Patents Assigned to American Medical Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20090036946
    Abstract: In a method, at least one electrode is implanted in a pelvic muscle of a patient and a control unit is provided. An electrical waveform is applied to the pelvic muscle through the at least one electrode using the control unit. A condition of the patient is treated in response to the application of the electrical waveform. The condition of the patient is fecal incontinence, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain or urine retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ehud Cohen, Yossi Gross, Israel Nissenkorn
  • Patent number: 7315762
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can treat incontinence by heating between about 100 and about 800 cubic millimeters of endopelvic fascia for sufficient time to effect substantial collagenous tissue shrinkage. A probe body may directly engage the endopelvic fascia, or may be separated from the endopelvic fascia, heating through (for example) the vaginal wall. In either case, tissue-penetrating electrodes may be inserted from the probe body so as to heat the endopelvic fascia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Oren A. Mosher, Carine Hoarau, Abdul M. Tayeb, George L. Matlock, Daniel D. Merrick, Terry E. Spraker
  • Patent number: 7291104
    Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, Robert E. Lund, Kimberly A. Anderson, Vicki R. Vandersloot, Terence M. Moore, Mark S. Bouchier, Randy L. Morningstar, Gary A. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 7267645
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The invention is a repositionable handle for an arcuate needle configured to be minimally invasive. The invention is for use with a sling assembly that allows a sling to be controllably implanted in a therapeutically effective position. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Johann J. Neisz, Gary A. Rocheleau, John W. Westrum, Jr., David R. Staskin
  • Publication number: 20060183966
    Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Johann Neisz, Robert Lund, Kimberly Anderson, Vicki Vandersloot, Terence Moore, Mark Bouchier, Randy Morningstar, Gary Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 7048682
    Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, Robert E. Lund, Kimberly A. Anderson, Vicki R. Vandersloot, Terence M. Moore, Mark S. Bouchier, Randy L. Morningstar, Gary A. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 7015253
    Abstract: The present invention provides treatment regimens for treating diseased prostate tissue, including the steps of chemically ablating prostate tissue and coadministering an antiandrogen. In some embodiments, prostate tissue is chemically ablated by injection of ethanol, or an injectable gel comprising ethanol, into prostate tissue. Steroidal and non-steroidal antiandrogens are suitable antiandrogens. One suitable non-steroidal antiandrogen is bicalutamide. The treatment regimen is suitable for treatment of prostate tissue diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma. The invention further provides a treatment regimen for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including the steps of damaging prostate tissue and coadministering an antiandrogen. Also provided by the present invention is a kit for treating a human male, including a means for necrosing prostate tissue, an antiandrogen drug, and a means for administering the antiandrogen drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Alejandro Sousa Escandon, Johann J. Neisz
  • Publication number: 20060015001
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Staskin, Johann Neisz, John Westrum, Gary Rocheleau, Kimberly Anderson, Eva Snitkin
  • Patent number: 6971986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary A. Rocheleau, Kimberly A. Anderson, Eva S. Snitkin
  • Patent number: 6802807
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The invention is a repositionable handle for an arcuate needle configured to be minimally invasive. The invention is for use with a sling assembly that allows a sling to be controllably implanted in a therapeutically effective position. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Johann J. Neisz, Gary A. Rocheleau, John W. Westrum, Jr., David R. Staskin
  • Publication number: 20040088037
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Nachreiner, Robert L. Rykhus,, Sidney Hauschild, Mark Polyak
  • Patent number: 6652450
    Abstract: An implantable article and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the position of the sling to be permanently changed during and/or after implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Christopher H. Porter
  • Patent number: 6616653
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat and/or diagnose urological disorders. The non-implantable device includes a light source housed within a light source segment. The light source segment is of a sufficiently small size and configuration so that it can be inserted through the urethra and positioned adjacent the target site in the patient. Different types of light sources can be used to achieve a variety of energy levels and distributions useful in treating incontinence disorders. Both incoherent and coherent light sources may be used with the present invention. In addition, the light from the light source can be designed to be pulsed or continuous wave and may be in any suitable spectrum, including visible (such as white light) and infrared. The particular characteristics of the light emitted from the light source, such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc., depend upon the particular treatment and procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mordechai Beyar, Nathan Klugman
  • Patent number: 6612977
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary A. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 6599235
    Abstract: The bone anchor implantation device of the present invention comprises a shaft or body having a grip at a first end of the shaft, an anchor mount at a distal end of the shaft, and a bone anchor removably mounted in the anchor mount. The shaft is preferably bent so that the anchor mount generally faces the grip such that the bone anchor can be implanted at an anchoring site in a bone by pulling rearwardly on the device. The body is adapted to be separable from the anchor after the anchor has been implanted in bone. A suture thread is attached to the bone anchor such that the suture thread is accessible to a surgeon using the device after the bone anchor has been implanted in bone and after the body has been separated from the bone anchor. The shaft is at least partially hollow, and the suture thread is housed in the shaft. The anchor mount comprises a cannula at the distal end of the shaft. The cannula is sized to removably receive an end of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventor: S. Robert Kovac
  • Patent number: 6471718
    Abstract: A device for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool has an outer tube defining a space. The device has a constricting sheath with a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto. The constricting sheath is open therethrough with the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening aligned along an axis thereof. The stent delivery end is shaped and sized for slipping over the outer tube. The stent receiving opening is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A rest within the delivery end is located for seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube. A funnel is positioned within the constricting sheath located between the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening. The funnel is shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford G. Staehle, Anthony J. Ferrazzo, John H. Burton
  • Patent number: 6461291
    Abstract: A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patent which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Polyak, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 6443886
    Abstract: A valve movable between open and closed positions is described. The valve preferably has an integral hinge and includes an inherent bias toward the closed position. The valve is particularly suitable as a component of an article for treating urinary incontinence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Richard M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6443887
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Sidney F. Hauschild, Mark Polyak, George Michael Huepenbecker
  • Publication number: 20020107525
    Abstract: A medical screwdriver for inserting a medical screw connected to a suture into a bone. The screwdriver includes a shaft adapted to hold a medical screw at its distal end, a motor adapted to rotate the shaft, and a suture-receiving channel leading from the distal end of the shaft to a point distanced from the distal end of the shaft by at least 50% of the length of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Boaz Harari, Kimberly A. Anderson, Karny Jacoby