Patents by Inventor Michael N. Helmus

Michael N. Helmus 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: 6358556
    Abstract: A method of coating implantable open lattice metallic stent prosthesis is disclosed which includes sequentially applying a plurality of relatively thin outer layers of a coating composition comprising a solvent mixture of uncured polymeric silicone material and crosslinker and finely divided biologically active species, possibly of controlled average particle size, to form a coating on each stent surface. The coatings are cured in situ and the coated, cured prosthesis are sterilized in a step that includes preferred pretreatment with argon gas plasma and exposure to gamma radiation electron beam, ethylene oxide, steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus
  • Publication number: 20020032477
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a stent for implantation in a body lumen location of interest in a patient and includes a generally flexible elastic, tubular body having open ends and a thin open porous sidewall structure and a relatively thin coating layer on the tubular body including a biostable elastomeric material incorporating an amount of biologically active material dispersed therein for timed delivery therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: MICHAEL N. HELMUS, NI DING
  • Publication number: 20020026236
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating injuries to one or more internal structures of a subject by administering a drug delivery vehicle to an external surface of the injured structure. The drug delivery vehicle substantially adheres to the site of administration and provides for the release of a bioactive agent that reduces or prevents further injury to the internal structure by disease processes, such as hyperplasia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael N. Helmus, Crystal M. Cunanan, Patrice Tremble
  • Publication number: 20020004101
    Abstract: A coating and method for a coating an implantable device or prostheses are disclosed. The coating includes an undercoat of polymeric material containing an amount of biologically active material, particularly heparin, dispersed therein. The coating further includes a topcoat which covers less than the entire surface of the undercoat and wherein the topcoat comprises a polymeric material substantially free of pores and porosigens. The polymeric material of the topcoat can be a biostable, biocompatible material which provides long term non-thrombogenicity to the device portion during and after release of the biologically active material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus
  • Publication number: 20010032024
    Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Crystal M. Cunanan, Lillian Quintero, Michael N. Helmus, Christine Loshbaugh, H. Chris Sarner
  • Patent number: 6284305
    Abstract: A coating and method for a coating an implantable device or prostheses are disclosed. The coating includes an undercoat of polymeric material containing an amount of biologically active material, particularly heparin, dispersed therein. The coating further includes a topcoat which covers less than the entire surface of the undercoat and wherein the topcoat comprises a polymeric material substantially free of pores and porosigens. The polymeric material of the topcoat can be a biostable, biocompatible material which provides long term non-thrombogenicity to the device portion during and after release of the biologically active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus
  • Patent number: 6265016
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 6214054
    Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Crystal M. Cunanan, Lillian Quintero, Michael N. Helmus, Christine Loshbaugh, H. Chris Sarner
  • Patent number: 6129704
    Abstract: A balloon catheter having a perfusion lumen communicating with a blood vessel, and a magnetically driven impeller disposed in the perfusion lumen to increase blood flow through the catheter and the arteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Forman, Jonathan S. Stinson, Michael N. Helmus
  • Patent number: 6120536
    Abstract: A coating and method for implantable open lattice metallic stent prostheses are disclosed. The coating includes a relatively thin layer of biostable elastomeric material containing an amount of biologically active material, particularly heparin, dispersed in the coating in combination with a non-thrombogenic surface. In one embodiment, the surface is provided with sites of high electronegativity species by coating with fluorosilicone which aid in controlling elution, particularly the initial release rate, and reduced thrombogenic activity. Other non-thrombogenic outer layers for heparin such as covalently bound polyethylene glycol (PEG) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus
  • Patent number: 6120904
    Abstract: A medical device comprising an organic polymer substrate material having a coating thereon, the coating comprising an interpenetrating network of two different hydrogel polymers, one of which is a polyurethane/polyurea hydrogel polymer, the polyurethane/polyurea hydrogel polymer being linked to the substrate material by covalent urea linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 6099562
    Abstract: A coating and method for a coating an implantable device or prostheses are disclosed. The coating includes an undercoat of polymeric material containing an amount of biologically active material, particularly heparin, dispersed therein. The coating further includes a topcoat which covers less than the entire surface of the undercoat and wherein the topcoat comprises a polymeric material substantially free of pores and porosigens. The polymeric material of the topcoat can be a biostable, biocompatible material which provides long term non-thrombogenicity to the device portion during and after release of the biologically active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus
  • Patent number: 6080488
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 6045576
    Abstract: A sewing ring for implantation of prosthetic heart valves has a compliant ring member made of a plurality of cells. The ring member may be silicon rubber and the cells defined within outer walls and inner ribs. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least an outer portion of the ring member, and the assembly mounts to a mechanical or tissue-type prosthetic heart valve. The ring member has a radial dimension and cross-sectional area sufficient to ensure a large coaptation area between the sewing ring and the annulus tissue so as to enable adequate attachment of the valve without load distributing devices such as pledgets. A version of the sewing ring for attachment to the mitral annulus includes a curved coaptation edge, while another embodiment for attachment to the aortic annulus has a tapered outer edge with increased radial and axial dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Starr, Robert Stobie, Michael N. Helmus
  • Patent number: 6040058
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 6030656
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 6017577
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 5919570
    Abstract: Slippery, hydrophilic coating compositions of a polyurethane/urea prepolymer adduct intermediate commingled with at least one dissimilar hydrogel polymer precursor, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metallic substrate with a slippery hydrogel coating of a polyurethane/urea prepolymer adduct intermediate and at least one dissimilar hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, David Rhum, Michael R. Forman, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 5849368
    Abstract: A process for rendering the surfaces of polymeric plastic or rubber materials, which are intrinsically non-polar or only slightly polar, and hydrophobic, polar or more polar, and hydrophilic, so that amine-containing functional groups, and ultimately, a durable tenaciously adhering, slippery polyurethane or polyurethane-urea hydrogel coating may subsequently be applied to the polymer surface, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc
    Inventors: Fritz Hostettler, Michael N. Helmus, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 5837313
    Abstract: A method of coating implantable open lattice metallic stent prosthesis is disclosed which includes sequentially applying a plurality of relatively thin outer layers of a coating composition comprising a solvent mixture of uncured polymeric silicone material and crosslinker and finely divided biologically active species, possibly of controlled average particle size, to form a coating on each stent surface. The coatings are cured in situ and the coated, cured prosthesis are sterilized in a step that includes preferred pretreatment with argon gas plasma and exposure to gamma radiation electron beam, ethylene oxide, steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc
    Inventors: Ni Ding, Michael N. Helmus