Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC
  • Intravascular filter with bioabsorbable centering element
    Patent number: 7575584
    Abstract: Bioabsorbable centering elements for use in centering an implantable intravascular device within a body vessel are disclosed. The bioabsorbable centering element may include a number of support members configured to self-expand and engage the wall of the vessel when deployed. The support members may be formed from a biodegradable material adapted to degrade in vivo within a pre-determined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel M. WasDyke
  • Guide-in-guide catheter system
    Patent number: 7569046
    Abstract: A multiple catheter system is described. In one embodiment a medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel connecting the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a wall surrounding the channel. In this embodiment the hardness of the wall surrounding the channel decreases in in hardness, increases in hardness and then decreases in hardness again, when considered from an initial reference point at the entrance orifice and traveling towards the exit orifice. Another medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel linking the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a first wall surrounding the channel wherein the first wall has a bendable curve memory portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pu Zhou
  • Traction balloon
    Patent number: 7566319
    Abstract: Balloon catheters and methods of making and using the same. A balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled thereto. A traction member may be coupled to the balloon catheter adjacent the balloon and may extend along a portion or all of the length of the balloon. The traction member can improve traction between the balloon and a target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. McAuley, Karen M. Cheves, Loren M. Crow, Gregory S. Kelley, Herbert R. Radisch, Jr., Ricardo David Roman, Show-Mean Wu
  • Emboli filtration system and methods of use
    Patent number: 7563272
    Abstract: An emboli filtration apparatus is provided comprising a guide wire having a filter element captured thereon, so that the guide wire is free to rotate and translate while the filter element remains stationary. The apparatus allows for movement and rotation of the guide wire as devices are advanced over it to treat occlusive disease, substantially without dislodging the filter element. In a preferred embodiment, the guide wire comprises a proximal stop configured to reposition the filter element during a medical procedure without having to remove or insert additional interventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Bates, Michael Hogenduk, Nicola A. Pisano
  • Spinal stabilization systems and methods
    Patent number: 7563264
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine Austin, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Erik J. Wagner, Charles R. Forton, Robert J. Jones
  • Brush holder apparatus, brush assembly, and method
    Patent number: 7564160
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Cutsforth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Cutsforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Spinal fixation device with internal drive structure
    Patent number: 7559943
    Abstract: A bone screw arrangement including a retainer and an anchor. The retainer includes a first receiving region configured for receipt of a connecting rod, and a second receiving region configured for receipt of the anchor. The second receiving region includes an upper socket and a lower socket. The arrangement includes an interface that transfers torque applied to the retainer, to the anchor for securing the anchor to a bone element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Mujwid
  • Surgical retraction apparatus and associated methods
    Patent number: 7556600
    Abstract: A retractor may be used during spinal surgery. The retractor may include a frame and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade may include a coupling arm, a retainer, and a retraction component. The coupling arms may be coupled to the frame such that the coupling arms are able to move inward or outwards relative to the frame. The retainer may secure the retraction component to the coupling arm. In some embodiments, the retraction blades may be made of a radiolucent material that allows radiological images to be taken during a surgical procedure with the retractor in place. A position of retraction components relative to the frame may be changed during a surgical procedure. One or more of the retraction components may be replaced during a surgical procedure without removing the retractor from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Bruce A. Riceman, Thomas A. Foster
  • Sharps container for safe transportation and dispensing of unused pen needle assemblies and for safe storage of used pen needle assemblies
    Patent number: 7556149
    Abstract: A sharps container for (i) safe transportation and dispensing of a large number of unused pen needle assemblies, and (ii) safe storage of used pen needle assemblies. The unused pen needle assemblies may be connected to a flexible tape and are removed from a storage receptacle via an exit opening in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ultimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Erickson, James J. Erickson, Timothy A. Bachman
  • Guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer
    Patent number: 7553287
    Abstract: A guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer construction and methods of making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire or member having a proximal region and distal region, a jacket disposed over the distal region, and a coil disposed over the jacket. The coil may include a coating and may be embedded within the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Reynolds, James S. Sharrow
  • Resilient member for a brush holder assembly
    Patent number: 7545072
    Abstract: Disclosed is a resilient member for use in a brush holder assembly. The resilient member may be positioned between at least a portion of a brush and at least a portion of a brush holder. For example, the resilient member may separate or isolate one or more sides of a brush from an adjacent surface of a brush holder. In some embodiments, the resilient member may prevent at least one side of a brush from impacting an adjacent surface of a brush holder. In some embodiments, the resilient member may be a conductive member forming an electrical pathway between the brush and the brush holder for transferring an electrical current between the brush and the brush holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Culsforth Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Cutsforth
  • Single operator exchange biliary catheter
    Patent number: 7544193
    Abstract: Catheter for use in biliary procedures, including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guidewire lumen is carried by the shaft extending from a location proximal the distal end of the shaft to a location proximate the distal end of the shaft. An opening is included for accessing the guidewire lumen from a location exterior the catheter shaft located distal the proximal end of the shaft. The guidewire lumen may be formed integral the catheter shaft. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures. The catheter may further include a port and channel design including a first opening into the guidewire lumen located proximal the distal end of the shaft, a second opening located proximal the first opening, and a channel extending longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Agro, Joseph Levendusky, Charles Warich, Ronald Paille
  • Electronic key system
    Patent number: 7545255
    Abstract: An electronic key system for a vehicle that prevents private information from being available to a third person. The electronic key system includes a terminal, electronic keys, and a device having comparing and control components. Each electronic key stores a distinct identification code and transmits the identification code to the vehicle. At least one of the identification codes is a restriction code for restricting the usage of the terminal. The comparing component is arranged in the vehicle and stores verification codes associated with the identification codes. The comparing component retrieves the identification code of one of the electronic keys and compares the retrieved identification code with an associated one of the verification codes. The control component restricts activation of the terminal when the retrieved identification code is the restriction code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Yoshiyuki Mizuno
  • Medical device coil
    Patent number: 7540845
    Abstract: An intracorporal device includes a helically wound coil having a plurality of windings forming a coil length and a thermoplastic polymer sleeve circumferentially disposed about a portion of the coil length. A plurality of discrete affixation points are disposed along the coil length. Each discrete affixation point fixes the thermoplastic polymer sleeve to two or more coil windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc
    Inventor: David J. Parins
  • Medical device
    Patent number: 7540865
    Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Elaine Lim, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Medical device components
    Patent number: 7541077
    Abstract: Medical device components, such as tube-shaped catheter components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device component includes a region that includes a polyamide having a post buckle fracture tensile strength of at least about 6500 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Schoenle, Daniel James Horn, Yiqun Wang, Lixiao Wang
  • Valved embolic protection filter
    Patent number: 7537600
    Abstract: Embolic protection filters that retain embolic debris captured therein are disclosed. One embodiment of an embolic protection filter includes a filter frame disposable about a guidewire, a filter membrane for filtering embolic debris, and a valve configured to prevent the escape of filtered embolic debris. The valve may comprise a leaflet valve having a plurality of leaflets configured to engage each other about a coaptive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Eskuri
  • Fluid seal for endoscope
    Patent number: 7537583
    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: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., John Holmes, Kevin Richardson
  • Devices and methods for disc replacement
    Patent number: 7534268
    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: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Garryl Hudgins, Bruce Robie
  • Apparatus and method for sealing vascular punctures
    Patent number: RE40863
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sew Wah Tay, Kemal Schankereli, Thomas Holman, Hans Mische