Patents by Inventor Marvin C. Elmer
Marvin C. Elmer 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: 20190099175Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Patent number: 10172608Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: USGI Medical LLCInventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Publication number: 20160331367Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Patent number: 9421011Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Patent number: 9055864Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Tung Thanh Le, Marvin C. Elmer, Tracy D. Maahs
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Patent number: 8992420Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
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Publication number: 20140288599Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Patent number: 8740940Abstract: Apparatus and methods optimize anchoring force in securing tissue folds. Over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable designs configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Marvin C. Elmer, Richard C. Ewers
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Publication number: 20130138151Abstract: Apparatus and methods optimize anchoring force in securing tissue folds. Over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable designs configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Marvin C. Elmer, Richard C. Ewers
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Patent number: 8382800Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Marvin C. Elmer, Richard C. Ewers
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Publication number: 20130041214Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
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Publication number: 20120303059Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL INC.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Patent number: 8308765Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This unidirectional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Marvin C. Elmers, Jesus Flores, Alex Khairkhahan, Ruey-Feng Peh, Cang C. Lam
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Patent number: 8277373Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
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Patent number: 8257394Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Marvin C. Elmer
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Publication number: 20100174312Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. MAAHS, Marvin C. ELMER, Richard C. EWERS
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Patent number: 7678135Abstract: Apparatus & methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Marvin C. Elmer, Richard C. Ewers
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Publication number: 20090253961Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: USGI Medical. Inc.Inventors: Tung Thanh LE, Marvin C. ELMER, Tracy D. MAAHS
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Publication number: 20080262300Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Eugene Chen, Tung Thanh Le, Robert A. Vaughan, Marvin C. Elmer, John A. Cox, Tracy D. Maahs
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Publication number: 20080262294Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Richard C. EWERS, Eugene CHEN, Tung Thanh LE, Robert A. VAUGHAN, Marvin C. ELMER, John A. COX, Tracy D. MAAHS