Patents by Inventor Kenneth P. Grace

Kenneth P. Grace 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).

  • Patent number: 10517673
    Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device for providing treatment to a subject may include a coupling adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is coupled to the coupling, the sheath including a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the coupling and the sheath, the plurality of transport members being adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A sensor is adapted to detect transmission of laser energy through at least one of the plurality of transport members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, George Woodrow Burton, Gregory Conway Ebbets, Nolan Miller Horrall, Brandon Thomas Hendrick, Thomas Kelby Triffo, Blaine Andrew Schneider, Joseph Nicholas Matterson
  • Patent number: 10492863
    Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device may include a housing, and a coupling is carried by the housing and adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is carried by the housing, and the sheath includes a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the sheath, and the plurality of transport members are adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A fluid-driven motor is carried by the housing and adapted to be driven upon receiving a fluid from a fluid source. A drive wire is carried by the sheath and eccentrically coupled to the distal end of the sheath, and the drive wire is adapted to be rotatably driven by the fluid-driven motor and rotates to eccentrically rotate the distal end of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, George Woodrow Burton, Gregory Conway Ebbets, Nolan Miller Horrall, Brandon Thomas Hendrick, Thomas Kelby Triffo, Blaine Andrew Schneider, Joseph Nicholas Matterson, Weston Lee, Donald R. Sandmore
  • Patent number: 10485613
    Abstract: Catheter devices for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels and methods of using the same are provided. Catheter devices are useful to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Distal features of the catheter devices comprise arrangements of laser ablative or mechanical cutting features that generally provide enhanced surface areas and cutting functions. Spiral or helical arrangements are provided to aid in cutting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Hendrick, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Publication number: 20190351215
    Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a coil element coupled to the body, the body configured to cover the coil element during use, the coil element comprising an inner lumen sized to receive an outer surface of a lead, the coil element is movable between a first configuration in which the coil element slides over the lead, and a second configuration in which at least some coils grip the outer surface of the lead; and an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coil element, the actuation mechanism configured to move the coil element between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth P. GRACE, Thomas WILLARD, Thomas Kelby TRIFFO
  • Patent number: 10449000
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for removing unwanted tissue from within a patient's vasculature system are provided. Specifically, a laser ablation catheter having a tip with an open, arched-shaped cross section is described. The cross section of the tip enhances the catheter's ability to ablate, separate, and/or dilate the various layers within a patient's vasculature, thereby facilitating the removal undesirable lesions and fibrous tissue within a patient's vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Sotak, Kenneth P. Grace, Robert Lyle Carver, George Woodrow Burton, Brandon Thomas Hendrick
  • Patent number: 10391300
    Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a coil element coupled to the body, the body configured to cover the coil element during use, the coil element comprising an inner lumen sized to receive an outer surface of a lead, the coil element is movable between a first configuration in which the coil element slides over the lead, and a second configuration in which at least some coils grip the outer surface of the lead; an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coil element, the actuation mechanism configured to move the coil element between the first and second configurations; and a tether coupled to the lead via the body, the coil element, and/or actuation mechanism, the tether configured to extend further proximally than a proximal-most end of the lead and configured to transfer tension force applied to the tether to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Thomas Willard, Thomas Kelby Triffo
  • Publication number: 20190254746
    Abstract: Methods and devices for an optical assembly for a laser generator comprise: a laser source producing a first beam of light and an optical assembly. The optical assembly comprises a prism. The prism has a bottom surface configured to receive a first beam at an incoming angle of incidence relative to a first surface normal, and a hypotenuse surface configured to transmit, at an exit angle relative to a second surface normal, a second beam having a second aspect ratio. The optical assembly further comprises a plano-convex lens configured to transmit the second beam to a coupler. The coupler comprises a first coupling plane at a first distance from the plano-convex lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the plano-convex lens. The combination of the prism and the plano-convex lens is configured to change the beam divergence, so that the first coupling plane has a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane has a fourth aspect ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Gabriel Block, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Patent number: 10383691
    Abstract: Catheters for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels are provided. Laser cutting systems and mechanical cutting systems are provided in catheter devices, the cutting systems operable to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. A helical or partially-helical inner surface structure is provided in the catheter, the structure operable to remove or translate dislodged material(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Hendrick, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Patent number: 10265520
    Abstract: A system is provided to determine whether an insulating layer of an implanted lead is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Spetranetics Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Grace
  • Publication number: 20190069952
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing laser energy through a catheter towards a second end portion of the catheter. Based on a characteristic of the laser energy multiple types of ablation therapy may be implemented. A first ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a first characteristic. A second ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a second characteristic. The first ablation therapy may be an optical ablation therapy wherein the laser energy is directed at the target site as optical energy and the second ablation therapy may be a pressure wave ablation therapy wherein pressure waves are directed at the target site as pressure wave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Richard FISER, Kenneth P GRACE
  • Patent number: 10219819
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the tissue separating device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that may extend from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The tissue separating device includes a cam mechanism at the distal portion of the sheath that allows the user of the device to more accurately control the extension and rotation of the cutting blade upon being actuated by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin L. Grace, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Publication number: 20190046788
    Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, wherein the body is elongated and includes at least two apertures; a first filament loop comprising a filament, the filament extending along the inner surface of the body and through at least one of the at least two apertures, the first filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; a second filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; the first and second filament loops arranged so as to receive therethrough a lead, the first and second filament loops being tightenable about the lead in a manner that grips the lead between the first and second filament loops and an outer surface of the lead; and a tether coupled to the lead via one or more of the body, the first filament loop, and the second filament loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth P. GRACE
  • Patent number: 10201387
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the use of medical devices for the treatment of vascular conditions. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for using laser-induced pressure waves to disrupt vascular blockages. The present disclosure not only provides devices and methods for using laser-induced pressure waves to disrupt vascular blockages, but the present disclosure also provides devices and method for assisting the guidewire in penetrating an occlusion, devices and method for using a sealable valve in the tip of the balloon catheter to reduce the overall size and diameter of the balloon catheter, thereby allowing the balloon catheter to penetrate smaller size blood vessels and devices and method that use stationary light absorbing material in lieu of and/or in combination of using liquid medium that flows into a balloon for a balloon catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Thomas Triffo, James Cezo
  • Publication number: 20190030324
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate inner sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. GRACE, Weston H. LEE, Brian E. KAGARISE, Robert L. CARVER
  • Publication number: 20190015157
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, methods and systems for laser generators, and more specifically, to laser generators having an optical assembly, which allows fiber optic catheters to couple to laser generators while delivering laser beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth P. GRACE
  • Patent number: 10149718
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing laser energy through a catheter towards a second end portion of the catheter. Based on a characteristic of the laser energy multiple types of ablation therapy may be implemented. A first ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a first characteristic. A second ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a second characteristic. The first ablation therapy may be an optical ablation therapy wherein the laser energy is directed at the target site as optical energy and the second ablation therapy may be a pressure wave ablation therapy wherein pressure waves are directed at the target site as pressure wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Fiser, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Patent number: 10136913
    Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Weston H. Lee, Brian E. Kagarise, Bruce A. Hoo, Robert Carver, Peter Wilbur Gleason, Phillip Charles Halbert
  • Patent number: 10105533
    Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, wherein the body is elongated and includes at least two apertures; a first filament loop comprising a filament, the filament extending along the inner surface of the body and through at least one of the at least two apertures, the first filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; a second filament loop extending outside the outer surface of the body; the first and second filament loops arranged so as to receive therethrough a lead, the first and second filament loops being tightenable about the lead in a manner that grips the lead between the first and second filament loops and an outer surface of the lead; and a tether coupled to the lead via one or more of the body, the first filament loop, and the second filament loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Grace
  • Publication number: 20180271551
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate inner sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Weston H. Lee, Brian E. Kagarise, Robert Carver
  • Patent number: 10052129
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Weston H. Lee, Robert Carver