Patents Assigned to Codman & Shurtleff
  • Patent number: 7559912
    Abstract: A valve for use in a shunt system to drain fluid from one part of a patient's body to another is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is operable at a threshold pressure that is selectively adjustable up to at least about 400 mm H2O at increments in the range of about 10 mm H2O to 40 mm H2O. The ability of the valve to operate at a high threshold pressure and to be adjusted at relatively small increments renders the valve particularly advantageous for use in younger hydrocephalus patients. In particular, the operating pressure of the valve can be gradually limited in small increments over a period of time to slowly force the patient's own resorption system to circulate cerebrospinal fluid. At high operating pressures of at least about 400 mm H2O shunt independence can be achieved thereby allowing the shunt to be successfully removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. McCusker, Alan J. Dextradeur
  • Publication number: 20090156960
    Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Christophe Mauge, Alan J. Dextradeur, Daniel J. McCusker, Stefan Meyer, Volker Boedecker, Robert G. Kraus, Max G. Ostermeier
  • Publication number: 20090112103
    Abstract: Devices and methods useful for sensing or measuring a pressure and remotely indicating or communicating that pressure are provided. The devices and methods have particular utility in sensing pressures in implantable medical devices and more particularly in hydrocephalus shunts. In one exemplary embodiment, an implantable valve can include a housing having a reservoir adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between an inlet port and an outlet port. The implantable valve can also include a needle-penetrable septum to allow fluid delivery to the reservoir and/or a needle guard disposed within the housing and adapted to protect the radio frequency tag from a needle penetrating into the housing. A radio frequency (RF) tag can be disposed within the reservoir and can be adapted to change one or more of its electromagnetic characteristics in response pressure applied thereto by fluid in or flowing through the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventor: Salim Kassem
  • Publication number: 20090088730
    Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hoofnagle, Greg Schorn, Terri Kapur, Daniel Keeley
  • Publication number: 20090088695
    Abstract: A catheter for delivery of a therapeutic agent directly into a targeted tissue that reduces or substantially prevents reflux and back flow by providing rigidity and strength via a stylet thereby eliminating the need for a guide or delivery sheath during positioning. The catheter has a flexible proximal section and a substantially rigid distal section formed from a plurality of distal subsections. The proximal and distal sections having decreasing outer diameters starting from the proximal end and advancing towards the distal end. The distal subsection closest to the distal end providing an adjustable flow rate via multiple output ports defined radially therein while the distal end itself is closed off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Terri Kapur, Daniel Keeley, Greg Schorn
  • Patent number: 7510533
    Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Mauge, Alan J. Dextradeur, Daniel J. McCusker, Stefan Meyer, Volker Boedecker, Robert G. Kraus, Max G. Ostermeier
  • Patent number: 7509171
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing cationic glutamate or anionic aluminum complexes from brain tissue by applying a voltage to the brain tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. DiMauro
  • Publication number: 20090030526
    Abstract: A laminated, bioimplantable dural graft product is configured for use as both an onlay graft and a suturable graft. The dural graft product is sufficiently pliable so as to sufficiently conform to a curvature of a tissue surface to which it is applied, such as the curved surface of a meningeal membrane. The use of the graft product can have improved properties, including suture retention strength and fluid impermeability. To use the dural graft product as an implant to replace, reinforce or strengthen bodily tissue, or to act as an adhesion barrier, the dural graft is placed in contact with bodily tissue and conforms to the curvature of the bodily tissue. Sutures can be used to maintain the contact between the dural graft and the bodily tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sommerich, Laurel R. Macomber
  • Publication number: 20090005720
    Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Lev Ludin, Christopher Mauge
  • Publication number: 20090005701
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for removably coupling a sensor assembly to a catheter to measure conditions surrounding the catheter when the catheter is implanted in a patient. In one embodiment, a modular sensor assembly is provided and includes a housing having an antenna therein adapted to be removably coupled to at least a portion of a catheter. The housing can be a closed loop having an opening therethrough. One or more sensors can be coupled to the antenna for measuring conditions surrounding the catheter when the catheter is implanted in a patient. In one embodiment, the housing can be adapted to removably couple to a distal end of the catheter, and the opening of the housing can be adapted to receive the catheter. The antenna can be a loop disposed within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Dextradeur, Stephen Wilson, Daniel McCusker
  • Publication number: 20090005703
    Abstract: Methods and devices useful for monitoring a patient and for monitoring and displaying the value of a physiological parameter are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user interface for a medical monitoring device is provided. The user interface can have a monitoring screen with a current value screen and a trend screen. The current value screen can display a graphical representation of a value of a physiological parameter over time, e.g., over a first time period, and the trend screen can display a graphical representation of a mean value of the physiological parameter over time, e.g., over a second time period. The lengths of the time periods can be adjustable. In some embodiments, an out-of-limit condition for the physiological parameter can be indicated with shading. For example, the current value screen can display shading between a graph line representing the value of the physiological parameter over time and a threshold line which sets the alarm threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventor: Robert W. Fasciano
  • Publication number: 20080307854
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a medical device in a sterile atmosphere at a desired temperature during a calibration step is provided. The method includes packaging a medical device and temperature indicator in a sterile container such that the indicator is visible to a user. Next, heat can be applied to the container in order to stabilize the temperature of the container (as indicated by the encased temperature indicator) at room temperature. Once at room temperature, the device can be calibrated while remaining in the sterile atmosphere. A kit including such a container and a set of instructions is also provided. Like above, the container of the kit can include a sterile medical device and temperature indicator such that the device can be maintained in a sterile environment during calibration and/or zeroing. As such, the method and kit allow for increased precision and safety in performing medical procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventor: Robert G. Kraus
  • Patent number: 7429241
    Abstract: A dural graft is provided having improved stiffness characteristics relative to conventional dural substitutes. The dural graft can be formed from a collagen material having a stiffness between about 0.1 pounds per inch (lb./in.) and 0.25 lb./in. Relative to the collagen material forming conventional dural graft substitutes, the decreased stiffness of the collagen material of the present dural graft can provide the graft with a relatively improved or increased pliability. As a result of the increased pliability, the dural graft can sufficiently conform to a curvature of a tissue surface to which it is applied, such as the curved surface of a meningeal membrane. The reduced stiffness of the collagen material can also provide for a relatively improved or increased flexibility or elasticity of the dural graft. The increased flexibility of the dural graft minimizes tearing of the graft when handled or manipulated during an implantation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Sommerich
  • Publication number: 20080214983
    Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Christophe Mauge, Alan J. Dextradeur, Daniel J. McCusker, Stefan Meyer, Volker Bodecker, Robert G. Kraus, Max G. Ostermeier
  • Publication number: 20080208359
    Abstract: A dural graft is provided having improved stiffness characteristics relative to conventional dural substitutes. The dural graft can be formed from a collagen material having a stiffness between about 0.1 pounds per inch (lb./in.) and 0.25 lb./in. Relative to the collagen material forming conventional dural graft substitutes, the decreased stiffness of the collagen material of the present dural graft can provide the graft with a relatively improved or increased pliability. As a result of the increased pliability, the dural graft can sufficiently conform to a curvature of a tissue surface to which it is applied, such as the curved surface of a meningeal membrane. The reduced stiffness of the collagen material can also provide for a relatively improved or increased flexibility or elasticity of the dural graft. The increased flexibility of the dural graft minimizes tearing of the graft when handled or manipulated during an implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Sommerich
  • Publication number: 20080154215
    Abstract: A valve that is adapted to control the flow rate of fluid flow from an implantable pump or other fluid delivery device is provided. In general, the valve includes a multi-lumen member that is adapted to receive fluid-flow therethrough, and a restrictor member that is coupled to the multi-lumen member such that the restrictor member is effective to selectively restrict at least a portion of one or more lumens in the multi-lumen member to thereby adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the multi-lumen member. The valve can be built into an implantable drug pump to control fluid flow exiting the pump, or alternatively the valve can disposed within a catheter or otherwise coupled to an outlet port in an implantable drug pump to control the flow rate of fluid exiting the drug pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Meir Rosenberg, Douglas MacBride
  • Patent number: 7390310
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel McCusker, Alan J. Dextradeur, Rainuka Gupta, Carleton Bryan Southworth
  • Publication number: 20080127689
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel McCusker, Alan J. Dextradeur, Rainuka Gupta, Carleton Bryan Southworth
  • Publication number: 20080132823
    Abstract: A self adjusting hydrocephalus valve that continuously drains cerebrospinal fluid at a rate which is proportional to the average pressure difference across the valve. The valve employs a ball-in-cone mechanism having an associated biasing element that is insensitive to high frequency pressure variations for regulating the opening of the valve mechanism. The biasing element includes flexible bellows having a preset tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventor: Meir Rosenberg
  • Patent number: D596743
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor B. Agbodoe, Richard Densman, Kenneth Hayes