Patents Assigned to Promex Technologies, LLC
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Patent number: 9579087Abstract: A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventor: Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20140213932Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be introduced to a biopsy site through an introducer in which the introducer is vented and/or a certain ratio of introducer inner diameter and biopsy device outer diameter is maintained. The full core devices also permit a tighter tolerance between the I.D. and O.D. of the outer cannula and stylet, respectively, which further permits the use of a smaller gage introducer. Full devices also include a sample trap assembly operable to enlarge the sample cavity after the full core sample has been obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Perianu Knoll, Deborah Rae Beck, Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20130053725Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be introduced to a biopsy site through an introducer in which the introducer is vented and/or a certain ratio of introducer inner diameter and biopsy device outer diameter is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Deborah R. Beck, Dan C. Ireland
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Patent number: 8167819Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael E. Miller, Daniel C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20120065543Abstract: A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20120010527Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be configured such that the inner needle does not extend past a certain point within the outer needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Herbert Alan Sundheimer, Dan C. Ireland, Sean Miller
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Publication number: 20110208089Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be configured such that the inner needle does not extend past a certain point within the outer needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Herbert Alan Sundheimer, Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20100305470Abstract: A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Dan C. Ireland
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Patent number: 7841990Abstract: A biopsy device includes a flexible distal portion for obtaining a biopsy sample. The device includes a coring cannula defining a coring relief notch adjacent its distal end having a length longer than a diameter of the cannula. A wire is slidably disposable within the lumen of the coring cannula and defines a sampling cavity adjacent its distal end. A wire relief notch is positioned adjacent the sampling cavity that has a length longer than its width. A firing mechanism engaged to the proximal ends of the coring cannula and the wire is operable to move the coring cannula relative to the wire between a first position retracted within the lumen so that the coring cannula covers the sampling cavity and a second position wherein the distal end of the wire is extended away from the coring cannula to trap tissue from the biopsy site in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph L. Mark, Michael E. Miller
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Publication number: 20100160829Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael E. Miller, Daniel C. Ireland
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Patent number: 7658718Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael E. Miller, Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20090069831Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for cutting tissue includes an outer cannula with a cutting opening and a cutting member within the cannula. The cutting member is connected to a source of reciprocation, and as the cutting member reciprocates the cutting member head is guided by a sloped member within the cannula to essentially a zero clearance position relative to a cutting edge of the cutting opening of the cannula. The instrument cleanly severs tissue extending through the cutting opening into the outer cannula.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Sean Miller, Dan C. Ireland
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Patent number: 7429240Abstract: The present invention provides devices for depositing objects into tissue of an animal. The devices include a cannula having a proximal-end and an opposite distal end insertable into tissue and defining an exit aperture. The cannula has a sidewall between the distal and proximal ends and defines a passageway in communication with the exit aperture. A distal retaining tab extends from an inner surface of the cannula and is positioned across at least a portion of the passageway adjacent the exit aperture. The distal tab has a first closed position blocking the passageway and a second open position wherein the tab is urged towards the sidewall to allow an object to pass. The tab is resilient to return to the first position after the object passes the tab. In some embodiments, the invention also includes a proximal retaining tab adjacent the proximal end of the cannula and positionable to block a portion of the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael E Miller
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Publication number: 20080161719Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: PROMEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael E. Miller, Daniel C. Ireland
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Patent number: 7309317Abstract: A biopsy instrument for use in a biopsy gun includes a hollow outer needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidably engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slideable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Promex Technologies LLCInventors: Michael E. Miller, Dan C. Ireland
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Publication number: 20070021714Abstract: The present invention provides devices for depositing objects into tissue of an animal. The devices include a cannula having a proximal-end and an opposite distal end insertable into tissue and defining an exit aperture. The cannula has a sidewall between the distal and proximal ends and defines a passageway in communication with the exit aperture. A distal retaining tab extends from an inner surface of the cannula and is positioned across at least a portion of the passageway adjacent the exit aperture. The distal tab has a first closed position blocking the passageway and a second open position wherein the tab is urged towards the sidewall to allow an object to pass. The tab is resilient to return to the first position after the object passes the tab. In some embodiments, the invention also includes a proximal retaining tab adjacent the proximal end of the cannula and positionable to block a portion of the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: January 25, 2007Applicant: Promex Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Miller
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Patent number: 7104945Abstract: The present invention provides devices for depositing objects into tissue of an animal. The devices include a cannula having a proximal end and an opposite distal end insertable into tissue and defining an exit aperture. The cannula has a sidewall between the distal and proximal ends and defines a passageway in communication with the exit aperture. A distal retaining tab extends from an inner surface of the cannula and is positioned across at least a portion of the passageway adjacent the exit aperture. The distal tab has a first closed position blocking the passageway and a second open position wherein the tab is urged towards the sidewall to allow an object to pass. The tab is resilient to return to the first position after the object passes the tab. In some embodiments, the invention also includes a proximal retaining tab adjacent the proximal end of the cannula and positionable to block a portion of the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael E. Miller
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Publication number: 20060184153Abstract: A biopsy device includes a flexible distal portion for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site. The device includes a caring cannula with a wall defined between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therebetween. The wall of the cannula defines a coring relief notch adjacent the distal end has a length along a longitudinal axis of the cannula longer than a diameter of the coring cannula. A wire is slidably disposable within the lumen of the coring cannula and has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sampling cavity adjacent the distal end. A were relief notch is positioned adjacent the sampling cavity. The were relief notch has a length along a longitudinal axis of the wire longer than a width of the wire relief notch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Applicant: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Mark, Michael Miller
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Patent number: 7048694Abstract: A needle set includes a hollow outer needle and an inner needle slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer needle. The outer needle defines a first relief notch having a length that is longer than its width. The inner needle defines a second relief notch, which is also longer than wide. The needle set has a first position with the first relief notch superposed over the second relief notch. A slot may also be defined in the outer needle. A firing mechanism may be engaged to the proximal ends of the needles to move the needles relative to one another. The needle set may be used with an elongated introducer cannula having a curved portion with the outer and inner needles being sufficiently flexible to traverse the curved portion without binding between the needles.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph L. Mark, Michael E. Miller
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Patent number: RE42049Abstract: An introducer guide 15 for introducing medical items into an internal tissue of a patient is provided. The guide 15 includes a cannula 20 defining a lumen sized to receive the item and a lateral opening 24. A ramp is disposed within the lumen adjacent and inclined toward the lateral opening 24. A hub 40? is attached to the second end 22 of the cannula 20. The hub 40? includes a gripping portion 41? configured to be held when inserting and positioning the introducer 15. The gripping portion 41? has a length lgp sufficient for gripping and a tactile indicator 44 disposed along substantially the entire length lgp of the gripping portion 41 on the hub 40?. The indicator 44 has a fixed angular relationship with the lateral opening 24. The invention also includes methods for obtaining a biopsy sample and methods for treating lesions.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLCInventors: David L. Schroeder, Dan C. Ireland, Joseph I. Mark