Patents by Inventor David J. Vachon

David J. Vachon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20170304815
    Abstract: Biologically activated ion-exchange polymer salts are made by exchanging biologically active ionic agents onto ion-exchange polymers. The activated polymers are uniquely surface active and stable to thermal degradation and chemical and other forms of decomposition. The activated ion-exchange polymer salts may be processed and combined with polymer precursors using novel methods and materials to produce stable, biologically activated polymer composites, including antimicrobial and antifouling polymer composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventor: David J. VACHON
  • Publication number: 20160030476
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices are provided for promoting healing and preventing and treating infection in mammalian subjects. The compositions include pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, cytokine protecting, aqueous media soluble sulfonated materials, optionally associated with one or more secondary therapeutic agents or carriers, to reduce one or more of inflammation, bacterial proliferation and proteolytic activity. Additionally provided are solubility increasing, stability increasing, toxicity decreasing thiol compounds associated with an antimicrobial compound and optionally secondary therapeutic agents to reduce one or more of inflammation and bacterial infection. Combinations of sulfonated and thiol compounds provide pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, cytokine protecting, aqueous media soluble, antibacterial, stable, toxicity decreasing, solubility increasing compounds for treating wounds, including burns, in humans and other mammals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: David J. VACHON, Michael MURPHY, Scott NORDAHL
  • Publication number: 20140303541
    Abstract: Medical devices, wound dressings, and methods of dressing wounds are described. Devices and methods using silicone and pharmaceutically active agents are described. Devices including covers and bases are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20140099357
    Abstract: Compositions, solid polymeric compositions, and/or articles of manufacture are provided that can include a polymer matrix having a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein. Products by process are provided that can include prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition product. Solid polymeric composition production methods are also provided that can include providing a plurality of ion-exchange particles, prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with the ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition. Article of manufacture production methods are provided that can include incorporating a solid polymeric composition into an article of manufacture, the solid polymeric composition including a polymer matrix and a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Vachon, Nathan Knapp
  • Publication number: 20140056841
    Abstract: Compositions are provided for promoting healing of tissue of a vertebrate organism. The compositions can be for internal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, aqueous media soluble polysulfonated materials in salt form and associated with a secondary material to reduce one or more of inflammation, bacterial proliferation, proteolytic activity, and cancerous cell growth. The compositions may additionally or alternatively be cross-linked so as to alter the solubility of these pharmacologically active salts or slow dissolution by providing biodegradable cross-linkers. Compositions for healing the tissue of a multicellular organism are provided that can include a polysulfonated material in a liquid mixture, as solid particles or constructs that may or may not biodegrade or deliver a pharmacologically relevant value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20130189339
    Abstract: Medical devices, wound dressings, and methods of dressing wounds are described. Devices and methods using silicone and pharmaceutically active agents are described. Devices including covers and bases are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20130004586
    Abstract: Compositions, solid polymeric compositions, and/or articles of manufacture are provided that can include a polymer matrix having a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein. Products by process are provided that can include prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition product. Solid polymeric composition production methods are also provided that can include providing a plurality of ion-exchange particles, prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with the ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition. Article of manufacture production methods are provided that can include incorporating a solid polymeric composition into an article of manufacture, the solid polymeric composition including a polymer matrix and a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: David J. Vachon, Nathan Knapp
  • Publication number: 20120093759
    Abstract: Medical devices, wound dressings, and methods of dressing wounds are described. Devices and methods using silicone and pharmaceutically active agents are described. Devices including covers and bases are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Patent number: 7313444
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead system suitable for placement in the coronary sinus region of the heart. The lead system comprises a lead having two or more non-helical bends in its distal portion. The two or more non-helical bends cooperate to prevent the lead from dislodgment or displacement inside the coronary sinus. The lead system may further comprise a stylet suitable for steering the lead into at least one of the coronary sinus vein, great cardiac vein, left marginal vein, left posterior ventricular vein, and small cardiac vein. The stylet is tapered in its distal portion to provide enhanced maneuverability and steerability inside the coronary sinus region. The lead system may also comprise an introducer which aids in introducing the lead into the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne M. Pianca, Kevin L. Morgan, Gene A. Bornzin, Joseph J. Florio, David J. Vachon
  • Patent number: 7153265
    Abstract: A biosensor including an external surface, and an accessory material in close proximity to the external surface. The accessory material includes a coating containing a hydrophilic material and/or a fiber modified to deliver a therapeutic agent. The biosensor modifies a biological response to the biosensor upon contact with a tissue, such as upon implantation into the skin of a subject, thereby reducing biofouling, inflammation and other undesirable tissue responses that interfere with biosensor performance. The biosensor can be any biocompatible sensor, suitable for short- or long-term use. Preferably, the biosensor is an enzymatic or electrochemical sensor, such as a glucose sensor. Also provided are a method of producing a biosensor and a method of delivering a biologically active substance to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Patent number: 7045361
    Abstract: Fluorescent biosensor molecules, fluorescent biosensors and systems, as well as methods of making and using these biosensor molecules and systems are described. These biosensor molecules address the problem of obtaining fluorescence emission at wavelengths greater than about 500 nm. Biosensor molecules generally include an (1) an acridine-based fluorophore, (2) a linker moiety and (3) a boronate substrate recognition/binding moiety, which binds polyhydroxylate analytes, such as glucose. These biosensor molecules further include a “switch” element that is drawn from the electronic interactions among these submolecular components. This fluorescent switch is generally “off” in the absence of bound polyhydroxylate analyte and is generally “on” in the presence of bound polyhydroxylate analyte. Thus, the reversible binding of a polyhydroxylate analyte essentially turns the fluorescent switch “on” and “off”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Heiss, Joseph C. Walsh, David J. Vachon, Glenn Noronha, Jonathan Reilly, Bill C. Ponder, William P. Van Antwerp
  • Patent number: 6927246
    Abstract: Improved polymer matrices which incorporate fluorescent biosensor molecules as well as methods of making and using these polymer matrices are described. Such matrices can be used in fluorescent biosensors and biosensor systems, including those which are used in the detection of polyhydroxylated analytes such as glucose. The properties of the polymer matrices of the invention renders biosensors utilizing such matrices particularly well-suited for detecting and measuring in-vivo glucose concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Noronha, Jonathan Reilly, Joseph C. Walsh, Brooks Cochran, Aaron M. Heiss, Bill C. Ponder, David J. Vachon
  • Patent number: 6811659
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for microelectrogravimetrically depositing an electroactive species onto an electrode or a plurality of electrodes comprising dispensing a solution containing the electroactive species from a microdispenser to form a hanging drop of the solution and contacting the electrode with the hanging drop of the solution, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled with the microdispenser to form an electrochemical cell, and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell. The application of the potential effects deposition of the electroactive species onto the electrode. The method of the invention eliminates the need for immersion of the electrode in a bath, reduces the volume of solution required by a factor of at least 10-100, and avoids uneven depletion of various components of the solution over successive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Vachon, Jenn-Hann Wang
  • Publication number: 20040142910
    Abstract: Sulfonated styrene copolymers are useful for inhibiting elastase and/or collagenase and for promoting angiogenesis in a wound, and for controlling biological organisms on a porous surface. Compositions for these uses may include a tetracycline, an amino acid and/or a sulfonated styrene copolymer in salt form, especially an ammonium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Aegis Biosciences LLC
    Inventors: David J. Vachon, Gary Wnek
  • Patent number: 6766183
    Abstract: Fluorescent biosensor molecules, fluorescent biosensors and systems, as well as methods of making and using these biosensor molecules and systems are described. Embodiments of these biosensor molecules exhibit fluorescence emission at wavelengths greater than about 650 nm. Typical biosensor molecules include a fluorophore that includes an iminium ion, a linker moiety that includes a group that is an anilinic type of relationship to the fluorophore and a boronate substrate recognition/binding moiety, which binds glucose. The fluorescence molecules modulated by the presence or absence of polyhydroxylated analytes such as glucose. This property of these molecules of the invention, as well as their ability to emit fluorescent light at greater than about 650 nm, renders these biosensor molecules particularly well-suited for detecting and measuring in-vivo glucose concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignees: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Aaron M. Heiss, Glenn Noronha, David J. Vachon, Stephen M. Lane, Joe H. Satcher, Jr., Thomas A. Peyser, William Peter Van Antwerp, John Joseph Mastrototaro
  • Patent number: 6642015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible membrane comprising a hydrophilic polyurea composition. The hydrophilic polyurea composition comprises the product of a reaction mixture comprising (a) an amino terminated polysiloxane, (b) a hydrophilic polymer selected from the group consisting of a diamino terminated copolymer of polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and diamino polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 2000, and (c) a diisocyanate selected from the group consisting of hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate, and constituting about 50 mole % of the reaction mixture. In this mixture, (a) and (b) constitute a polymeric portion of the reaction mixture, and the hydrophilic polyurea composition has a ratio of its diffusion coefficient for oxygen to its diffusion coefficient for glucose of from about 2,000 to about 10,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Vachon, Brooks B. Cochran, Bill C. Ponder
  • Publication number: 20030199837
    Abstract: A biosensor including an external surface, and an accessory material in close proximity to the external surface. The accessory material includes a coating containing a hydrophilic material and/or a fiber modified to deliver a therapeutic agent. The biosensor modifies a biological response to the biosensor upon contact with a tissue, such as upon implantation into the skin of a subject, thereby reducing biofouling, inflammation and other undesirable tissue responses that interfere with biosensor performance. The biosensor can be any biocompatible sensor, suitable for short- or long-term use. Preferably, the biosensor is an enzymatic or electrochemical sensor, such as a glucose sensor. Also provided are a method of producing a biosensor and a method of delivering a biologically active substance to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20030166777
    Abstract: Excellent physical and chemical properties are achieved from cured blends of silicone polymer with organic polymers, without the use of a compatibilizer. The silicone polymer may be a high molecular weight silicone (gum) polymer or a lower molecular weight silicone polymer (LSR) formulated with a catalyst for heat cure, or a silicone polymer designed as a moisture curing Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) formulation. The organic polymer may be derived from a monoolefin or from a conjugated diolefin monomer, vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer such as styrene may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20030050681
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead system suitable for placement in the coronary sinus region of the heart. The lead system comprises a lead having two or more non-helical bends in its distal portion. The two or more non-helical bends cooperate to prevent the lead from dislodgment or displacement inside the coronary sinus. The lead system may further comprise a stylet suitable for steering the lead into at least one of the coronary sinus vein, great cardiac vein, left marginal vein, left posterior ventricular vein, and small cardiac vein. The stylet is tapered in its distal portion to provide enhanced maneuverability and steerability inside the coronary sinus region. The lead system may also comprise an introducer which aids in introducing the lead into the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Anne M. Pianca, Kevin L. Morgan, Gene A. Bornzin, Joseph J. Florio, David J. Vachon
  • Publication number: 20020197724
    Abstract: Improved polymer matrices which incorporate fluorescent biosensor molecules as well as methods of making and using these polymer matrices are described. Such matrices can be used in fluorescent biosensors and biosensor systems, including those which are used in the detection of polyhydroxylated analytes such as glucose. The properties of the polymer matrices of the invention renders biosensors utilizing such matrices particularly well-suited for detecting and measuring in-vivo glucose concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Glenn Noronha, Jonathan Reilly, Joseph C. Walsh, Brooks Cochran, Aaron M. Heiss, Bill C. Ponder, David J. Vachon