Patents by Inventor Mark Ashby

Mark Ashby 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: 6863680
    Abstract: A system for delivering hemostasis promoting material of the present invention allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure. The system allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered through an introducer sheath which is already in place within a tissue tract. This system includes a controlled tip which is insertable through the introducer sheath to locate and occlude the blood vessel puncture site and a hydration chamber for receiving and delivering the hemostasis promoting material to the blood vessel puncture site. The system accurately locates the blood vessel wall at a puncture site and for properly placing a hemostasis plug over the puncture site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20050033360
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering a pledget of hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis, having an introducer sheath having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a control tip coupled to the introducer sheath, and a self-expandable member disposed around a portion of the control tip to control blood flow at the blood vessel puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Eduardo Sing, Luis Urquidi, Mark Ashby, Andrew Cragg, Tom Furey, Robert Bowes, Vincent Tangherlini
  • Patent number: 6849232
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Eduardo C. Sing, Richard J. Greff
  • Patent number: 6846320
    Abstract: A biopsy cannula and a delivery catheter are configured to deliver one or more absorbable sponge pledgets to a biopsy site after removal of one or more tissue samples from the site. The delivery catheter allows a large amount of hydrated sponge material to be delivery to the biopsy site to facilitate hemostasis. One example of the delivery catheter includes a closed distal end, a side port, a tapered section, and an enlarged proximal portion for receiving the pledget. The side port of the delivery catheter is arranged to delivery the pledget through the side port of the biopsy cannula. In order to fill a relatively large biopsy site where multiple tissue samples have been taken in a radial pattern, the biopsy cannula is rotated and additional pledgets are delivered to the biopsy site at different radial locations. The absorbable sponge pledget may also be used as a marker for location of the biopsy site at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Vaughn P. Whalen, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Publication number: 20040176723
    Abstract: A system for delivering hemostasis promoting material of the present invention allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure. The system allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered through an introducer sheath which is already in place within a tissue tract. This system includes a control tip which is insertable through the introducer sheath to locate and occlude the blood vessel puncture site and a hydration chamber for receiving and delivering the hemostasis promoting material to the blood vessel puncture site. The system accurately locates the blood vessel wall at a puncture site and for properly placing a hemostasis plug over the puncture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Eduardo Chi Sing, Luis Urquidi, Mark Ashby, Andrew Cragg
  • Publication number: 20040158287
    Abstract: A method of facilitating hemostasis of a blood vessel puncture. The method includes the steps of inserting a tubular device into a puncture in a blood vessel to establish access to the blood vessel, providing a vessel closure system around the tubular device, introducing a hemostatic material into a space between the tubular device and vessel closure system, and delivering the hemostatic material adjacent to the puncture to facilitate hemostasis of the puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20040102730
    Abstract: A system and process for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a plunger. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the plunger to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas P. Davis, Mark Ashby, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Publication number: 20040019328
    Abstract: A system for delivering hemostasis promoting material of the present invention allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure. The system allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered through an producer sheath which is already in place within a tissue tract. The system includes a controlled tip which is insertable through the introducer sheath to locate and occlude the blood vessel puncture site and a hydration chamber for receiving and delivering the hemostasis promoting material to the blood vessel puncture site. The system accurately locates the blood vessel wall at a puncture site and for properly placing a hemostasis plug over the puncture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Eduardo Chi Sing, Mark Ashby, Luis Urquidi
  • Publication number: 20040019330
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheath based puncture locator and depth indicator. The present invention provides for locating a blood vessel puncture site and determining the depth of the puncture of the blood vessel extravascularly using the introducer sheath that is already in place within the tissue tract. The present invention also provide for positioning the introducer sheath extravascularly or outside the blood vessel, controlling the blood vessel puncture site, and delivering a hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: SUB-Q, Inc., a California Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 6610026
    Abstract: A method of hydrating a sponge material for delivery to a body. The method includes the steps of placing a dry piece of sponge in a container at a first pressure. A hydrating fluid is then introduced into the container to hydrate the sponge. The pressure within the container is changed between the first pressure and a second pressure. At least a portion of the hydrating fluid is removed from the sponge, and the sponge is delivered to a bodily site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20030135237
    Abstract: A device, system and method for improving delivery of hemostatic material, in which the device includes a vent cap body capable of removably engaging a cannula. The vent cap has a passage extending through the vent cap body from the cannula to an exterior of the vent cap body where a restricter for restricting the flow of fluid from the cannula to the exterior. In one embodiment, the vent cap has a valve which has an opened and closed position. In the closed position, the valve is designed to provide a back pressure or resistence. When a certain force is applied against the valve, the valve moves from the closed position to the opened position, where a gas or fluid may pass through the vent cap. The vent cap is designed to help maintain the continuity of the hemostatic material during delivery of the material from the adaptfort the trial staging chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20030120258
    Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel delivers an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a staging chamber, a delivery cannula, and a pusher. The staging chamber is used for hydrating a pledget of absorbable sponge, compressing the pledget, and delivering the pledget to the delivery cannula. The staging chamber may include a valve for facilitating hydration and staging of the pledget. The delivery cannula and pusher are used to accurately place the sponge pledget outside the blood vessel. An easy loader connector may be used to facilitate loading the dry pledget into the staging chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Luis R. Urquidi, Eric Lee
  • Publication number: 20030088269
    Abstract: A system for delivering hemostasis promoting material of the present invention allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure. The system allows the hemostasis promoting material to be delivered through an introducer sheath which is already in place within a tissue tract. This system includes a controlled tip which is insertable through the introducer sheath to locate and occlude the blood vessel puncture site and a hydration chamber for receiving and delivering the hemostasis promoting material to the blood vessel puncture site. The system accurately locates the blood vessel wall at a puncture site and for properly placing a hemostasis plug over the puncture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ashby
  • Publication number: 20030088271
    Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a pusher. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the pusher to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew M. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Patent number: 6544236
    Abstract: A device, system and method for improving delivery of hemostatic material, in which the device includes a vent cap body capable of removably engaging a cannula. The vent cap has a passage extending through the vent cap body from the cannula to an exterior of the vent cap body where a restricter for restricting the flow of fluid from the cannula to the exterior. In one embodiment, the vent cap has a valve which has an opened and closed position. In the closed position, the valve is designed to provide a back pressure or resistence. When a certain force is applied against the valve, the valve moves from the closed position to the opened position, where a gas or fluid may pass through the vent cap. The vent cap is designed to help maintain the continuity of the hemostatic material during delivery of the material from the adaptor to the trial staging chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 6540735
    Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel delivers an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a staging chamber, a delivery cannula, and a pusher. The staging chamber is used for hydrating a pledget of absorbable sponge, compressing the pledget, and delivering the pledget to the delivery cannula. The staging chamber may include a valve for facilitating hydration and staging of the pledget. The delivery cannula and pusher are used to accurately place the sponge pledget outside the blood vessel. An easy loader connector may be used to facilitate loading the dry pledget into the staging chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Luis R. Urquidi, Eric Lee
  • Patent number: 6527734
    Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a pusher. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the pusher to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Publication number: 20020190226
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Eduardo C. Sing, Richard J. Greff
  • Patent number: 6447534
    Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by delivery of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. Alternatively, the sponge may be delivered to the biopsy needle by injection of fluid and then delivered to the biopsy tract by a plunger or stylet. The system may also include a trail staging chamber for inspecting a condition of the sponge before delivery. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 6440153
    Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by delivery of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. Alternatively, the sponge may be delivered to the biopsy needle by injection of fluid and then delivered to the biopsy tract by a plunger or stylet. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby