Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US8221310?dq=6,411,947
Timestamp: 2014-10-26 09:58:15
Document Index: 283347846

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n3', 'Application No. 06734083', 'Application No. 06734083', 'Application No. 06734083', 'Application No. 06734083', 'Application No. 07758716', 'Application No. 07799466', 'Application No. 07812146', 'Application No. 07841754', 'Application No. 08746822', 'Application No. 08746822', 'Application No. 2007', 'Application No. 2007', 'Application No. 2009']

Patent US8221310 - Tissue visualization device and method variations - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsTissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing...http://www.google.com/patents/US8221310?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8221310 - Tissue visualization device and method variationsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS8221310 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/848,202Publication dateJul 17, 2012Filing dateAug 30, 2007Priority dateOct 25, 2005Also published asUS20080058591, US20130023731Publication number11848202, 848202, US 8221310 B2, US 8221310B2, US-B2-8221310, US8221310 B2, US8221310B2InventorsVahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Edmund Tam, Ruey-Feng PehOriginal AssigneeVoyage Medical, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (104), Non-Patent Citations (77), Referenced by (3), Classifications (42), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetTissue visualization device and method variationsUS 8221310 B2Abstract Tissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.
1. A method of treating a tissue region within a body lumen, comprising:
positioning an open area of a barrier or membrane projecting distally from a deployment catheter against or adjacent to the tissue region to be treated, wherein the barrier or membrane self-expands into an expanded deployed configuration, and where the barrier or membrane comprises a non-inflatable membrane which defines the open area therein which is in fluid communication with a lumen defined through the catheter and also with an environment external to the barrier or membrane through an opening defined by the barrier or membrane;
displacing an opaque fluid with a transparent fluid from the open area defined by the barrier or membrane and the tissue region by infusing one or more streams of the transparent fluid into the open area in a spiral manner such that the opaque fluid is displaced from within the open area and through the opening into the environment external to the barrier or membrane; and
visualizing the tissue region within the open area through the transparent fluid.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein positioning comprises advancing the barrier or membrane into an atrial chamber of a heart.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein positioning further comprises placing the barrier or membrane circumferentially upon the tissue region via a contact portion extending from the barrier or membrane.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein placing the barrier or membrane comprises temporarily adhering the contact portion to the tissue region via at least one biasing suspension element prior to visualizing the tissue region.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein visualizing comprises viewing the tissue region via an imaging element disposed within or adjacent to the open area.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the imaging element is positioned along or upon the interior surface of the barrier or membrane.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the imaging element comprises a CMOS, CCD, or optical fiber.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein displacing an opaque fluid comprises systematically flushing blood from a proximal end of the open area progressively out towards the opening.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein displacing an opaque fluid further comprises providing additional structural support to the barrier or membrane by imparting a centrifugal force from a spiral flow of the transparent fluid.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising advancing an instrument through the open area such that the spirally infused transparent fluid is minimally impacted.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising ablating the tissue region within the open area while visualizing.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. Apps. 60/824,418 and 60/824,423, both filed Sep. 1, 2006 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/259,498, filed Oct. 25, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,860,555) and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices used for accessing, visualizing, and/or treating regions of tissue within a body. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for visualizing and/or manipulating tissue regions within a body lumen which are generally difficult to image because of surrounding opaque bodily fluids such as blood.
Another conventional device utilizes an inflatable balloon which is typically introduced intravacscularly in a deflated state and then inflated against the tissue region to be examined. Imaging is typically accomplished by an optical fiber or other apparatus such as electronic chips for viewing the tissue through the membrane(s) of the inflated balloon. Moreover, the balloon must generally be inflated for imaging. Other conventional balloons utilize a cavity or depression formed at a distal end of the inflated balloon. This cavity or depression is pressed against the tissue to be examined and is flushed with a clear fluid to provide a clear pathway through the blood.
More particularly in certain variations, the tissue visualization system may comprise components including the imaging hood, where the hood may further include a membrane having a main aperture and additional optional openings disposed over the distal end of the hood. An introducer sheath or the deployment catheter upon which the imaging hood is disposed may farther comprise a steerable segment made of multiple adjacent links which are pivotably connected to one another and which may be articulated within a single plane or multiple planes. The deployment catheter itself may be comprised of a multiple lumen extrusion, such as a four-lumen catheter extrusion, which is reinforced with braided stainless steel fibers to provide structural support. The proximal end of the catheter may be coupled to a handle for manipulation and articulation of the system.
Variations of the tissue visualization system may further include mechanisms for facilitating and enhancing the sealing between the hood and the underlying tissue to be visualized and/or treated. For example, mechanisms may be utilized over a circumferentially disposed contact portion extending from the hood, e.g., biasing suspension members, projections, magnetic or electromagnetic elements, etc.
Additionally, other variations may include the inclusion of one-way valves over the surface of a balloon contained within the hood as well as multiple longitudinally disposed balloons positioned within the hood.
Further examples of the tissue visualization catheter systems which may be utilized are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. App. 2006/0184048 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIGS. 47A and 47B shows perspective views of an elongate shaft having a balloon inflatable along a side surface near or at a distal end of the shaft.
FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of a tissue visualization catheter with multiple one-way slit valves defined over a distal surface of an inflated balloon positioned within a hood.
FIG. 49 shows a perspective view of a balloon catheter with multiple one-way slit valves defined over a distal surface of an inflated balloon.
FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of yet another variation of a tissue visualization catheter having multiple elongated balloons inflatable longitudinally within the hood.
FIG. 51 shows a perspective view of yet another variation of a tissue visualization catheter defining a unidirectional frictional surface over a distal surface of an inflatable balloon positioned within the hood.
FIGS. 52A and 52B show perspective and cross-sectional side views of another variation of the hood having one or more biasing suspension elements positioned about a circumference of the distal end of the hood.
FIGS. 52C and 52D show detail perspective views of examples of projections extending from the contact portion configured as extrusions or flap members, respectively, for facilitating contact between the hood and the underlying tissue.
FIGS. 53A and 53B show partial cross-sectional side views illustrating the biasing suspension elements in a relaxed configuration prior to and after placement against the tissue surface, respectively.
FIGS. 54A to 54D illustrate another variation of the tissue visualization catheter having a strut or scaffold frame made from a shape memory material.
FIGS. 55A to 55D illustrate yet another variation of the tissue visualization catheter having a plurality of barbs or projections around the contact portion of the hood for facilitating sealing against the tissue surface.
FIGS. 56A to 56C illustrate a method for disengaging and removing the hood of FIG. 55A from the tissue surface.
FIGS. 57A to 57D illustrate yet another variation of the having an electromagnetic ring or members positioned about the hood and a magnet positioned within the hood for gripping against the tissue to facilitate a contiguous seal against the tissue.
FIGS. 58A and 58B show cross sectional side views of a variation having an annular fluid injection channel which functions to produce a liquid seal or curtain against the tissue surface.
FIGS. 59A to 59C show perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of another variation in which the infused clearing fluid may be injected in a spiral manner within the hood.
FIGS. 60A and 60B show side and perspective views, respectively, of a tissue visualization catheter having a cleaning brush integrated within the hood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A tissue-imaging and manipulation apparatus described below is able to provide real-time images in vivo of tissue regions within a body lumen such as a heart, which is filled with blood flowing dynamically therethrough and is also able to provide intravascular tools and instruments for performing various procedures upon the imaged tissue regions. Such an apparatus may be utilized for many procedures, e.g., facilitating transseptal access to the left atrium, cannulating the coronary sinus, diagnosis of valve regurgitation/stenosis, valvuloplasty, atrial appendage closure, arrhythmogenic focus ablation, among other procedures.
FIG. 12A shows another alternative in which deployment catheter 16 incorporates imaging hood 12, as above, and includes an additional flexible membrane 182 within imaging hood 12. Flexible membrane 182 may be attached at a distal end of catheter 16 and optionally at contact edge 22. Imaging hood 12 may be utilized, as above, and membrane 182 may be deployed from catheter 16 in vivo or prior to placing catheter 16 within a patient to reduce the volume within imaging hood, 12. The volume may be reduced or minimized to reduce the amount of fluid dispensed for visualization or simply reduced depending upon the area of tissue to be visualized.
As the cryo-fluid leaks out of the imaging hood 12 and into the organ, the fluid may be warmed naturally by the patient body and ultimately removed. The cryo-fluid may be a colorless and translucent fluid which enables visualization therethrough of the underlying tissue. An example of such a fluid is Fluorinert� (3M, St. Paul, Minn.), which is a colorless and odorless perfluorinated liquid. The use of a liquid such as Fluorinert� enables the cryo-ablation procedure without the formation of ice within or outside of the imaging hood 12. Alternatively, rather than utilizing cryo-ablation, hyperthermic treatments may also be effected by heating the Fluorinert� liquid to elevated temperatures for ablating the lesion 392 within the imaging hood 12. Moreover, Fluorinert� may be utilized in various other parts of the body, such as within the heart.
Another variation for tissue manipulation and treatment may be seen in the variation of FIG. 40A, which illustrates an imaging hood 12 having a deployable anchor assembly 450 attached to the tissue contact edge 22. FIG. 40B illustrates the anchor assembly 450 detached from the imaging hood 12 for clarity. The anchor assembly 450 may be seen as having a plurality of discrete tissue anchors 456, e.g., barbs, hooks, projections, etc., each having a suture retaining end, e.g., an eyelet or opening 458 in a proximal end of the anchors 456. A suture member or wire 452 may be slidingly connected to each anchor 456 through the openings 458 and through a cinching element 454, which may be configured to slide unidirectionally over the suture or wire 452 to approximate each of the anchors 456 towards one another. Each of the anchors 456 may be temporarily attached to the imaging hood 12 through a variety of methods. For instance, a pullwire or retaining wire may hold each of the anchors within a receiving ring around the circumference of the imaging hood 12. When the anchors 456 are released, the pullwire or retaining wire may be tensioned from its proximal end outside the patient body to thereby free the anchors 456 from the imaging hood 12.
In another example of an assembly for viewing tissue laterally relative to the catheter, FIGS. 47A and 47B show perspective views of elongate shaft 510 defining a lateral opening 514 along its side surface. Shaft 510 may define a lumen 512 through which a visualization device, such as an optical fiber viewing element, may be advanced through. An expandable membrane 516 may be positioned over lateral opening 514 such that upon expansion of membrane 516, the balloon may expand laterally, as shown in FIG. 47B. When inflated in a narrow body lumen, such as the coronary sinus, the balloon 514 may push the shaft 510 laterally towards the lumen wall. As such, vision along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 510 may be unobstructed as the inflated balloon 514 is transparent. Such a variation can be used to cannulate body lumens and/or visualize the interior of the lumen as well.
FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of another variation of the tissue visualization catheter having an expandable balloon 522 disposed within the open area of hood 12. Balloon 522 may be comprised of a flexible and transparent material, for instance being comprised of the same material as hood 12. Moreover, multiple slit valves 524 may defined over a distal surface of the balloon 522 where each slit valve 524 may be configured as a unidirectional valve which prevents or inhibits bodily fluids, such as blood, outside the balloon 522 from entering into the balloon interior. Each slit valve 524 defined over the balloon surface may serve as an exit point for an instrument, e.g., guidewire 526, delivered through the hood 12 for treating the underlying tissue while under direction visual guidance from imaging element 520, e.g., CMOS, CCD, or optical fiber, etc. The presence of multiple slit valves 524 may provide a variety of possible exit points for the guidewire 526. During cannulation procedures, such as coronary sinus cannulation, once the balloon is placed generally within the vicinity of the ostium, the guidewire 526 itself can be articulated within the inflated balloon 522 to pass through one of the slits 524 closest to the ostia such that the guidewire 526 may enter directly into a vessel of interest without having to reposition the entire catheter.
Another variation is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 49, which shows an expandable balloon 530 similarly having multiple unidirectional slit valves 524 defined over a distal surface of the balloon 530. In this example, hood 12 may be omitted to allow the balloon 530 to expand unconstrained by the hood 12. Similar to the previous variation, each slit valve 524 may inhibit or prevent bodily fluids, such as blood, from entering into the balloon 530 while providing a variety of exit points for guidewire 526. Additionally, rather than utilizing an imaging element positioned along the hood interior off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the hood 12, an imaging element 532 may be positioned within the balloon 530 at the distal end of catheter 16.
A pressure gauge may be optionally positioned within the balloons 522, 530 of FIGS. 48 and 49 to detect inflation pressure. With the ability to monitor inflation pressure, pressures can be increased to a level higher than the blood pressure of the heart chamber to allow an inflation fluid, such as saline, to escape through the one-way valves 524 to the exterior of the balloons. This feature can be useful when RF ablation through the balloon wall is performed or when small amount of saline is required to wet the exterior of the balloon during visualization.
Yet another variation is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 50, which shows a tissue visualization catheter having multiple individual elongated balloon members 540 inflated longitudinally within hood 12. Each elongated balloon 540 is transparent with its proximal end attached to the inner wall of hood 12. The balloons 540 may facilitate displacement of blood from the hood 12 to enable unobstructed visualization directly through one or more balloons 540. Additionally, the presence of multiple elongated balloons 540 rather than a single circumferential balloon may allow for one or more guidewires to exit hood 12 from multiple angles between adjacent balloons 540.
FIG. 51 shows a perspective view of yet another variation of the tissue visualization catheter. In this example, hood 12 may have an inflatable balloon 542 disposed within the open area of hood 12 where the distally exposed balloon surface defines a frictional surface 546 which allows for balloon 542 and hood 12 to be moved in a single direction when contacted against a tissue surface. The circumferential balloon 542 may also define an opening or lumen 544 therethrough to allow for the passage of instruments. The distal surface of the circumferential balloon 542 may comprise any biocompatible material having a higher coefficient of friction when urged in a first direction and a relatively lower coefficient of friction when urged in a second direction, e.g., a layer of fur, woven textiles, sheepskin, etc.
Accordingly, when balloon 542 is inflated beyond the distal end of hood 12, the balloon surface in contact with the tissue may slide smoothly across the tissue surface in a first direction while being inhibited by relatively high frictional forces from sliding in a second direction over the tissue surface. Upon repeated inflation and deflation of balloon 542, the visualization catheter may be pushed to move along a tissue wall in the direction where the coefficient of friction is low. This transverse motion of �walking� the catheter along a tissue surface may be utilized when an operator is attempting to locate a morphological feature along a body cavity, such as locating the coronary sinus along the tissue wall of the right atrium.
Turning now to FIG. 52A, a variation of hood 12 having one or more curved or arcuate biasing suspension elements 550 positioned proximally about a circumferential contact portion 552 is illustrated for enhancing a seal between hood 12 and the underlying tissue surface. As shown, a number of biasing suspension elements 550 may be attached circumferentially in a first configuration about contact portion 552, which may be an extension of hood 12 for contacting and overlapping upon the tissue surface. Biasing suspension elements 550 may be fabricated from a shape memory material, such as Nitinol, where the first configuration of the biasing elements 550 may urge contact portion 552 into a distally angled position relative to hood 12. Moreover, as shown in the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 52B, contact portion 552 may comprise multiple projections 554 extending distally for contacting and adhering to the tissue surface. FIGS. 52C and 52D show detail perspective views of variations of the projections 554 including projections configured as extrusions or barbs 556, as in FIG. 52C, and flaps 558, as in FIG. 52D.
In use, when contact portion 552 is first placed into contact against the tissue T, as shown in FIG. 53A, the distal portion of contact portion 552 and biasing elements 550 come into contact against the tissue T. Upon further axial loading 560, hood 12 may be pressed towards the tissue T such that contact portion 552 and projections 554 become pressed against the tissue surface and the proximal portion of biasing elements 550 also come into contact against the tissue T such that the tissue underlying contact portion 552 is compressed between the proximal and distal ends of biasing elements 550, as shown in FIG. 53B. This configuration also increases the surface area hood 12 is in contact with against the tissue surface and hence improve sealing.
In yet another variation, FIG. 54A illustrates a perspective view of a hood having a shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol, frame or scaffold 570 to enhance sealing between the hood and tissue surface, particularly uneven tissue surfaces. Scaffold 570 may include several contacting portions 572 extending along the hood and which are initially curved in an unbiased configuration, as shown in FIG. 54B. When contacted against an uneven tissue surface, as shown in FIG. 54C, the scaffold 570 may elastically deform such that the curvature of the hood conforms to the uneven surface upon further axial loading resulting in enhanced sealing with the tissue surface, as shown in FIG. 54D.
Yet another variation is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 55A, which shows hood 12 having a circumferential contact portion 580 extending about the lip of hood 12. Contact portion 580 in this variation may include a plurality of projections 582, e.g., barbs or hooks, etc., which are angled inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of hood 12 such that when hood 12 and contact portion 580 are first placed into contact against the tissue surface T, as shown in FIG. 55B, the contact portion 580 may spread over the tissue surface T, as indicated by the direction of movement 584 shown in FIG. 55C, such that the projections 582 are engaged temporarily onto the tissue, thereby forming a seal between hood 12 and the tissue, as shown in FIG. 55D.
To disengage hood 12 from the tissue, an axial force 560 may be urged upon hood 12 to first disengage projections 582 from the tissue, as shown in FIG. 56A. This is followed by an infusion of additional fluid or gas 586 into the hood 12, such as saline, such that the introduced fluid 586 flows between the projections 582 and the tissue surface to discourage re-engagement between the two, as shown in FIG. 56B. Once projections 582 are fully disengaged from the tissue, hood 12 may be removed or relocated, as indicated by the direction of removal 588 in FIG. 56C.
Yet another example is shown in FIG. 57A illustrating hood 12 having a circumferential contact portion 590 which one or more electromagnetic rings or members 592 circumferentially positioned around the lip of hood 12. A magnetic member 594 (e.g., ferrous magnets, rare earth magnets, Alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, etc.) positioned upon support 596 may be slidably introduced into hood 12 from catheter 16 such that magnetic member 594 is centrally positioned within hood 12. During use, magnetic member 594 may be advanced distally into hood 12 in a proximate or adjacent position relative to the electromagnetic rings or members 592, as shown in FIG. 57B. Once contact portion 590 and magnetic member 594 have been placed into contact against the tissue surface T to be visualized, as shown in FIG. 57C, magnetic member 594 and/or electromagnetic rings or members 592 may be activated to become electrically charged such that two are drawn magnetically towards one another. In so doing, the tissue between magnetic member 594 and electromagnetic rings or members 592 may be compressed or gripped such that a seal between hood 12 and the tissue T is enhanced, as shown in FIG. 57D. Such a configuration may facilitate seal formation especially if the tissue surface is irregular, thereby making a contiguous seal between the tissue T and the lip of hood 12 difficult to achieve.
FIG. 58A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a hood configuration having an outer membrane 600 and an inner membrane 602 which forms an annular space or channel 604 between the two and around the circumference of the hood. When transparent fluid 606 is injected through the annular channel 604, a liquid seal or curtain may be created around the lip of the hood to improve sealing between the hood and tissue surface. Saline or other fluids may be injected through the walls of the hood and suctioned back into the hood and into the working channel. Fluid 606 injected this way from the hood wall is able to form a liquid seal or curtain between the outlet of the annular channel 604 and the tissue surface T, as shown in detail cross-sectional view of FIG. 58B. This liquid seal or curtain may enable fluid 606 within the hood to be separated from the blood outside the hood and act as an additional seal to prevent leakage of saline. In addition, the liquid seal or curtain may also ensure sufficient sealing along uneven tissue surfaces.
Aside from various configurations and mechanisms for facilitating contact between the hood and the underlying tissue to be visualized and/or treated, additional mechanisms for clearing or purging the hood of blood may be implemented as well. For instance, FIG. 59A illustrates a perspective view of hood 12 where the infused transparent fluid may be injected into hood 12 in a spiral manner rather than injecting and flowing the fluid in a direction that is axial to hood 12. Although a single stream of fluid may be infused, this variation illustrates at least two spirally infused fluid streams 610, 612 injected from catheter 16. Infusion of fluid streams 610, 612 in a spiral manner may enable a more efficient and thorough flushing and displacement of the blood from hood 12 by systematically flushing the blood from the proximal end of hood 12 progressively out towards the distal opening of hood 12, as further illustrated respectively in the end and side views of FIGS. 59B and 59C. The spiral infusion of the fluid may also help to ensure that the infused transparent fluid more thoroughly covers every part of hood 12. Moreover, the centrifugal force imparted from the spiral flow 610, 612 may further provide additional structural support to hood 12. The presence of an instrument 614 advanced from catheter 16 into hood 12 may minimally impact and not interfere with the spiral flow 610, 612 in flushing hood 12.
Aside from varying the infusive fluid flow into hood 12, one or more cleaning brushes 622 (e.g., a soft brush or mop-like structure packed in a cylindrical configuration) may be optionally included within hood 12 for cleaning the lens or imager of debris which may accumulate or obstruct the imaging element in vivo during a procedure. In one example, FIG. 60B shows cleaning brush 622 incorporated into a proximal portion of hood 12 and distally of a visualization device, such as an optical fiberscope 620 positioned within catheter 16. Although a fiberscope 620 is shown in this example, other imaging systems may be utilized, e.g., CMOS, CCD, etc. As fiberscope 620 is passed distally through cleaning brush 622, any debris may be removed from fiberscope 620 such that an unobstructed image may be presented. Passing fiberscope 620 proximally and/or distally through cleaning brush 622 may be done prior to, during, or after each procedure to clear debris as needed or desired.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS623022Mar 30, 1898Apr 11, 1899 johnsonUS2305462Jun 6, 1941Dec 15, 1942Richard WolfCystoscopic instrumentUS2453862Jun 2, 1947Nov 16, 1948Salisbury Peter FredericGastroscopeUS3874388Feb 12, 1973Apr 1, 1975Ochsner Med Found AltonShunt defect closure systemUS4175545Aug 8, 1977Nov 27, 1979Zafmedico Corp.Method and apparatus for fiber-optic cardiovascular endoscopyUS4326529Dec 5, 1979Apr 27, 1982The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of EnergyCorneal-shaping electrodeUS4445892May 6, 1982May 1, 1984Laserscope, Inc.Dual balloon catheter deviceUS4470407Mar 11, 1982Sep 11, 1984Laserscope, Inc.Endoscopic deviceUS4517976Sep 27, 1982May 21, 1985Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.High frequency scalpel and endoscope system and method of operating sameUS4569335 *Mar 22, 1984Feb 11, 1986Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.FiberscopeUS4576146 *Mar 22, 1984Mar 18, 1986Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.FiberscopeUS4615333Jan 30, 1985Oct 7, 1986Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Rigid endoscope of oblique window typeUS4619247Mar 23, 1984Oct 28, 1986Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.CatheterUS4676258Jun 5, 1986Jun 30, 1987Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaDevice for hyperthermiaUS4681093 *Dec 12, 1983Jul 21, 1987Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.EndoscopeUS4709698May 14, 1986Dec 1, 1987Thomas J. FogartyHeatable dilation catheterUS4710192Oct 17, 1986Dec 1, 1987Liotta Domingo SDiaphragm and method for occlusion of the descending thoracic aortaUS4727418Jun 20, 1986Feb 23, 1988Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Image processing apparatusUS4784133Jan 28, 1987Nov 15, 1988Mackin Robert AWorking well balloon angioscope and methodUS4848323Feb 9, 1988Jul 18, 1989Daniel Den Hoed StichtingApparatus for, and method of, examining and/or illuminating a body cavityUS4911148Mar 14, 1989Mar 27, 1990Intramed Laboratories, Inc.Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable flexible shaft assemblyUS4914521Feb 3, 1989Apr 3, 1990Adair Edwin LloydSterilizable video camera coverUS4943290Apr 27, 1989Jul 24, 1990Concept Inc.Electrolyte purging electrode tipUS4950285Nov 27, 1989Aug 21, 1990Wilk Peter JSuture deviceUS4957484Jul 26, 1988Sep 18, 1990Automedix Sciences, Inc.Lymph access catheters and methods of administrationUS4961738Dec 2, 1987Oct 9, 1990Mackin Robert AAngioplasty catheter with illumination and visualization within angioplasty balloonUS4976710Nov 15, 1988Dec 11, 1990Mackin Robert AWorking well balloon methodUS4991578Apr 4, 1989Feb 12, 1991Siemens-Pacesetter, Inc.Method and system for implanting self-anchoring epicardial defibrillation electrodesUS4994069Nov 2, 1988Feb 19, 1991Target TherapeuticsVaso-occlusion coil and methodUS4998916Jan 4, 1990Mar 12, 1991Hammerslag Julius GGuidewireUS4998972Mar 23, 1989Mar 12, 1991Thomas J. FogartyReal time angioscopy imaging systemUS5047028May 3, 1990Sep 10, 1991Quinghua QianMethod for inducing thrombosis in blood vesselsUS5057106Jul 9, 1990Oct 15, 1991Kasevich Associates, Inc.Microwave balloon angioplastyUS5090959Sep 13, 1990Feb 25, 1992Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Imaging balloon dilatation catheterUS5123428Oct 10, 1991Jun 23, 1992Schwarz Gerald RLaparoscopically implanting bladder control apparatusUS5156141Mar 11, 1991Oct 20, 1992Helmut KrebsConnector for coupling an endoscope to a video cameraUS5171259Mar 30, 1991Dec 15, 1992Kanji InoueDevice for nonoperatively occluding a defectUS5281238Mar 3, 1993Jan 25, 1994Chin Albert KEndoscopic ligation instrumentUS5282827Mar 5, 1992Feb 1, 1994Kensey Nash CorporationHemostatic puncture closure system and method of useUS5306234Mar 23, 1993Apr 26, 1994Johnson W DudleyMethod for closing an atrial appendageUS5313934 *Sep 10, 1992May 24, 1994Deumed Group Inc.Lens cleaning means for invasive viewing medical instrumentsUS5313943Sep 25, 1992May 24, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Catheters and methods for performing cardiac diagnosis and treatmentUS5330496May 6, 1991Jul 19, 1994Alferness Clifton AVascular catheter assembly for tissue penetration and for cardiac stimulation and methods thereofUS5334159Mar 30, 1992Aug 2, 1994Symbiosis CorporationThoracentesis needle assembly utilizing check valveUS5334193Nov 13, 1992Aug 2, 1994American Cardiac Ablation Co., Inc.Fluid cooled ablation catheterUS5336252Jun 22, 1992Aug 9, 1994Cohen Donald MSystem and method for implanting cardiac electrical leadsUS5339800 *Feb 5, 1993Aug 23, 1994Devmed Group Inc.Lens cleaning means for invasive viewing medical instruments with anti-contamination meansUS5348554Dec 1, 1992Sep 20, 1994Cardiac Pathways CorporationCatheter for RF ablation with cooled electrodeUS5353792Jul 26, 1993Oct 11, 1994Avl Medical Instruments AgOptical sensing deviceUS5370647May 13, 1993Dec 6, 1994Surgical Innovations, Inc.Tissue and organ extractorUS5373840Oct 2, 1992Dec 20, 1994Knighton; David R.Endoscope and method for vein removalUS5375612Mar 30, 1993Dec 27, 1994B. Braun CelsaPossibly absorbable blood filterUS5385148Jul 30, 1993Jan 31, 1995The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaCardiac imaging and ablation catheterUS5403326Feb 1, 1993Apr 4, 1995The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaMethod for performing a gastric wrap of the esophagus for use in the treatment of esophageal refluxUS5405376Aug 27, 1993Apr 11, 1995Medtronic, Inc.Method and apparatus for ablationUS5421338Jun 3, 1994Jun 6, 1995Boston Scientific CorporationAcoustic imaging catheter and the likeUS5431649Aug 27, 1993Jul 11, 1995Medtronic, Inc.Method and apparatus for R-F ablationUS5453785Jul 28, 1993Sep 26, 1995Jos. Schneider Optische Werke Kreuznach Gmbh & Co. KgMeasurement camera with fixed geometry and rigid length supportUS5462521Dec 21, 1993Oct 31, 1995Angeion CorporationFluid cooled and perfused tip for a catheterUS5471515Jan 28, 1994Nov 28, 1995California Institute Of TechnologyActive pixel sensor with intra-pixel charge transferUS5498230Oct 3, 1994Mar 12, 1996Adair; Edwin L.Sterile connector and video camera cover for sterile endoscopeUS5505730Jun 24, 1994Apr 9, 1996Stuart D. EdwardsThin layer ablation apparatusUS5515853Mar 28, 1995May 14, 1996Sonometrics CorporationThree-dimensional digital ultrasound tracking systemUS5527338Dec 9, 1993Jun 18, 1996Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas SystemIntravascular deviceUS5549603Nov 28, 1994Aug 27, 1996Feiring; Andrew J.Method and apparatus for inducing the permeation of medication into internal tissueUS5558619Sep 15, 1994Sep 24, 1996Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Endoscope system with automatic control according to movement of an operatorUS5571088Jun 6, 1995Nov 5, 1996Boston Scientific CorporationAblation cathetersUS5575756Aug 12, 1994Nov 19, 1996Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Endoscope apparatusUS5575810Sep 15, 1995Nov 19, 1996Ep Technologies, Inc.Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the likeUS5584872Mar 11, 1994Dec 17, 1996Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Electrophysiology energy treatment devices and methods of useUS5591119Dec 7, 1994Jan 7, 1997Adair; Edwin L.Sterile surgical coupler and drapeUS5593405Jan 9, 1995Jan 14, 1997Osypka; PeterFiber optic endoscopeUS5593422Jan 6, 1995Jan 14, 1997Muijs Van De Moer; Wouter M.Occlusion assembly for sealing openings in blood vessels and a method for sealing openings in blood vesselsUS5593424Aug 10, 1994Jan 14, 1997Segmed, Inc.Apparatus and method for reducing and stabilizing the circumference of a vascular structureUS5672153Sep 26, 1994Sep 30, 1997Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device and methodUS5676693Jun 14, 1994Oct 14, 1997Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Electrophysiology deviceUS5681308Nov 28, 1994Oct 28, 1997Stuart D. EdwardsAblation apparatus for cardiac chambersUS5695448Aug 25, 1995Dec 9, 1997Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Endoscopic sheathUS5697281Jun 7, 1995Dec 16, 1997Arthrocare CorporationFor applying electrical energy to a site on a bodyUS5697882Nov 22, 1995Dec 16, 1997Arthrocare CorporationFor applying energy to a target site on a patient body structureUS5709224Jun 7, 1995Jan 20, 1998Radiotherapeutics CorporationMethod and device for permanent vessel occlusionUS5713907Jul 20, 1995Feb 3, 1998Endotex Interventional Systems, Inc.Apparatus and method for dilating a lumen and for inserting an intraluminal graftUS5713946Oct 28, 1996Feb 3, 1998Biosense, Inc.Apparatus and method for intrabody mappingUS5716321Oct 10, 1995Feb 10, 1998Conceptus, Inc.Method for maintaining separation between a falloposcope and a tubal wallUS5722403Oct 28, 1996Mar 3, 1998Ep Technologies, Inc.Systems and methods using a porous electrode for ablating and visualizing interior tissue regionsUS5725523Mar 29, 1996Mar 10, 1998Mueller; Richard L.Lateral-and posterior-aspect method and apparatus for laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization and other surgical applicationsUS5746747May 13, 1994May 5, 1998Mckeating; John A.Polypectomy instrumentUS5749846Jun 7, 1995May 12, 1998Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device with optical viewing capabilityUS5749890Dec 3, 1996May 12, 1998Shaknovich; AlexanderMethod and system for stent placement in ostial lesionsUS5754313Jul 17, 1996May 19, 1998Welch Allyn, Inc.Imager assemblyUS5766137Sep 12, 1996Jun 16, 1998Axiom Co., Ltd.For obtaining hardness information of a subjectUS5769846Apr 21, 1995Jun 23, 1998Stuart D. EdwardsFor ablating tissue within a chamber of the heartUS5792045Mar 4, 1996Aug 11, 1998Adair; Edwin L.Sterile surgical coupler and drapeUS5797903Apr 12, 1996Aug 25, 1998Ep Technologies, Inc.Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures with electrically conductive surfacesUS5823947Jun 25, 1997Oct 20, 1998Yoon; InbaeMethod of creating an operating space endoscopically at an obstructed siteUS5827268Oct 30, 1996Oct 27, 1998Hearten Medical, Inc.Device for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus and method of using the deviceUS5829447May 7, 1996Nov 3, 1998Heartport, Inc.To ablate cardiac tissueUS5843118Feb 27, 1997Dec 1, 1998Target Therapeutics, Inc.Fibered micro vaso-occlusive devicesUS5848969Oct 28, 1996Dec 15, 1998Ep Technologies, Inc.Systems and methods for visualizing interior tissue regions using expandable imaging structuresUS5860974Feb 11, 1997Jan 19, 1999Boston Scientific CorporationHeart ablation catheter with expandable electrode and method of coupling energy to an electrode on a catheter shaftUS5860991Aug 22, 1997Jan 19, 1999Perclose, Inc.Method for the percutaneous suturing of a vascular puncture siteUS5865791Jun 23, 1997Feb 2, 1999E.P. Technologies Inc.Atrial appendage stasis reduction procedure and devicesUS5873815Jun 23, 1997Feb 23, 1999Conceptus, Inc.Access catheter and method for maintaining separation between a falloposcope and a tubal wallUSRE34002Sep 12, 1990Jul 21, 1992 Sterilizable video camera cover* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1Avitall, A Catheter System to Ablate Atrial Fibrillation in a Sterile Pericarditis Dog Model, PACE, vol. 17, p. 774, 1994.2Avitall, Right-Sided Driven Atrial Fibrillation in a Sterile Pericarditis Dog Model, PACE, vol. 17, p. 774, 1994.3Avitall, Vagally Mediated Atrial Fibrillation in a Dog Model can be Ablated by Placing Linear Radiofrequency Lesions at the Junction of the Right Atrial Appendage and the Superior Vena Cava, PACE, vol. 18, p. 857, 1995.4Baker, Nonpharmacologic Approaches to the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter, J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol., vol. 6, pp. 972-978, 1995.5Bhakta, Principles of Electroanatomic Mapping, Indian Pacing & Electrophysiol J., vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 32-50, 2008.6Bidoggia, Transseptal Left Heart Catheterization: Usefulness of the Intracavitary Electrocardiogram in the Localization of the Fossa Ovalis, Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn., vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 221-225, 1991.7Bredikis, Surgery of Tachyarrhythmia: Intracardiac Closed Heart Cryoablation, PACE, vol. 13, pp. 1980-1984, 1990.8Cox, Cardiac Surgery for Arrhythmias, J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol., vol. 15, pp. 250-262, 2004.9Cox, Five-Year Experience With the Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation, Ann. Thorac. Surg., vol. 56, pp. 814-824, 1993.10Cox, Modification of the Maze Procedure for Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation, J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., vol. 110, pp. 473-484, 1995.11Cox, The Status of Surgery for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Circulation, vol. 71, pp. 413-417, 1985.12Cox, The Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation, J. Thorac Cardiovasc. Surg., vol. 101, pp. 584-592, 1991.13Elvan, Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation (RFCA) of the Atria Effectively Abolishes Pacing Induced Chronic Atrial Fibrillation, PACE, vol. 18, p. 856, 1995.14Elvan, Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of the Atria Reduces Inducibility and Duration of Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs, Circulation, vol. 91, pp. 2235-2244, 1995.15Elvan, Replication of the "Maze" Procedure by Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Reduces the Ability to Induce Atrial Fibrillation, PACE, vol. 17, p. 774, 1994.16European Patent Application No. 06734083.6 filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Saadat et al., Examination Communication mailed May 18, 2010.17European Patent Application No. 06734083.6 filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Saadat et al., office action mailed Oct. 23, 2009.18European Patent Application No. 06734083.6 filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., Office Action mailed Nov. 12, 2010.19European Patent Application No. 06734083.6, filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Saadat et al., extended European Search Report mailed Jul. 1, 2009.20European Patent Application No. 07758716.0 filed Mar. 16, 2007 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., Supplemental European Search Report mailed Feb. 28, 2011.21European Patent Application No. 07799466.3 filed Jul. 10, 2007 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., European Search Report mailed Nov. 18, 2010.22European Patent Application No. 07812146.4 filed Jun. 14, 2007 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., European Search Report mailed Nov. 18, 2010.23European Patent Application No. 07841754.0 filed Aug. 31, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., Supplemental European Search Report mailed Jun. 30, 2010.24European Patent Application No. 08746822.9 filed Apr. 24, 2008 in the name of Rothe et al., European Search Report mailed Mar. 29, 2010.25European Patent Application No. 08746822.9 filed Apr. 24, 2008 in the name of Rothe et al., Office Action mailed Jul. 13, 2010.26Fieguth, Inhibition of Atrial Fibrillation by Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Auricular Resection-Experimental Study in a Sheep Model, European J. Cardiothorac. Surg., vol. 11, pp. 714-721, 1997.27Fieguth, Inhibition of Atrial Fibrillation by Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Auricular Resection�Experimental Study in a Sheep Model, European J. Cardiothorac. Surg., vol. 11, pp. 714-721, 1997.28Hoey, Intramural Ablation Using Radiofrequency Energy Via Screw-Tip Catheter and Saline Electrode, PACE, vol. 18, p. 487, 1995.29Huang, Increase in the Lesion Size and Decrease in the Impedance Rise with a Saline Infusion Electrode Catheter for Radiofrequency, Circulation, vol. 80, No. 4, pp. II-324, 1989.30Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-554156 filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., Notice of Allowance mailed Jun. 13, 2011.31Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-554156 filed Jan. 30, 2006 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., Office Action mailed Feb. 15, 2011.32Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-500630 filed Mar. 16, 2007 in the name of Voyage Medical, Inc., Office Action mailed Apr. 27, 2011.33Moser, Angioscopic Visualization of Pulmonary Emboli, CHEST, vol. 77, No. 2, pp. 198-201, 1980.34Nakamura, Percutaneous Intracardiac Surgery With Cardioscopic Guidance, SPIE, vol. 1652, pp. 214-216, 1992.35Pappone, Circumferential Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Vein Ostia, Circulation, vol. 102, pp. 2619-2628, 2000.36Sethi, Transseptal Catheterization for the Electrophysiologist: Modification with a "View", J. Interv. Card. Electrophysiol., vol. 5, pp. 97-99, 2001, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands.37Thiagalingam, Cooled Needle Catheter Ablation Creates Deeper and Wider Lesions than Irrigated Tip Catheter Ablation, J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol., vol. 16, pp. 1-8, 2005.38U.S. Appl. No. 11/259,498, filed Oct. 25, 2005 in the name of Saadat et al., Non-final Office Action mailed Feb. 25, 2010.39U.S. Appl. No. 11/259,498, filed Oct. 25, 2005 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Nov. 15, 2010.40U.S. Appl. No. 11/560,732, filed Mar. 16, 2007 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Feb. 24, 2011.41U.S. Appl. No. 11/560,732, filed Nov. 16, 2006 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Feb. 3, 2011.42U.S. Appl. No. 11/560,742, filed Nov. 16, 2006 in the name of Saadat, Non-final Office Action mailed Jun. 10, 2010.43U.S. Appl. No. 11/560,742, filed Nov. 16, 2006 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Nov. 15, 2010.44U.S. Appl. No. 11/687,597, filed Mar. 16, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., Non-final Office Action mailed Jul. 21, 2010.45U.S. Appl. No. 11/687,597, filed Mar. 16, 2007 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Feb. 24, 2011.46U.S. Appl. No. 11/763,399, filed Jun. 14, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 11, 2011.47U.S. Appl. No. 11/775,771, filed Jul. 10, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., final Office Action mailed May 12, 2011.48U.S. Appl. No. 11/775,771, filed Jul. 10, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., Non-final Office Action mailed Aug. 27, 2010.49U.S. Appl. No. 11/775,819, filed Jul. 10, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 20, 2011.50U.S. Appl. No. 11/775,837, filed Jul. 10, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 23, 2011.51U.S. Appl. No. 11/828,267, filed Jul. 25, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., final Office Action mailed Sep. 16, 2010.52U.S. Appl. No. 11/828,267, filed Jul. 25, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., Non-final Office Action mailed Jan. 14, 2010.53U.S. Appl. No. 11/828,267, filed Jul. 25, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 11, 2011.54U.S. Appl. No. 11/828,281, filed Jul. 25, 2007 in the name of Peh et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 27, 2011.55U.S. Appl. No. 11/848,207 filed Aug. 30, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Feb. 25, 2011.56U.S. Appl. No. 11/848,429, filed Aug. 31, 2007 in the name of Peh et al., non-final Office Action mailed Nov. 24, 2010.57U.S. Appl. No. 11/848,532, filed Aug. 31, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 26, 2011.58U.S. Appl. No. 11/877,386, filed Oct. 23, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 20, 2011.59U.S. Appl. No. 11/959,158, filed Dec. 18, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 25, 2011.60U.S. Appl. No. 11/961,950, filed Dec. 20, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 9, 2011.61U.S. Appl. No. 11/961,995, filed Dec. 20, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 9, 2011.62U.S. Appl. No. 11/962,029, filed Dec. 20, 2007 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed May 9, 2011.63U.S. Appl. No. 12/026,455, filed Feb. 5, 2008 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Dec. 27, 2010.64U.S. Appl. No. 12/117,655, filed May 8, 2008 in the name of Peh et al., final Office Action mailed Jun. 2, 2011.65U.S. Appl. No. 12/117,655, filed May 8, 2008 in the name of Peh et al., Final Office Action mailed Mar. 1, 2010.66U.S. Appl. No. 12/117,655, filed May 8, 2008 in the name of Peh et al., non-final Office Action mailed Dec. 16, 2010.67U.S. Appl. No. 12/117,655, filed May 8, 2008 in the name of Saadat et al., Non-final Office Action mailed Jun. 8, 2009.68U.S. Appl. No. 12/323,281, filed Nov. 25, 2008 in the name of Saadat et al., non-final Office Action mailed Jun. 7, 2011.69U.S. Appl. No. 12/367,019, filed Feb. 6, 2009 in the name of Miller et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 22, 2011.70U.S. Appl. No. 12/464,800, filed May 12, 2009 in the name of Peh et al., non-final Office Action mailed Nov. 24, 2010.71U.S. Appl. No. 12/499,011, filed Jul. 7, 2009 in the name of Rothe et al., non-final Office Action mailed Apr. 12, 2011.72U.S. Appl. No. 12/947,198, filed Nov. 16, 2010 in the name of Saadat, non-final Office Action mailed Feb. 18, 2011.73U.S. Appl. No. 12/947,246, filed Nov. 16, 2006 in the name of Saadat, Notice of Allowance mailed Feb. 18, 2011.74U.S. Appl. No. 61/286,283, filed Dec. 14, 2009 in the name of Rothe et al.75U.S. Appl. No. 61/297,462, filed Jan. 22, 2010 in the name of Rothe et al.76Uchida, Developmental History of Cardioscopes, Coronary Angioscopy, pp. 187-197, 2001, Futura Publishing Co., Armonk, NY.77Willkampf, Radiofrequency Ablation with a Cooled Porous Electrode Catheter, JACC, vol. 11, No. 2, p. 17A, 1988.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS20100191050 *Jan 23, 2009Jul 29, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Variable length accessory for guiding a flexible endoscopic toolUS20120150046 *Oct 21, 2011Jun 14, 2012Voyage Medical, Inc.Tissue contrast imaging systemsUS20130018366 *Jul 11, 2011Jan 17, 2013C2 TherapeuticsFocal Ablation Assembly* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification600/129, 600/127, 600/156, 600/104International ClassificationA61B1/04Cooperative ClassificationA61B1/005, A61B5/6882, A61B1/018, A61B17/0469, A61B17/0057, A61B1/00091, A61B1/00177, A61B17/0401, A61B17/22012, A61B17/00234, A61B2017/0496, A61B1/0008, A61B1/04, A61B1/00089, A61B1/015, A61B1/00082, A61B2017/048, A61B8/12, A61B1/00085, A61B18/24, A61B17/0487, A61B5/02007European ClassificationA61B1/00S4B, A61B17/00E, A61B1/04, A61B1/00E4H2, A61B1/018, A61B1/00E4H4, A61B5/68D3D, A61B1/00E4H, A61B1/005, A61B17/00P, A61B5/02D, A61B1/00E4H5, A61B1/00E4H1, A61B17/04A, A61B1/015Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionAug 16, 2013ASAssignmentOwner name: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031030/0061Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:TRIPLEPOINT CAPITAL LLC;REEL/FRAME:031029/0949Effective date: 20130816Owner name: VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC., CALIFORNIASep 24, 2012ASAssignmentEffective date: 20120921Owner name: TRIPLEPOINT CAPITAL LLC, CALIFORNIAFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029011/0077Nov 13, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SAADAT, VAHID;ROTHE, CHRIS A.;TAM, EDMUND A.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:020104/0029Effective date: 20070906RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google