Patents Assigned to CryoVascular Systems, Inc.
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Publication number: 20060212028Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Applicant: Cryovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Richard Williams, Ronald Williams
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Patent number: 7081112Abstract: The invention provides techniques and devices for treating atherosclerotic disease using controlled cryogenic cooling, often in combination with angioplusty. The efficacy of endolusninal cryogenic cooling is enhanced by cooling of target tissues using an insulated cryogenic balloon, the lnsulation ideally comprising a fluid which undergoes a phase change at a predetermined temperature. A combination cryogenic/angioplasty catheter avoids exchange procedures between dilation of a stenotic region within a vessel wall and the application of cryogenic cooling. The combination angioplasty/cryogenic cooling catheter may cool the diseased blood vessel before, during, and/or after dilation. Controlled cooling of the vessel wall may change its mechanical properties, weakening the vessel and allowing it to be expanded at a much lower pressure than with conventional uncooled angioplasty.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Cryovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani, Ronald Williams, Richard S. Williams
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Publication number: 20060129142Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods efficiently dilate and/or cool blood vessels and other body tissues. Controlled cooling with balloon catheters and other probes may be effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid, often after measuring a minimum pulse width for actuating an individual solenoid valve along the cooling fluid path, with the measured pulse width allowing gradual inflation of a balloon without excessive venting of cooling fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2004Publication date: June 15, 2006Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventor: Byron Reynolds
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Publication number: 20060084962Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods controllably cool blood vessels and other body lumens. The blood vessel will often be treated for atherosclerotic or other diseases by inflating a balloon so as to engage the surrounding luminal wall. Controlled cooling of the balloon effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid within the balloon typically a change from a liquid phase to a gas phase can be provided with a controlled, gradual inflation of the balloon. A single control system can be used for any of a variety of alternative selectable balloon catheters having significantly differing cooling fluid flow characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Richard Williams, Glen Reuschling
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Publication number: 20060015092Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani, Joseph Williams
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Patent number: 6972015Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Richard S. Williams, Ronald Williams
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Publication number: 20050209587Abstract: Post-angioplasty hyperplasia in blood vessels is treated using a cryosurgical balloon catheter. The balloon catheter is positioned at a target region within the blood vessel, and the balloon inflated by expanding a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, across an expansion orifice into a balloon. The balloon will be constructed so that cooling is achieved primarily in the central regions of the balloon, with the proximal and distal regions being less cold and acting to insulate adjacent regions of the blood vessel from excessive cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2005Publication date: September 22, 2005Applicant: CryoVascular Systems,Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Ronald Williams
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Patent number: 6908462Abstract: Post-angioplasty hyperplasia in blood vessels is treated using a cryosurgical balloon catheter. The balloon catheter is positioned at a target region within the blood vessel, and the balloon inflated by expanding a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, across an expansion orifice into a balloon. The balloon will be constructed so that cooling is achieved primarily in the central regions of the balloon, with the proximal and distal regions being less cold and acting to insulate adjacent regions of the blood vessel from excessive cooling.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Ronald Williams
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Publication number: 20040243116Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc., A Delaware CorporationInventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani
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Patent number: 6811550Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Timothy D. Holland, James Joye, Ronald Williams, Richard Williams
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Patent number: 6786900Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani
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Patent number: 6786901Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Richard S. Williams, Ronald Williams
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Publication number: 20040167505Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Richard S. Williams, Ronald Williams
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Publication number: 20040002749Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: CRYOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC. A Delaware CorporationInventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani, Joseph J. Williams
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Patent number: 6648879Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. One embodiment of the cryotherapy catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a cooling fluid supply lumen and an exhaust lumen extending therebetween. A first balloon is disposed near the distal end of the catheter body in fluid communication with the supply and exhaust lumens. A second balloon is disposed over the first balloon with a barrier therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Cryovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Keith Burger, Michael Fourkas, Timothy Holland
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Patent number: 6602246Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and kits for detection and/or treatment of vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel having a lumen surface. Detection methods include sensing a temperature differential along a lumen surface with temperature sensors that thermally couple the lumen surface. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen. Treatment methods may include additional treatments, such as primary treatments or passivation.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Cryovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani
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Publication number: 20030109912Abstract: Techniques and devices for treating atherosclerotic disease use controlled cryogenic cooling, often in combination with angioplasty and/or stenting. A combination cryogenic/angioplasty catheter may cool the diseased blood vessel before, during, and/or after dilation. Controlled cooling of the vessel wall reduces actual/observed hyperplasia as compared to conventional uncooled angioplasty. Similar reductions in restenosis may be provided for other primary treatments of the blood vessel, including directional arthrectomy, rotational arthrectomy, laser angioplasty, stenting, and the like. Cooling of vessel wall tissues will often be performed through plaque, and the cooling process will preferably take the thermodynamic effects of the plaque into account.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: CryoVascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani, Ronald Williams, Richard S. Williams
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Publication number: 20030036752Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: CRYOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James Joye, Kristine Tatsutani
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Patent number: 6514245Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Cryovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Williams, James Joye, Richard S. Williams, Timothy D. Holland
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Publication number: 20020183731Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: CRYOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC., A Delaware CorporationInventors: Timothy D. Holland, James Joye, Ronald Williams, Richard S. Williams