Implementations relate to surgical devices and methods for applying thermal and/or electrical energy to organic material such as biological tissue to modify the characteristics of the tissue for therapeutic purposes. More particularly, disclosed implementations are directed to electrosurgical devices utilizing radio frequency (“RF”) energy to cut, coagulate, and/or ablate tissue during a medical procedure for treatment and therapy.
Traditional open surgery is performed to repair various joints and orthopedic problems throughout the human body. Open surgery often has long recovery times with large scars and requires intensive rehabilitation. There is a large cost associated with performing these procedures, including operating room time, personnel needed, and use of medical materials.
Arthroscopic surgery is becoming increasingly popular, compared to traditional open surgery, because arthroscopic surgery generally does less damage, is less invasive, is safer, and produces less scarring in and around joints. Further, compared to traditional open surgery, arthroscopic surgery results in faster healing and a quicker return of a patient to full productivity, and reduces costs.
An apparatus and method are disclosed, for example, to selectively cut and ablate body tissue during a medical procedure such as arthroscopic surgery. The apparatus and method are configured and used for effective cutting and ablation of target tissue while giving the surgeon a precise and controlled surface for scraping tissue from bone or removing tissue within the surgical field for appropriate treatment and therapy. The apparatus can direct the energy source (for example, RF) to the tissue (for example, a tendon or a ligament) and apply RF to relatively cleanly and smoothly ablate the tissue. The apparatus can target certain tissues to be treated with high temperatures while protecting non-targeted tissues from thermal effect, thereby increasing the viability of tissues and promoting complete recovery. Accordingly, some procedures that have been considered too awkward or difficult to perform effectively by arthroscopy can now be performed more effectively using arthroscopic devices. The apparatus and method are applicable in a wide variety of medical procedures on a wide range of different bodily tissues. The apparatus is also simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and is compatible with conventional systems and procedures.
According to one aspect, a surgical device includes an elongated shaft, a first electrode coupled to the shaft, and a second electrode coupled to the shaft. The second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode, includes an exposed portion that is disposed around only part of a circumference of the elongated shaft, and includes a portion that is spaced proximally from the first electrode.
Embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features.
A conductor includes the second electrode, the conductor being disposed around only a portion of the circumference of the elongated shaft. A layer of insulation is disposed over at least a portion of the conductor and includes a window that defines the exposed portion of the second electrode. The layer of insulation is also disposed over at least a designated part of the elongated shaft around which the conductor is not disposed, wherein the designated part provides an insulated area that is configured to shield adjacent tissue during electrosurgery. The layer of insulation provides both thermal and electrical insulation.
The elongated shaft includes a distal portion, and the first electrode is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft and is side-facing. The shaft includes a bend in the distal portion proximal to the first electrode and includes a distal tip, and the side-facing first electrode is disposed at the distal tip. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first side extending longitudinally along the axis. The side-facing first electrode faces toward the first side, and the exposed portion of the second electrode includes a portion facing the first side. A conductor includes the second electrode, and the conductor is disposed around only a portion of the circumference of the elongated shaft. An insulation layer is disposed over at least a portion of the conductor, the insulation layer including a window defining the exposed portion of the second electrode. The conductor includes a clip. A conductive tube is electrically coupled to the first electrode; a first insulation layer is disposed over at least a portion of the conductive tube; and a second insulation layer is disposed over at least a portion of the clip. The first insulation layer and the second insulation layer each include Teflon®.
The shaft defines a lumen. The device includes a distal portion and defines a lumen opening at the distal portion, the lumen opening being in communication with the lumen and configured to provide aspiration. A surface area of the exposed portion of the second electrode is at least approximately six times a surface area of the first electrode. The first electrode includes a surface configured to scrape tissue. The first electrode is configured in an ashtray configuration and the surface includes an edge in the ashtray configuration.
The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis and includes a distal portion, and the first electrode is coupled to the distal portion of the shaft and is configured to contact tissue straight-on along the longitudinal axis. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is malleable to allow a user to bend the shaft. The first electrode is configured to ablate tissue. The entire exposed portion of the second electrode is spaced proximally from the first electrode.
According to another aspect, performing surgery includes applying electrical energy to a first electrode of a bipolar surgical device to perform electrosurgery on a target tissue, the first electrode being disposed on an elongated shaft of the bipolar device. The bipolar device includes a second electrode having an exposed portion disposed around only a part of a circumference of the elongated shaft. Performing surgery also includes providing an insulated surface extending longitudinally along an entire side of the shaft, such that non-target tissue adjacent the insulated surface is shielded during the application of electrical energy to target tissue.
Embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features.
Providing the insulated surface includes providing a thermally and electrically insulated surface. The device includes a bend at a distal portion of the shaft proximal to the first electrode, and providing the insulated surface includes providing a surface extending distally on the shaft only to the bend. Applying electrical energy to perform electrosurgery includes ablating the target tissue. Fluid is aspirated through the shaft. The target tissue is scraped using a surface on the first electrode. The bipolar surgical device is inserted into a body such that the first electrode is adjacent the target tissue. Providing the insulated surface includes using a device that includes a second electrode, the second electrode being coupled to the shaft, electrically isolated from the first electrode, including an exposed portion disposed around only part of a circumference of the elongated shaft, and the exposed portion including a portion that is spaced proximally from the first electrode.
According to another aspect, a surgical device includes an elongated shaft, a first electrode coupled to the shaft, a second electrode coupled to the shaft and including an exposed portion disposed around only part of a circumference of the elongated shaft, and an insulating member coupled to the shaft for providing an insulated surface extending longitudinally along an entire side of the shaft such that non-target tissue adjacent the insulated surface is shielded during the application of electrical energy to target tissue.
Embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features.
The mechanism includes a conductor coupled to the shaft and electrically isolated from the first electrode, the conductor disposed around only part of the circumference of the elongated shaft and including a portion configured to serve as a second electrode. The mechanism for providing the insulated surface includes a mechanism for providing a thermally and electrically insulated surface.
According to another aspect, a surgical device includes an elongated shaft including a first side; a first electrode coupled to the shaft and side-facing toward the first side, and including an exposed portion that is not disposed around an entire circumference of the elongated shaft; and a second electrode coupled to the shaft, electrically isolated from the first electrode, side-facing toward the first side, and including an exposed portion that is not disposed around an entire circumference of the elongated shaft.
Embodiments of this aspect may include the following feature. The side-facing first electrode and the side-facing second electrode face in the same direction on the first side.
These and other features will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating particular implementations and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made, and such changes and modifications are within the scope of the claims.
Referring to
Electrosurgical device 400 includes a handle 405 that attaches to a suction tubing 425 and a power cable 430. Power cable 430 carries both active and return power wires to and from an electrosurgical generator (not shown). Power cable 430 has a power connector 435 for attaching cable 430 to a cooperating structure on the electrosurgical generator. Suction tubing 425 has a suction connector 440 for connecting suction tubing 425 to a cooperating standard suction receptacle with a negative aspiration source within an operating room. The amount of suction applied through tubing 425 is controlled by a roller clamp 445 that is applied above suction connector 440. Suction control also can be accomplished, for example, by a series of open ports on handle 405 or a finger activated switch on handle 405.
The assembled length of handle 405 and shaft 410 can be, for example, between 127 to 381 millimeters (“mm”), with the actual length being selected depending on, for example, the size and location of the surgical site. The length of shaft 410 can be, for example, between 76 to 254 mm.
Distal portion 415 has a ninety degree bend 527 such that end 525 and active electrode 520 are side-facing for access to specific anatomies. Different configurations, such as, for example, side-facing configurations having bends of, for example, sixty degrees, forty-five degrees, or thirty degrees, or a configuration having a straight shaft are possible to provide for access to different anatomies within a body.
Active electrode 520 has a concave surface 512 shaped like a shallow dish with an edge 536. In surface 512 there are a sequence of four cutouts 532 providing electrode 520 with an ashtray configuration. Cutouts 532 are formed at four locations along edge 536 spaced approximately ninety degrees apart, have a width that tapers in a radial direction from a maximum at edge 536 to a minimum at approximately half the radial distance to the center of surface 512. Cutouts 532 define additional edges 538 on each side of each cutout 532, and the surface of cutouts 532 is generally concave. A portion 580 of surface 512 (see
Active electrode 520 defines an aspiration opening 530 for the removal of fluids and particulate matter from the surgical site near active electrode 520. A non-suction probe also can be constructed by sealing aspiration opening 530 to form a solid active electrode. The decision to use a suction or non-suction probe will depend on the particular surgical site and the procedure to be performed by the physician.
Shaft 410 is largely covered by an outer insulation layer 510 that provides electrical and thermal protection. Return electrode 540 is exposed through a return electrode port 550 in outer insulation layer 510. Return electrode port 550 is cut out of outer insulation layer 510 so that port 550 also is side-facing, in the same direction as end 525 and active electrode 520.
Return electrode 540 is proximally spaced from active electrode 520 along shaft 410. The ratio of the area of the exposed portion of return electrode 540 to the area of active electrode 520 is approximately 8:1 and provides for a higher current density at active electrode 520 than at return electrode 540. The ratio can vary in a range from; for example, 2:1 to 10:1 depending on, for example, the application. Electrode 520 and the exposed portion of return electrode 540 are separated by a distance of about 2.5 mm. In another embodiment, the separation distance can vary in a range from, for example, about 2 mm to 10 mm depending on, for example, the application.
Shaft 410 includes an inner insulation layer 560 that surrounds a periphery 570 of active electrode 520, and extends proximally underneath return electrode 540. Edge 536 of active electrode 520 protrudes past inner insulation layer 560 (see
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Tube 810 defines an internal suction lumen 820 that communicates with aspiration opening 530 and suction tubing 425 (
Inner insulation layer 560 covers tube 810 and provides electrical and thermal insulation to tube 810. Located between inner insulation layer 560 and outer insulation layer 510 is a conductor 840 (see also
Referring to
Clip 910 and return tab 920 are formed from a single piece of metal and constitute an integral design, although other implementations need not be integral. In non-integral implementations, clip 910 and tab 920 can be coupled by, for example, crimping, brazing, soldering, welding, or mechanically attaching by using, for example, a spring clip. RF return current flows along tab 920 back to the electrosurgical generator. Return tab 920 is a flat piece of metal, although other implementations can use other structures, such as, for example, a wire. It should be clear that shaft 410 does not include any wires. Further, return tab 920 can be located within an insulated groove located in tube 810 or some other portion of shaft 410. Such a groove can be embedded in shaft 410 such that the cross-sectional profile of shaft 410 remains round.
Clip 910 has edges 930 defining a slot 940 such that clip 910 is not a complete cylinder. Accordingly, when clip 910 is disposed over inner insulation layer 560, clip 910 only extends around a portion of the circumference of shaft 410. In assembly, clip 910 is positioned on shaft 410 such that slot 940 is on bottom side 419 of shaft 410. In operation, because of the narrow width of return tab 920, the return current path does not generally extend into portions of clip 910 that are not between the portion forming the exposed portion of return electrode 540 and tab 920. As a result of the direction of the return current path, back portion 610 (which can have a circumferential extent larger than that of slot 940) is generally free from any thermal energy generated directly from the return current path. Further, because of the limited circumferential extent of clip 910, any thermal conduction within clip 910 away from the return current path does not extend all the way around bottom side 419 of shaft 410.
Accordingly, back portion 610 is substantially non-thermal and protects non-targeted structures and tissue adjacent back portion 610 from thermal damage. As a result, back portion 610 can be rested against thermally sensitive structures while high temperature treatment, such as, for example, cutting or ablation occurs at active electrode 520 on the opposite side of shaft 410. The thermal protection results in a safer application of RF energy.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The double insulation also has the advantage of protecting against shorting from peeling back which is common with high energy and high heat electrosurgical probes. “Peeling back” refers to a situation in which a part of the insulation at the distal portion peels back and can thereby expose underlying conductive material. With two layers of insulation 560 and 510, shorting does not occur unless both layers 560 and 510 peel back or are otherwise compromised.
Port 550 is defined in outer insulation layer 510 to extend more than 180 degrees about the circumference of layer 510, for example, 210 degrees. Port 550 can extend circumferentially over various angles depending on, for example, the desired surface area of the exposed portion of return electrode 540.
Referring to
During application of energy, tissue fragments 1340 and bubbles 1350 created by the high temperatures generated by the RF energy in saline become free floating near device 400. These fragments 1340 and bubbles 1350 can be removed from the surgical site through aspiration opening 530 and suction lumen 820. Alternatively, a separate suction probe can be used.
Active electrode 520 can have different configurations to contact tissue. Edges 536 can be formed for various scraping applications for mechanical tissue treatment or removal, in addition to electrosurgical applications. Active electrode 520 can be molded or pressed to form any shape that can mechanically affect tissue. Examples of electrode configurations include, for example, a clover leaf and a cross fire, as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,357. Other insulating structure, such as, for example, an insulating collar can be used to further insulate active electrode 520 from return electrode 540. Return electrode 540 can be formed from a portion of tube 810, using proper insulating regions on tube 810 to electrically isolate the two electrodes 520 and 540.
Referring to
Referring to
The configuration of the probe shaft allows the surgeon to have better access and more selective control while in the operating environment. For example, the electrosurgical probe of
Referring to
Shaft 1710 includes conductive inner tube 1715 defining a lumen 1720, an inner suction lining 1725, an inner insulation layer 1730, a conductor 1735 that forms a return electrode 1740, and an outer insulation layer 1745 with a cutout 1750 defining an exposed portion of return electrode 1740.
Shaft 1710 also includes conductive middle tube 1755 that is concentric with inner tube 1715. Tubes 1715 and 1755 are crimped together at a location 1760 to secure inner tube 1715 to middle tube 1755. Shaft 1710 further includes conductive outer tube 1765 that is concentric with, and crimped to, both inner tube 1715 and middle tube 1755 at location 1770 to secure outer tube 1765 to both middle tube 1755 and inner tube 1715. Outer tube 1765 has the same diameter as tube 810 of
Attached to a distal end 1780 of shaft 1710 is a dome-shaped active electrode 1790 defining an aspiration opening 1792 in communication with lumen 1720. Electrode 1790 includes a cylindrical side wall 1794 defining a bore 1796 that receives inner tube 1715. Inner tube 1715 is laser welded near a bottom portion 1798 of side wall 1794, and typically on the outside of side wall 1794. Insulation layers 1730 and 1745 are positioned on the outside of side wall 1794. Electrode 1790 receives electrical power from a generator through inner tube 1715 for performing ablation or other electrosurgical procedures.
As explained above, shaft 1710 is advantageously used to perform surgery in small operating environments. Shaft 1710 has a diameter “d” at distal end 1780 of approximately 2 mm and a length “L” of approximately 100 mm. These values can be compared to typical value of approximately 3.5 mm and 150 mm for the implementation shown in
Middle tube 1755 typically extends only part of the distance (L) between handle 405 and electrode 1790. The length of this extension affects, for example, the flexibility and rigidity of shaft 1710 and can vary depending on, for example, the application and a surgeon's preference. In particular embodiments, middle tube extends, for example, approximately one-third or two-thirds of the distance L.
Aspiration opening 1792 is electrically conductive and can electrically affect (for example, ablate) tissue lodged within aspiration opening 1792, thus inhibiting clogging of aspiration opening 1792. Further, aspiration opening 1792 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of lumen 1720 to inhibit clogging of lumen 1720. Device 400 of
Referring to
Electrosurgical devices can be malleable or pre-bent to allow for appropriate access and control within the surgical environment. Malleable probe tips, particularly solid probe tips, such as, for example, tube 1915, can be configured by the surgeon or other user as straight, angled, or curved, for example, to provide for optimal access to specific anatomy and pathology. The described tip designs provide tactile feedback from, for example, the edges or other scraping surfaces, and provide for improved tissue visualization by, for example, reducing bubbling and/or charring.
As discussed above, return electrode port 550 is cut out of outer insulation layer 510 so that port 550 also is side-facing, in the same direction as end 525 and active electrode 520. Exposed portions of active and return electrodes can be side-facing in the same direction, as in device 400, or alternatively, the exposed portions of the electrodes can be side-facing in directions that are different. Exposed portions of electrodes that are side-facing in different directions can be circumferentially separated by an angle that is, for example, quite small, such that exposed portions of both electrodes are facing in generally the same direction or at least facing toward the same side of the shaft (for example, the top side 417). Further, for exposed portions of electrodes that, taken as a whole, are facing different directions, there can be portions on each electrode that face the same direction. It should be clear that various configurations in which the exposed portions of the electrodes, taken as a whole, are not facing in the same direction can still provide a cool back.
Materials for the active and return electrodes include, for example, titanium, tungsten, platinum, or nickel based alloys. Other biocompatible metals and alloys generally used in sterile electrosurgical devices also can be used for the electrodes. The shaft of device 400 can be, for example, stainless steel, titanium, platinum, or tungsten and the handle can be made of, for example, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (“ABS”) plastic or other compatible materials.
The various tubes described can have other shapes besides cylindrical, such as, for example, oval and rectangular, and can have a diameter or other size that varies with distal location, such as, for example, that provided in a tapering cylindrical tube. Various other configurations are also possible. For example, an insulative tube can be used as an “inner insulation layer” with an inner conductive coating (or a partial coating, such as, for example, a strip) serving as the mechanism for coupling RF power to an active electrode, and an outer conductive coating (or strip, for example) serving as a return electrode (for example, return electrode 540) and/or a return conductor (for example, return tab 920). Other variations also are contemplated, such as, for example, an insulative tube serving as the “lumen lining” with conductive and insulative coatings, for example, applied to the outer surface of the insulative tube.
Inner insulation layer 560 or outer insulation layer 510 can be, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) material and also can include polyamide, plastic, or polyolefin which provide for electrical isolation. Layers 510 and/or 560 can be made from heat shrink tubing including such materials, and heat shrink tubing allows for a quick and easy manufacturing process along with durability and simplified sterilization requirements. In one implementation, device 400 is designed for a single use and is discarded after a single operation.
The power delivered by device 400 is, for example, up to 200 watts. Typical operational power is, for example, 120 watts for ablation and 50 watts for coagulation. For the device of
To maintain the appropriate temperature for cutting tissue, the distal portion of the probe also can be equipped with a thermal feedback system such as a thermocouple. In one implementation, the thermocouple is connected to two leads and is placed between the active electrode and the exposed portion of the return electrode in order to provide feedback of the actual tip temperature. Other types of temperature feedback circuits can be used. Specific examples include thermistors and thermal integrated circuits. Such temperature feedback circuits return probe temperature information to the generator in order to modulate power, thus changing the energy output and the temperature.
It also will be appreciated that the active electrode can be, for example, brazed, crimped, soldered, welded, or mechanically attached. Further, the active and return electrodes can include, for example, titanium, tungsten, and their alloys, or stainless steel, and the return tab can include, for example, stainless steel in a variety of tensile strengths, titanium, copper, or any suitable alloys thereof.
In particular implementations described, the active electrode generates heat by concentrating RF energy at sharp edges causing, for example, cutting and ablation while the return electrode generates little heat due to the larger ratio of exposed surface area and lack of sharp edges. These distal energy application tips and active electrode designs also can be used in conventional monopolar surgical systems where the return electrode is located on the patient's body.
An example involves a probe being used in the knee joint during a notchplasty procedure for anterior cruciate ligament repair. The probe configuration, in particular the energy application tip configuration, is used to remove and scrape the condylar surfaces of a femur to increase the interchondylar notch to free the anterior cruciate ligament from impingement. The anterior cruciate ligament also can be cut and removed using the probe, and a patellar tendon graft can be performed.
The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. For example, with respect to the disclosed implementations, as well as other implementations, monopolar implementations can be achieved by using a second probe that is independently coupled to the electrosurgical generator, or alternatively, simply by providing an additional electrode as a return electrode on the body of a patient and not activating the return electrode on the probe. These and various other modifications can be made to the disclosed implementations. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
The present application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US03/04139, filed Feb. 12, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/356,612, filed Feb. 12, 2002, and titled “Arthroscopic Ablation Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/US03/04139 | 2/12/2003 | WO | 00 | 9/1/2004 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO03/068095 | 8/21/2003 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3920021 | Hiltebrandt | Nov 1975 | A |
3970088 | Morrison | Jul 1976 | A |
3987795 | Morrison | Oct 1976 | A |
4043342 | Morrison | Aug 1977 | A |
4074718 | Morrison | Feb 1978 | A |
4116198 | Roos | Sep 1978 | A |
4202337 | Clarke et al. | May 1980 | A |
4476862 | Pao | Oct 1984 | A |
4483338 | Bloom et al. | Nov 1984 | A |
4532924 | Auth et al. | Aug 1985 | A |
4548207 | Reimels | Oct 1985 | A |
4593691 | Lindstrom et al. | Jun 1986 | A |
4674499 | Pao | Jun 1987 | A |
4765331 | Petruzzi et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4805616 | Pao | Feb 1989 | A |
4823791 | D'Amelio et al. | Apr 1989 | A |
4832048 | Cohen | May 1989 | A |
4936281 | Stasz | Jun 1990 | A |
4966597 | Cosman | Oct 1990 | A |
4976711 | Parins et al. | Dec 1990 | A |
4998933 | Eggers et al. | Mar 1991 | A |
5009656 | Reimels | Apr 1991 | A |
5019076 | Yamanashi et al. | May 1991 | A |
5035696 | Rydell | Jul 1991 | A |
5080660 | Buelina | Jan 1992 | A |
5085659 | Rydell | Feb 1992 | A |
5089002 | Kirwan, Jr. | Feb 1992 | A |
5098431 | Rydell | Mar 1992 | A |
5122138 | Manwaring | Jun 1992 | A |
5178620 | Eggers et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
5192280 | Parins | Mar 1993 | A |
5197963 | Parins | Mar 1993 | A |
5217458 | Parins | Jun 1993 | A |
5273524 | Fox et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5277696 | Hagen | Jan 1994 | A |
5348554 | Imran et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5366443 | Eggers | Nov 1994 | A |
5383876 | Nardella | Jan 1995 | A |
5419767 | Eggers et al. | May 1995 | A |
5451223 | Ben-Shimon | Sep 1995 | A |
5454809 | Janssen | Oct 1995 | A |
5458596 | Lax et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5486161 | Lax et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
RE35187 | Gortz | Mar 1996 | E |
5500012 | Brucker et al. | Mar 1996 | A |
5514130 | Baker | May 1996 | A |
5529214 | Lasonde et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
5545161 | Imran | Aug 1996 | A |
5549605 | Hahnen | Aug 1996 | A |
5556397 | Long et al. | Sep 1996 | A |
5569242 | Lax et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5573533 | Strul | Nov 1996 | A |
5582610 | Grossi et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5599346 | Edwards et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5599349 | D'Amelio | Feb 1997 | A |
5626576 | Janssen | May 1997 | A |
5643197 | Brucker et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5658278 | Imran et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
5681282 | Eggers et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5683366 | Eggers et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5697281 | Eggers et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5697356 | Chappell | Dec 1997 | A |
5697882 | Eggers et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5697909 | Eggers et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5697925 | Taylor | Dec 1997 | A |
5700262 | Acosta et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5730742 | Wojciechowicz | Mar 1998 | A |
5743870 | Edwards | Apr 1998 | A |
5762626 | Lundquist et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5766153 | Eggers et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5785705 | Baker | Jul 1998 | A |
5800431 | Brown | Sep 1998 | A |
5810764 | Eggers et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5814043 | Shapeton | Sep 1998 | A |
5823994 | Sharkey et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5843019 | Eggers et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5860974 | Abele | Jan 1999 | A |
5871469 | Eggers et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5873855 | Eggers et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5888198 | Eggers et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5891095 | Eggers et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5902272 | Eggers et al. | May 1999 | A |
5919188 | Shearon et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5925045 | Reimels et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5944715 | Goble et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5954716 | Sharkey et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5976127 | Lax | Nov 1999 | A |
5980504 | Sharkey et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5991650 | Swanson et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6004319 | Goble et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6004320 | Casscells et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6007533 | Casscells et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6007570 | Sharkey et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6024733 | Eggers et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6032674 | Eggers et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6045532 | Eggers et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6047700 | Eggers et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6053172 | Hovda et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6063079 | Hovda et al. | May 2000 | A |
6066134 | Eggers et al. | May 2000 | A |
6068628 | Fanton et al. | May 2000 | A |
6073051 | Sharkey et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6086585 | Hovda et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6090106 | Goble et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6095149 | Sharkey et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6099514 | Sharkey et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6102046 | Weinstein et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6105581 | Eggers et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6106522 | Fleischman et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6109268 | Thapliyal et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6113597 | Eggers et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6117109 | Eggers et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6122549 | Sharkey et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6126682 | Sharkey et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6135999 | Fanton et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6142992 | Cheng et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6149620 | Baker et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6159194 | Eggers et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6159208 | Hovda et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6162217 | Kannenberg et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6168593 | Sharkey et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6176857 | Ashley | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6179824 | Eggers et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6179836 | Eggers et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6183469 | Thapliyal et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6190381 | Olsen et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6203542 | Ellsberry et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6210402 | Olsen et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6214001 | Casscells et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6224592 | Eggers et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6228078 | Eggers et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6235020 | Cheng et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6238391 | Olsen et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6246913 | Sharkey | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6254600 | Willink | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6258086 | Ashley et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6261311 | Sharkey et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264650 | Hovda et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264651 | Underwood et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264652 | Eggers et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6269636 | Hatzilakos | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6277112 | Underwood et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6277319 | Hardgrove et al. | Aug 2001 | B2 |
6283960 | Ashley | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6283961 | Underwood et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6290715 | Sharkey et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6296638 | Davison et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6296683 | Koch | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6309387 | Eggers et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6312408 | Eggers et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6322549 | Eggers et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6350262 | Ashley | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6355032 | Hovda et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6358273 | Strul et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6363937 | Hovda et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6379350 | Sharkey et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6379351 | Thapliyal et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6391025 | Weinstein et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6391028 | Fanton et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6416507 | Eggers et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6416508 | Eggers et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6432103 | Ellsberry et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6432105 | Ellman et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6440141 | Philippon | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6461350 | Underwood et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6461353 | Baker, Jr. et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6461354 | Olsen et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6461357 | Sharkey et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6464695 | Hovda et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
6468270 | Hovda et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6468274 | Alleyne et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6482201 | Olsen et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
6482204 | Lax et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
6517568 | Sharkey et al. | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6540741 | Underwood et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6544260 | Markel et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6544261 | Ellsberry et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6547810 | Sharkey et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6551279 | Hyum | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6557559 | Eggers et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6575968 | Eggers et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6582423 | Thapliyal et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6589237 | Wolszko et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
6595990 | Weinstein et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6602248 | Sharps et al. | Aug 2003 | B1 |
6620155 | Underwood et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6623454 | Eggers et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6632193 | Davison et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
6632220 | Eggers et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
6638276 | Sharkey et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6645203 | Sharkey et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6695839 | Sharkey et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
6699244 | Carranza et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6726685 | To et al. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
6733496 | Sharkey et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
6749605 | Ashley et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6757565 | Sharkey et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
20010001314 | Davison et al. | May 2001 | A1 |
20010020107 | Walter et al. | Sep 2001 | A1 |
20010025176 | Ellsberry et al. | Sep 2001 | A1 |
20010029370 | Hovda et al. | Oct 2001 | A1 |
20010029373 | Baker et al. | Oct 2001 | A1 |
20010031963 | Sharkey et al. | Oct 2001 | A1 |
20010051802 | Woloszko et al. | Dec 2001 | A1 |
20020022830 | Sharkey et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020026186 | Woloszko et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020068930 | Tasto et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020095151 | Dahla et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020095152 | Ciarrocca et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020099366 | Dahla et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020120259 | Lettice et al. | Aug 2002 | A1 |
20020128641 | Underwood et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020133149 | Bessette | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020188290 | Sharkey et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020193789 | Underwood et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030009164 | Woloszko et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030014051 | Woloszko | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030028189 | Woloszko et al. | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030040742 | Underwood et al. | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030055418 | Tasto et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030084907 | Pacek et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030088245 | Woloszko et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030097129 | Davison et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030120269 | Bessette et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030130655 | Woloszko et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030130738 | Hovda et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030139789 | Trinnereim et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030158545 | Hovda et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030163178 | Davison et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030171743 | Tasto et al. | Sep 2003 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
WO 9007303 | Jul 1990 | WO |
WO 9221278 | Dec 1992 | WO |
WO 9426228 | Nov 1994 | WO |
WO 9513027 | May 1995 | WO |
WO 9748346 | Dec 1997 | WO |
WO 9807468 | Feb 1998 | WO |
WO 9811944 | Mar 1998 | WO |
WO 9834549 | Aug 1998 | WO |
WO 9834558 | Aug 1998 | WO |
WO 9947058 | Sep 1999 | WO |
WO 9948430 | Sep 1999 | WO |
WO 9948430 | Sep 1999 | WO |
WO 0152759 | Jul 2001 | WO |
WO 02098309 | Dec 2002 | WO |
WO 03037195 | May 2003 | WO |
WO 03065917 | Aug 2003 | WO |
WO 03068095 | Aug 2003 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20050027235 A1 | Feb 2005 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60356612 | Feb 2002 | US |