Patents Assigned to I-Flow Corporation
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Patent number: 8882673Abstract: A procedure and kit are provided for performing an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) procedure. The patient's abdomen is scanned with an ultrasound probe to identify and mark the external oblique, internal oblique, and TAP. An introducer sheath is placed over a fluid delivery needle such that the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, the needle having echogenic properties for ultrasound imaging. The needle and sheath are ultrasonically guided into the TAP. A local anesthetic or saline/anesthetic combination is injected through the needle to create a liquid pool in the TAP. The needle is removed from the sheath while maintaining the sheath within the TAP and a catheter is subsequently advanced through the sheath and into the pooled liquid in the TAP. The sheath is withdrawn while maintaining the catheter located within the TAP.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventor: Michael F. Guzman
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Patent number: 8043465Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with some embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube. Fluid within the spring and greater than or equal to a threshold pressure advantageously flows radially outward between the spring coils. Advantageously, the fluid is dispensed substantially uniformly throughout a length of the spring. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Patent number: 8005538Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a substance to an anatomical region in a body can include a catheter comprising a catheter body, and one or more electrically conductive elements supported by the catheter body and in electrical communication with one or more sources of electrical stimulus. The catheter body can comprise a lumen therein, a substantially closed distal end, and an infusion section configured to permit fluid to pass through the catheter body and that can have a length that is less than or equal to the length of the catheter body. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a coiled member positioned within the lumen of the catheter body. The coiled member can comprise adjacent coils and can permit the uniform flow of the substance through one or more holes formed in the catheter body.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventor: Roger Massengale
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Patent number: 7959623Abstract: A pain management system for the infusion of drug to a wound site includes a pump connected to medical tubing which is connected to an improved infusion catheter for providing uniform delivery of fluid throughout an anatomical region. One method by which the infusion catheter is advanced to the wound site includes a guide needle that is placed within an introducer tubing. The needle is pierced through the patient's skin, after which the guide needle is withdrawn and discarded, leaving the introducer tubing in place partially under the patient's skin. The infusion catheter is then threaded through the introducer tubing and advanced to the wound site. The introducer tubing is then withdrawn and the infusion catheter remains in place to provide drug to the wound site. The introducer tubing is preferably peeled off of the infusion catheter and discarded.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventor: Roger Dillard Massengale
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Patent number: 7854730Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is compromised of an elongated, proximal tube defining a lumen and an elongated, distal tube having a closed end. The distal tube is constructed from a bio-absorbable material and also defines a lumen, which communicates with the lumen of the proximal tube. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the distal tube defines a porous side wall that permits fluid within the lumen to pass through the portion of the distal tube. In another embodiment, the proximal tube and the distal tube overlap one another and are secured to one another at the overlapping surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: James Dal Porto, Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Patent number: 7854732Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for transdermal delivery of fluid medications to patients. The device can comprise a thin envelope which is applied to a patient's skin. The envelope can comprise at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least one chamber can exist therebetween. Other embodiments can include internal diffusion layers, and thus can possess additional chambers, as well. The impermeable layer can comprise a top surface of the device. A valve positioned in the impermeable layer can facilitate filling the device with fluid, as well as connection of the device to external fluid sources such as an intravenous bag, pump, or other external fluid delivery system. The diffusion layer can comprise a coiled wire member to control the rate of fluid flow from the device to the patient's skin.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Alan Dine, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart
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Publication number: 20100305522Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: ROGER MASSENGALE, KEVIN M. FORREST, BILL PORTER, DONALD M. EARHART, ALAN DINE
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Publication number: 20100305521Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Roger MASSENGALE, Kevin M. FORREST, Bill PORTER, Donald M. EARHART, Alan DINE
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Patent number: 7815604Abstract: A device and method for the infusion of medicinal fluid at a controlled flow rate to a wound site or the blood stream of a patient is disclosed. A pump delivers fluid under pressure from a fluid source through a continuous and substantially constant flow path and through a supplemental bolus dose flow path. A large volume bolus dose reservoir accumulates a large quantity of fluid from the bolus dose flow path and holds the fluid under pressure. A flow regulator controls the fill rate of the large volume bolus reservoir. The large volume supplemental bolus dose is released from the bolus reservoir upon patient activation of a valve. The release rate of the bolus dose is controlled by the decompression of an elastomeric sphere or spring chamber, by the pressure gradient at the valve and/or by optional flow control tubing.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Dillard Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake, Eric Mabry
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Patent number: 7780638Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Patent number: 7778852Abstract: A remotely programmable and accessible medical device system including an interface unit and a medical device connected to a patient is disclosed. Through a transceiver, such as a telephone or computer, a person may obtain status reports from a remotely located medical device in audible, electronic or paper form. In addition, the person may change a protocol associated with the medical device or be alerted at a remote location of an alarm associated with the medical device.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Robert S. Vasko, Roger Massengale
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Patent number: 7771413Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Patent number: 7766028Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley Fry, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 7661440Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid includes a housing containing a plurality of flow conduits fluidly connecting an inlet and an outlets each of the flow conduits comprising a flow control tube and a resiliently compressive occlusion tube, wherein the flow control tubes are of substantially equal internal diameter. Each of the flow control tubes has a length associated with a different flow rate. A resilient flow-blocking element is operatively associated with each of the occlusion tubes and is movable into a flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube. An actuation mechanism in the housing is operable (a) to selectively engage and move one or more of the flow-blocking elements into the flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube, and (b) to selectively be disengaged from any of the flow-blocking elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Eric Mabry, Kenneth Wayne Rake
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Publication number: 20100000666Abstract: Catheters for uniform delivery of medication within an anatomical region. A catheter includes an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. A catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. A catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. A catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Publication number: 20090250124Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
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Publication number: 20090234676Abstract: A remotely or locally programmable and accessible medical device system including an interface unit and a medical device connected to a patient is disclosed. Through a transceiver, such as a telephone or computer, a person may obtain status reports from a remotely located or local medical device in audible, electronic or paper form. In addition, the person may change a protocol associated with the medical device or be alerted at a remote or local location of an alarm associated with the medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Robert S. Vasko, Roger Massengale
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Patent number: 7569045Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Publication number: 20090184026Abstract: A pain management kit for the administration of medication and a related method of use is disclosed. The pain management kit includes the primary medical supplies for performing a continuous nerve block procedure, preferably in a single, sterile container. Specifically, the kit may contain medical supplies to create a sterile field, perform a local anesthetic procedure and to perform a continuous nerve block procedure. Preferably, the contents of the kit are arranged in the general order of their use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: I-FLOW CorporationInventors: Roger Dillard Massengale, Robert B. Keahey
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Patent number: D631153Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Mark W. McGlothlin, Scott W. Herrick