Patents Assigned to Conceptus, Inc.
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Publication number: 20040127918Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Publication number: 20040079377Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton
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Patent number: 6709667Abstract: 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: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Christian Lowe, Don Gurskis, Ashish Khera, Monica Barnhart, Steven Bacich, Betsy Swann, Roberto Silva-Torres
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Patent number: 6705323Abstract: 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: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 6684884Abstract: 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: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 6679266Abstract: 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: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian Nikolchev, Dai Ton, Amy Thurmond
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Patent number: 6634361Abstract: 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: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 6526979Abstract: 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: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian N. Nikolchev, Dai T. Ton, Ashish Khera, Donnell W. Gurskis, Steven Bacich
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Publication number: 20020100480Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: CONCEPTUS, INC.Inventors: Julian Nikolchev, Dai Ton, Amy Thurmond
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Patent number: 6196966Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is beneficial during either retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, and also allows antigrade imaging and advancing the access catheter and scope under the direction of the image provided, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce “white-out” on the imaging monitor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: John Kerin, Charles Milo, Julian N. Nikolchev, James Doty, Dai T. Ton, Richard Hill, Marc Schraner, Tom Kramer
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Patent number: 6176240Abstract: 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: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian Nikolchev, Dai Ton, Amy Thurmond
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Patent number: 6145505Abstract: 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: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Julian Nikolchev, Dai Ton, Amy Thurmond
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Patent number: 6080152Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an electrode assembly having an electrode mechanically interlocked with a non-conductive body to as to form a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, complimentary surface features of the respective electrode and the non-conductive body interlock the components of the electrode assembly. In another embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a generally spherical electrode that is rotatable with respect to a non-conductive hood. A gap is formed between an outer surface of the electrode and an inner surface of the hood.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignees: Medical Scientific, Inc., Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Nardella, Thomas A. Wrublewski, Piush Vidyarthi, Trinh N. Nguyen, Dai T. Ton, Steven Bacich
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Patent number: 6080129Abstract: A uterine access catheter system comprises an inner catheter and a catheter sleeve slidably disposed over the inner catheter. Initial access to the uterus is accomplished by positioning the inner catheter through the cervix with the sleeve remaining outside of the cervix. After inflating a balloon near the distal end of the inner catheter, contrast media can be injected and hysterosalpingography performed. Should the initial hysterosalpingography be unsuccessful, direct access to the fallopian tubes can be achieved by further inserting the sleeve catheter through the cervix, removing the inner catheter, and utilizing a uterine catheter and fallopian catheter for accessing the fallopian tubes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Blaisdell
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Patent number: 6071283Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having an active electrode with a portion that is coated with an insulative material. An exposed portion of the electrode is effective to treat tissue while the insulative coating minimizes energy dissipation into surrounding isotonic solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignees: Medical Scientific, Inc., Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Nardella, Thomas A. Wrublewski, Piush Vidyarthi, Trinh N. Nguyen, Dai T. Ton, Steven R. Bacich
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Patent number: 5947958Abstract: A radiation transmitting sheath comprises a tubular body having a radiation guide extending axially therein. A coupler for attaching a radiation source is provided at the proximal end of the sheath. A dispersive tip for dispersing radiation from the radiation guide over a conical field is provided at the distal end of the sheath. Such sheaths are useful for providing illumination and endoscopic viewing methods and for providing sensitizing radiation in photodynamic therapy of body cavities.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1995Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Woodard, Julian N. Nikolchev, Phillip M. Olsen
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Patent number: 5935056Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is particularly beneficial during retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce "white-out" on the imaging monitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: John Kerin, Charles Milo, Julian Nikolchev, James Doty
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Patent number: 5935098Abstract: A uterine access catheter system comprises an inner catheter and a sleeve catheter slidably disposed over the inner catheter. The inner catheter is a balloon catheter having an elastomeric balloon near its distal end and suitable for performing hysterosalpingography procedures. The sleeve catheter includes an occluding member near its distal end, and the inner catheter and outer catheter may be used together to seal against and engage the cervix of a patient undergoing hysterosalpingography or other genealogical procedures. The sleeve catheter is locked to the inner catheter, typically relative by relative rotation of the two catheters. The occluding member may be detachable and reusable. Means may be provided for drawing a vacuum between the occluding member and the balloon to further engage the cervical os.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Blaisdell, Piush Vidyarthi, Thomas A. Kramer
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Patent number: 5873815Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is beneficial during either retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, and also allows antigrade imaging and advancing the access catheter and scope under the direction of the image provided, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce "white-out" on the imaging monitor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: John Kerin, Charles Milo, Julian N. Nikolchev, James Doty, Dai T. Ton, Richard Hill, Marc Schraner, Tom Kramer
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Patent number: 5807239Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for accessing and imaging a patients body lumen, particularly a fallopian tube through an ostium, in a minimally or non-invasive manner. The present invention provides simplified ostium access apparatus and procedures which help to avoid the high cost and large size of known systems having redundant optical scopes for use in the uterine and tubal environments. By separating and independently optimizing the illumination optics from the imaging optics, the present ostium access system is able to make use of the optical image guide of a falloposcope in the substantially larger uterine cavity. As a result, fewer physicians may be required to perform such procedures, in many cases reducing the time, complexity, and, particularly, the cost of such procedures.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventor: Dinah DiBernardo