998
6,306,134 Electrosurgical generator and system 217 1998
6,261,286 Electrosurgical generator and system 188 1998
6,210,405 Under water treatment 51 1998
6,277,114 Electrode assembly for an electrosurical instrument 48 1999
6,174,308 Electrosurgical instrument 53 1999
6,234,178 Electrosurgical instrument 86 1999
6,780,180 Electrosurgical instrument 114 2000
6,565,561 Electrosurgical instrument 17 2000
6,482,202 Under water treatment 45 2001
 
VENTURE LENDING & LEASING, INC. (20)
5,370,675 Medical probe device and method 723 1993
5,435,805 Medical probe device with optical viewing capability 213 1993
5,421,819 Medical probe device 188 1993
5,385,544 BPH ablation method and apparatus 258 1993
5,409,453 Steerable medical probe with stylets 240 1993
5,470,308 Medical probe with biopsy stylet 249 1993
5,556,377 Medical probe apparatus with laser and/or microwave monolithic integrated circuit probe 175 1993
5,366,490 Medical probe device and method 399 1993
5,720,718 Medical probe apparatus with enhanced RF, resistance heating, and microwave ablation capabilities 67 1994
5,554,110 Medical ablation apparatus 186 1994
5,542,915 Thermal mapping catheter with ultrasound probe 145 1994
5,470,309 Medical ablation apparatus utilizing a heated stylet 78 1994
5,549,644 Transurethral needle ablation device with cystoscope and method for treatment of the prostate 180 1994
5,630,794 Catheter tip and method of manufacturing 52 1994
5,720,719 Ablative catheter with conformable body 36 1994
5,672,153 Medical probe device and method 145 1994
5,536,240 Medical probe device and method 177 1994
5,531,676 Medical probe device and method 174 1994
5,599,294 Microwave probe device and method 87 1994
5,667,488 Transurethral needle ablation device and method for the treatment of the prostate 48 1995
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (19)
5,562,619 Deflectable catheter 205 1993
RE40863 Apparatus and method for sealing vascular punctures 0 1993
5,676,693 Electrophysiology device 381 1994
5,810,810 Apparatus and method for sealing vascular punctures 104 1995
6,063,085 Apparatus and method for sealing vascular punctures 132 1995
6,068,653 Electrophysiology catheter device 104 1996
6,428,537 Electrophysiological treatment methods and apparatus employing high voltage pulse to render tissue temporarily unresponsive 58 1998
6,394,949 Large area thermal ablation 72 1999
6,212,426 Systems and methods for conducting electrophysiological testing using high-voltage energy pulses to stun tissue 68 1999
6,533,779 PMR catheter and associated methods 8 2001
6,421,556 Systems and methods for conducting electrophysiological testing using high-voltage energy pulses to stun tissue 4 2001
6,932,812 Large area thermal ablation 30 2002
6,679,269 Systems and methods for conducting electrophysiological testing using high-voltage energy pulses to stun tissue 27 2002
8,052,676 Surgical methods and apparatus for stimulating tissue 0 2003
7,608,072 Surgical methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between tissue and electrophysiology elements and confirming whether a therapeutic lesion has been formed 1 2003
7,371,233 Cooled probes and apparatus for maintaining contact between cooled probes and tissue 16 2004
7,645,254 Apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree 0 2004
8,016,822 Fluid injecting devices and methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between fluid injecting devices and tissue 0 2005
7,749,159 Large area thermal ablation 4 2005
 
MEDTRONIC, INC. (15)
5,477,860 Catheter for measuring respiration and respiratory effort 14 1992
5,438,985 Ambulatory recording of the presence and activity of substances in gastro-intestinal compartments 28 1993
5,477,854 System and method to monitor gastrointestinal Helicobacter pylori infection 5 1993
5,479,935 Ambulatory reflux monitoring system 39 1993
5,507,289 System and method to diagnose bacterial growth 6 1994
5,657,759 Measurement of gastric emptying and gastrointestinal output 37 1995
5,551,425 Potential difference and perfusion pressure catheter 10 1995
6,063,081 Fluid-assisted electrocautery device 176 1995
5,833,625 Ambulatory reflux monitoring system 19 1995
5,810,741 Method of measuring respiration and respiratory effort using plural catheters 3 1995
6,132,372 Measurement of gastric emptying and gastrointestinal output 32 1997
5,807,395 Method and apparatus for RF ablation and hyperthermia 446 1997
7,611,455 Method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue 0 2005
7,422,588 Pen-type electrosurgical instrument 2 2006
7,794,460 Method of ablating tissue 0 2008
 
VIDAMED, INC. (13)
5,599,295 Medical probe apparatus with enhanced RF, resistance heating, and microwave ablation capabilities 53 1995
5,607,389 Medical probe with biopsy stylet 113 1995
5,800,378 Medical probe device and method 156 1996
5,762,626 Transurethral needle ablation device with cystoscope and method for treatment of the prostate 44 1996
5,895,370 Medical probe (with stylets) device 21 1997
5,957,922 Transurethral radio frequency apparatus for ablation of the prostate gland and method 45 1997
5,964,727 Medical probe device and method 37 1997
6,419,653 Medical probe device and method 25 1998
6,022,334 Medical probe device with optic viewing capability 28 1998
6,241,702 Radio frequency ablation device for treatment of the prostate 66 1998
6,206,847 Medical probe device 14 1999
6,129,726 Medical probe device and method 63 1999
6,464,661 Medical probe with stylets 10 2001
 
BRONCUS MEDICAL INC. (10)
6,692,494 Methods and devices for creating collateral channels in the lungs 81 2000
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7,422,563 Multifunctional tip catheter for applying energy to tissue and detecting the presence of blood flow 6 2002
7,022,088 Devices for applying energy to tissue 56 2002
7,708,712 Methods and devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in a body organ 3 2004
7,462,162 Antiproliferative devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in a body organ 6 2004
7,393,330 Electrosurgical device having hollow tissue cutting member and transducer assembly 7 2006
8,409,167 Devices for delivering substances through an extra-anatomic opening created in an airway 0 2006
 
COVIDIEN LP (10)
7,951,071 Moisture-detecting shaft for use with an electro-mechanical surgical device 0 2002
8,292,888 Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device 0 2002
7,874,981 Orifice introducer device 0 2003
8,025,199 Surgical cutting and stapling device 6 2004
7,824,408 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 4 2004
8,357,144 Electro-mechanical surgical device 0 2005
7,625,372 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 11 2005
8,361,061 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 0 2009
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MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (7)
5,106,387 Method for spectroscopic diagnosis of tissue 105 1989
5,034,010 Optical shield for a laser catheter 52 1989
5,199,431 Optical needle for spectroscopic diagnosis 55 1989
5,104,392 Laser spectro-optic imaging for diagnosis and treatment of diseased tissue 69 1989
5,125,404 Apparatus and method for obtaining spectrally resolved spatial images of tissue 44 1989
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NEUROTHERM, INC. (7)
6,997,941 Method and apparatus for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs 28 2003
7,400,930 Method for treating intervertebral discs 15 2003
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TSUNAMI MEDTECH, LLC (6)
7,549,987 Thermotherapy device 9 2004
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VESSIX VASCULAR, INC. (5)
7,291,146 Selectable eccentric remodeling and/or ablation of atherosclerotic material 16 2004
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8,396,548 Selective drug delivery in a lumen 0 2009
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5,814,044 Apparatus and method for morselating and removing tissue from a patient 78 1995
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BAYLIS MEDICAL COMPANY INC. (4)
7,112,197 Surgical device with pressure monitoring ability 2 2003
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COSMAN COMPANY, INC. (4)
6,440,127 Method for performing intraurethral radio-frequency urethral enlargement 44 1998
6,517,534 Peri-urethral ablation 40 1999
6,743,226 Adjustable trans-urethral radio-frequency ablation 17 2001
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ELECTROMEDICAL ASSOCIATES LLC (4)
7,611,509 Electrosurgical device 1 2005
8,177,784 Electrosurgical device having floating potential electrode and adapted for use with a resectoscope 0 2007
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8,348,944 Electrosurgical device having floating-potential electrode and bubble trap 0 2012
 
TOPERA, INC. (4)
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8,364,236 Flexible electrode assembly for insertion into body lumen or organ 0 2012
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TSUNAMI MEDTECH (4)
6,210,404 Microjoule electrical discharge catheter for thrombolysis in stroke patients 28 1998
6,508,816 Medical instrument working end creating very high pressure gradients 25 2001
6,911,028 Medical instrument working end and method for endoluminal treatments 24 2003
7,674,259 Medical instruments and techniques for thermally-mediated therapies 25 2003
 
CARDIODEX LTD. (3)
8,435,236 Techniques for heat-treating varicose veins 0 2005
8,366,706 Systems and methods for puncture closure 0 2008
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CHENES LLC (3)
7,077,842 Over-the-wire high frequency electrode 18 2002
7,976,542 Adjustable high frequency electrode 1 2006
7,862,563 Integral high frequency electrode 0 2006
 
COAPTUS MEDICAL CORPORATION (3)
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8,308,723 Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods 0 2009
 
ESC MEDICAL SYSTEMS LTD. (3)
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5,556,396 Method for tubal electroligation 231 1995
5,658,282 Apparatus for in situ saphenous vein bypass and less-invasive varicose vein treatment 62 1995
 
NEURO NAVIGATIONAL CORPORATION (3)
5,207,684 Sheath for shunt placement for hydrocephalus 56 1992
5,458,606 Neuro endoscope for shunt 15 1994
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ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC. (3)
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ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY (3)
4,976,711 Ablation catheter with selectively deployable electrodes 521 1989
5,098,431 RF ablation catheter 250 1990
5,085,659 Biopsy device with bipolar coagulation capability 423 1990
 
STRYKER CORPORATION (3)
6,214,003 Electrosurgical tool 32 1999
6,461,352 Surgical handpiece with self-sealing switch assembly 100 2001
7,306,592 System and method for regulating an amount of thermal energy generated by an electrosurgical tool 15 2002
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (3)
RE42756 Endovascular electrolytically detachable wire and tip for the formation of thrombus in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas 0 2006
RE42662 Endovascular electrolytically detachable wire and tip for the formation of thrombus in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas 0 2006
RE42625 Endovascular electrolytically detachable wire and tip for the formation of thrombus in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas 0 2006
 
WILSON, WALTER (3)
5,454,809 Electrosurgical catheter and method for resolving atherosclerotic plaque by radio frequency sparking 411 1994
5,626,576 Electrosurgical catheter for resolving atherosclerotic plaque by radio frequency sparking 126 1995
5,749,914 Catheter for obstructed stent 67 1996
 
EP Technologies, Inc. (2)
5,577,509 Systems and methods for examining the electrical characteristics and timing of electrical events in cardiac tissue 15 1994
5,732,698 Systems for examining the electrical characteristics of cardiac tissue while minimizing contact with blood within the heart 60 1995
 
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. (2)
7,137,981 Endoscopic ablation system with a distally mounted image sensor 27 2002
7,097,644 Medical device with improved wall construction 3 2003
 
ETHICON, INC. (2)
6,277,115 Apparatus and method for treating body tissues 45 1999
6,740,084 Method and device to enhance RF electrode performance 25 2001
 
MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC (2)
8,177,783 Electric plasma-mediated cutting and coagulation of tissue and surgical apparatus 1 2007
8,414,572 Electrosurgery apparatus with partially insulated electrode and exposed edge 0 2012
 
MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC. (2)
6,561,998 Transluminal devices, systems and methods for enlarging interstitial penetration tracts 52 1998
7,963,960 Cutting radio frequency catheter for creating fenestrations in graft cloth 0 2006
 
MEDTRONIC VIDAMED, INC. (2)
6,852,091 Medical probe device and method 41 2002
7,387,626 Medical probe device and method 6 2004
 
MIRABILIS MEDICA INC. (2)
8,187,270 Hemostatic spark erosion tissue tunnel generator with integral treatment providing variable volumetric necrotization of tissue 0 2007
8,439,907 Hemostatic tissue tunnel generator for inserting treatment apparatus into tissue of a patient 0 2008
 
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (2)
8,043,286 Method and apparatus for plasma-mediated thermo-electrical ablation 0 2007
8,323,276 Method for plasma-mediated thermo-electrical ablation with low temperature electrode 0 2011
 
THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION (2)
6,852,109 Radio frequency guide wire assembly with optical coherence reflectometry guidance 14 2002
7,563,262 Radio frequency guide wire assembly with optical coherence reflectometry guidance 0 2004
 
The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (2)
8,167,905 Endovascular flexible stapling device 0 2008
8,048,110 Endovascular flexible stapling device 0 2008
 
ABIOMED, INC. (1)
6,117,130 Coring device for myocardial revascularization 6 1998
 
Alto Development Corporation (1)
5,520,685 Thermally-insulated anti-clog tip for electrocautery suction tubes 67 1994
 
AthroCare Corporation (1)
8,317,786 System, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable suction sheath 0 2009
 
BIOPHAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
6,968,236 Ceramic cardiac electrodes 4 2002
 
BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM (1)
5,409,467 Antimicrobial catheter 10 1993
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION (1)
5,865,800 Deflectable catheter 123 1996
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION NORTHWEST TECHNOLOGY CENTER, INC. (1)
5,364,393 Tissue dissipative recanalization catheter 104 1993
 
CELON AG MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS (1)
8,157,799 Bipolar coagulation electrode 0 2011
 
CONMED CORPORATION (1)
5,605,539 Self-introducing infusion catheter 51 1994
 
CORDIS WEBSTER, INC. (1)
5,057,092 Braided catheter with low modulus warp 241 1990
 
ECLIPSE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
6,156,031 Transmyocardial revascularization using radiofrequency energy 56 1998
 
EVEREST MEDICAL CORPORATION (1)
4,936,281 Ultrasonically enhanced RF ablation catheter 464 1989
 
GE MARQUETTE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,743,859 Integrated electrical signal switching and amplifying system 9 1996
 
GYNECARE, INC. (1)
6,056,747 Apparatus and method for treatment of body tissues 58 1997
 
GYRUS ENT L.L.C. (1)
5,514,131 Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula 228 1994
 
INTACT MEDICAL CORPORATION (1)
7,041,101 Electrosurgical accessing of tissue with controlled collateral thermal phenomena 15 2003
 
IONIX MEDICAL, INC. (1)
8,014,854 Method and device for treating abnormal tissue growth with electrical therapy 0 2008
 
Kentucky Packaging Service, LP (1)
5,925,039 Electrosurgical instrument with conductive ceramic or cermet and method of making same 39 1996
 
LUMENIS, LTD. (1)
6,267,758 Apparatus for in situ saphenous vein bypass and less-invasive varicose vein treatment 23 1997
 
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (1)
6,312,426 Method and system for performing plate type radiofrequency ablation 35 1997
 
NOVARTIS AG (1)
7,276,060 Surgical handpiece tip 1 2004
 
OLYMPUS CORPORATION (1)
7,731,714 Instrument for endoscope and instrument system for endoscope 1 2006
 
OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH (1)
6,616,656 Two-electrode endoscopic implement 2 2001
 
ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC. (1)
6,379,350 Surgical instrument for ablation and aspiration 94 1999
 
Philadelphia Heart Institute (1)
5,718,701 Ablation electrode 177 1996
 
REX MEDICAL, L.P. (1)
6,623,437 Tissue biopsy apparatus 15 2001
 
SHERWOOD SERVICES AG (1)
4,966,597 Thermometric cardiac tissue ablation electrode with ultra-sensitive temperature detection 547 1988
 
SOMNUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
5,456,662 Method for reducing snoring by RF ablation of the uvula 207 1994
 
ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. (1)
5,300,068 Electrosurgical apparatus 246 1992
 
SULZER OSYPKA GMBH (1)
5,964,754 Device for perforating the heart wall 49 1997
 
TARGET THERAPEUTICS, ICN. (1)
6,059,779 Delivery catheter for electrolytically detachable implant 23 1995
 
TELECTRONICS, INC., A DE CORP. (1)
4,917,104 Electrically insulated "J" stiffener wire 60 1988
 
TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION (1)
5,520,684 Transurethral radio frequency apparatus for ablation of the prostate gland and method 295 1994
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG (1)
5,221,281 Electrosurgical tubular trocar 122 1992
 
UNI-CATH INC. (1)
5,381,790 Electrophysiology apparatus 35 1993
 
VOLCANO CORPORATION (1)
8,007,440 Apparatus and methods for low-cost intravascular ultrasound imaging and for crossing severe vascular occlusions 0 2005
 
WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. (1)
7,462,178 Systems and methods for electrosurgical spine surgery 27 2007
 
Other [Check patent profile for assignment information] (14)
4,776,349 Tubular device for the treatment of hollow organs with electric current 135 1986
4,790,311 Radio frequency angioplasty catheter system 88 1987
5,019,076 Radio frequency surgical tool and method 71 1989
5,219,354 Dissecting-cum haemostapling scissors 155 1990
5,242,441 Deflectable catheter with rotatable tip electrode 315 1992
5,354,297 Biplanar deflectable catheter for arrhythmogenic tissue ablation 143 1992
5,263,493 Deflectable loop electrode array mapping and ablation catheter for cardiac chambers 453 1992
5,327,905 Biplanar deflectable catheter for arrhythmogenic tissue ablation 172 1992
5,441,503 Apparatus for removing tumors from hollow organs of the body 80 1994
5,555,883 Loop electrode array mapping and ablation catheter for cardiac chambers 184 1995
5,718,709 Apparatus for removing tumours from hollow organs of the body 23 1995
6,113,556 Biplanar deflectable catheter for arrhythmogenic tissue ablation 4 1995
5,730,704 Loop electrode array mapping and ablation catheter for cardiac chambers 213 1996
8,465,485 Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale 0 2011