Flow Control Patents (Class 604/30)
  • Publication number: 20130303979
    Abstract: A suction and irrigation device for medical use comprises a valve body with an irrigation passage and a suction passage. At least one irrigation pipe and at least one suction pipe are connectable to the irrigation passage and the suction passage by connections at a proximal side of the valve body. A suction/irrigation tube is connectable to the irrigation passage and the suction passage at a distal side of the valve body by at least one further connection. A valve assembly is provided within the valve body, which in a first position opens the suction passage and closes the irrigation passage and in a second position closes the suction passage and opens the irrigation passage. The device comprises at least one push element which interacts with at least one movable element of the valve assembly, whereas the movable element is movable by mechanical force acted upon the push element such, that the push element activates the valve assembly from one position to the other position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Universitat Bern Verwaltungsdirektion
    Inventors: Lennart Henning Stieglitz, Andreas Spiegelberg
  • Publication number: 20130303978
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification surgical console, and a related system and method. The console, system and method may include a cassette receiver suitable for receiving a surgical cassette, a controller suitable for controlling provided aspects of the phacoemulsification; and a pre-alignment feature along a lower portion under and proximate to the cassette receiver, extending outwardly from the lower portion, and suitable for aligning the surgical cassette to the cassette receiver. The pre-alignment feature may comprise a shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mark W. Ross
  • Patent number: 8579851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 20, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette and means 70 for isolating the pump from the handpiece to prevent creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and the collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Laurence J. Cull
  • Publication number: 20130296771
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Motus GI Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Shtul, Alexey Morochovsky, Alexander Banzger, Noam Hassidov
  • Patent number: 8573228
    Abstract: A system includes (i) a needle for insertion into a port of an implantable infusion device, and (ii) a receiver apparatus having a port location signal receiver module capable of receiving a signal from the implantable infusion device regarding spatial orientation of the port. The system further includes a processor operably coupled to the receiver apparatus and capable of determining the orientation of the needle relative to the port based on the received signal. The system also includes a display operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to cause the display to graphically render trajectory of the needle relative to the port. The port is graphically rendered as a target structure having a reference area. The needle is graphically rendered as an object moveable relative to the target structure. Occupation of the reference area by the object indicates trajectory alignment of the port and the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Kalpin
  • Publication number: 20130289475
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: John Muri, Craig Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130289474
    Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Kevin L. Grant, Eric M. Soederberg, David E. Altobelli, David M. Flynn, Kenneth S. Solovay, Samuel Klein
  • Patent number: 8568595
    Abstract: A method for determining or predicting the adequacy parameters that will be achieved at the end of a kidney substitution treatment during said kidney substitution treatment wherein the kidney substitution treatment is provided by a machine, which has an extracorporeal blood system pumping the patient blood through the blood chamber of a dialyzer, wherein the dialyzing fluid collects the waste products from the patient after flowing through the dialyzing fluid chamber of the dialyzer and wherein a device able to measure a adequacy parameter is coupled with the kidney substitution treatment machine and wherein the slope of a preferable linear guideline for the adequacy parameter is compared to the slope of the delivered adequacy parameter and if the slope of both are equal a linearization is performed to determine or predict the adequacy parameter at the end of the kidney substitution treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: B. Braun Avitum AG
    Inventor: Alex Castellarnau
  • Patent number: 8562556
    Abstract: A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by various types of pressurized cans of solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20130267891
    Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter system is disclosed which includes a catheter having an exhaust lumen, an infusion lumen and a high pressure tube. The high pressure tube includes a nozzle orifice for forming a high pressure jet of fluid for cutting occlusive material from within a body lumen. The nozzle orifice is positioned to direct the high pressure jet of fluid into the distal end of the exhaust lumen which creates a suctioning effect. The infusion lumen replaces fluid that is removed from the body lumen through the exhaust lumen by a suctioning effect created by the fluid jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Arnaz Malhi, Daniel Hutton, Manish Deshpande, Philip Shaltis
  • Patent number: 8545433
    Abstract: There is provided herein a system, device and methods for performing minimally invasive spider vein treatments. In some embodiments an apparatus for eliminating spider veins comprises a dual syringe mechanism that includes a pusher for pushing sclerosant materials into a target vein, and an extractor for extracting debris from a target vein; a needle for application into a target vein; and a Y-connector connecting each exit of the dual syringe mechanism to the needle. In some implementations the apparatus's dual syringe mechanism includes a locking mechanism to enable controlled advancing of the syringe pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: V.V.T. Med Ltd.
    Inventor: Zeev Brandeis
  • Publication number: 20130245543
    Abstract: A surgical cassette for use with a phacoemulsification system having a front plate, a back plate, and a gasket therebetween. The front plate having molded fluid channels that mate with the gasket. The gasket having multiple valves and a sensor or diaphragm accessible through the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: James Gerg, Mark W. Ross
  • Patent number: 8535241
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Bullington, Richard G. Patton, Shan Gaw, Jay Miazga
  • Patent number: 8535522
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dialysis system with a disconnection monitor for determining if a blood line connection to a patient has been disconnected. It includes a blood circuit in fluid communication with a patient and a dialysis circuit, a pressure transducer for generating a signal indicative of a pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal generator for generating a signal indicative of the patient's pulse and a disconnection monitor. The disconnection monitor includes a pressure transducer data receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the patient's pulse, and a processor for cross-correlating the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit and the signal indicative of the patient's pulse to generate data indicative of a disconnection of the blood line connection to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James R. Braig
  • Patent number: 8529486
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Publication number: 20130226077
    Abstract: A method of providing hypothermia to a patient including the steps of inserting a fluid delivery member into a peritoneal cavity of the patient; delivering hypothermia fluid from a fluid source into the peritoneal cavity through the delivery member; and limiting fluid pressure within the peritoneal cavity without providing feedback control to the fluid source. The invention also provides an apparatus for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers Burnett, Gregory W. Hall
  • Patent number: 8500676
    Abstract: A device and a method for a peritoneal dialysis treatment having several cycles include a cycler controlled by a processor. The cycler fills the abdominal cavity with dialysis fluid, and drains the abdominal cavity. A sensor senses a variable related to the draining of the dialysis fluid. The draining is interrupted when the variable reaches a breakpoint at which the variable is radically changed, thereby leaving the residual volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Olof Jansson, Pascal Bernard, Pierre-Yves Durand, Sture Hobro, Eva Persson, Bengt-Olov Thell
  • Patent number: 8480656
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall S. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 8478385
    Abstract: A rotary medical manifold, for delivering various fluids through a patient delivery mechanism is described. The rotary manifold can include a manifold body and a valve stem. The manifold body can include a central cavity, an output port, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port. The valve stem can include an injector port, and a single central fluid passage. The valve stem can be adapted to slidably engage the central cavity of the manifold body and provide selective fluidic connectivity between the injector port and the output port, the first fluid port and the second fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: United Medical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yunxing Liu, Chun Li
  • Publication number: 20130165849
    Abstract: An irrigation tool that includes a handle configured for grasping by a hand of a user of the tool having a handgrip displaceable using the hand in a manner that selectively controls the rate of flow of irrigation fluid discharged from the tool. The handgrip includes a compressible chamber mounted to the handle via at least one fluid coupling with the chamber compressible by manually squeezing the handgrip to discharge irrigation fluid. The chamber can be provided by a bulb in operable cooperation with a fluid coupling that provides an irrigation fluid flow-modulating control valve arrangement responsive to the magnitude and rate of applied squeezing force. The tool can include an aspirator having a suction passage integrally formed in the handle with a suction control valve operable using the same hand used to control irrigation fluid flow producing a hand-held hand operated combination irrigation and suction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Camodo, LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Monty, Philippe A. Capraro, Thomas S. Doig
  • Publication number: 20130150782
    Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcon Research, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8456316
    Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption in a pressure (vacuum) regulator system by waking the regulator upon detection of a change in pressure beyond a set band, including: defining a sampling time-window to sample a pressure in the pressure regulator system; generating a random number of pressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; acquiring data of the randomly generated number of pressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; adjusting the defined sampling time-window in response to a change in pressure beyond a set band; and transmitting the data to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Tenacore Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Brand Caso, Peter John Bonin, James Selevan
  • Publication number: 20130138035
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and computer program products may be used to perform retinal surgery. In particular implementations, a system, a process, and a computer program product may include the ability to inject a retina manipulation fluid into an eye through an injection/extraction system and apply negative pressure to the injection/extraction system to facilitate extraction of fluid from the eye. The system, the process, and the computer program product may also include the ability to adjust the applied negative pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: John Christopher Huculak, Michael McCulloch Martin, Michael Arthur Zica, Matthew Edward Bazydlo
  • Patent number: 8444592
    Abstract: Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Thermedx, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Williams, Kenneth R. Pyles, Douglas L. Carr
  • Patent number: 8439874
    Abstract: A flow control system that includes a vacuum device configured to control the level of vacuum applied for urging the flow of aspirated fluid from a surgical site, and a vacuum sensor configured to communicate a signal representative of the sensed vacuum level. A flow sensor control is configured to generate a signal indicative of the rate of aspirated fluid flow. A flow controller monitors the vacuum sensor and the flow measurement device, and communicates a requested vacuum level to the vacuum device for establishing a desired vacuum level. The flow controller employs a first feed back loop that compares the actual sensed vacuum level with the requested vacuum level and adjusts the requested vacuum level as needed. The flow controller implements a second feedback loop that compares the actual flow rate of aspirated fluid with a desired flow rate, and adjusts the requested vacuum level to achieve the desired flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: David Hertweck
  • Publication number: 20130110035
    Abstract: A medical/surgical irrigator comprising a handpiece and a tip assembly that is removably attached to the handpiece. Internal to the handpiece is a variable speed pulse pump from which irrigation fluid is discharged through the tip assembly. A single, variable speed motor regulates the pumping rate of the pump. The tip assembly includes a suction wand through which the discharged fluid is drawn away from the site to which the fluid is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Arnett, Nicholas V. Gately, David H. Grulke, Ruth A. Hilsbos, James L. Sertic
  • Patent number: 8432249
    Abstract: An advanced transitional cup (ATC) for training developing children and developmentally-challenged individuals to drink from a cup. The ATC includes a lid with a small fluid aperture and an electric air valve. A microcontroller located in the base of the ATC converts a user-defined “flow rate” into a PWM voltage signal that successively opens and closes the air valve. A higher flow rate results in a PWM signal that opens the air valve for longer spans of time and closes the air valve for shorter spans of time as compared to a lower flow rate, thereby allowing more air to enter the ATC and fluid to be expressed from the fluid aperture more readily. A touch sensor on the sidewall of the ATC prevents the air valve from being opened, and thus fluid from exiting the fluid aperture, unless a drinker is touching the touch sensor, thereby preventing accidental spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Miami University
    Inventors: Michael Bailey-VanKuren, Donna R. Scarborough
  • Patent number: 8430840
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Nader Nazarifar, Frederick Reed, John C. Huculak, Roger Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130085442
    Abstract: This application presents methods and devices for continuously cleaning a colon by at least partially filling a segment of the colon with liquid and agitating the fluid to dislodge matter adhering to the colon walls. Methods for automatic maintenance of liquid levels in the colon during continuous cleaning are taught.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Motus GI Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Shtul, Alexey Morochovsky, Alexander Banzger, Noam Hassidov
  • Patent number: 8403909
    Abstract: Methods for capacitance volume correction in fluid-containing expandable bodies and associated fluid pathways are disclosed. The methods may be applied in fluid delivery systems used to supply fluids to patients during radiographic imaging procedures, including angiography. The methods control delivery of fluid to a downstream process, including providing a fluid-delivery expandable body and a pressurizing element in fluid communication with the downstream process, pressurizing the expandable body by moving the pressurizing element in the expandable body to reduce volume therein, determining an over-travel distance for the pressurizing element, and ceasing movement of the pressurizing element after allowing the pressurizing element to over-travel the over-travel distance to compensate for expansion of the expandable body under pressure. The expandable body may be a syringe and the pressurizing element may be a plunger disposed within the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Thomas P. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20130072864
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact colon irrigation device and a method for performing human colon irrigation. The colon irrigation device of the present invention comprises at least a housing, a gravity tank to supply water by gravity, a means for filling the gravity tank with warm water, an extension tube extending vertically from the top of the gravity tank to create a required water head for providing substantially a constant gravity flow of water at a predetermined pressure, a speculum for insertion into rectum of colon for irrigation and extracting matter, a water supply line extending from the gravity tank connected with the said speculum, and a drain line connected with the said speculum. The gravity tank provides water at a pressure suitable for carrying out the colon irrigation safely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Delmar Vogel
  • Patent number: 8388570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for distending a body tissue cavity of a subject by continuous flow irrigation by using a dynamic pump, such as a centrifugal pump, on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by a the said outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss, into the subject's body system, during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Alka Kumar
  • Patent number: 8377012
    Abstract: Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Paul R. Chapman, Brian J. Connell, Ying-Cheng Lo
  • Patent number: 8376983
    Abstract: Irrigation fluid is aspirated from an eye and through an aspiration instrument by operating a vacuum pump, including moving first and second plungers between respective suction strokes and discharge strokes. Vacuum pressure at an input side of the pump is maintained at a desired vacuum pressure setting by controlling speeds and directions of the plungers, and controlling positions of input and output valves communicating with cylinders in which the plungers move. Controlling is based on the pressure setting and measured pressures in the cylinders. Vacuum pressure is maintained while transitioning from the suction stroke of the first plunger to the suction stroke of the second plunger, by synchronizing respective positions of the plungers and the valves, such that initiation of the suction stroke of the second plunger during the transitioning is delayed until a vacuum pressure in the second cylinder is equal to a vacuum pressure in the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Enlighten Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Ross, Gregg Hughes
  • Patent number: 8366700
    Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Andrew Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Andrew, Luis A. Davila
  • Publication number: 20130018302
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use device, intended to be used in surgery each time a vascular approach by cannulation or catheterization (extracorporeal circulation, anesthesia, emergency, intensive care) is found to be necessary, in particular in heart surgery or interventional cardiology. This new device essentially includes a body (5), a sealing system consisting of two inflatable disks (4), a control connector for inflating and deflating the disk (4), a tubular unit (6) and a flexible guide (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Sayed Nour, Pierre Chastanier
  • Publication number: 20130012869
    Abstract: Nasal irrigation systems for irrigating and/or rinsing a subject's nasal cavity are disclosed herein. Irrigation fluid may be drawn through the nasal cavity while utilizing a staged treatment procedure which allows for an initial infusion or flushing of irrigation fluid, circulation of the fluid, and subsequent flushing of the effluent from the nasal cavity. The system allows for reversible flow of the fluid during irrigation as well as use of vibration to disrupt debris within the nasal cavity to facilitate the mixing and removal of the debris. Additionally, peristaltic flow of the irrigation fluid may be used to facilitate contact between the fluid and debris during fluid circulation. Moreover, the irrigation fluid may also incorporate air or a gas into the fluid flow to create discrete volumes or boluses of pressured fluid to further facilitate thorough irrigation of the nasal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Albert CHA, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI, Ralph NIVEN
  • Patent number: 8343100
    Abstract: A surgical system having a console that receives a cassette with a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The housing serves as a substrate for an elastomeric acoustic coupling that can be formed on the housing outside of the fluid channel. The acoustic transducer is elastically mounted within the console, such as on a spring, so as to provide a relatively constant force between the transducer and the acoustic coupling when the cassette is installed in the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Nicolei R. King, David L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8343104
    Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature of the patient. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to a proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: John Martin, Timothy Schweikert, Christopher Linden, Kevin Sanford, Mark S. Fisher, W. Shaun Wall, Angela Wentling
  • Patent number: 8343139
    Abstract: A portable systems release fluid pressure with a cavity within a patient. These systems include a drainage catheter, a pressure-responsive one-way valve, and a fluid reservoir all adapted to be mounted in proximity to the cavity being drained. One system in particular is used in relieving intracranial pressure. This intracranial pressure relief system may include a headband to which are mounted the one-way valve and reservoir. The drainage catheter may have mounted thereon a cranium seal formed of a soft material that contacts the inner wall of a cranium bore hole. The cranium seal may have threads to facilitate advancement into the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: A. Mateen Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8337470
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid flow between an internal body structure and a device external to the body comprises a housing having proximal and distal chambers separated from one another by a wall and fluidly connected to proximal port and distal ports. The wall includes a valve selectively sealing first and second openings thereof and a canopy biased toward a sealing position sealingly surrounding the first opening. The bias of the canopy is set to define a first pressure differential at which the canopy is moved out of the sealing position to permit fluid transfer therepast in a first direction. A duck-bill stem extends through the second opening and includes a lumen extending therethrough with walls of the stem being biased toward a sealing position and configured so that, when a second pressure differential is applied at at least a second level, the first end opens to permit flow therepast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayanthi Prasad, Tom Fisk, Jeff Gray
  • Patent number: 8328760
    Abstract: Catheters configured to minimize, prevent, disrupt, and/or treat thrombus accumulation and subsequent occlusion are disclosed. Such catheters include at least one sidewall cut extending to the catheter distal end that forms catheter sidewall portions that move relative to each other when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Angiodynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Lareau
  • Patent number: 8323279
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath assembly for variable fluid supply during surgical procedures is disclosed. The instrument comprises at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, positioned on the instrument distal end. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath that is external to the instrument shaft, to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly lumen is axially movable between first and second positions relative to a fluid delivery element, for varying target site treatment and fluid delivery. In the first position the shaft distal end is axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. In the second position the sheath assembly distal leading edge is positioned axially adjacent or distal to the end of the shaft. The fluid delivery element comprises an inner lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ArthoCare Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Dahla, Irma Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8323231
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: (i) a fluid cassette including diaphragm operated first and second pump chambers; (ii) a first pressure sensor operable with the first pump chamber; (iii) a second pressure sensor operable with the second pump chamber; and (iv) a to-patient port of the cassette in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers, wherein the first pressure sensor is located between the first pump chamber and the to-patient port and the second pressure sensor is located between the second pump chamber and the to-patient port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warren Childers, Vital Eerlingen, Patrick Balteau, Duane Belongie
  • Patent number: 8317753
    Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120289893
    Abstract: A suction catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a manifold member, an engaging structure, a suction catheter, and a controller. The controller includes a housing, an elastic member, a hollow valve body, an actuating piston, and a cap. The housing has an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The housing has a sealed portion formed on one end thereof. The actuating piston projects through the hollow valve body and abuts to the cap and the elastic member on opposite ends. When the hollow valve body is at closed position, fluid flow is cut off between the inlet and outlet portions. When the hollow valve body is at open position, the fluid flow is allowed. The suction catheter assembly has better air tightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LILY MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: CHENG-HUANG CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20120289891
    Abstract: A motorized injection and aspiration system and methods for its use, where the motorized injection and aspiration system comprises (a) a syringe coupled to a needle, wherein the syringe includes a plunger, (b) a cannula, (c) a tube having first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the needle and the second end is coupled to the cannula, (d) a syringe driver to drive the plunger, (e) at least one foot pedal, (f) a step motor, and (g) a control unit in communication with the step motor, the syringe driver and the at least one foot pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BioCrine AB
    Inventors: Midhat H. Abdulreda, Per-Olof Berggren, Conrado Freites
  • Publication number: 20120289894
    Abstract: A system for the movement of fluids into and out of a surgical field is provided with a control module manipulated by a user; a valve controlled by the user via the control module, the valve controlling flow of a fluid; and a tube set having a proximal branch and a distal branch, wherein the proximal branch is opened and closed by the valve and at least a portion of the distal branch being flexible and a distal tip of the distal branch configured for manipulation within a surgical field. The valve is disposed at a distance to the surgical field and allows free access to tube by the user. Separate proximal branches for suction, irrigation, and insufflation are provided. One or more distal branches may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gary Douglas, Stephen Martone, David Regan, Nilendu Srivastava, Rachana Suchdev
  • Patent number: 8308698
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Patent number: 8308673
    Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Catharos Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Hassan, Lester John Lloyd, Michael Orth, Mark Yang, Binh Luong, Brian K. Courtney, Peter J. Fitzgerald