Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC
  • Medical device having segmented construction
    Patent number: 7758520
    Abstract: A medical device having a segmented construction. In at least some embodiments, a medical device including a plurality of conductive elongated members that are of such a length and are connected together in such a manner to impart a degree of MRI compatibility to the device. In some embodiments, the elongated members can include a series of solid elongate members and tubular elongate members, which construction provides one way to control at least some properties of the device, for example, stiffness, torque transmission, flexibility, shape retention, and the like. In yet some additional embodiments, at least one of the elongated members has a recess into which a protrusion of another elongated member may fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Alain Cornil, Scott R. Smith, Lex Philip Jansen
  • Medical device having linear to rotation control
    Patent number: 7758591
    Abstract: A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John Griego, Yem Chin, Gary McAlister
  • Cutting balloon catheter with improved balloon configuration
    Patent number: 7758604
    Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled to the shaft. The balloon may include one or more cutting edges or member and may include one or more wings. The wings may include an undulating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Show-Mean Steve Wu, Ricardo David Roman, Reynaldo Cruz
  • Medical device guidance from an anatomical reference
    Patent number: 7758587
    Abstract: A system and method for simply and reliably determining the location and orientation of a medical device within a patient's body. A medical device, such as a catheter, has bending indicators on or imbedded in its wall, and passes through an anatomical reference of known orientation relative to a target site within the patient. Information from the tube bending indicators permits determination of the orientation of a feature, such as an orifice, at the distal end of the medical device relative to the anatomical reference. From the known orientation of the anatomical reference, and information on the location and orientation of the distal end of the medical device obtained from fluoroscopic imaging from a single direction, the physician may reliably determine the orientation of the distal feature relative to the target site, eliminating the need for imaging from multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Toby Freyman, Timothy J. Mickley
  • Pedicle screw for intervertebral support elements
    Patent number: 7758618
    Abstract: The pedicle screw (1) for intervertebral support elements (3) consists of a shaft (10) and a head (2) comprising at least two parts (20, 22). The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element (3). Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band (31) and a cylindrical support body (30) with an axial lumen (31? containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces (32) of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface (23) via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Reto Walder, Reto Braunschweiler
  • Event packaged video sequence
    Patent number: 7760908
    Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging video sequences based on user-specified events are described herein. An illustrative method of event-packaging a video sequence may include the steps of acquiring a video stream containing an event of interest, extracting various event information from the video stream and storing one or more event parameters within an event database, extracting a video clip from the video stream containing the event of interest, associating metadata representing the event parameters to the video clip, and exporting the video clip containing the event of interest and associated metadata to an external agent. In certain embodiments, a video image-processing appliance manager and/or one or more appliance modules can be provided to automatically extract event information from the acquired video stream, and to manage the indexing and storage of event parameters within the event database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith L. Curtner, Saad J. Bedros, KwongWing Au
  • Medical device including cylindrical micelles
    Patent number: 7758635
    Abstract: An endovascular stent comprising an expandable framework including a plurality of interconnected segments, and a plurality of entangled cylindrical micelles disposed on the expandable framework. Each of the plurality of cylindrical micelles may be loaded with a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Parsonage
  • Lower body garment with integral back support
    Patent number: 7757305
    Abstract: A garment comprising first and second lower leg portions each having a distal and a proximal end, each lower leg portion including an anchor disposed proximate the distal end thereof, a first keeper fixed to the first lower leg portion proximate the proximal end thereof, a second keeper fixed to the second lower leg portion, proximate the proximal end thereof, an elongate lumbar support assembly having a first end and a second end, a first mating member disposed at the first end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the first keeper, and a second mating member disposed at the second end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the second keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nada Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Toso
  • Medical device systems and methods
    Patent number: 7753907
    Abstract: Medical systems and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the medical systems include a catheter, an expandable medical device at least partially surrounding a portion of the catheter, a blade attached to the medical device, and an energy transmitter configured so that energy emitted by an energy source can be transmitted to the blade via the energy transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian DiMatteo, William J. Shaw, Robert F. Rioux
  • Engine exhaust heat exchanger
    Patent number: 7752840
    Abstract: A heat transfer system in an engine for transferring heat from the recirculated exhaust gas to an output of an engine exhaust system. The heat transfer may cool the recirculated exhaust for reduced emissions from engine combustion and, at the same time, increase the output exhaust temperature to facilitate regeneration of an exhaust aftertreatment system. There may a heat transfer unit at the output of an exhaust gas recirculating valve connected to a heat transfer unit at the output of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Stewart
  • Cutting balloon catheter and method for blade mounting
    Patent number: 7754047
    Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and methods for making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. Manufacturing the cutting balloon catheter may include partially submerging or embedding a cutting member within a joining member and attaching the joining member to a balloon. The cutting member may include one or more slots along its base that can interlock with the joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Kelley
  • Device, system and method for improving delivery of hemostatic material
    Patent number: 7753872
    Abstract: A device, system and method for improving delivery of hemostatic material, in which the device includes a vent cap body capable of removably engaging a cannula. The vent cap has a passage extending through the vent cap body from the cannula to an exterior of the vent cap body where a restricter for restricting the flow of fluid from the cannula to the exterior. In one embodiment, the vent cap has a valve which has an opened and closed position. In the closed position, the valve is designed to provide a back pressure or resistance. When a certain force is applied against the valve, the valve moves from the closed position to the opened position, where a gas or fluid may pass through the vent cap. The vent cap is designed to help maintain the continuity of the hemostatic material during delivery of the material from the adaptor to the trial staging chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Rodney Brenneman, Mark Ashby
  • Apparatus and method for steering a guidewire and connecting to an extension guidewire
    Patent number: 7749175
    Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Hamilton
  • Stent crimping mechanisms
    Patent number: 7748248
    Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly. The assembly comprises a plurality of blades, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has an open diameter configuration and a closed diameter configuration. The plurality of blades comprises active blades and floating blades, wherein each active blade is engaged to an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is constructed and arranged to move each active blade from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration. Each floating blade is moved from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration only as a result of the movement of the active blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Sorbrino Serrano, David McMorrow, Dennis Aamoth, Bruce Asmus, Thomas Walch
  • Prosthetic disc and vertebral body replacement device having pyrolytic carbon bearing members
    Patent number: 7749272
    Abstract: A spinal motion device for implanting in the spine as a replacement for the natural disc, to permit motion between adjacent vertebral bodies or as a vertebral body replacement that permits motion at its ends. The spinal motion device comprises a composite structure formed by a body having at least one bearing member, made from a biocompatible material such as pyrolytic carbon, attached to a support surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Trabecular Metal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Robie, Eric Woodard
  • Embolus extractor
    Patent number: 7749243
    Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Minh Phung, Pete Phong Pham, Mehran Bashiri, Beth Camins
  • Facet repair and stabilization
    Patent number: 7744630
    Abstract: An implant for use with the opposing facets of two adjacent vertebrae includes a facet bearing body having a cavity for receiving a filler material, and at least one fixation wing for securing the facet bearing body to at least one of the two vertebrae, wherein the facet bearing body is positionable between the opposing facets and the at least one fixation wing is fixable to at least one of the two vertebrae. The filler material may be an in situ curable polymer such as bone cement, a polyurethane or an elastomer. To stabilize the adjacent vertebrae, the facet bearing body is inserted between the opposing facets of the adjacent vertebrae. The at least one fixation wing is fixed to at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae. The filler material is injected into the cavity and allowed to harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike E. Lancial
  • Surface modified reinforcing member for medical device and method for making same
    Patent number: 7744587
    Abstract: Medical devices, medical device components, and methods of making the same. For example, one embodiment provides a method of making a reinforcing member adapted and configured for use in a medical device. The method includes providing one or more structural elements adapted and configured for creating the reinforcing member, the one or more structural elements including a surface having a portion with an initial surface area, and treating at least the portion of the surface of the one or more structural elements to provide a final surface area that is greater than the initial surface area. The one or more structural elements are used in creating the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member can then be incorporated into the structure of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Murphy
  • Exhaust catalyst system
    Patent number: 7743606
    Abstract: A catalyst system that may regenerate while removing pollutants from an exhaust gas of an engine. The system may have a converter with multiple segments of chambers. At least one of the chambers may be regenerated while the remaining chambers are removing pollutants from the exhaust. The chambers may be rotated in turn for one-at-a-time regeneration. More than one chamber may be regenerated at a time to remove collected pollutants. The system may have plumbing and valves, and possibly mechanical movement of the chambers, within the system to effect the changing of a chamber for regeneration. The chambers connected to the exhaust may be in series or parallel. A particulate matter filter may be connected to the system, and it also may be regenerated to remove collected matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Havlena, Joseph Z. Lu, Syed M. Shahed, Michael L. Rhodes, Tariq Samad
  • Catheter tip to reduce wire lock
    Patent number: 7744574
    Abstract: An elongate medical device and methods for making and using the same. The elongate medical device may be a catheter that includes an elongate tubular shaft having a lumen defined therein. A scraping member is coupled to an inner wall surface of the shaft and extends into the lumen. The scraping member is configured to remove debris that may build up or otherwise be disposed on another medical device such a guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Pederson, Tracee E. J. Eidenschink