IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,616,549
Granted Patent B2
US 12,616,549 · App. 18/939,342 · Granted May 5, 2026

Methods and systems for controlled deployment of needles in tissue

Inventors: Michael A. Munrow (Belmont, CA); Jordan Bajor (Palo Alto, CA); Malcolm G. Munro (Tarzana, CA)
Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
A61B90/36A61B8/0841A61B8/12A61B10/0045A61B18/1477A61M5/46A61B2010/045A61B2018/1425A61B2034/107A61B90/11A61B2090/378
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,616,549
App. No.
18/939,342
Granted
May 5, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Claims (31)

1 . A method of treating a uterine anatomy, the method comprising:

providing a real-time image having an image of the uterine anatomy based on output by an imaging device;

providing a safety boundary for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein a position of the safety boundary with respect to the image of the uterine anatomy is based on a position of a medical apparatus with respect to the uterine anatomy, the medical apparatus having a tissue treatment device, and wherein the position of the safety boundary with respect to the image of the uterine anatomy is adjustable based on a movement of the medical apparatus relative to the uterine anatomy;

providing a treatment boundary for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein the treatment boundary is associated with a treatment element of the tissue treatment device, and is surrounded by the safety boundary; and

delivering energy to the tissue treatment device to treat a target tissue of the uterine anatomy when an image of a sensitive anatomical structure in the real-time image is outside of the safety boundary.

2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the treatment boundary based on the movement of the medical apparatus relative to the uterine anatomy.

3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a guide for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein the guide is configured to assist a user of the medical apparatus to position the medical apparatus.

4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein image of the uterine anatomy comprises an image of the target tissue, and wherein the guide is moveable with respect to the image of the target tissue in response to the movement of the medical apparatus.

5 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the guide predicts a path of the treatment element of the tissue treatment device.

6 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the guide has a curvilinear configuration.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment element of the tissue treatment device comprises a deployable needle configured to treat the target tissue of the uterine anatomy.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the safety boundary is displayed with the image of the uterine anatomy after the needle is deployed.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the medical apparatus comprises a probe configured for insertion transvaginally into a uterus, and wherein the imaging device is integrated with the probe.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target tissue is uterine fibroid, wherein the medical apparatus is configured to treat the uterine fibroid, and wherein the sensitive anatomical structure comprises serosa.

11 . The medical apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the target tissue is uterine fibroid, wherein the medical apparatus is configured to treat the uterine fibroid, and wherein the sensitive anatomical structure comprises serosa.

12 . A medical system configured to image and to treat a uterine anatomy, the medical system comprising:

a controller;

wherein the controller is configured to operatively couple with a medical apparatus;

wherein the medical apparatus comprises an imaging device and a tissue treatment device;

wherein the controller is configured to provide a real-time image having an image of the uterine anatomy based on output by the imaging device;

wherein the controller is also configured to provide a safety boundary for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein a position of the safety boundary with respect to the image of the uterine anatomy is based on a position of the medical apparatus with respect to the uterine anatomy, and wherein the position of the safety boundary with respect to the image of the uterine anatomy is adjustable based on a movement of the medical apparatus relative to the uterine anatomy;

wherein the controller is also configured to provide a treatment boundary for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein the treatment boundary is associated with a treatment element of the tissue treatment device, and is surrounded by the safety boundary; and

wherein the controller is configured to provide energy to the tissue treatment device to treat a target tissue of the uterine anatomy when an image of a sensitive anatomical structure in the real-time image is outside of the safety boundary.

13 . The medical apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the treatment boundary based on the movement of the medical apparatus relative to the uterine anatomy.

14 . The medical apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to provide a guide for display with the image of the uterine anatomy, wherein the guide is configured to assist a user of the medical apparatus to position the medical apparatus.

15 . The medical apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the image of the uterine anatomy comprises an image of the target tissue, and wherein the guide is moveable with respect to the image of the target tissue in response to the movement of the medical apparatus.

16 . The medical apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the guide predicts a path of the treatment element of the tissue treatment device.

17 . The medical apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the guide has a curvilinear configuration.

18 . The medical apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising the medical apparatus, wherein the treatment element of the tissue treatment device comprises a deployable needle configured to treat the target tissue of the uterine anatomy.

19 . The medical apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the controller is configured to provide the safety boundary for display with the image of the uterine anatomy after the needle is deployed.

20 . The medical apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising the medical apparatus, wherein the medical apparatus comprises a probe configured for insertion transvaginally into a uterus, and wherein the imaging device is integrated with the probe.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 8, 2026
From: BIOTHERANOSTICS, INC.; GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED; GEN-PROBE PRODESSE, INC.; CYTYC CORPORATION; SUROS SURGICAL SYSTEMS, INC.; GYNESONICS, INC.; BOLDER SURGICAL, LLC; FAXITRON BIOPTICS, LLC; HEALTH BEACONS, INC.; HOLOGIC, INC.
To: ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 075462/0440 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 6, 2024
From: MUNROW, MICHAEL A.; BAJOR, JORDAN; MUNRO, MALCOLM G.
To: GYNESONICS, INC.
Reel/Frame 069162/0349 →
Continuity (8)
Continuation 17742211 · May 11, 2022
Continuation 16841201 · Apr 6, 2020
Continuation 15595659 · May 15, 2017
Continuation 13589975 · Aug 20, 2012
Continuation 13307304 · Nov 30, 2011
Continuation 12245567 · Oct 3, 2008
Provisional Application 60979613 · Oct 12, 2007
Related Publication 20250248784A1 · Aug 7, 2025
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