Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC
  • Retrieval basket with releasable tip
    Patent number: 7645283
    Abstract: A medical retrieval device is used to retrieve and/or fragment stones (and/or other objects) from the body of a patient. The device has a retrieval basket with a releasable tip. The tip release is designed to release in a controlled pre-determined manner and under a pre-determined force before any other component of the device fails due to a force exerted on the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Reynolds, M. Kevin Richardson, Mark Bowen
  • Apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree
    Patent number: 7645254
    Abstract: Catheter apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree includes a catheter with multiple lumens. A first lumen is adapted to receive a guidewire and can serve as a transport lumen for contrast agent. A second lumen carries a cutting wire for performing a sphincterotomy. A third lumen can be used as an inflation lumen for a distally located balloon. Expansion of the balloon occludes a portion of the biliary tree and allows the catheter to sweep any gallstones through the sphincter of Oddi into the duodenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Rowland, Michael G. Vergano, Bryan P. Eddy, Peter B. Cotton
  • Fluid seal for endoscope
    Patent number: 7645266
    Abstract: A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., John Holmes, Kevin Richardson
  • Devices and methods for disc replacement
    Patent number: 7645301
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic implant is provided which includes a bag structure having a fixation component or member, the bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In other embodiments, a bag structure is provided with a flange adaptable to anchor the structure to a vertebral body and a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations. In one embodiment, for delivery, a bag structure with a flange may be attached to a vertebral body. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped implant structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Garryl Hudgins, Bruce Robie
  • Access device for minimally invasive surgery
    Patent number: 7645232
    Abstract: A retractor has a proximal portion comprising a first side portion having a first longitudinal edge and a second side portion having a second longitudinal edge. The first and second portions being movable relative to each other such that the first and second longitudinal edges can be positioned in close proximity to each other or spaced apart by a selected distance. A distal portion is coupled with the proximal portion. The distal portion has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The distal portion is capable of having a configuration when inserted within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of the passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan E. Shluzas
  • Intravascular occlusion balloon catheter
    Patent number: 7641669
    Abstract: An intravascular occlusion balloon catheter having a removable hub, a profile sized to approximate a guidewire, and a means for venting air from the balloon. The removable hub and the small profile allow the occlusion balloon catheter to be used as a guidewire. The venting means allows air to be easily and reliably removed from the balloon prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Suranjan Roychowdhury, Katherine M. Prindle, Kyle Eastenson
  • Clamping device for a printing plate
    Patent number: 7640855
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device (02) for fastening a plate (03) to the periphery of a cylinder (01). Said clamping device (02) comprises a first clamping element (04), a pivotally mounted second clamping element (06), a spring part (07), and a bracing element that is embodied as a pivotable spindle (08) and is movable between a clamping position in which the bracing element maintains the plate in a clamped state between the clamping elements and a released position in which the clamping elements release the plate. The spindle (08) is mounted in a groove so as to be displaceable, is fixed in an intermediate space between the spring part (07) and the second clamping element (06), and is pressed against the second clamping element by means of the spring part in the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: KBA-Giori S.A.
    Inventors: Günther Josef Hoier, Johannes Georg Schaede
  • Spinal access instrument
    Patent number: 7641659
    Abstract: A method of, and surgical instrument for accessing first and second pedicle locations of a spinal column area. The surgical instrument including a blade member slidably positionable along first and second wires. The instrument having a nested arrangement of members, including a portal member having an elongated aperture to access the first and second pedicle locations. The nested arrangement further including a plurality of members configured and sized to incrementally expand the access opening to the spinal column area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik E. Emstad, Daniel Robbins
  • Cannula for receiving surgical instruments
    Patent number: 7641670
    Abstract: A cannula (10) receives surgical instruments (120) for performing a surgical procedure on a body (130). The cannula (10) comprises a tube structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments (120) are inserted into the body (130). The tube structure (12) has a proximal end (20) and a distal end (62). The tube structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) at the distal end (62). The expandable portion (40) of the tube structure (12), when expanded, has a conical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Davison, Timothy E. Taylor, Adam Sher
  • Method for forming gold plating
    Patent number: 7641944
    Abstract: A method for forming gold plating. The method includes preparing a solution containing gold ions and a reductant, immersing an object that is to be plated in the solution, irradiating the object with ultraviolet rays, and depositing gold on the object to form gold plating when the ultraviolet rays cause a photochemical reaction in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaya Ichimura, Kanji Masui
  • Medical device with modified marker band
    Patent number: 7641647
    Abstract: A marker band and medical devices such as catheters and guidewires that include a marker band. A marker band may include a generally cylindrical body portion having one or more slots or openings defined therein. The marker band is configured for being secured to a medical device. Methods of making and using a marker band and a medical device having a marker band are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Gunderson
  • Elongated intra-lumenal medical device
    Patent number: 7641621
    Abstract: A medical device includes a coil having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, formed from a wire. The wire includes a cross-section with a centroid, a moment of inertia with respect to an axis running through the centroid and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil, and a moment of inertia with respect to an axis running through the centroid and parallel to the radial axis of the coil. The moment of inertia with respect to an axis running through the centroid and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil is greater than the moment of inertia with respect to an axis running through the centroid and parallel to the radial axis of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin M. Crank
  • Helical suturing device
    Patent number: 7637918
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a tear in an annulus fibrosus of a spinal disc includes a hollow, helically-shaped suturing needle and a retriever. The needle is used to insert a suture along a helical pathway bridging the tear. The retriever is used to retrieve one end of the suture from the inside of the annulus and bring it close the other end of the suture outside the annulus, where the suture can be tensioned and tied to fixate the tear. In other embodiments, multiple sutures are placed with helically-shaped needles of differing dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Dant
  • Sealing element for vessel or container closures having improved barrier properties
    Patent number: 7638179
    Abstract: Described is a closure element for a container. The closure elements has a sealing element which contains a thermoplastic polymer, and an effective absorbing amount of an unmodified cyclodextrin material. The unmodified cyclodextrin material may be an ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. The sealing element can act as a barrier with respect to permeants, such as aromatic substances, trichloroanisole, aldehydes or ketones and/or impurities from the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cellresin Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Will Wood, Neil Beaverson
  • Method of and apparatus for positioning and maintaining the position of endoscopic instruments
    Patent number: 7635363
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hutchins, Mark L. Adams, Mark Mallaby, Scott Swafar, Martin Donofrio, Oscar Carrillo, Tracy Gandolfi, Mike Mangano, Bob Reynolds, Russell F. Durgin
  • Catheter with multilayer tube
    Patent number: 7635347
    Abstract: An interventional catheter for angioplasty and the like, including a catheter tube including an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member, and a balloon attached to the distal end of the outer tubular member and the distal end of the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a first portion having a first stiffness and a second portion having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. The inner tubular member has an inner surface having a first coefficient of friction and an outer surface having a second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Schneider (Europe) A.G.
    Inventor: Gerhard Kastenhofer
  • Cutting balloon catheter with improved pushability
    Patent number: 7632288
    Abstract: Rapid exchange angioplasty catheters and methods of constructing rapid exchange angioplasty catheters including features that provide good pushability and kink resistance. In an illustrative embodiment, a catheter is provided, the illustrative catheter including a proximal hypotube section, which connects to a more distal braided catheter section. The braided catheter section connects to a midshaft portion that includes a guidewire entry port. Distal of the midshaft portion is a distal section having a cutting balloon disposed thereon. An inflation lumen extends the length of the catheter, while a guidewire lumen extends only from the guidewire entry port to the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, a core wire may extend across the joint from the hypotube, to the braided catheter section, and past the guidewire entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Show-Mean Wu
  • Radio frequency field localization for magnetic resonance
    Patent number: 7633293
    Abstract: Technology for controlling non-uniformity in the B1 field includes selecting the phase, magnitude, frequency, time, or spatial relationship among various elements of a multi-channel excitation coil in order to control the radio frequency (RF) power emanating from the coil antenna elements. Non-uniformity can be used to steer a constructively interfering B1 field node to spatially correlate with an anatomic region of interest. A convex (quadratically constrained quadratic problem) formulation of the B1 localization problem can be used to select parameters for exciting the coil. Localization can be used in simulated Finite Difference Time Domain B1 field human head distributions and human head phantom measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Christopher C. Olson, J. Thomas Vaughan, Anand Gopinath
  • Catheter including a compliant balloon
    Patent number: 7632242
    Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Huey Quoc Chan, Elaine Lim, Nhan Hue To
  • Method and system for document comparison using cross plane comparison
    Patent number: 7630520
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of document authentication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for validating an enhanced feature contained in a document under analysis. More specifically, a cross plane comparison is used within a document comparison system to validate the authenticity of a security document. Two images are extracted from two color-planes (e.g. visible light and infrared) of a specified page of a security document and the presence/absence of a pattern or text in each plane is determined. In operation, the security document is exposed to two light sources and grey scale images are extracted. Binary images are then obtained from the grey scale images by filtering each grey scale image and then thresholding each grey scale image. The difference between the two binary images is then calculated to determine if a pattern or text is present in both planes or only in one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tiberiu Visan, David Giles O'Neil, Gregory John Brown