Patents by Inventor Valerie M. Castora

Valerie M. Castora 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: 7267667
    Abstract: A fluid injection system is disclosed The system is adapted to employ first and second injectors which may sequentially, or simultaneously, inject first and second fluids into a patient via a catheter. The first and second injectors may be power actuated. The actuation of the injectors may be controlled via a controller of the system. The user may be provided with an operator interface module to enable the control of the system to be affected during operation. A separate waste line may be provided to drain the system effectively and efficiently. A pressure sensor may be provided proximate the catheter to reduce pressure signal wave dampening and fluid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Houde, Mark VanDiver, Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora, Kathryn M. Albert
  • Publication number: 20040167401
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe having a cylinder in which a plunger is reciprocatingly mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold which itself is connected to a source of radiopaque contrast. Retraction of the plunger within the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depression of the plunger forces the contrast through the manifold and into a patient through a catheter. In order to increase the speed of injection and thus the visualization of the contrast, an improved visualization device is provided which may be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandible catheter. The heater may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus to elevate the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity and thereby increases the speed with which fluid may be injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora
  • Patent number: 6699232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe having a cylinder in which a plunger is reciprocatingly mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold which itself is connected to a source of radiopaque contrast. Retraction of the plunger within the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depression of the plunger forces the contrast through the manifold and into a patient through a catheter. In order to increase the speed of injection and thus the visualization of the contrast, an improved visualization device is provided which may be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandible catheter. The heater may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus to elevate the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity and thereby increases the speed with which fluid may be injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora
  • Publication number: 20040010229
    Abstract: A fluid injection system is disclosed. The system is adapted to employ first and second injectors which may sequentially, or simultaneously, inject first and second fluids into a patient via a catheter. The first and second injectors may be power actuated. The actuation of the injectors may be controlled via a controller of the system. The user may be provided with an operator interface module to enable the control of the system to be affected during operation. A separate waste line may be provided to drain the system effectively and efficiently. A pressure sensor may be provided proximate the catheter to reduce pressure signal wave dampening and fluid waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Houde, Mark VanDiver, Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora, Kathryn M. Albert
  • Publication number: 20020123737
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe having a cylinder in which a plunger is reciprocatingly mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold which itself is connected to a source of radiopaque contrast. Retraction of the plunger within the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depression of the plunger forces the contrast through the manifold and into a patient through a catheter. In order to increase the speed of injection and thus the visualization of the contrast, an improved visualization device is provided which may be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandible catheter. The heater may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus to elevate the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity and thereby increases the speed with which fluid may be injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora