US Patent No: 7,033,352

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Flexible ablation instrument

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Abstract

A flexible microwave antenna assembly for a surgical ablation instrument capable of conforming to a tissue surface for ablation thereof. The ablation instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source. The antenna assembly includes a flexible antenna coupled to the transmission line for radially generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. A flexible shield device is coupled to the antenna to substantially shield a surrounding area of the antenna from the electric field radially generated therefrom while permitting a majority of the field to be directed generally in a predetermined direction. A flexible insulator is disposed between the shield device and the antenna which defines a window portion enabling the transmission of the directed electric field in the predetermined direction. The antenna, the shield device and the insulator are formed for selective manipulative bending thereof, as a unit, to one of a plurality of contact positions to generally conform the window portion to the biological tissue surface to be ablated.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
AFX, INC.FREMONT, CA34
MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLCSAN JOSE, CA355

International Classification(s)

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  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Berube, Dany Milpitas, CA 50 1114
Gauthier, Jules Laval, CA 11 121
Nguyen, Hiep Grapevine, TX 38 378

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
EP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (33)
4,699,147 Intraventricular multielectrode cardial mapping probe and method for using same 365 1985
5,281,217 Steerable antenna systems for cardiac ablation that minimize tissue damage and blood coagulation due to conductive heating patterns 266 1992
5,314,466 Articulated unidirectional microwave antenna systems for cardiac ablation 259 1992
5,293,869 Cardiac probe with dynamic support for maintaining constant surface contact during heart systole and diastole 400 1992
5,313,943 Catheters and methods for performing cardiac diagnosis and treatment 368 1992
5,364,351 Catheter steering mechanism 57 1992
5,398,683 Combination monophasic action potential/ablation catheter and high-performance filter system 225 1993
5,368,592 Articulated systems for cardiac ablation 204 1993
5,370,678 Steerable microwave antenna systems for cardiac ablation that minimize tissue damage and blood coagulation due to conductive heating patterns 247 1993
5,836,947 Flexible structures having movable splines for supporting electrode elements 279 1994
5,688,267 Systems and methods for sensing multiple temperature conditions during tissue ablation 335 1995
5,545,193 Helically wound radio-frequency emitting electrodes for creating lesions in body tissue 256 1995
5,575,810 Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like 235 1995
5,871,525 Steerable ablation catheter system 140 1995
5,797,905 Flexible tissue ablation elements for making long lesions 151 1995
5,549,661 Systems and methods for creating complex lesion patterns in body tissue 224 1995
5,846,238 Expandable-collapsible electrode structures with distal end steering or manipulation 113 1996
5,673,695 Methods for locating and ablating accessory pathways in the heart 239 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
6,106,522 Systems and methods for forming elongated lesion patterns in body tissue using straight or curvilinear electrode elements 102 1996
6,146,379 Systems and methods for creating curvilinear lesions in body tissue 106 1996
6,076,012 Structures for supporting porous electrode elements 111 1996
5,860,920 Systems for locating and ablating accessory pathways in the heart 98 1997
6,152,920 Surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element within the body 192 1997
5,954,662 Systems and methods for acquiring endocardially or epicardially paced electrocardiograms 55 1997
5,910,129 Catheter distal assembly with pull wires 156 1997
6,071,274 Loop structures for supporting multiple electrode elements 106 1998
6,030,382 Flexible tissue ablatin elements for making long lesions 31 1998
6,071,281 Surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element within the body and remote power control unit for use with same 216 1998
6,142,994 Surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic a therapeutic element within the body 232 1998
6,514,246 Systems and methods for forming large lesions in body tissue using curvilinear electrode elements 49 1998
6,454,758 Loop structures for supporting multiple electrode elements 89 2000
6,652,513 Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods which predict maximum tissue temperature 50 2001
 
MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC (26)
5,693,082 Tunable microwave ablation catheter system and method 37 1994
5,810,803 Conformal positioning assembly for microwave ablation catheter 25 1996
5,741,249 Anchoring tip assembly for microwave ablation catheter 85 1996
5,957,969 Tunable microwave ablation catheter system and method 66 1997
6,245,062 Directional reflector shield assembly for a microwave ablation instrument 45 1998
6,325,796 Microwave ablation instrument with insertion probe 54 1999
6,277,113 Monopole tip for ablation catheter and methods for using same 39 1999
6,287,302 End-firing microwave ablation instrument with horn reflection device 42 1999
6,364,876 Vacuum-assisted securing apparatus for a microwave ablation instrument 114 1999
6,312,427 Directional reflector shield assembly for a microwave ablation instrument 29 2000
6,471,696 Microwave ablation instrument with a directional radiation pattern 72 2000
6,673,068 Electrode arrangement for use in a medical instrument 71 2000
6,383,182 Directional microwave ablation instrument with off-set energy delivery portion 32 2000
2002/0087,151 Tissue ablation apparatus with a sliding ablation instrument and method 112 2000
6,527,768 End-firing microwave ablation instrument with horn reflection device 25 2001
6,802,840 Medical instrument positioning tool and method 38 2001
2002/0111,613 Monopole tip for ablation catheter and methods for using same 12 2001
2003/0125,725 Catheter having improved steering 19 2002
2002/0128,642 Directional microwave ablation instrument with marking device 16 2002
2003/0073,988 Microwave ablation instrument with insertion probe 14 2002
2003/0069,575 Tissue ablation system with a sliding ablating device and method 27 2002
2003/0050,630 Tissue ablation apparatus with a sliding ablation instrument and method 24 2002
2003/0050,631 Tissue ablation apparatus with a sliding ablation instrument and method 44 2002
2002/0193,783 Microwave ablation instrument with flexible antenna assembly and method 14 2002
2003/0109,868 Medical instrument positioning tool and method 24 2002
2003/0163,128 Tissue ablation system with a sliding ablating device and method 24 2003
 
MEDTRONIC, INC. (21)
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5,439,006 Steerable stylet and manipulative handle assembly 74 1993
5,383,922 RF lead fixation and implantable lead 90 1993
5,405,376 Method and apparatus for ablation 223 1993
5,431,649 Method and apparatus for R-F ablation 437 1993
6,063,081 Fluid-assisted electrocautery device 174 1995
5,897,553 Ball point fluid-assisted electrocautery device 299 1995
5,755,760 Deflectable catheter 222 1996
5,826,576 Electrophysiology catheter with multifunction wire and method for making 53 1996
5,916,213 Systems and methods for tissue mapping and ablation 166 1997
5,919,188 Linear ablation catheter 90 1997
5,807,395 Method and apparatus for RF ablation and hyperthermia 444 1997
5,836,990 Method and apparatus for determining electrode/tissue contact 124 1997
6,002,955 Stabilized electrophysiology catheter and method for use 93 1997
6,200,315 Left atrium ablation catheter 50 1997
6,068,629 System and methods for tissue mapping and ablation 198 1998
6,325,797 Ablation catheter and method for isolating a pulmonary vein 278 1999
6,356,790 Apparatus for R-F ablation 60 1999
6,241,728 Left atrium ablation catheter and method 32 1999
6,358,248 Ball point fluid-assisted electrocautery device 116 2000
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (16)
5,156,151 Endocardial mapping and ablation system and catheter probe 486 1991
5,348,554 Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode 663 1992
5,376,094 Improved actuating handle with pulley system for providing mechanical advantage to a surgical working element 199 1993
5,454,807 Medical treatment of deeply seated tissue using optical radiation 177 1993
5,676,693 Electrophysiology device 380 1994
6,004,269 Catheters for imaging, sensing electrical potentials, and ablating tissue 438 1995
5,800,482 Apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation 314 1996
6,490,474 System and method for electrode localization using ultrasound 83 1997
6,216,027 System for electrode localization using ultrasound 82 1997
6,119,041 Apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation 49 1998
6,206,831 Ultrasound-guided ablation catheter and methods of use 62 1999
6,529,756 Apparatus for mapping and coagulating soft tissue in or around body orifices 105 1999
6,542,781 Loop structures for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with body tissue 69 1999
6,464,700 Loop structures for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element on the epicardium or other organ surface 152 2000
6,610,055 Surgical method for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element on the epicardium or other organ surface 107 2000
2003/0158,548 Surgical system including clamp and apparatus for securing an energy transmission device to the clamp and method of converting a clamp into an electrophysiology device 105 2002
 
ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC. (16)
5,575,766 Process for the nonsurgical mapping and treatment of atrial arrhythmia using catheters guided by shaped guiding introducers 252 1994
5,640,955 Guiding introducers for use in the treatment of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach 115 1995
5,840,027 Guiding introducer system for use in the right atrium 26 1996
5,814,028 Curved guiding introducers for cardiac access 82 1996
5,785,706 Nonsurgical mapping and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia using a catheter contained within a guiding introducer containing openings 204 1996
5,800,413 Guiding introducer for use in the treatment of atrial flutter 81 1996
6,235,025 Process and device for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia 57 1999
6,311,692 Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease 230 1999
6,314,962 Method of ablating tissue around the pulmonary veins 255 1999
6,314,963 Method of ablating tissue from an epicardial location 249 1999
6,474,340 Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease 159 1999
6,484,727 Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease 138 1999
6,645,202 Apparatus and method for ablating tissue 144 2000
6,719,755 Methods and devices for ablation 66 2001
6,689,128 Methods and devices for ablation 85 2001
6,701,931 Methods and devices for ablation 80 2001
 
VIDAMED, INC. (11)
5,531,677 Steerable medical probe with stylets 162 1995
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 111 1995
5,800,378 Medical probe device and method 155 1996
5,843,026 BPH ablation method and apparatus 47 1996
5,762,626 Transurethral needle ablation device with cystoscope and method for treatment of the prostate 44 1996
5,807,309 Transurethral needle ablation device and method for the treatment of the prostate 41 1997
5,871,481 Tissue ablation apparatus and method 117 1997
5,964,756 Transurethral needle ablation device with replaceable stylet cartridge 48 1997
5,964,727 Medical probe device and method 37 1997
6,102,886 Steerable medical probe with stylets 52 1998
 
AFX, INC. (8)
5,364,392 Microwave ablation catheter system with impedance matching tuner and method 72 1993
5,405,346 Tunable microwave ablation catheter 184 1993
5,603,697 Steering mechanism for catheters and methods for making same 71 1995
5,788,692 Mapping ablation catheter 36 1995
5,800,494 Microwave ablation catheters having antennas with distal fire capabilities 42 1996
6,016,811 Method of using a microwave ablation catheter with a loop configuration 129 1998
6,251,128 Microwave ablation catheter with loop configuration 118 1998
2003/0083,654 Tissue ablation system with a sliding ablating device and method 25 2002
 
ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. (7)
5,507,743 Coiled RF electrode treatment apparatus 343 1994
5,599,346 RF treatment system 222 1994
5,683,384 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus 188 1995
5,863,290 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 114 1995
5,672,174 Multiple antenna ablation apparatus and method 204 1996
5,741,225 Method for treating the prostate 79 1996
6,090,105 Multiple electrode ablation apparatus and method 74 1997
 
CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC. (7)
5,044,375 Unitary intravascular defibrillating catheter with separate bipolar sensing 122 1989
5,364,352 Catheter for electrophysiological procedures 89 1993
5,405,375 Combined mapping, pacing, and defibrillating catheter 108 1994
5,606,974 Catheter having ultrasonic device 136 1995
5,735,280 Ultrasound energy delivery system and method 184 1996
6,059,778 RF ablation apparatus and method using unipolar and bipolar techniques 62 1998
6,312,425 RF ablation catheter tip electrode with multiple thermal sensors 36 2000
 
CORDIS WEBSTER, INC. (7)
4,573,473 Cardiac mapping probe 79 1984
4,785,815 Apparatus for locating and ablating cardiac conduction pathways 207 1985
4,832,048 Suction ablation catheter 241 1987
6,090,104 Catheter with a spirally wound flat ribbon electrode 86 1995
5,800,428 Linear catheter ablation system 186 1996
5,720,775 Percutaneous atrial line ablation catheter 145 1996
6,217,573 System and method for measuring surface temperature of tissue during ablation 78 1999
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (7)
4,825,880 Implantable helical coil microwave antenna 93 1987
5,971,983 Tissue ablation device and method of use 371 1997
6,012,457 Device and method for forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein 440 1997
6,024,740 Circumferential ablation device assembly 369 1997
6,117,101 Circumferential ablation device assembly 317 1998
6,164,283 Device and method for forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein 237 1999
6,471,697 Tissue ablation device and method 121 1999
 
BIOSENSE, INC. (6)
5,443,489 Apparatus and method for ablation 343 1994
5,718,241 Apparatus and method for treating cardiac arrhythmias with no discrete target 273 1995
5,738,096 Cardiac electromechanics 344 1996
5,954,665 Cardiac ablation catheter using correlation measure 89 1997
6,066,094 Cardiac electromechanics 65 1998
6,171,303 Methods and apparatus for myocardial revascularization 70 1998
 
MEDTRONIC CARDIORHYTHM (6)
5,397,304 Shapable handle for steerable electrode catheter 225 1993
5,540,681 Method and system for radiofrequency ablation of tissue 246 1994
5,584,830 Method and system for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue 133 1994
5,545,200 Steerable electrophysiology catheter 275 1994
5,487,757 Multicurve deflectable catheter 419 1995
5,823,955 Atrioventricular valve tissue ablation catheter and method 192 1995
 
MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP (6)
5,147,355 Cryoablation catheter and method of performing cryoablation 412 1988
5,139,496 Ultrasonic freeze ablation catheters and probes 171 1990
5,281,213 Catheter for ice mapping and ablation 470 1992
5,281,215 Cryogenic catheter 380 1992
5,423,807 Cryogenic mapping and ablation catheter 411 1994
5,899,899 Cryosurgical linear ablation structure 262 1997
 
UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION (6)
6,283,955 Laser ablation device 12 1996
5,993,447 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 131 1996
6,106,521 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 69 1996
5,995,875 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 40 1997
6,428,538 Apparatus and method for thermal treatment of body tissue 37 2000
6,526,320 Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue 82 2001
 
HEARTPORT, INC. (5)
5,797,960 Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures 424 1995
5,823,956 Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures 260 1996
5,829,447 Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures 246 1996
5,855,614 Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures 330 1996
5,924,424 Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures 170 1997
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD. (5)
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5,873,828 Ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system 79 1995
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6,056,735 Ultrasound treatment system 55 1997
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VENTURE LENDING & LEASING, INC. (5)
5,370,675 Medical probe device and method 720 1993
5,470,308 Medical probe with biopsy stylet 245 1993
5,366,490 Medical probe device and method 396 1993
5,720,718 Medical probe apparatus with enhanced RF, resistance heating, and microwave ablation capabilities 67 1994
5,549,644 Transurethral needle ablation device with cystoscope and method for treatment of the prostate 178 1994
 
EPICOR MEDICAL, INC. (4)
2002/0017,306 Surgical system and procedure for treatment of medically refractory atrial fibrillation 18 2001
2003/0024,537 Device and method for forming a lesion 24 2002
2003/0028,187 Device and method for forming a lesion 50 2002
2003/0029,462 Device and method for forming a lesion 23 2002
 
EPICOR, INC. (4)
6,161,543 Methods of epicardial ablation for creating a lesion around the pulmonary veins 418 1997
2002/0087,157 Methods and devices for ablation 30 2001
2003/0069,574 Methods and devices for ablation 14 2001
2002/0128,639 Device and method for forming a lesion 24 2001
 
TECHNOMED MEDICAL SYSTEMS (4)
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UROLOGIX, INC. (4)
5,300,099 Gamma matched, helical dipole microwave antenna 125 1992
5,370,677 Gamma matched, helical dipole microwave antenna with tubular-shaped capacitor 75 1993
5,938,692 Voltage controlled variable tuning antenna 67 1996
5,861,021 Microwave thermal therapy of cardiac tissue 176 1996
 
AMERICAN CARDIAC ABLATION CO., INC. (3)
5,341,807 Ablation catheter positioning system 312 1992
5,383,876 Fluid cooled electrosurgical probe for cutting and cauterizing tissue 536 1994
5,733,281 Ultrasound and impedance feedback system for use with electrosurgical instruments 93 1996
 
C.R. BARD, INC. (3)
6,064,902 Pulmonary vein ablation catheter 193 1998
6,178,354 Internal mechanism for displacing a slidable electrode 54 1998
6,224,587 Steerable catheter 50 1999
 
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION (3)
5,452,733 Methods for performing thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass 622 1993
5,571,215 Devices and methods for intracardiac procedures 469 1993
6,182,664 Minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery procedure 91 1997
 
ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (3)
5,843,075 Probe for thermal ablation 126 1997
5,868,737 Apparatus and method for determining ablation 112 1997
6,322,558 Apparatus and method for predicting ablation depth 77 1999
 
ETHICON, INC. (3)
5,403,312 Electrosurgical hemostatic device 738 1993
6,652,518 Transmural ablation tool and method 74 2001
2003/0065,327 Biopolar ablation electrodes and method of use 6 2001
 
FOCUS SURGERY (3)
5,762,066 Multifaceted ultrasound transducer probe system and methods for its use 149 1995
5,993,389 Devices for providing acoustic hemostasis 62 1995
5,882,302 Methods and devices for providing acoustic hemostasis 95 1996
 
INNOVATIVE CARDIAC SOLUTIONS, INC. (3)
4,945,912 Catheter with radiofrequency heating applicator 312 1988
5,246,438 Method of radiofrequency ablation 231 1992
5,370,644 Radiofrequency ablation catheter 182 1993
 
LABTHERMICS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (3)
4,841,988 Microwave hyperthermia probe 60 1987
5,097,845 Microwave hyperthermia probe 44 1990
5,190,054 Microwave hyperthermia probe 43 1991
 
LIGHTWAVE ABLATIOIN SYSTEMS (3)
5,172,699 Process of identification of a ventricular tachycardia (VT) active site and an ablation catheter system 135 1990
5,104,393 Catheter 200 1990
5,500,012 Ablation catheter system 588 1994
 
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (3)
4,938,217 Electronically-controlled variable focus ultrasound hyperthermia system 60 1988
5,192,278 Multi-fiber plug for a laser catheter 83 1990
5,737,384 X-ray needle providing heating with microwave energy 47 1996
 
MICROWAVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. (3)
4,583,556 Microwave applicator/receiver apparatus 74 1982
5,364,336 Therapeutic probe for radiating microwave and ionizing radiation 39 1993
5,683,382 Microwave antenna catheter 57 1995
 
RCA CORPORATION (3)
4,204,549 Coaxial applicator for microwave hyperthermia 167 1977
4,641,649 Method and apparatus for high frequency catheter ablation 339 1985
4,643,186 Percutaneous transluminal microwave catheter angioplasty 224 1985
 
SHERWOOD SERVICES AG (3)
4,416,276 Adaptive, return electrode monitoring system 275 1981
4,565,200 Universal lesion and recording electrode system 466 1982
4,966,597 Thermometric cardiac tissue ablation electrode with ultra-sensitive temperature detection 544 1988
 
SONIC CONCEPTS, INC. (3)
6,007,499 Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound 189 1997
6,315,741 Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound 54 1999
6,432,067 Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound 56 1999
 
ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY (3)
4,976,711 Ablation catheter with selectively deployable electrodes 517 1989
5,085,659 Biopsy device with bipolar coagulation capability 419 1990
5,171,255 Biopsy device 105 1991
 
THE UAB RESEARCH FOUNDATION (3)
5,697,928 Cardic electrode catheter 137 1996
5,873,896 Cardiac device for reducing arrhythmia 49 1997
6,290,699 Ablation tool for forming lesions in body tissue 61 1999
 
AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION (2)
5,496,271 Combined hyperthermia and dilation catheter 261 1993
5,415,656 Electrosurgical apparatus 227 1993
 
ATRICURE, INC. (2)
2002/0107,514 Transmural ablation device with parallel jaws 47 2001
2002/0107,513 Transmural ablation device with thin electrodes 42 2001
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION (2)
4,522,212 Endocardial electrode 251 1983
5,571,088 Ablation catheters 238 1995
 
BSD MEDICAL CORPORATION (2)
4,462,412 Annular electromagnetic radiation applicator for biological tissue, and method 67 1980
4,448,198 Invasive hyperthermia apparatus and method 158 1981
 
CARDIAC PATHWAYS CORPORATION (2)
5,327,889 Mapping and ablation catheter with individually deployable arms and method 119 1992
5,391,147 Steerable catheter with adjustable bend location and/or radius and method 111 1993
 
COMEDICUS INCORPORATED (2)
5,931,810 Method for accessing the pericardial space 134 1996
6,231,518 Intrapericardial electrophysiological procedures 154 1998
 
COVIDIEN LP (2)
6,306,132 Modular biopsy and microwave ablation needle delivery apparatus adapted to in situ assembly and method of use 71 1999
6,355,033 Track ablation device and methods of use 68 1999
 
CREARE, INC. (2)
5,906,580 Ultrasound system and method of administering ultrasound including a plurality of multi-layer transducer elements 136 1997
5,938,612 Multilayer ultrasonic transducer array including very thin layer of transducer elements 77 1997
 
DUKE UNIVERSITY (2)
5,222,501 Methods for the diagnosis and ablation treatment of ventricular tachycardia 204 1992
5,323,781 Methods for the diagnosis and ablation treatment of ventricular tachycardia 169 1993
 
ECLIPSE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (2)
5,725,523 Lateral-and posterior-aspect method and apparatus for laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization and other surgical applications 101 1996
6,027,497 TMR energy delivery system 32 1997
 
EDWARDS, STUART D. (2)
5,681,308 Ablation apparatus for cardiac chambers 241 1994
5,769,846 Ablation apparatus for cardiac chambers 218 1995
 
ENDOCARE, INC. (2)
5,494,039 Biopsy needle insertion guide and method of use in prostate cryosurgery 60 1993
6,146,378 Placement guide for ablation devices 46 1999
 
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. (2)
5,540,684 Method and apparatus for electrosurgically treating tissue 362 1994
5,707,369 Temperature feedback monitor for hemostatic surgical instrument 327 1995
 
IRVINE BIOMEDICAL, INC. (2)
5,782,828 Ablation catheter with multiple flexible curves 200 1996
5,897,554 Steerable catheter having a loop electrode 196 1997
 
KAI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (2)
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KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V. (2)
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MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY (2)
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NEOMEND, INC. (2)
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PACESETTER AB (2)
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RUI XING LIMITED (2)
6,302,880 Linear ablation assembly 93 1998
6,332,881 Surgical ablation tool 113 1999
 
SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC. (2)
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6,488,679 Systems and methods for controlling power in an electrosurgical probe 46 2000
 
SOMNUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (2)
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5,823,197 Method for internal ablation of turbinates 75 1997
 
THS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (2)
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TOKYO KEIKI CO., LTD. (2)
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TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION (2)
5,957,842 High resolution intravascular signal detection 60 1995
6,063,077 Linear ablation device and assembly 45 1996
 
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (2)
5,295,484 Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac ablation of arrhythmias 356 1992
6,423,057 Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling tissue temperature and lesion formation in radio-frequency ablation procedures 98 2000
 
W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC. (2)
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ZUPKAS, PAUL F., PH.D. (2)
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2000 INJECTX, INC. (1)
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3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (1)
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ABBEYMOOR MEDICAL, INC. (1)
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ABELA LASER SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,464,404 Cardiac ablation catheters and method 129 1993
 
AGFA-GEVAERT AG (1)
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AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION (1)
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AMT INC. (1)
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ATRIONIX, INC. (1)
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BARD S.P.A. (1)
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BENEFICIAL MEDICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC (1)
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BTG INTERNATIONAL INC. (1)
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CATHETER RESEARCH, INC. (1)
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CATHRX LTD (1)
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CLEMENS JOSEPHUS JACOBS (1)
6,502,575 Instrument for interrupting conduction paths within the heart 65 2000
 
CLINI-THERM CORPORATION (1)
4,932,420 Non-invasive quarter wavelength microwave applicator for hyperthermia treatment 25 1988
 
COOPERSURGICAL, INC. (1)
6,241,722 Cryogenic device, system and method of using same 118 1998
 
CORDIS CORPORATION (1)
6,808,536 Stent containing rapamycin or its analogs using a modified stent 46 2003
 
CORMEDICS CORP. (1)
5,827,216 Method and apparatus for accessing the pericardial space 199 1995
 
COVIDIEN AG (1)
5,402,772 Endoscopic expandable retraction device 76 1993
 
DESAI, JAWAHAR M., M.D. (1)
4,660,571 Percutaneous lead having radially adjustable electrode 452 1985
 
DEUTSCHES KREBSFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM STIFTUNG DES OFFENTLICHEN RECHTS (1)
5,358,515 Microwave hyperthermia applicator 55 1991
 
DICKENS, DUANE (1)
5,895,355 Over-the-wire EP catheter 65 1997
 
E.P. TECHNOLOGIES INC. (1)
5,885,278 Structures for deploying movable electrode elements 203 1994
 
EDAP INTERNATIONAL, A CORP. OF FRANCE (1)
RE33590 Method for examining, localizing and treating with ultrasound 72 1988
 
EKOS CORPORATION (1)
6,210,356 Ultrasound assembly for use with a catheter 62 1998
 
ENERGY LIFE SYSTEMS CORPORATION (1)
5,462,544 Continuous heart tissue mapping and lasing catheter 70 1993
 
ENTERPRISE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC. (1)
5,207,672 Instrument and method for intraluminally relieving stenosis 102 1991
 
ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH & CO. KG (1)
4,244,371 High-frequency surgical apparatus 53 1979
 
FOCAL SURGERY (1)
5,492,126 Probe for medical imaging and therapy using ultrasound 114 1994
 
FOGARTY, THOMAS J., M.D. (1)
2004/0049,208 Methods and systems for vein harvesting and fistula creation 29 2003
 
FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V. (1)
6,576,875 Method and device for controlling a targeted thermal deposition into a material 15 2001
 
FRIGITRONICS, INC., 770 RIVER ROAD, SHELTON, CONNECTICUT 06484, A DE. CORP. (1)
5,108,390 Flexible cryoprobe 251 1988
 
FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA (1)
5,743,239 Fuel pump control system for vehicle 30 1997
 
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (1)
5,852,860 Ultrasonic phased array transducer with an ultralow impedance backfill and a method for making 34 1997
 
GULF OIL CORPORATION (1)
4,312,364 Apparatus for localized heating of a living tissue, using electromagnetic waves of ultra high frequency, for medical applications 122 1978
 
GYRUS ENT L.L.C. (1)
5,514,131 Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula 226 1994
 
GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED (1)
6,027,501 Electrosurgical instrument 203 1996
 
HEARTPOINT, INC. (1)
6,237,605 Methods of epicardial ablation 314 1998
 
INDIANAPOLIS CENTER FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH (1)
5,676,692 Focussed ultrasound tissue treatment method 141 1996
 
INSIGHTEC LTD. (1)
5,769,790 Focused ultrasound surgery system guided by ultrasound imaging 126 1996
 
INSTITUT STRAUMANN AG (1)
4,640,983 Conductor device, particularly for at least partial insertion in a human or animal body, comprising a spiral formed from at least one conductor 63 1985
 
INTACT MEDICAL CORPORATION (1)
6,106,524 Methods and apparatus for therapeutic cauterization of predetermined volumes of biological tissue 127 1997
 
IOTEK, INC. (1)
6,663,622 Surgical devices and methods for use in tissue ablation procedures 58 2000
 
JACOBS, CLEMENS JOSEPHUS (1)
6,165,174 Instrument for interrupting conduction paths within the heart 72 1998
 
KDC TECHNOLOGY CORP. (1)
5,369,251 Microwave interstitial hyperthermia probe 29 1992
 
LASERSCOPE (1)
4,445,892 Dual balloon catheter device 500 1982
 
LEIBINGER GMBH (1)
4,685,459 Device for bipolar high-frequency coagulation of biological tissue 232 1986
 
LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG (1)
6,586,040 Method for manufacturing a laminate consisting of individual layers 14 2001
 
MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (1)
6,309,388 Symmetric conization electrocautery device 15 1999
 
MCM LABORATORIES, 303 RAVENDALE AVENUE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94039 A CORP. OF CA (1)
5,114,403 Catheter torque mechanism 67 1989
 
MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC, INC. (1)
6,174,309 Seal & cut electrosurgical instrument 345 1999
 
MEDWAVES, INC. (1)
6,190,382 Radio-frequency based catheter system for ablation of body tissues 73 1998
 
MICRO THERAPEUTICS, INC. (1)
6,306,124 Microcatheter 78 2000
 
MICROACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
6,689,062 Method and apparatus for transesophageal cardiovascular procedures 72 2000
 
MILL-ROSE LABORATORIES, INC. (1)
4,763,668 Partible forceps instrument for endoscopy 122 1985
 
MISONIX, INC. (1)
6,461,314 Intrabody hifu applicator 141 2000
 
MORVIL TECHNOLOGY LLC (1)
5,693,078 Device and method for multi-phase radio-frequency ablation 142 1994
 
MYRIADLASE, INC. (1)
5,593,404 Method of treatment of prostate 18 1994
 
NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL CENTER (1)
6,527,767 Cardiac ablation system and method for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and transmyocardial revascularization 159 1998
 
NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITALS, INC. (1)
5,462,545 Catheter electrodes 261 1994
 
NEW WORLD PAWDSIGN LTD (1)
6,032,077 Ablation catheter with electrical coupling via foam drenched with a conductive fluid 127 1997
 
NIPPON SHOJI KAISHA, LTD. (1)
4,494,539 Method and apparatus for surgical operation using microwaves 80 1982
 
NOVIAN HEALTH, INC. (1)
5,853,366 Marker element for interstitial treatment and localizing device and method using same 139 1996
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CORPORATION LIMITED (1)
5,529,820 Flexible, non-porous tube and a method of making 41 1994
 
ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC. (1)
6,068,628 Apparatus for treating chondromalacia 163 1996
 
PRESSURE PRODUCTS MEDICAL SUPPLIES, INC. (1)
5,450,846 Method for spatially specific electrophysiological sensing for mapping, pacing and ablating human myocardium and a catheter for the same 130 1994
 
ROCKET MEDICAL PLC (1)
5,188,122 Electromagnetic energy generation method 50 1990
 
SCHULTZ; KENNETH E. (1)
4,641,646 Endotracheal tube/respirator tubing connecting lock mechanism and method of using same 44 1985
 
SDGI HOLDINGS, INC. (1)
5,785,707 Template for positioning interbody fusion devices 28 1997
 
SENSOR ELECTRONICS, INC. (1)
5,248,312 Liquid metal-filled balloon 163 1992
 
SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (1)
5,823,962 Ultrasound transducer for diagnostic and therapeutic use 70 1997
 
SPECIALIZED HEALTH PRODUCTS, INC. (1)
5,630,837 Acoustic ablation 347 1995
 
SPEMBLY MEDICAL LIMITED (1)
5,078,713 Cryosurgical probe 282 1989
 
ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. (1)
5,300,068 Electrosurgical apparatus 243 1992
 
SULZER OSYPKA GMBH (1)
5,840,030 Ultrasonic marked cardiac ablation catheter 110 1996
 
SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY, INC. (1)
5,230,334 Method and apparatus for generating localized hyperthermia 214 1992
 
SYNERON MEDICAL LTD. (1)
5,569,242 Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue 511 1995
 
TACCOR, INC. (1)
5,643,255 Steerable catheter with rotatable tip electrode and method of use 100 1994
 
TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) (1)
5,842,037 Interference reduction in TDM-communication/computing devices 38 1995
 
THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC. (1)
6,135,971 Apparatus for deposition of ultrasound energy in body tissue 82 1996
 
THE ENGLISH CARD CLOTHING COMPANY LIMITED (1)
4,268,937 Metallic wire type card-clothing 14 1979
 
THE KENDALL COMPANY (1)
4,476,872 Esophageal probe with disposable cover 52 1982
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (1)
5,590,657 Phased array ultrasound system and method for cardiac ablation 164 1995
 
THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION (1)
5,484,433 Tissue ablating device having a deflectable ablation area and method of using same 34 1993
 
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (1)
5,904,709 Microwave treatment for cardiac arrhythmias 77 1996
 
TOSHIBA AMERICA RESEARCH, INC. (1)
2002/0191,558 Distributed soft handoff among IP-based base stations 2001
 
TRIANGLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (1)
4,920,978 Method and apparatus for the endoscopic treatment of deep tumors using RF hyperthermia 255 1988
 
TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (1)
5,301,687 Microwave applicator for transurethral hyperthermia 113 1991
 
TRUSTES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03756, A CORP. OF NEW HAMPSHIRE (1)
4,881,543 Combined microwave heating and surface cooling of the cornea 83 1988
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP AG (1)
5,496,312 Impedance and temperature generator control 638 1993
 
TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP (1)
5,100,388 Method and device for thermal ablation of hollow body organs 183 1990
 
U.S. PHILIPS CORPORATION (1)
5,938,600 Method and device for heating by means of ultrasound 46 1996
 
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. (1)
5,718,226 Photonically controlled ultrasonic probes 45 1996
 
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (1)
6,217,530 Ultrasonic applicator for medical applications 49 1999
 
VICTORY/YSI INCORPORATED (1)
4,681,122 Stereotaxic catheter for microwave thermotherapy 139 1985
 
WEBSTER LABORATORIES, INC. (1)
4,960,134 Steerable catheter 181 1988
 
WILLIAMS, GARY J. (1)
4,800,899 Apparatus for destroying cells in tumors and the like 207 1986
 
YAZAKI CORPORATION (1)
5,454,733 Divisional multi-pole connector 32 1994
 
YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD. (1)
4,601,296 Hyperthermia apparatus 142 1983
 
ZIMMER CFP USA HOLDING CO. (1)
6,423,059 Radio frequency ablation apparatus with remotely articulating and self-locking electrode wand 35 1999
 
ZKZ SCIENCE CORP. (1)
5,782,747 Spring based multi-purpose medical instrument 57 1996
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (27)
4,564,200 Tethered ring game with hook configuration 15 1984
4,657,015 Control device for a high frequency surgical apparatus 117 1985
4,924,864 Apparatus and article for ligating blood vessels, nerves and other anatomical structures 39 1987
5,158,092 Method and azimuthal probe for localizing the emergence point of ventricular tachycardias 73 1989
5,019,076 Radio frequency surgical tool and method 71 1989
5,129,396 Microwave aided balloon angioplasty with lumen measurement 42 1990
5,150,717 Microwave aided balloon angioplasty with guide filament 100 1990
5,147,357 Medical instrument 311 1991
5,207,674 Electronic cryogenic surgical probe apparatus and method 123 1991
5,304,207 Electrostimulator with light emitting device 40 1992
5,242,441 Deflectable catheter with rotatable tip electrode 313 1992
5,263,493 Deflectable loop electrode array mapping and ablation catheter for cardiac chambers 449 1992
5,344,441 Antenna arrangement with supply cable for medical applications 47 1993
5,437,665 Electrosurgical loop electrode instrument for laparoscopic surgery 184 1993
5,454,370 Mapping and ablation electrode configuration 156 1993
5,549,638 Ultrasound device for use in a thermotherapy apparatus 51 1994
5,578,030 Biopsy needle with cauterization feature 85 1994
5,593,405 Fiber optic endoscope 94 1995
5,687,723 Mapping and ablation catheter system 261 1995
5,733,280 Cryogenic epicardial mapping and ablation 261 1995
5,730,127 Mapping and ablation catheter system 262 1996
5,978,714 Epicardial percutaneous device for electrical cardiac therapy 25 1997
5,921,924 Mapping and ablation catheter system utilizing multiple control elements 172 1997
6,162,216 Method for biopsy and ablation of tumor cells 62 1998
6,010,516 Bipolar coaptation clamps 214 1998
6,430,426 Mapping and ablation catheter system 94 2001
6,433,464 Apparatus for selectively dissolving and removing material using ultra-high frequency ultrasound 46 2001

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
NCONTACT SURGICAL, INC. (5)
7,780,661 Vacuum coagulation probes 2 2006
7,758,578 Methods of coagulating tissue 2 2006
7,803,155 Vacuum coagulation probes 2 2006
8,235,990 Vacuum coagulation probes 0 2007
8,034,053 Vacuum coagulation and dissection probes 0 2009
 
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
8,372,072 Methods and apparatus for hemostasis following arterial catheterization 0 2011
 
MEDWAVES, INC. (2)
8,308,722 Hollow conductive coaxial cable for radio frequency based tissue ablation system 0 2007
8,152,799 Radio frequency-based catheter system with improved deflection and steering mechanisms 0 2010
 
MIRAMAR LABS, INC. (2)
8,406,894 Systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue using microwave energy 0 2011
8,401,668 Systems and methods for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue 0 2011
 
JOHNSON & JOHNSON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (1)
7,815,637 Radio-frequency-based catheter system with improved deflection and steering mechanisms 0 2006
 
MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC (1)
7,497,858 Apparatus and method for assessing transmurality of a tissue ablation 6 2007
 
NEUWAVE MEDICAL, INC. (1)
7,467,015 Segmented catheter for tissue ablation 21 2005

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Oct 25, 2013
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Oct 25, 2017
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00