Patents Represented by Attorney Jose? W. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7608036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shlomo Raz, Mordechay Beyar, Oren Globerman
  • Patent number: 7582053
    Abstract: A device (20) for treatment of a patient's urinary incontinence, including a sensor, (44), which generates a signal responsive to a physiological characteristic indicative of a likelihood of incontinence. A control unit (22) receives the signal from the sensor. At least one electrode (29) is preferably implanted in the patient. The electrode is coupled to cause contraction of a pelvic muscle of the patient responsive to application of electrical energy to the electrode. Responsive to the signal, the control unit applies an electrical waveform to the electrode, so as to inhibit the incontinence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Ehud Cohen, Israel Nissenkorn, David Lifschitz
  • Patent number: 7553159
    Abstract: Surgical training models of the abdominopelvic region of male and female human patient's bodies to assist in training an operator in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The surgical training models may be used in training in implantation of implantable medical devices, e.g., in the performance of surgical procedures using particular sling implantation tools to implant a urethral sling to support the urethra or bladder to treat incontinence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Arnal, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 7544062
    Abstract: Anatomic models of the abdominopelvic region of a male human patient's body to assist in demonstrating or in training medical personnel in microsurgical techniques are disclosed. The anatomic models preferably demonstrate the passage of elongated medical instruments through the perineum to or into the prostate. The anatomic models preferably comprise a substantially transparent elastomer body mass encasing a relatively rigid skeletal frame and at least a prostate model. The elastomer mass is shaped to simulate the perineum overlying the prostate between a penis model and an anal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney F. Hauschild, Vincent G. Copa, Kory P. Hamel, Adam L. Gullickson
  • Patent number: 7524185
    Abstract: A book molding system including a bottom mold portion, a top mold portion, a core retainer bar and a hinge mechanism. At least one of the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion has a molding recess formed therein. The hinge mechanism pivotally attaches the bottom mold portion, the top mold portion and the core retainer bar so that the core retainer bar is intermediate the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Berkenes, Tom Roy Skoog
  • Patent number: 7517313
    Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7500973
    Abstract: A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about ?110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Vancelette, Nicholas R. van der Walt, Jia Hua Xiao, Eva S. Snitkin
  • Patent number: 7500945
    Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: James E Cox, Kimberly A. Anderson, Robert E Lund, Brian P. Watschke
  • Patent number: 7447409
    Abstract: A fiber optic, and method for making the same, having glass cladding diameters, or overall glass diameters, or glass-clad sections upon polymer clad fiber, that are large than the bulk of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Griffin
  • Patent number: 7438682
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
  • Patent number: 7422557
    Abstract: Described are surgical instruments for use in surgical procedures, related methods, systems, and kits, the instruments including features that optionally include one or more specific dimensions, and features that may result in an ergonomic advantage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Arnal, Christian Gozzi, Peter Rehder
  • Patent number: 7407480
    Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Kimberly A. Anderson, Karen Pilney Montpetit, John W. Westrum, Jr., Brian P. Watschke, James E. Cox
  • Patent number: 7407482
    Abstract: Penile implant devices and methods are disclosed. A penile implant device in accordance with the present invention includes an implantable penile prosthesis pre-connected to a needle by a suture. The needle and suture may also be at least partially enclosed in a sheath or the like. In accordance with the present invention, a penile prosthesis is connected to a needle by a suture during a pre-operative storage period of the penile implant device. For example, the penile prosthesis may be connected to the needle during manufacture of the penile implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Kuyava
  • Patent number: 7393320
    Abstract: Articles and procedures for preventing or treating vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other disorders of the pelvic floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Pilney Montpetit, James E. Cox, Kimberly A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7390296
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis is provided, which includes a generally cylindrical body portion comprising a cavity with an inner wall, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one volume-displacing member occupying at least a portion of the cavity, wherein the at least one volume-displacing member is smaller in at least one dimension than the dimensions of the cavity to provide an internal chamber at least partially surrounding the at least one volume-displacing member and adjacent to the inner wall of the cavity. The prosthesis further includes a fluid transfer tube extending from the body portion for transferring fluid to and from the internal chamber, wherein the device is convertible from a flaccid condition to a rigid condition when a sufficient volume of fluid is transferred into the internal chamber to substantially fill the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Hans A. Mische
  • Patent number: 7387603
    Abstract: A device and method for treatment of urinary stress incontinence. At least one electrode is implanted in a pelvic muscle of a patient. A control unit receives signals indicative of abdominal stress in the patient and responsive thereto applies an electrical waveform to the electrode which stimulates the muscle to contract, so as to inhibit involuntary urine flow through the patient's urethra due to the stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Ehud Cohen, Israel Nissenkorn, David Lifschitz
  • Patent number: 7357773
    Abstract: Handles for needles suitable for pelvic floor surgical procedures are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Brian P. Watschke
  • Patent number: 7350538
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the user. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the pump assembly from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., David W. Clark
  • Patent number: 7351197
    Abstract: A method for cystocele repair comprising the steps of: establishing four pathways in tissue around a bladder of a patient, introducing a strap into each of said pathways, and positioning beneath said bladder of said patient a support member having each said strap connected thereto such that said bladder of said patient is supported by said support member and a bulge of said bladder into a vagina of said patient is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Pilney Montpetit, Kimberly A Anderson, Brian P Watschke
  • Patent number: 7347812
    Abstract: Surgical instruments for prolapse repair are disclosed. The surgical instruments have straight portions and helical portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Georges Mellier