Patents by Inventor Gregory G. Brucker
Gregory G. Brucker 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).
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Publication number: 20150272669Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigated ablation electrode that includes a plurality of high L/d interior fluid passageways and/or slit-shaped apertures to provide for a lower rate of fluid flow and a more uniform distribution of fluid over an exterior surface of the electrode and reduce propensity for aperture blockage. In some embodiments, the slit-shaped apertures have an aspect ratio of at least three, at least five, at least ten, or at least fifteen. Some embodiments include maintaining a pressure drop of at least 345 pascals between irrigation fluid inside the irrigated ablation electrode and fluid immediately outside the electrode when the irrigation fluid has a flow rate of no more than five milliliters per minute (5 ml/min). Some embodiments include a low-density insert with a plurality of fluid channels on its exterior surface to more efficiently cool the electrode and provide a faster thermal response.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Steven D. Savage
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Patent number: 9126025Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbHInventors: Benjamin T. Ewing, Gregory G. Brucker, Scott A. Bednar, John R. Periard, Ashok A. Sharma, Steven D. Savage, Arthur E. Uber, III, Brian P. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20140288497Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Benjamin T. Ewing, Gregory G. Brucker, Scott A. Bednar, John R. Periard, Ashok Sharma, Steven D. Savage, Arthur E. Uber, Brian P. Dickerson
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Patent number: 8632579Abstract: Systems for delivering a bifurcated stent to a bifurcation site include catheters and/or bifurcated systems delivered therefrom. A catheter includes a balloon with a bulge region that allows a portion of the stent to be expanded.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Enrique Malaret, Todd Hall, David Byrd, Gerald Hubbs, Gregory Furnish, Josh Barber, Indaka Gunasekara, Benjamin Morris, Valerie Futral Maron, Sava A. Chernomordik, William C. Mers Kelly, William A. Reuss, Jr., Simon Furnish, Michael W. Wilson, Hacene Bouadi, John C. Muskivitch, Matthew L. Pease, David A. Rahdert, Travis Rowe, Gregory M. Ruhf, Brandon G. Walsh, Claude A. Vidal, Thomas Banks, Russ J. Redmond
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Publication number: 20130289607Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Wesley Pedersen, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz, Gregory G. Brucker, Skott E. Greenhalgh
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Publication number: 20130274614Abstract: Method and systems for ablating nerves including measurement of physiological parameters and/or electrical conduction. The method may include ablating nerves within an artery of a patient such as the renal artery and may include advancing a catheter into the artery, measuring a physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse into a wall of the artery, measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse, ablating the artery wall, then repeating the steps of measuring the physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse, and measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse. The change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse before ablation may be compared to the change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse after ablation to determine the degree of nerve ablation achieved and whether or not to perform further ablation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Jin Shimada, Gregory G. Brucker, William J. Rissmann
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Patent number: 8486102Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: InterValve, Inc.Inventors: Wesley Pedersen, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz, Gregory G. Brucker, Skott E. Greenhalgh
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Publication number: 20130018309Abstract: A tear-away sheath (8) having a tubular element (10) with a distal end and a proximal end, at least one axial fault line (12), and an integral stop (16) is disclosed. The tear-away sheath may also have a handle (14) or closing element at the proximal end. An angioplasty balloon catheter (22) having the disclosed tear-away sheath is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Benjamin T. Ewing, Scott A. Bednar, Brian P. Dickerson, Steven D. Savage, Gregory G. Brucker
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Publication number: 20110099789Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Bayer Schering Pharma AGInventors: Benjamin T. Ewing, Gregory G. Brucker, Scott A. Bednar, John R. Periard, Ashok A. Sharma, Steven D. Savage, Arthur E. Uber, Brian P. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20110004287Abstract: Systems for delivering a bifurcated stent to a bifurcation site comprise catheters and/or bifurcated stents delivered therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Enrique Malaret, Todd Hall, David Byrd, Gerald Hubbs, Gregory Furnish, Josh Barber, Indaka Gunasekara, Benjamin Morris, Valerie Futral, Sava A. Chernomordik, William C. Mers Kelly, William A. Reuss, JR., Simon Furnish, Michael W. Wilson, Hacene Bouadi, John C. Muskivitch, Matthew L. Pease, David A. Rahdert, Travis Rowe, Gregory M. Ruhf, Brandon G. Walsh, Claude A. Vidal, Thomas Banks, Russ J. Redmond
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Patent number: 7799064Abstract: Systems for delivering a bifurcated stent to a bifurcation site comprise catheters and/or bifurcated stents delivered therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Enrique Malaret, Todd Hall, David Byrd, Gerald Hubbs, Gregory Furnish, Josh Barber, Indaka Gunasekara, Benjamin Morris, Valerie Futral, Sava A. Chernomordik, William C. Mers Kelly, William A. Reuss, Jr., Simon Furnish, Michael W. Wilson, Hacene Bouadi, John C. Muskivitch, Matthew L. Pease, David A. Rahdert, Travis Rowe, Gregory M. Ruhf, Brandon G. Walsh, Claude A. Vidal, Thomas Banks, Russ J. Redmond
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Publication number: 20100228277Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Wesley Pedersen, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz, Gregory G. Brucker, Skott E. Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 7758634Abstract: A bifurcated stent includes a first stent section and a second stent section. The first stent section is balloon expandable, has an unexpanded configuration, an expanded configuration, and a tubular wall defining a secondary opening. The secondary stent section is self-expanding and an end of the secondary stent section is engaged to a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section defining the secondary opening. The secondary stent section has an unexpanded configuration with a first length and an expanded configuration with a second length where the first length is less than the second length. The secondary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration after the primary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration. The secondary stent section forms a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section in the unexpanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Enrique Malaret, Todd Hall, David Byrd, Gerald Hubbs, Gregory Furnish, Josh Barber, Indaka Gunasekara, Benjamin Morris, Valerie Futral, Sava A. Chernomordik, William C. Mers Kelly, William A. Reuss, Simon Furnish, Michael A. Wilson, Hacene Bouadi, John C. Muskivitch, Matthew L. Pease, David A. Rahdert, Travis Rowe, Gregory M. Ruhf, Brandon G. Walsh, Thomas Banks, Russ Redmond, Claude Vidal
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Patent number: 7744620Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: InterValve, Inc.Inventors: Wesley Pedersen, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz, Gregory G. Brucker, Skott E. Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 7618432Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: InterValve, Inc.Inventors: Wesley Pedersen, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz, Gregory G. Brucker, Skott E. Greenhalgh
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Publication number: 20090163891Abstract: A catheter having a shaft that has at least two spaced-apart lumens is disclosed. A retractable core wire is disposed within at least one of the lumens. The retractable core wire is manipulated by the user to impart variable stiffness to the shaft as the core wire is retracted and extended within the lumen. A catheter having substantially low profile bonds at the junctions where an inflatable balloon is attached to the catheter is also disclosed. The low profile bonds are created by recesses extending around the circumference of the distal end of the shaft, the proximal and distal ends of a stem, and the proximal end of a tip. The catheter having the low profile bond optionally has either a retractable or an embedded core wire. In examples, the catheter has at least one component formed from, co-extruded with, or coated with a lubricious material or a hydrophilic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Bayer Schering Pharma AGInventors: Benjamin T. Ewing, Gregory G. Brucker, Scott A. Bednar, John R. Periard
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Publication number: 20090092359Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting laser light and redirecting the light laterally relative to an axis of the apparatus includes an optical fiber having both a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The optical fiber terminates at a distal tip having a surface inclined relative to the axis of the optical fiber. A tubular member surrounds the optical fiber at its distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a portion opposing the tubular member for being united to the tubular member. The distal portion is joined to the tubular member by an intermediate material selected to have an index of refraction matching that of the core and the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Medical CV, Inc.Inventors: John Paul Brekke, Gregory G. Brucker
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Patent number: 7463801Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting laser light and redirecting the light laterally relative to an axis of the apparatus includes an optical fiber having both a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The optical fiber terminates at a distal tip having a surface inclined relative to the axis of the optical fiber. A tubular member surrounds the optical fiber at its distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a portion opposing the tubular member for being united to the tubular member. The distal portion is joined to the tubular member by an intermediate material selected to have an index of refraction matching that of the core and the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Medical CV, Inc.Inventors: John Paul Brekke, Gregory G. Brucker
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Patent number: 7338485Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating in situ biologic tissue include identifying a patient with a condition susceptible to treatment by forming a lesion in the tissue and accessing a surface of the tissue. A lesion formation tool is positioned against the accessed surface. The tool includes an optical fiber for guiding a coherent waveform of a selected wavelength to a fiber tip for discharge of light energy from the fiber tip. The wavelength is selected for the light energy to penetrate a full thickness of the tissue to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the tissue. The tool further includes a guide tip coupled to the fiber tip. The guide tip is adapted to have a discharge bore aligned with the fiber tip to define an unobstructed light pathway from the fiber tip to the tissue surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Medical CV, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Robert H. Svenson
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Patent number: 7267674Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating atrial tissue include positioning a lesion formation tool against the atrial surface. An optical fiber of the tool is energized at a wavelength is selected to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the atrial tissue. A guide member is attached to the tip of the fiber. The guide member is slidable along the surface of the atrial tissue in atraumatic sliding engagement.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Medical CV, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Robert H. Svenson