Patents Assigned to Conceptus, Inc.
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Patent number: 8360064Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Betsy Swann, Christopher A. Stout, Ken Chan, Julian Cruzada, Kathryn A. Tunstall
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Patent number: 8356600Abstract: Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of in-growth required compared to conventional expansive occlusion devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: John R. Frigstad, William S. Tremulis, James R. Mujwid, Betsy Swann
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Patent number: 8356599Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilizations effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 8327852Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization s effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 8322341Abstract: An occluding system is provided that can include a first occluding device (e.g., secondary occluder) and a second occluding device (e.g., primary occluder). Providing two devices can better promote effective occlusion within the body lumen and facilitate advantageous occlusion stages, such as initial and long-term occlusion stages. In various embodiments, the two occluding devices are in operative communication with one another, such that the second occluding device is adapted to couple with or slide along a tail portion of the first occluding device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventor: Gregory L. Koeller
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Publication number: 20120222683Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC.Inventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurkis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 8235047Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Betsy Swann, Dai Ton, Ashish Khera
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Publication number: 20120145163Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC., A California CorporationInventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 8171936Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization s effected by passing a current through there resilient structure to the tubal walls.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Publication number: 20120078230Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC. A California CorporationInventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 8123693Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Viviane Connor, Edward Sinclair, Betsy Swann
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Patent number: 8113205Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Callister, William S. Tremulis, Denis S. Harges
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Patent number: 8100129Abstract: Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventor: Betsy Swann
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Patent number: 8079364Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 8066007Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian Nikolchev, Dai Ton, Amy Thurmond
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Publication number: 20110226257Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC. A California CorporationInventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 7987853Abstract: Devices and method for occluding a fallopian tube. The devices, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of expandable occluding members coupled by respective dissolvable connecting members.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Betsy Swann, Christopher A. Stout, Julian Cruzada, Vidya Gopal, Charlotte Hermanto
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Patent number: 7975697Abstract: Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or catheters) preferably introduced through a hysteroscope that illuminates and provides visualization of the uterine cavity and the ostia of the Fallopian tubes is employed to insert each contracted, stent-like, occluding device into each Fallopian tube and to mechanically expand or release to self-expand the occluding device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Callister, William S. Tremulis
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Patent number: 7934504Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 7921848Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich