US Patent No: 5,334,193

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Fluid cooled ablation catheter

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Abstract

A thin, elongate and flexible ablation catheter, suitable for delivery to an internal organ, comprises a fluid delivery lumen centrally located within the catheter, and first and second electrodes disposed on an outer surface of the catheter. The electrodes preferably are helically oriented about the catheter. At least one of the electrodes is in communication with a source of electrosurgical energy so as to deliver ablative electrosurgical energy to tissue. The lumen communicates with a fluid supply source such that fluid is conveyed through the lumen and is discharged to adjacent tissue during the delivery of ablative energy. The fluid delivered through the lumen assists in optimizing the electrode temperature. A method and apparatus is also provided to regulate the fluid flow rate based on monitored electrode temperature and/or tissue impedance.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
AMERICAN CARDIAC ABLATION CO., INC.TAUNTON, MA10

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Nardella, Paul C Wareham, MA 27 5117

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
SHERWOOD SERVICES AG (2)
4,907,589 Automatic over-temperature control apparatus for a therapeutic heating device 444 1988
4,966,597 Thermometric cardiac tissue ablation electrode with ultra-sensitive temperature detection 544 1988
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (1)
5,156,151 Endocardial mapping and ablation system and catheter probe 486 1991
 
C.R. BARD, INC. (1)
4,896,671 Catheter with contoured ablation electrode 159 1988
 
CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC. (1)
4,559,951 Catheter assembly 203 1982
 
CIRCON CORPORATION (1)
4,532,924 Multipolar electrosurgical device and method 499 1982
 
CORDIS WEBSTER, INC. (1)
4,785,815 Apparatus for locating and ablating cardiac conduction pathways 207 1985
 
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION (1)
4,328,806 Catheter with trans-luminal gas pathway 36 1980
 
ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (1)
5,006,119 Hollow core coaxial catheter 129 1989
 
INNOVATIVE CARDIAC SOLUTIONS, INC. (1)
4,945,912 Catheter with radiofrequency heating applicator 312 1988
 
LEIBINGER GMBH (1)
4,474,179 Method and apparatus for the high frequency coagulation of protein for surgical purposes 171 1982
 
LINVATEC CORPORATION (1)
4,943,290 Electrolyte purging electrode tip 371 1989
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD. (1)
5,168,880 Apparatus for dielectric-heating living body by high-frequency current and apparatus therefor 12 1990
 
PACESETTER AB (1)
4,805,621 Apparatus for measuring impedance of body tissue 109 1987
 
PHYSIO-CONTROL CORPORATION (1)
4,785,812 Protection system for preventing defibrillation with incorrect or improperly connected electrodes 43 1986
 
RCA CORPORATION (1)
4,641,649 Method and apparatus for high frequency catheter ablation 339 1985
 
TECHNOMED INTERNATIONAL A FRENCH CORPORATION (1)
5,234,004 Method and apparatus for the surgical treatment of tissues by thermal effect, and in particular the prostate, using a urethral microwave-emitting probe means 160 1991
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (1)
4,869,248 Method and apparatus for localized thermal ablation 96 1987

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
INNERCOOL THERAPIES, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION (79)
6,051,019 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 141 1998
6,042,559 Insulated catheter for selective organ perfusion 161 1998
5,957,963 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 190 1998
6,231,595 Circulating fluid hypothermia method and apparatus 107 1998
6,096,068 Selective organ cooling catheter and method of using the same 158 1998
6,254,626 Articulation device for selective organ cooling apparatus 100 1998
6,251,129 Method for low temperature thrombolysis and low temperature thrombolytic agent with selective organ temperature control 103 1998
6,238,428 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method employing turbulence-inducing element with curved terminations 93 1999
6,312,452 Selective organ cooling catheter with guidewire apparatus and temperature-monitoring device 99 1999
6,224,624 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method 113 1999
6,235,048 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 102 1999
6,149,677 Circulating fluid hypothermia method 147 1999
6,843,800 Patient temperature regulation method and apparatus 1 1999
6,325,818 Inflatable cooling apparatus for selective organ hypothermia 68 1999
6,379,378 Lumen design for catheter 68 2000
6,491,039 Medical procedure 15 2000
6,471,717 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method 13 2000
6,464,716 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method 27 2000
6,582,455 Method and device for applications of selective organ cooling 16 2000
6,482,226 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 14 2000
6,478,811 Method for low temperature thrombolysis and low temperature thrombolytic agent with selective organ temperature control 17 2000
6,468,296 Method for low temperature thrombolysis and low temperature thrombolytic agent with selective organ temperature control 24 2000
6,576,002 Isolated selective organ cooling method and apparatus 16 2001
6,478,812 Method and device for applications of selective organ cooling 19 2001
6,475,231 Method and device for applications of selective organ cooling 18 2001
6,540,771 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 27 2001
6,533,804 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 21 2001
6,818,011 Circulating fluid hypothermia method and apparatus 4 2001
6,602,276 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation 40 2001
6,551,349 Selective organ cooling apparatus 22 2001
6,692,488 Apparatus for cell necrosis 13 2001
6,558,412 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 13 2001
6,676,688 Method of making selective organ cooling catheter 14 2001
6,599,312 Isolated selective organ cooling apparatus 20 2001
6,726,708 Therapeutic heating and cooling via temperature management of a colon-inserted balloon 22 2001
6,905,509 Selective organ cooling catheter with guidewire apparatus and temperature-monitoring device 5 2001
6,685,732 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PERFORMING COOLING- OR CRYO-THERAPIES FOR, E.G., ANGIOPLASTY WITH REDUCED RESTENOSIS OR PULMONARY VEIN CELL NECROSIS TO INHIBIT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION EMPLOYING MICROPOROUS BALLOON 27 2001
6,719,779 Circulation set for temperature-controlled catheter and method of using the same 33 2001
6,585,752 Fever regulation method and apparatus 17 2001
6,576,001 Lumen design for catheter 24 2001
6,786,218 Medical procedure 4 2001
7,291,144 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation 3 2002
6,660,028 Method for determining the effective thermal mass of a body or organ using a cooling catheter 17 2002
6,905,494 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing tissue protection 16 2002
7,001,378 Method and device for performing cooling or cryo-therapies, for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing tissue protection 14 2002
6,695,873 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 16 2002
6,676,689 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 16 2002
6,648,908 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 37 2002
6,755,850 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 10 2002
6,991,645 Patient temperature regulation method and apparatus 0 2002
6,702,842 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method 17 2002
6,869,440 Method and apparatus for patient temperature control employing administration of anti-shivering agents 5 2002
6,830,581 Method and device for patient temperature control employing optimized rewarming 3 2002
7,101,386 Patient temperature regulation method and apparatus 17 2002
6,740,109 Isolated selective organ cooling method 13 2002
7,063,718 Selective organ hypothermia method and apparatus 5 2003
7,094,253 Fever regulation method and apparatus 0 2003
7,004,960 Circulation set for temperature-controlled catheter and method of using the same 4 2003
7,651,518 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 0 2003
7,052,508 Inflatable heat transfer apparatus 0 2003
7,211,105 Method for determining the effective thermal mass of a body or organ using a cooling catheter 0 2003
7,018,399 Method of making selective organ cooling catheter 4 2003
7,449,018 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing microporous balloon 0 2004
7,300,453 System and method for inducing hypothermia with control and determination of catheter pressure 6 2004
7,066,948 Selective organ cooling apparatus and method 0 2004
7,491,223 Therapeutic heating and cooling via temperature management of a colon-inserted balloon 2 2004
7,189,254 Method and device for patient temperature control employing optimized rewarming 4 2004
7,371,254 Medical procedure 3 2004
7,351,254 Method and device for patient temperature control employing optimized rewarming 5 2004
7,422,600 Method and apparatus for patient temperature control employing administration of anti-shivering agents 2 2005
7,288,089 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing tissue protection 6 2005
7,998,182 Selective organ cooling apparatus 0 2006
7,311,725 Patient temperature regulation method and apparatus 3 2006
7,766,949 Fever regulation method and apparatus 0 2006
8,157,794 Method and device for performing cooling-or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation 0 2007
8,043,351 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing tissue protection 0 2007
8,043,283 Method and device for performing cooling- or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation 0 2007
8,163,000 Selective organ cooling catheter with guidewire apparatus and temperature-monitoring device 0 2007
7,951,183 Medical procedure 0 2008
 
MEDTRONIC, INC. (66)
5,431,649 Method and apparatus for R-F ablation 437 1993
5,609,151 Method for R-F ablation 393 1994
5,876,398 Method and apparatus for R-F ablation 122 1995
5,725,524 Apparatus for R-F ablation 285 1996
5,913,854 Fluid cooled ablation catheter and method for making 101 1997
6,016,809 Method and apparatus for R-F ablation 98 1997
5,906,613 Method for R-F ablation 92 1997
6,409,722 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 237 1999
6,736,810 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 121 2001
6,537,272 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 147 2001
7,967,816 Fluid-assisted electrosurgical instrument with shapeable electrode 1 2002
6,849,073 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 173 2002
7,507,235 Method and system for organ positioning and stabilization 6 2002
7,294,143 Device and method for ablation of cardiac tissue 19 2003
7,118,566 Device and method for needle-less interstitial injection of fluid for ablation of cardiac tissue 18 2003
6,989,010 Ablation system and method of use 49 2003
7,497,857 Endocardial dispersive electrode for use with a monopolar RF ablation pen 1 2003
7,615,015 Focused ultrasound ablation devices having selectively actuatable emitting elements and methods of using the same 6 2003
7,083,620 Electrosurgical hemostat 102 2003
7,156,843 Irrigated focal ablation tip 6 2003
7,367,972 Ablation system 52 2003
7,347,858 Method and system for treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias 1 2003
7,169,144 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 78 2003
7,094,235 Method and apparatus for tissue ablation 13 2004
8,162,933 Vibration sensitive ablation device and method 0 2004
8,333,764 Device and method for determining tissue thickness and creating cardiac ablation lesions 0 2004
7,247,155 Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 92 2004
7,470,272 Device and method for ablating tissue 30 2004
6,949,098 Pen-type electrosurgical instrument 74 2004
7,322,974 TUNA device with integrated saline reservoir 34 2004
7,250,048 Ablation system and method of use 51 2004
7,628,780 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 1 2004
7,364,578 System and method of performing an electrosurgical procedure 41 2004
7,963,963 Electrosurgical hemostat 6 2005
7,435,250 Method and apparatus for tissue ablation 4 2005
7,706,894 Heart wall ablation/mapping catheter and method 3 2005
7,706,882 Methods of using high intensity focused ultrasound to form an ablated tissue area 0 2005
7,758,576 Clamping ablation tool and method 1 2005
7,758,580 Compound bipolar ablation device and method 0 2005
7,678,108 Loop ablation apparatus and method 0 2005
7,566,334 Ablation device with jaws 25 2005
7,740,623 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 2 2005
7,309,325 Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 26 2005
7,818,039 Suction stabilized epicardial ablation devices 0 2005
7,156,845 Method and apparatus for creating a bi-polar virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue 35 2005
7,166,105 Pen-type electrosurgical instrument 33 2005
7,678,111 Device and method for ablating tissue 9 2005
8,221,402 Method for guiding a medical device 0 2005
7,824,399 Ablation system and method of use 0 2006
7,250,051 Method and apparatus for tissue ablation 9 2006
7,975,703 Device and method for needle-less interstitial injection of fluid for ablation of cardiac tissue 1 2006
7,744,562 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 0 2006
8,414,573 Device and method for ablation of cardiac tissue 0 2006
7,422,588 Pen-type electrosurgical instrument 2 2006
7,959,626 Transmural ablation systems and methods 19 2007
8,262,649 Method and apparatus for tissue ablation 0 2007
8,221,415 Method and apparatus for tissue ablation 0 2007
7,699,805 Helical coil apparatus for ablation of tissue 4 2007
8,235,984 Tuna device with integrated saline reservoir 0 2007
7,794,460 Method of ablating tissue 0 2008
7,871,409 Endocardial dispersive electrode for use with a monopolar RF ablation pen 0 2009
7,875,028 Ablation device with jaws 0 2009
8,409,219 Method and system for placement of electrical lead inside heart 0 2009
8,273,072 Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue 0 2009
8,172,837 Clamping ablation tool and method 0 2010
8,162,941 Ablation device with jaws 0 2010
 
COVIDIEN AG (57)
6,478,793 Ablation treatment of bone metastases 74 2000
7,137,980 Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator 105 2003
7,749,217 Method and system for optically detecting blood and controlling a generator during electrosurgery 14 2003
RE40388 Electrosurgical generator with adaptive power control 40 2003
7,364,577 Vessel sealing system 49 2003
8,104,956 Thermocouple measurement circuit 1 2003
7,131,860 Connector systems for electrosurgical generator 146 2003
7,044,948 Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator 142 2003
8,012,150 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 7 2004
7,722,601 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 13 2004
7,396,336 Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system 105 2004
7,303,557 Vessel sealing system 142 2004
7,901,400 Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator 11 2005
7,766,905 Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes 6 2005
7,780,662 Vessel sealing system using capacitive RF dielectric heating 12 2005
7,628,786 Universal foot switch contact port 6 2005
7,879,031 Cooled RF ablation needle 0 2005
7,776,035 Cool-tip combined electrode introducer 1 2005
7,553,309 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof 6 2005
7,947,039 Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures 3 2005
7,467,075 Three-dimensional finite-element code for electrosurgery and thermal ablation simulations 0 2005
7,513,896 Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling 29 2006
7,824,400 Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator 3 2006
7,651,493 System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares 15 2006
7,648,499 System and method for generating radio frequency energy 8 2006
7,651,492 Arc based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit 10 2006
7,763,018 Cool-tip thermocouple including two-piece hub 6 2006
8,034,049 System and method for measuring initial tissue impedance 5 2006
7,731,717 System and method for controlling RF output during tissue sealing 15 2006
7,416,437 Connector systems for electrosurgical generator 30 2006
7,637,907 System and method for return electrode monitoring 6 2006
7,794,457 Transformer for RF voltage sensing 3 2006
8,105,323 Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator 1 2006
7,927,328 System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus 3 2007
8,080,008 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 1 2007
8,182,477 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof 0 2007
8,287,528 Vessel sealing system 0 2008
7,766,693 Connector systems for electrosurgical generator 6 2008
8,113,057 Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system 1 2008
8,096,961 Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system 0 2008
7,699,842 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof 1 2008
7,702,495 Three-dimensional finite-element code for electrosurgery and thermal ablation simulations 1 2008
8,216,223 System and method for tissue sealing 1 2009
8,147,485 System and method for tissue sealing 2 2009
8,202,271 Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling 1 2009
8,187,262 Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling 0 2009
8,025,660 Universal foot switch contact port 3 2009
7,972,332 System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares 3 2009
8,062,290 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes 0 2010
8,303,580 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 0 2010
8,298,223 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 0 2010
8,377,057 Cool-tip combined electrode introducer 0 2010
8,231,616 Transformer for RF voltage sensing 0 2010
8,267,928 System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus 0 2011
8,241,278 Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures 0 2011
8,398,626 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes 0 2011
8,267,929 Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system 0 2011
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (45)
5,697,927 Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode and apparatus for use therewith 293 1994
5,423,811 Method for RF ablation using cooled electrode 451 1994
5,658,278 Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode and method 253 1995
5,800,482 Apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation 314 1996
6,235,022 RF generator and pump apparatus and system and method for cooled ablation 55 1996
5,860,974 Heart ablation catheter with expandable electrode and method of coupling energy to an electrode on a catheter shaft 371 1997
5,868,735 Cryoplasty device and method 170 1997
6,241,666 Ablation catheter tip with a buffer layer covering the electrode 26 1997
6,010,500 Telescoping apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation 114 1997
5,895,417 Deflectable loop design for a linear lesion ablation apparatus 239 1997
6,015,407 Combination linear ablation and cooled tip RF catheters 96 1998
6,119,041 Apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation 49 1998
6,290,696 Cryoplasty device and method 71 1999
7,220,257 Cryotreatment device and method 5 2000
6,579,288 Fluid cooled apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue 73 2000
6,942,661 Fluid cooled apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue 43 2001
6,540,743 Resilient radiopaque electrophysiology electrodes and probes including the same 3 2001
6,666,858 Cryo balloon for atrial ablation 36 2001
6,648,878 Cryoplasty device and method 26 2001
6,939,350 Apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue including electrode cooling device 18 2001
6,709,431 Cryo-temperature monitoring 10 2001
6,989,009 Cryo balloon 19 2002
6,814,731 Methods for RF ablation using jet injection of conductive fluid 18 2002
7,303,558 Fluid cooled apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue 15 2002
6,929,639 Cryo ablation coil 16 2002
7,938,828 Cooled ablation catheter 0 2003
6,986,767 Multi-function surgical instrument 0 2003
7,022,120 Cryoplasty device and method 5 2003
7,736,362 Catheter balloons 4 2003
7,101,368 Cryo balloon for atrial ablation 1 2003
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 0 2003
7,347,859 Tissue treatment system and method for tissue perfusion using feedback control 8 2003
7,371,233 Cooled probes and apparatus for maintaining contact between cooled probes and tissue 15 2004
8,235,976 Cryo-temperature monitoring 0 2004
7,632,266 Endoscopic devices and related methods of use 1 2005
7,674,256 Treating internal body tissue 1 2005
7,189,227 Cryo balloon 1 2005
7,172,589 Cryo ablation coil 2 2005
8,016,822 Fluid injecting devices and methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between fluid injecting devices and tissue 0 2005
7,850,681 Cryoplasty device and method 5 2006
7,485,109 Targeted cooling of tissue within a body 0 2006
8,012,147 Cryotreatment device and method 1 2007
8,088,125 Cryoplasty device and method 0 2010
8,409,266 Cryotreatment device and method 0 2011
 
EP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (43)
5,577,509 Systems and methods for examining the electrical characteristics and timing of electrical events in cardiac tissue 15 1994
5,800,432 Systems and methods for actively cooling ablation electrodes using diodes 40 1995
5,735,846 Systems and methods for ablating body tissue using predicted maximum tissue temperature 139 1995
7,048,734 Systems and methods for electronically altering the energy emitting characteristics of an electrode array to create different lesion patterns in body tissue 17 1995
6,001,093 Systems and methods for creating long, thin lesions in body tissue 71 1995
5,871,525 Steerable ablation catheter system 140 1995
5,732,698 Systems for examining the electrical characteristics of cardiac tissue while minimizing contact with blood within the heart 58 1995
5,925,038 Expandable-collapsible electrode structures for capacitive coupling to tissue 98 1996
5,891,135 Stem elements for securing tubing and electrical wires to expandable-collapsible electrode structures 76 1996
5,891,136 Expandable-collapsible mesh electrode structures 123 1996
5,871,483 Folding electrode structures 116 1996
5,853,411 Enhanced electrical connections for electrode structures 55 1996
5,846,238 Expandable-collapsible electrode structures with distal end steering or manipulation 113 1996
5,836,874 Multi-function electrode structures for electrically analyzing and heating body tissue 119 1996
6,071,278 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures with specified electrical resistivities 22 1996
5,961,513 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures 39 1996
5,879,348 Electrode structures formed from flexible, porous, or woven materials 46 1996
5,868,736 Systems and methods to control tissue heating or ablation with porous electrode structures 5 1996
5,846,239 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using segmented porous electrode structures 29 1996
5,840,076 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using electrode structures with distally oriented porous regions 54 1996
5,830,213 Systems for heating and ablating tissue using multifunctional electrode structures 71 1996
5,797,903 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures with electrically conductive surfaces 131 1996
5,871,523 Helically wound radio-frequency emitting electrodes for creating lesions in body tissue 181 1996
6,241,754 Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like 129 1996
6,146,379 Systems and methods for creating curvilinear lesions in body tissue 106 1996
6,106,522 Systems and methods for forming elongated lesion patterns in body tissue using straight or curvilinear electrode elements 102 1996
6,030,379 Systems and methods for seeking sub-surface temperature conditions during tissue ablation 42 1997
6,113,591 Systems and methods for sensing sub-surface temperatures in body tissue 68 1997
6,053,912 Systems and methods for sensing sub-surface temperatures in body tissue during ablation with actively cooled electrodes 137 1997
6,056,745 Systems and methods for obtaining desired lesion characteristics while ablating body tissue 104 1997
6,099,526 Electrode structure including hydrophilic material 18 1998
6,030,382 Flexible tissue ablatin elements for making long lesions 31 1998
6,514,246 Systems and methods for forming large lesions in body tissue using curvilinear electrode elements 49 1998
6,197,021 Systems and methods for controlling tissue ablation using multiple temperature sensing elements 40 1998
6,447,506 Systems and methods for creating long, thin lesions in body tissue 19 1999
6,475,213 Method of ablating body tissue 51 2000
7,115,122 Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like 20 2000
6,471,699 Systems and methods for forming elongated lesion patterns in body tissue using straight or curvilinear electrode elements 33 2000
6,500,172 Systems and methods for controlling tissue ablation using multiple temperature sensing elements 34 2000
7,413,568 Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like 7 2001
6,736,811 Expandable-collapsible electrode structures made of electrically conductive material 12 2002
7,335,196 Systems and methods for creating long, thin lesions in body tissue 7 2004
7,837,684 Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like 0 2007
 
PALOMAR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (37)
6,015,404 Laser dermatology with feedback control 98 1996
6,508,813 System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith 96 1999
6,605,080 Method and apparatus for the selective targeting of lipid-rich tissues 106 1999
6,517,532 Light energy delivery head 116 1999
6,511,475 Heads for dermatology treatment 88 2000
6,653,618 Contact detecting method and apparatus for an optical radiation handpiece 63 2001
6,997,923 Method and apparatus for EMR treatment 69 2001
6,663,620 Light energy delivery head 48 2002
7,204,832 Cooling system for a photo cosmetic device 45 2002
6,723,090 Fiber laser device for medical/cosmetic procedures 83 2002
6,878,144 System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith 41 2002
7,077,840 Heads for dermatology treatment 18 2002
7,540,869 Method and apparatus for improved vascular related treatment 11 2002
7,029,469 Method and apparatus for laser removal of hair 17 2003
7,044,959 Method and apparatus for hair growth management 17 2003
6,976,985 Light energy delivery head 18 2003
7,351,252 Method and apparatus for photothermal treatment of tissue at depth 27 2003
7,276,058 Method and apparatus for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions 11 2003
7,060,061 Method and apparatus for the selective targeting of lipid-rich tissues 31 2003
7,135,033 Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances 11 2003
6,974,451 Light energy delivery head 18 2003
7,309,335 Dermatological treatment with visualization 18 2004
7,220,254 Dermatological treatment with visualization 19 2004
7,274,155 Flash lamp drive circuit 12 2005
7,431,719 System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith 18 2005
7,763,016 Light energy delivery head 3 2005
7,758,621 Method and apparatus for therapeutic EMR treatment on the skin 2 2006
8,346,347 Skin optical characterization device 0 2006
7,942,915 Phototreatment device for use with coolants 3 2006
8,182,473 Cooling system for a photocosmetic device 0 2006
7,942,916 Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances 3 2006
7,531,967 Flashlamp drive circuit 3 2007
8,328,794 System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith 0 2008
7,935,107 Heads for dermatology treatment 4 2010
8,002,768 Light energy delivery head 3 2010
8,109,924 Heads for dermatology treatment 0 2011
8,328,796 Light energy delivery head 0 2011
 
ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. (29)
5,683,384 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus 188 1995
5,863,290 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 114 1995
5,782,827 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with multiple sensor feedback 69 1995
5,735,847 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with cooling element 132 1995
5,672,173 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 58 1995
6,689,127 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with multiple sensor feedback 12 1995
5,672,174 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 204 1996
5,728,143 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 99 1996
5,810,804 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with cooling element 167 1996
6,071,280 Multiple electrode ablation apparatus 100 1997
5,928,229 Tumor ablation apparatus 49 1997
6,958,062 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 7 1997
5,951,547 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 84 1997
5,925,042 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 53 1997
5,913,855 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 62 1997
6,059,780 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with cooling element 63 1997
6,090,105 Multiple electrode ablation apparatus and method 74 1997
6,132,425 Cell necrosis apparatus 34 1998
6,080,150 Cell necrosis apparatus 59 1998
5,980,517 Cell necrosis apparatus 83 1998
6,500,175 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method with cooling element 17 2000
6,641,580 Infusion array ablation apparatus 12 2000
6,632,221 Method of creating a lesion in tissue with infusion 8 2000
6,632,222 Tissue ablation apparatus 49 2000
6,569,159 Cell necrosis apparatus 71 2000
6,770,070 Lung treatment apparatus and method 154 2000
7,160,296 Tissue ablation apparatus and method 21 2002
7,344,533 Impedance controlled tissue ablation apparatus and method 34 2002
7,150,744 Infusion array ablation apparatus 3 2003
 
NEUROTHERM, INC. (28)
6,122,549 Apparatus for treating intervertebral discs with resistive energy 217 1997
6,095,149 Method for treating intervertebral disc degeneration 209 1997
6,073,051 Apparatus for treating intervertebal discs with electromagnetic energy 257 1997
6,007,570 Apparatus with functional element for performing function upon intervertebral discs 221 1997
5,980,504 Method for manipulating tissue of an intervertebral disc 252 1997
6,126,682 Method for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs 281 1998
6,099,514 Method and apparatus for delivering or removing material from the interior of an intervertebral disc 180 1998
6,261,311 Method and apparatus for treating intervertebral discs 163 1999
6,517,568 Method and apparatus for treating intervertebral discs 46 2000
6,547,810 Method for treating intervertebral discs 56 2000
6,767,347 Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical site 34 2001
6,749,605 Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical site 53 2001
7,069,087 Apparatus and method for accessing and performing a function within an intervertebral disc 29 2001
6,832,997 Electromagnetic energy delivery intervertebral disc treatment devices 26 2001
6,733,496 Intervertebral disc device employing flexible probe 110 2001
6,726,685 Intervertebral disc device employing looped probe 63 2001
6,638,276 Intervertebral disc device employing prebent sheath 55 2001
6,878,155 Method of treating intervertebral disc tissue employing attachment mechanism 50 2001
6,997,941 Method and apparatus for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs 28 2003
7,400,930 Method for treating intervertebral discs 14 2003
7,282,061 Method of treating intervertebral disc 37 2003
7,267,683 Method for treating intervertebral discs 14 2003
7,226,447 Electrosurgical generator 44 2004
7,309,336 Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical site 17 2004
8,226,697 Method for treating intervertebral disc 0 2007
8,187,312 Method for treating intervertebral disc 0 2007
8,128,619 Method for treating intervertebral discs 0 2007
7,647,123 Method for treating intervertebral discs 6 2007
 
ARTHROCARE CORPORATION (27)
6,557,559 Electrosurgical systems and methods with temperature control 70 1998
7,422,585 System for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization 8 1999
7,505,812 Electrosurgical system for treating restenosis of body lumens 1 1999
7,572,251 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment 16 1999
7,678,069 System for electrosurgical tissue treatment in the presence of electrically conductive fluid 9 2000
7,442,191 Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of turbinates 43 2001
7,270,661 Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatment and removal of tissue 57 2002
7,435,247 Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment 40 2002
7,297,143 Temperature indicating electrosurgical apparatus and methods 41 2004
8,012,153 Rotary electrosurgical apparatus and methods thereof 0 2004
7,491,200 Method for treating obstructive sleep disorder includes removing tissue from base of tongue 14 2005
7,892,230 Electrosurgical device having planar vertical electrode and related methods 3 2005
7,632,267 Fuse-electrode electrosurgical apparatus 9 2005
7,691,101 Electrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcer 12 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
7,862,560 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
8,192,424 Electrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and method 8 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
D658760 Wound care electrosurgical wand 2 2010
 
THERMAGE, INC. (25)
5,660,836 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue 168 1995
6,241,753 Method for scar collagen formation and contraction 150 1996
5,871,524 Apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue 105 1997
6,470,216 Method for smoothing contour irregularities of skin surface 68 1997
6,461,378 Apparatus for smoothing contour irregularities of skin surface 47 1997
6,430,446 Apparatus for tissue remodeling 59 1997
5,919,219 Method for controlled contraction of collagen tissue using RF energy 133 1997
6,425,912 Method and apparatus for modifying skin surface and soft tissue structure 105 1997
5,948,011 Method for controlled contraction of collagen tissue via non-continuous energy delivery 148 1997
6,377,854 Method for controlled contraction of collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers 52 1997
6,438,424 Apparatus for tissue remodeling 53 1998
6,381,497 Method for smoothing contour irregularity of skin surface by controlled contraction of collagen tissue 56 1998
6,381,498 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue 72 1998
6,377,855 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue 71 1998
6,350,276 Tissue remodeling apparatus containing cooling fluid 146 1999
6,749,624 Fluid delivery apparatus 110 2001
7,141,049 Handpiece for treatment of tissue 25 2002
7,022,121 Handpiece for treatment of tissue 33 2002
7,452,358 RF electrode assembly for handpiece 26 2003
7,267,675 RF device with thermo-electric cooler 28 2003
7,229,436 Method and kit for treatment of tissue 14 2003
7,115,123 Handpiece with electrode and non-volatile memory 130 2003
7,006,874 Treatment apparatus with electromagnetic energy delivery device and non-volatile memory 31 2003
7,189,230 Method for treating skin and underlying tissue 27 2003
7,481,809 Handpiece with RF electrode and non-volatile memory 12 2005
 
ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC. (22)
5,676,662 Ablation catheter 164 1995
6,264,654 Ablation catheter 60 1999
6,605,087 Ablation catheter 39 2001
7,235,070 Ablation fluid manifold for ablation catheter 41 2003
7,101,362 Steerable and shapable catheter employing fluid force 8 2003
7,819,866 Ablation catheter and electrode 4 2003
7,311,704 Spring-tip, flexible electrode catheter for tissue ablation 14 2004
7,087,053 Catheter with bifurcated, collapsible tip for sensing and ablating 43 2004
7,776,034 Ablation catheter with adjustable virtual electrode 7 2005
7,419,486 Treatment and diagnostic catheters with hydrogel electrodes 16 2005
7,819,868 Ablation catheter with fluid distribution structures 0 2005
7,879,030 Multipolar, virtual-electrode catheter with at least one surface electrode and method for ablation 0 2005
7,416,552 Multipolar, multi-lumen, virtual-electrode catheter with at least one surface electrode and method for ablation 11 2005
7,326,208 Ablation catheter having a virtual electrode comprising portholes and a porous conductor 11 2005
7,419,489 Ablation catheter assembly having a virtual electrode comprising portholes 17 2006
7,766,907 Ablation catheter with sensor array and discrimination circuit to minimize variation in power density 0 2006
8,128,620 Irrigated ablation electrode having proximal direction flow 0 2007
8,273,082 Irrigated ablation catheter assembly having a flow member to create parallel external flow 0 2007
8,221,409 Thermally insulated irrigation catheter assembly 2 2007
8,216,225 Irrigated ablation electrode assembly having a polygonal electrode 0 2007
8,118,809 Flexible conductive polymer electrode and method for ablation 0 2007
8,012,152 Treatment and diagnostic catheters with hydrogel electrodes 0 2008
 
GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED (20)
6,293,942 Electrosurgical generator method 211 1996
6,015,406 Electrosurgical instrument 194 1996
6,004,319 Electrosurgical instrument 228 1996
6,027,501 Electrosurgical instrument 203 1996
6,013,076 Electrosurgical instrument 145 1996
5,944,715 Electrosurgical instrument 236 1996
6,093,186 Electrosurgical generator and system 225 1997
6,416,509 Electrosurgical generator and system 192 1998
6,090,106 Electrosurgical instrument 162 1998
6,056,746 Electrosurgical instrument 237 1998
6,364,877 Electrosurgical generator and system 153 1998
6,306,134 Electrosurgical generator and system 214 1998
6,261,286 Electrosurgical generator and system 185 1998
6,210,405 Under water treatment 51 1998
6,277,114 Electrode assembly for an electrosurical instrument 45 1999
6,174,308 Electrosurgical instrument 50 1999
6,234,178 Electrosurgical instrument 83 1999
6,780,180 Electrosurgical instrument 110 2000
6,565,561 Electrosurgical instrument 17 2000
6,482,202 Under water treatment 44 2001
 
MEDTRONIC ARDIAN LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L. (19)
7,653,438 Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation 11 2005
8,150,518 Renal nerve stimulation method and apparatus for treatment of patients 0 2005
7,647,115 Renal nerve stimulation method and apparatus for treatment of patients 11 2005
8,145,316 Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation 0 2005
7,937,143 Methods and apparatus for inducing controlled renal neuromodulation 2 2005
7,756,583 Methods and apparatus for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation 10 2005
7,620,451 Methods and apparatus for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach 15 2006
8,175,711 Methods for treating a condition or disease associated with cardio-renal function 1 2006
8,150,519 Methods and apparatus for bilateral renal neuromodulation 2 2006
8,150,520 Methods for catheter-based renal denervation 3 2006
8,145,317 Methods for renal neuromodulation 2 2006
8,131,371 Methods and apparatus for monopolar renal neuromodulation 1 2006
7,853,333 Methods and apparatus for multi-vessel renal neuromodulation 4 2006
7,617,005 Methods and apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation 17 2006
8,347,891 Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen 0 2006
8,131,372 Renal nerve stimulation method for treatment of patients 1 2007
7,717,948 Methods and apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation 14 2007
8,433,423 Methods for multi-vessel renal neuromodulation 0 2010
8,398,630 Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen 0 2012
 
ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC. (18)
5,785,705 RF method for controlled depth ablation of soft tissue 216 1995
6,482,204 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue 20 1996
6,068,628 Apparatus for treating chondromalacia 163 1996
6,461,353 Orthopedic apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue 4 1997
6,168,593 Electrode for electrosurgical coagulation of tissue 126 1998
6,135,999 Concave probe for arthroscopic surgery 90 1998
5,954,716 Method for modifying the length of a ligament 169 1998
6,007,533 Electrocauterizing tip for orthopedic shave devices 39 1998
6,004,320 Clip on electrocauterizing sheath for orthopedic shave devices 38 1998
6,283,960 Apparatus for delivery of energy to a surgical site 63 1998
6,214,001 Electrocauterizing tool for orthopedic shave devices 70 1998
6,176,857 Method and apparatus for applying thermal energy to tissue asymmetrically 89 1998
6,350,262 Method and apparatus for applying thermal energy to tissue asymetrically 93 2000
6,391,028 Probe with distally orientated concave curve for arthroscopic surgery 66 2000
6,645,203 Surgical instrument with off-axis electrode 19 2001
6,695,839 Method and apparatus for treatment of disrupted articular cartilage 23 2001
6,757,565 Electrosurgical instrument having a predetermined heat profile 21 2002
6,939,346 Method and apparatus for controlling a temperature-controlled probe 78 2002
 
COVIDIEN LP (15)
7,824,408 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 3 2004
7,625,372 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 11 2005
D574323 Generator 28 2007
7,777,130 Microwave cable cooling 0 2007
7,834,484 Connection cable and method for activating a voltage-controlled generator 3 2007
8,216,220 System and method for transmission of combined data stream 0 2007
8,181,995 Cool tip junction 0 2007
8,211,099 Thermal feedback systems and methods of using the same 0 2008
8,226,639 System and method for output control of electrosurgical generator 2 2008
8,292,880 Targeted cooling of deployable microwave antenna 0 2008
8,361,061 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 0 2009
8,093,500 Microwave cable cooling 0 2010
8,083,738 Method and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 0 2010
8,357,157 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures 0 2011
8,353,905 System and method for transmission of combined data stream 0 2012
 
SALIENT SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (14)
6,702,810 Fluid delivery system and controller for electrosurgical devices 140 2001
7,115,139 Fluid-assisted medical devices, fluid delivery systems and controllers for such devices, and methods 35 2001
6,953,461 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 138 2002
7,651,494 Fluid-assisted medical device 11 2003
8,048,070 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 0 2003
7,815,634 Fluid delivery system and controller for electrosurgical devices 1 2003
7,951,148 Electrosurgical device having a tissue reduction sensor 0 2004
7,998,140 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 1 2004
7,604,635 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 1 2004
7,727,232 Fluid-assisted medical devices and methods 1 2005
8,038,670 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 2 2005
7,645,277 Fluid-assisted medical device 7 2005
8,075,557 Fluid-assisted medical devices and methods 0 2007
7,537,595 Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods 4 2007
 
VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC. (13)
7,860,555 Tissue visualization and manipulation system 17 2005
7,930,016 Tissue closure system 0 2006
7,860,556 Tissue imaging and extraction systems 10 2006
7,918,787 Tissue visualization and manipulation systems 0 2007
8,050,746 Tissue visualization device and method variations 1 2007
8,137,333 Delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue 6 2007
8,221,310 Tissue visualization device and method variations 0 2007
8,131,350 Stabilization of visualization catheters 5 2007
8,078,266 Flow reduction hood systems 0 2008
8,235,985 Visualization and ablation system variations 0 2008
8,333,012 Method of forming electrode placement and connection systems 0 2009
8,417,321 Flow reduction hood systems 0 2011
8,419,613 Tissue visualization device 0 2011
 
CORDIS WEBSTER, INC. (12)
5,462,521 Fluid cooled and perfused tip for a catheter 363 1993
5,607,422 Catheter with elongated side electrode 97 1994
5,643,197 Fluid cooled and perfused tip for a catheter 282 1994
6,017,338 Fluid cooled and perfused tip for a catheter 105 1995
5,800,428 Linear catheter ablation system 186 1996
6,402,719 Steerable DMR catheter with infusion tube 12 1997
6,024,739 Method for detecting and revascularizing ischemic myocardial tissue 75 1997
6,120,476 Irrigated tip catheter 84 1997
6,063,080 Linear catheter ablation system 40 1998
6,210,406 Split tip electrode catheter and signal processing RF ablation system 41 1998
6,171,275 Irrigated split tip electrode catheter 75 1998
6,217,573 System and method for measuring surface temperature of tissue during ablation 78 1999
 
XENOGEN CORPORATION (12)
7,403,812 Method and apparatus for determining target depth, brightness and size within a body region 4 2002
7,616,985 Method and apparatus for 3-D imaging of internal light sources 2 2003
7,797,034 3-D in-vivo imaging and topography using structured light 1 2005
7,298,415 Structured light imaging apparatus 9 2005
8,044,996 Surface construction using combined photographic and structured light information 1 2006
7,599,731 Fluorescent light tomography 1 2007
7,764,986 Method and apparatus for determining target depth, brightness and size within a body region 0 2007
7,603,167 Method and apparatus for 3-D imaging of internal light sources 2 2007
7,555,332 Fluorescent light tomography 0 2007
8,279,334 Structured light imaging apparatus 0 2007
7,860,549 Method and apparatus for 3-D imaging of internal light sources 0 2009
8,180,435 Method and apparatus for determining target depth, brightness and size within a body region 0 2010
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG (11)
5,776,130 Vascular tissue sealing pressure control 292 1995
6,280,441 Apparatus and method for RF lesioning 145 1997
6,179,834 Vascular tissue sealing pressure control and method 194 1998
6,039,733 Method of vascular tissue sealing pressure control 289 1998
6,575,969 Cool-tip radiofrequency thermosurgery electrode system for tumor ablation 266 2000
6,506,189 Cool-tip electrode thermosurgery system 222 2000
6,881,214 Ablation treatment of bone metastases 29 2002
7,300,435 Automatic control system for an electrosurgical generator 148 2003
7,255,694 Variable output crest factor electrosurgical generator 41 2003
7,480,533 Ablation treatment of bone metastases 15 2005
7,282,049 Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof 53 2005
 
MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP (8)
7,097,641 Catheter with cryogenic and heating ablation 8 1999
7,465,300 Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation 2 2005
7,842,031 Bioimpedance measurement system and method 0 2005
7,896,870 Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation 0 2007
7,951,140 Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation 0 2008
7,914,525 Bioimpedance measurement system and method 0 2008
8,083,732 Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation 0 2011
8,287,526 Method of simultaneously freezing and heating tissue for ablation 0 2011
 
KIMBERLY-CLARK INC. (7)
7,163,536 Determining connections of multiple energy sources and energy delivery devices 33 2004
8,043,287 Method of treating biological tissue 0 2005
7,799,021 Electrosurgical treatment in conjunction with monitoring 0 2005
8,201,563 Method for introducing materials into a body 1 2006
8,096,957 Method for removing material from a patient's body 0 2006
8,361,063 System and method for controlling energy delivery 0 2007
8,343,146 Methods for control of energy delivery to multiple energy delivery devices 0 2008
 
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. (5)
6,206,876 Electrosurgery with cooled electrodes 154 2000
6,503,248 Cooled, non-sticking electrosurgical devices 36 2000
6,544,264 Electrosurgery with cooled electrodes 35 2001
7,235,073 Cooled electrosurgical forceps 22 2001
7,074,219 Electrosurgery with cooled electrodes 41 2003
 
CYTYC CORPORATION (4)
7,731,712 Method and system for transcervical tubal occlusion 0 2004
7,674,260 Emergency hemostasis device utilizing energy 1 2005
7,512,445 Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation 6 2005
7,846,160 Method and apparatus for sterilization 7 2006
 
DEL MAR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES (4)
6,261,312 Inflatable catheter for selective organ heating and cooling and method of using the same 109 1998
6,251,130 Device for applications of selective organ cooling 112 1998
6,245,095 Method and apparatus for location and temperature specific drug action such as thrombolysis 106 1999
6,491,716 Method and device for applications of selective organ cooling 13 1999
 
GREATBATCH LTD. (4)
7,844,319 Systems and methods for magnetic-resonance-guided interventional procedures 8 2002
8,095,224 EMI shielded conduit assembly for an active implantable medical device 0 2010
8,219,208 Frequency selective passive component networks for active implantable medical devices utilizing an energy dissipating surface 1 2010
8,275,466 Band stop filter employing a capacitor and an inductor tank circuit to enhance MRI compatibility of active medical devices 0 2010
 
HALT MEDICAL INC. (4)
7,678,106 Gynecological ablation procedure and system 4 2005
8,080,009 Radio frequency ablation device for the destruction of tissue masses 0 2005
8,251,991 Anchored RF ablation device for the destruction of tissue masses 0 2007
8,241,276 RF ablation device with jam-preventing electrical coupling member 0 2007
 
MICRUS CORPORATION (4)
6,887,235 Variable stiffness heating catheter 25 2001
7,066,931 Variable stiffness heating catheter 6 2004
7,645,275 Variable stiffness heating catheter 1 2006
8,282,677 Variable stiffness heating catheter 0 2010
 
SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. (4)
7,150,747 Electrosurgical cutter 31 2003
7,655,003 Electrosurgical power control 8 2005
8,052,675 Electrosurgical power control 1 2010
8,348,934 Electrosurgical power control 0 2011
 
UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION (4)
6,106,521 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 69 1996
5,995,875 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 40 1997
6,402,742 Controller for thermal treatment of tissue 91 2000
6,428,538 Apparatus and method for thermal treatment of body tissue 37 2000
 
CYTYC SURGICAL PRODUCTS (3)
5,769,880 Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation 86 1996
6,813,520 Method for ablating and/or coagulating tissue using moisture transport 49 1998
7,604,633 Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation 4 2004
 
MEDTRONIC ABLATION FRONTIERS LLC (3)
7,850,685 Ablation catheter 9 2006
8,273,084 Atrial ablation catheter and method of use 0 2008
8,337,492 Ablation catheter 0 2010
 
NOVOSTE CORPORATION (3)
5,529,067 Methods for procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart 117 1994
5,755,663 Apparatus for procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart 50 1996
5,967,976 Apparatus and methods for procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart 102 1996
 
STRYKER CORPORATION (3)
6,214,003 Electrosurgical tool 30 1999
6,461,352 Surgical handpiece with self-sealing switch assembly 97 2001
7,306,592 System and method for regulating an amount of thermal energy generated by an electrosurgical tool 14 2002
 
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (3)
7,155,271 System and method for magnetic-resonance-guided electrophysiologic and ablation procedures 32 2003
7,412,276 Brain therapy 8 2004
8,099,151 System and method for magnetic-resonance-guided electrophysiologic and ablation procedures 0 2005
 
BIOSENSE WEBSTER, INC. (2)
6,602,242 Irrigated tip catheter 59 2000
6,458,123 Ablation catheter with positional sensor 25 2000
 
ECLIPSE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (2)
6,267,757 Revascularization with RF ablation 31 1997
6,156,031 Transmyocardial revascularization using radiofrequency energy 56 1998
 
MEDERI THERAPEUTICS, INC. (2)
6,273,886 Integrated tissue heating and cooling apparatus 178 1999
7,585,296 Method to treat gastric reflux via the detection and ablation of gastro-esophageal nerves and receptors 1 2005
 
MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC (2)
7,811,282 Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, electrosurgical unit with pump and methods of use thereof 7 2005
8,361,068 Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, electrosurgical unit with pump and methods of use thereof 0 2010
 
PHILADELPHIA HEART INSTITUTE (2)
5,447,529 Method of using endocardial impedance for determining electrode-tissue contact, appropriate sites for arrhythmia ablation and tissue heating during ablation 81 1994
5,562,721 Method of using endocardial impedance for assessing tissue heating during ablation 65 1995
 
THERMOPEUTIX, INC. (2)
7,789,846 System and methods for selective thermal treatment 0 2005
7,704,220 Systems and methods for selective thermal treatment 0 2006
 
ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
6,208,881 Catheter with thin film electrodes and method for making same 54 1998
 
AMERICAN CARDIAC ABLATION CO., INC. (1)
5,733,281 Ultrasound and impedance feedback system for use with electrosurgical instruments 93 1996
 
ATHROCARE CORPORATION (1)
8,317,786 System, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable suction sheath 0 2009
 
ATRICURE, INC. (1)
8,353,907 Ablation device with internally cooled electrodes 0 2008
 
CARDIAC PATHWAYS CORPORATION (1)
5,997,532 Ablation catheter tip with a buffer layer covering the electrode 49 1997
 
CATHRX LTD (1)
6,346,104 System for simultaneous unipolar multi-electrode ablation 90 1998
 
CELON AG MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS (1)
7,666,183 Electrode arrangement for surgical instrument 0 2001
 
CO-REPAIR, INC. (1)
7,455,670 System and method for the treatment of heart tissue 1 2005
 
DICKENS, DUANE (1)
5,895,355 Over-the-wire EP catheter 65 1997
 
DORSAL MED INTERNATIONAL (1)
5,514,130 RF apparatus for controlled depth ablation of soft tissue 512 1994
 
DORSAL ORTHOPEDIC CORPORATION (1)
5,458,596 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue 538 1994
 
E.P. TECHNOLOGIES INC. (1)
5,810,802 Systems and methods for controlling tissue ablation using multiple temperature sensing elements 224 1997
 
EDWARDS, STUART (1)
6,419,673 Ablation of rectal and other internal body structures 30 2000
 
EPICOR, INC. (1)
6,161,543 Methods of epicardial ablation for creating a lesion around the pulmonary veins 418 1997
 
EXPANDING CONCEPTS, LLC (1)
6,673,063 Epidural thermal posterior annuloplasty 46 2001
 
GE MARQUETTE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,743,859 Integrated electrical signal switching and amplifying system 9 1996
 
HADRONIC PRESS, INC. (1)
6,245,068 Resilient radiopaque electrophysiology electrodes and probes including the same 23 1999
 
IRVINE BIOMEDICAL, INC. (1)
5,954,719 System for operating a RF ablation generator 104 1998
 
LIGHTWAVE ABLATIOIN SYSTEMS (1)
5,830,209 Multi-fiber laser catheter 87 1995
 
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (1)
6,312,426 Method and system for performing plate type radiofrequency ablation 35 1997
 
MEDTRONIC CARDIORHYTHM (1)
5,584,830 Method and system for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue 133 1994
 
MEDTRONIC VIDAMED, INC. (1)
6,887,237 Method for treating tissue with a wet electrode and apparatus for using same 26 2002
 
MRI INTERVENTIONS, INC. (1)
RE42856 Magnetic resonance probes 0 2007
 
NEUROTHERMIA, INC. (1)
6,676,690 Inflatable heat transfer apparatus 14 2001
 
NEW WORLD PAWDSIGN LTD (1)
6,032,077 Ablation catheter with electrical coupling via foam drenched with a conductive fluid 127 1997
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD. (1)
6,306,131 Electric medical apparatus 59 1999
 
RESPIRATORY DIAGNOSTICS, INC. (1)
7,122,031 Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region 55 2001
 
SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,680,860 Mapping and/or ablation catheter with coilable distal extremity and method for using same 299 1995
 
SEEDLING ENTERPRISES, INC. (1)
5,647,871 Electrosurgery with cooled electrodes 331 1995
 
STD MANUFACTURING, INC. (1)
7,311,702 Ablation technology for catheter based delivery systems 43 2003
 
SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD. (1)
7,449,019 Intervertebral decompression 18 2003
 
SUPFINA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO. KG (1)
6,080,151 Ablation catheter 84 1997
 
SURGI-VISION, INC. (1)
7,822,460 MRI-guided therapy methods and related systems 10 2007
 
SYNERON MEDICAL LTD. (1)
5,569,242 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue 511 1995
 
TEAM MEDICAL, LLC (1)
5,554,172 Directed energy surgical method and assembly 73 1995
 
THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION (1)
8,268,332 Method for dermatological treatment using chromophores 0 2005
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (1)
7,582,050 Apparatus for hyperthermia and brachytherapy delivery 3 2005
 
THERMEDICAL, INC. (1)
6,328,735 Thermal ablation system 26 1998
 
TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION (1)
6,002,956 Method of treating using an over-the-wire EP catheter 30 1997
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP (1)
7,972,328 System and method for tissue sealing 7 2007
 
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (1)
7,781,195 Electroporation device 0 2004
 
UROLOGIX, INC. (1)
5,800,486 Device for transurethral thermal therapy with cooling balloon 105 1996
 
VENTURE LENDING & LEASING, INC. (1)
5,542,916 Dual-channel RF power delivery system 176 1994
 
WEBSTER, CORDIS (1)
6,217,574 System and method for measuring subsurface temperature of tissue during ablation 43 1999
 
ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC. (1)
6,527,798 Method and apparatus for regional and whole body temperature modification 43 2000
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (12)
5,673,704 Method of using endocardial impedance for determining electrode-tissue contact 52 1996
6,071,276 Cell transfection apparatus and method 10 1996
6,016,452 Dynamic heating method and radio frequency thermal treatment 87 1997
6,190,380 Cell transfection apparatus and method 12 1998
6,569,162 Passively self-cooled electrode design for ablation catheters 36 2001
6,645,204 Intervertebral disc device employing flexible probe 2001
6,733,501 Medical device having a cooled end effector 33 2002
7,128,740 Method for interrupting conduction paths within the heart 5 2003
8,285,393 Device for shaping infarcted heart tissue and method of using the device 0 2005
8,447,414 Switched safety protection circuit for an AIMD system during exposure to high power electromagnetic fields 0 2010
8,444,638 Hard tissue ablation system 0 2012
8,444,640 Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen 0 2012