Patents Assigned to Cordis Corporation
  • Radiopacity intraluminal medical device
    Patent number: 6863685
    Abstract: A stent or other intraluminal medical device having markers formed from housings integral with the stent and marker inserts having a higher radiopacity than the stent provides for more precise placement and post-procedural visualization in a vessel, by increasing the radiopacity of the stent under X-ray fluoroscopy. The housings are formed integral to the stent and the marker inserts are made from a material close in the galvanic series to the stent material and sized to substantially minimize the effect of galvanic corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Luis A. Davila, Jorge Orlando Mendez, Alan R. Pelton, Karl K. Scheidt, William D. Shaw, Jr., James Silver, Christine Trepanier, David J. Wilson
  • Method system for loading a self-expanding stent
    Patent number: 6859986
    Abstract: A system for loading self-expanding stents into a stent delivery system that comprises a lubricious coating on one or more components to substantially reduce the frictional forces associated with loading stents. The stents may be bare or coated stents. The lubricious coating comprises a solution of Dow Corning® MDX4-4159 Fluid 50% Medical Grade Dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Paulette Jackson, Jonathan George Parker, Christopher William Widenhouse
  • Coated endovascular AAA device
    Patent number: 6852122
    Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Lyle Rush
  • Delivery apparatus for a self expanding retractable stent
    Patent number: 6843802
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent allows for ease of repositioning. The apparatus includes an outer sheath made from an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, and an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft includes a removable member on an exterior surface thereof adjacent to its proximal end. The removable member being sized such that it prevents the sheath from sliding along the shaft proximal to the member until it is removed therefrom. Preferably, the distal end of the shaft further including at least two grooves disposed thereon. Preferably the apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical self-expanding stent located within the sheath. The self-expanding member having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending therebetween and an interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Joaquin Villalobos, Ivan A. Toyos
  • Intravascular stent device
    Patent number: 6818013
    Abstract: A very small diameter intravascular stent device which may be used to occlude or partially occlude an aneurysm in the human brain which is comprised of a thin-walled skeletal cylindrical tube formed of undulating or sinusoidal elements which, when compressed, nest tightly with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
  • Low attenuating radioactive seeds
    Patent number: 6800055
    Abstract: A low attenuation radioactive seed utilizing a core having a fluted or non-circular cross section is utilized for increasing the dose rate, decreasing the dwell times and improving the clinical outcomes by increasing the dose consistency throughout the treatment zone. The fluted or non-circular cross section core would increase the surface area for the deposition of the radioactive substance thereby increasing the therapeutic efficacy of the seed. In addition, the fluted or non-circular cross section may be designed in a manner to reduce photon emission attenuation by reducing the distance an inwardly directed photon would have to travel to traverse the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Ira Amols, Timothy Charles Kiorpes, Benjamin David McDaniel, Michael Dennis O'Hara
  • Endovascular graft system
    Patent number: 6790222
    Abstract: The invention provides an endovascular graft system for repair of aneurysms. The graft system includes a trunk component and first and second leg components. The graft components include graft material supported by a plurality of stents which are spaced apart and affixed to the graft material in a manner that allows articulation of the graft system without excessive wear of the graft material. The stents are formed by intersecting struts which may be tapered to relieve stress. A stabilizing mechanism is provided to stabilize the position of the legs with respect to the trunk when the graft system is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Kugler, John R. Drontle, Matthew J. Olson, Thomas K. Heiland, Peter T. Keith
  • Flexible stent
    Patent number: 6790227
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Burgermeister
  • In-situ standard for temperature indicating labels
    Patent number: 6786638
    Abstract: The temperature indicating surface, typically a label, includes an irreversibly fusible coating which changes from a first appearance to a second appearance in response to exposure to a threshold temperature or rated temperature. An in situ standard is provided by initially fusing selected areas of the temperature indicating surface so that a pattern is visible prior to exposure to the threshold temperature. Upon exposure to the threshold temperature, however, the entire temperature indicating surface is fused thereby presenting a uniform appearance and unambiguous evidence of prior exposure to the threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Bonds, Richard B. Barrett
  • Balloon catheter having elastic filling body for supporting a stent
    Patent number: 6776772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter for positioning a stent, including a tubular basic body with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one lumen extending in between, a balloon close to the distal end which is connected to the lumen, and a stent crimped around the balloon, wherein a filling body of elastic material is arranged inside the balloon and has a size corresponding to at least the dimensions of the stent in compressed state, where the filling body is compressed by the stent in the compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Rickie Bouma-de Vrijer, Hugo Mulder
  • Stent with variable wall thickness
    Patent number: 6776022
    Abstract: A stent is made flexible along its length. The stent initially starts as a metal sheet. It is rolled in its central region to a specified wall thickness. Thereafter, the stent is photochemically etched to produce the desired cell pattern of the design of the stent. Then, the stent is folded and the metal is joined to give rise to a stent with multiple wall thickness. For instance, larger wall thicknesses at the end of the stent versus smaller wall thicknesses at its center. Various other possible manufacturing methods are useful with respect to this stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Kula, James E. Umbach, Andreina Gomez
  • Delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent
    Patent number: 6773446
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent is disclosed. The apparatus has an outer sheath forming an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends and an inside and outside diameter. The apparatus also includes an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The inner shaft has a distal end, a proximal end and longitudinal axis extending therebetween. At least a portion of the inner shaft is made from a flexible coiled member. The shaft preferably includes a stop attached thereto, the stop being proximal to the distal end of the sheath. Lastly, the apparatus includes a self-expanding stent located within the outer sheath, wherein the stent makes frictional contact with the outer sheath and the shaft is disposed coaxially within a lumen of the stent. During deployment of the stent, the stent makes contact with the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford J. Dwyer, Luis A. Davila, Frederick Feller, III, Mark L. Mathis, David J. Wilson
  • Radioactive source ribbon assembly
    Patent number: 6773390
    Abstract: A radioactive source ribbon assembly may be reusably utilized in conjunction with a delivery sheath or catheter for delivering therapeutic dosages of ionizing radiation to various anatomical regions. The radioactive source ribbon assembly comprises an outer jacket formed from or coated with a lubricious coating for insertion into the delivery sheath or catheter. The assembly also comprises a radiation resistant sleeve formed from a braided structure which encapsulates a radioactive source and core. The braided structure is the primary axial load bearing member of the assembly and functions as such without sacrificing assembly flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin David McDaniel
  • Balloon-stent interaction to help reduce foreshortening
    Patent number: 6761731
    Abstract: The present design envisions a flexible connecting link used in conjunction with in-phase and half-phase circumferential sets of strut members. By increasing the total length and diagonality of the undulating connecting links, the present design is a stent that provides increased flexibility during delivery and enhanced conformability to the shape of a curved artery when the stent is deployed into a curved vessel such as a tortuous coronary artery. Also, unique balloon-stent interactions are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Majercak
  • Bifurcated axially flexible stent
    Patent number: 6746476
    Abstract: A stent with axial flexibility, in a preferred embodiment, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed bands, wherein each band defines a generally continuous wave along a line segment parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of links maintains the bands in a tubular structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, each longitudinally disposed band of the stent is connected, at a plurality of periodic locations, by a short circumferential link to an adjacent band. Further, a pair of bifurcated stents is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Hikmat Hojeibane
  • Heated vascular occlusion coil deployment system
    Patent number: 6743236
    Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a delivery member and a heat responsive coupling for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and activation means for releasing the coil at a desired position within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Barry, Donald K. Jones, Vladimir Mitelberg
  • Delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent
    Patent number: 6743219
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus for self-expanding stents may be utilized to safely deliver stents to a target site. The apparatus has an outer sheath forming an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends and an inside and outside diameter. The apparatus also includes an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The inner shaft has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. At least a portion of the inner shaft is made from a flexible coiled member. The shaft preferably includes a stop attached thereto, the stop being proximal to the distal end of the sheath. Lastly, the apparatus includes a self-expanding stent located within the outer sheath, wherein the stent makes frictional contact with the outer sheath and the shaft is disposed coaxially within a lumen of the stent. During deployment of the stent, the stent makes contact with the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford J. Dwyer, Luis A. Davila, Frederick Feller, III, Mark L. Mathis, David J. Wilson
  • Flexible stent
    Patent number: 6740114
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Burgermeister
  • Stent delivery catheter system for primary stenting
    Patent number: 6736840
    Abstract: There are two methods for securing the ultra-thin distal sheath section over the distal tip. A preferred method is to employ another thin tube shrunk down over the distal end of the ultra-thin distal sheath. It is also envisioned that simply shrinking the ultra-thin distal sheath section down on the tapered section of the distal tip will hold it securely. A monorail (rapid exchange) version of this stent delivery system is also envisioned. A second version of the present invention includes an unsheathed primary stenting system which uses radiopaque elastic bands mounted over the ends of the balloon just proximal and just distal to the stent to provide the lowest possible profile for a primary stent delivery system without the risk of stent embolization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Mark L. Pomeranz, Nicholas A. Green
  • Device and process for coating stents
    Patent number: 6723373
    Abstract: A stent is positioned on an undersized mandrel and the stent is coated with an excess of a polymer and drug solution. The stent is rotated to spin off the excess of the coating. The stent is then moved into a new, clean position on the mandrel. The process is repeated a few times, after which time the coating is already dry and non-sticky. This process forms a conforming coating. Various important polymer solution parameters include viscosity, solvent evaporation rate and several others. The actual type of coating polymer is not as important as how the surface of the stent is treated, according to the steps described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Pallassana Narayanan, Gerard H. Llanos, David Cook, Jacob Leidner