Patents Assigned to Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6719782
    Abstract: An improved stent in which the limbs have been fabricated from a medium having a cross sectional profile in which at least one segment is flat and straight, whereby the stent is provided with improved expansion characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. M. Chuter
  • Patent number: 6719778
    Abstract: Fibrosis, in at least one layer of a vessel wall, can be used to strengthen a vessel wall. Fibrosis can be induced by irradiating a vessel wall with an energy source, or by inducing injury to the vessel wall. In addition to an energy source, photoactivatable agents can also be used such that the energy activates the photoactivatable agent to cause a thickening of the vessel wall. For example, ultra-violet radiation can be used alone or in conjunction with a photoactivatable agent, such as a psoralen compound, to increase the adventitial volume of a blood vessel. Upon exposure to radiation, preferably ultra-violet A radiation, the photoactivatable agent becomes activated and causes compositional and/or structural changes in the adventitia. The invention provides a method of treating aneurysms by thickening the adventitial layer of the vessel wall at the site of the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Van Tassel, Michael Kasinkas
  • Patent number: 6702844
    Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrison M. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 6702802
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a balloon catheter, such as a dilatation catheter and a stent delivery catheter with improved stiffness transition and specifically with no sudden changes in stiffness along the catheter length. The balloon catheters of the present invention may be used alone or be mounted with a stent in. The balloon catheters of the present invention may be used in peripheral, coronary, or neurovascular applications. The present catheter has more than one portion with different bending stiffness values, each portion comprising of components that gradually transition the bending stiffness of that portion to an adjacent portion, thus reducing the differential in bending stiffness in moving from one region to another, when the catheter is used alone or in combination with a stent in a stent delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hancock, David Chi, Michael S. Mirizzi, Peter S. Brown, Christopher C. Pfaff, Brett W. Cryer, Misty L. Pyatt
  • Patent number: 6685735
    Abstract: A stent/graft deployment catheter which deploys a stent/graft by pulling it out of its delivery sheath rather than pushing it out. The stent/graft deployment catheter comprises a tip capable of positively engaging a distal end of a stent/graft. Said tip houses a pair of ball bearings which engage a notch in the inner surface of the stent/graft when the inner lumen is occupied by a guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Ahari
  • Patent number: 6682557
    Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinah B. Quiachon, Alec A. Piplani, Richard S. Williams, Steve G. Baker, Peter K. Johansson
  • Patent number: 6673101
    Abstract: An assembly for delivering a stent to an intraluminal location comprising a catheter having an inner member and an outer member, a stent positioned between the inner member and the outer member at the catheter distal end, and a cutter/slider/deployment mechanism slidable secured to the catheter proximal end. A user may vary the length of the catheter by slidably advancing the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism along the catheter, whereby excess portions of the catheter are cut away. When the desired length is achieved, the user can secure the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism to the catheter to prevent further slidable advancement. The user may also vary the configuration of the catheter handle by adding or removing a removable platform from the handle. Upon stent deployment, the stent is released from the outer member, and the stent will expand as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keif M. Fitzgerald, James C. Shuler, Patrick P. Wu
  • Patent number: 6663666
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a vessel using a multicapsule catheter having first, second and third capsules for releasably retaining each terminal end of a bifurcated graft. The method for repairing the vessel includes the steps of performing a surgical technique to gain remote access to the vessel, advancing the multicapsule catheter within the vessel and releasing the bifurcated graft within the vessel to thereby repair the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinah B. Quiachon, Alec A. Piplani, Steve G. Baker, Ronald G. Williams, Richard S. Williams, Kenneth L. Osborn, Ted W. Layman
  • Patent number: 6660033
    Abstract: A bifurcated graft is formed from a series of individual components which are intraluminally delivered apart from one another and then assembled to form a fully supported structure. The modular system includes a base member and one or more crafts connected thereto. The base member preferably includes a portion which gradually increases in diameter. A tubular device for inserting the components of the modular system and a method employing the modular system for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Paul Marcade, Anthony West, Frederick W. Kornahrens
  • Patent number: 6658288
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for aiding thrombosis through the application of electric potential. In one embodiment, a hollow prosthesis is placed within a patient at a treatment site, such as at an aneurysm. The outer surface of a prosthesis is given a positive charge. The positive charge on the outer surface attracts negatively charged components of blood, thus facilitating the repair of perigraft flow. In another embodiment, a conductive wire is used to pierce a graft and enter an aneurysm sac. The wire is positively electrically charged to aid in thrombosis, thus facilitating the repair of perigraft flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Reid Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6652580
    Abstract: A system for repairing body lumens including a modular graft and a method for deploying the graft within the body lumen. The modular graft includes a first component having first and second legs portions which mate with second and third graft components, respectively. The second leg portion has a bell bottom shape. The modular graft further includes expandable members which aid in implanting the modular graft as well as facilitates the mating of its components. In order to repair the body lumen, the first component is placed at the repair site and thereafter the first and second legs are advanced to the repair site and attached to the first component. A further aspect of the invention is a fixation device which is adapted to perform an attachment function. The graft and the fixation device are configured to be axially separated from one another so as to allow the graft to attach to the vascular wall proximal of the graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. M. Chuter, David T. Pollock, Tamara L. Trayer
  • Patent number: 6652492
    Abstract: A large-diameter sheath and assembly for use in introducing a catheter or other medical device into a vessel of the body of a patient. The sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a predetermined maximum diameter. The sheath tube may either be expandable, with the distal extremity folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter, or of a constant diameter. If expandable, the sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bell, Doug Izuno, Michael G. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 6649030
    Abstract: Physical vapor deposition of radiopaque markings onto a graft is described. A graft is placed into a chamber, and a radiopaque material is vaporized and then deposited onto the graft. The chamber is kept at a temperature below the damage threshold of the graft material. A template optionally placed on the graft may define the design of the deposited radiopaque markings. The deposited radiopaque markings of the present invention may have any design and may comprise any radiopaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleta A Tesar
  • Patent number: 6640412
    Abstract: A machine for collapsing a stent and loading the same into a delivery catheter is disclosed. The stent collapsing machine includes an elongate base plate, a belt having a first end and a second end, and a first and second sliding plate slidably mounted to the elongate base plate. A first belt mount may be affixed to the first sliding plate and a second belt mount affixed to the elongate base plate, each belt mount having a bottom piece and a top piece for tightly securing the belt first end and second end. A jaw block set is mounted to the second sliding plate, the jaw block set having a first jaw block and a jaw block sliding plate with a second jaw block mounted thereon. The jaw block sliding plate allows the second jaw block to be slidably translated in relation to the first jaw block. The belt is allowed to rest over the first and second jaw block thereby forming a belt loop therebetween for receiving a stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Octavian Iancea
  • Patent number: 6641590
    Abstract: An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Olin Palmer, Christopher T. Shen, Robert LaDuca, Larry Voss, Saypin Phonthalasa
  • Patent number: 6641608
    Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergei Appolonovich Pulnev
  • Patent number: 6632241
    Abstract: A self-expanding, pseudo-braided device embodying a high expansion ratio and flexibility as well as comformability and improved radial force. The pseudo-braided device is particularly suited for advancement through and deployment within highly tortuous and very distal vasculature. Various forms of the pseudo-braided device are adapted for the repair of aneurysms and stenoses as well as for use in thrombectomies and embolic protection therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hancock, Peter S. Brown, Larry Voss
  • Patent number: 6610085
    Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrison M. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 6610077
    Abstract: Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy devices adapted for use with microcatheters to remove debris from blood vessels. The devices embody expanded profiles that span the entirety of various sized target vessels and thus are particularly effective in the engagement of debris found in vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hancock, William Stephen Tremulis, Saypin Phonthalasa, Olin Palmer, Larry Voss, Gary A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6607539
    Abstract: A system for releasing a graft within vasculature that incorporates graft bindings severed by current-generated heat in a resistive wire element. In one aspect, the graft is held by bindings threaded through a resistive wire loop formed between conducting wires attached to opposite ends of a high resistive wire element. When an external current source is applied to the conducting wires, heat generated in the resistive wire element causes the bindings to sever, thereby allowing the graft to be released within vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Reid K. Hayashi, Albert K. Chin