Patents Assigned to USGI MEDICAL
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Publication number: 20050075653Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2004Publication date: April 7, 2005Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Kenneth Michlitsch, Rich Ewers, Chris Rothe, Rodney Brenneman, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen
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Publication number: 20050065401Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough and at least one steerable tool arm which extends from the distal end of the main body. In preferred embodiments, the system includes two tool arms, each arm steerable to form a curve laterally outward which then bends laterally inward so that the arms form an angular shape. In addition, end effectors extend from the distal ends of each tool arm for use in manipulation of tissue. The angular shape brings the end effectors together in view of the scope for cooperative movements which are continuously visible by the surgeon. In addition, the tool arms may be steerable in any additional direction and may be rotateable to allow grasping, elevation and more complex manipulation of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard Ewers, Eugene Chen, David Miller
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Publication number: 20050065536Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Richard Ewers, Boris Reydel, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen, Brent Seybold, Rodney Brenneman, Vahid Saadat
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Publication number: 20050065397Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough and at least one steerable tool arm which extends from the distal end of the main body. In preferred embodiments, the system includes two tool arms, each arm steerable to form a curve laterally outward which then bends laterally inward so that the arms form an angular shape. In addition, end effectors extend from the distal ends of each tool arm for use in manipulation of tissue. The angular shape brings the end effectors together in view of the scope for cooperative movements which are continuously visible by the surgeon. In addition, the tool arms may be steerable in any additional direction and may be rotateable to allow grasping, elevation and more complex manipulation of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard Ewers, Eugene Chen, David Miller
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Patent number: 6837847Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat, Eugene G. Chen
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Publication number: 20040249367Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for endoscopic procedures are provided involving accessing and manipulating tissues beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body which has one or more independently shape-lockable sections and a variety of instruments which are either built in to the main body or advanceable through lumens which extend through the main body. Such instruments may include scopes, suction instruments, aspiration instruments, tool arms, plicators, needles, graspers, and cutters, to name a few. The ability to steer and shape-lock specific sections of the main body enables access to target locations which are typically challenging to reach and provides a stabilized platform to perform a desired procedure at the target location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: USGI MEDICAL CORP.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Richard C. Ewers, Tracy D. Maahs, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
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Publication number: 20040225305Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: USGI MEDICALInventors: Rich Ewers, Vahid C. Saadat, Ken Michlitsch, Chris Rothe, Rodney Brenneman, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen
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Publication number: 20040225183Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: USGI MEDICALInventors: Ken Michlitsch, Vahid C. Saadat, Rich Ewers, Chris Rothe, Rodney Brenneman, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen
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Publication number: 20040186350Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for guiding an endoscope during an endoluminal procedure via one or rigidizable wires. Ridgidizable, or shape-lockable, wires of the present invention have multiple states: they may be flexible to conform to various curvilinear paths, ridgidized to shape-lock in any path they obtain, and may be cycled between states. A rigidizable wire of the present invention advantageously may serve as a shape-lockable “backbone” within an endoscope, overtube, or endoscopic tool. In its flexible state, the wire can assume whatever shape the endoscope, overtube, or tool assumes as it is maneuvered. Once stiffened or rigidized, the wire forms the backbone to maintain the static shape of the endoscope, overtube, or tool. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: USGI Medical Corp.Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat, Eugene G. Chen
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Publication number: 20040186349Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for pleating at least a portion of a patient's body lumen, such as the colon. Pleating is achieved via relative motion between an endoscope and a flexible conduit having an engagement element configured to reversibly engage the body lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: USGI Medical Corp.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Boris Reydel, Eugene G. Chen, Vahid Saadat
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Patent number: 6790173Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Eugene G. Chen
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Publication number: 20040162568Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: USGI MEDICALInventors: Vahid C. Saadat, Kenneth Jerome Michlitsch, Rich C. Ewers, Chris Rothe, Rodney Brenneman, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen
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Publication number: 20040147958Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies, as well as anchor delivery systems, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: USGI MEDICALInventors: Cang Lam, Rich Ewers, Alexander Khairkhahan, Vahid C. Saadat
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Publication number: 20040138529Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough. Some embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body which is rigidizable and/or torque transmitting to improve manipulation through passageways in the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: USGI Medical Corp.Inventors: Brent R. Wiltshire, Richard C. Ewers, Rodney Brenneman, Eugene Chen, Vahid Saadat
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Publication number: 20040138525Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough and at least one steerable tool arm which extends from the distal end of the main body. In preferred embodiments, the system includes two tool arms, each arm steerable to form a curve laterally outward which then bends laterally inward so that the arms form an angular shape. In addition, end effectors extend from the distal ends of each tool arm for use in manipulation of tissue. The angular shape brings the end effectors together in view of the scope for cooperative movements which are continuously visible by the surgeon. In addition, the tool arms may be steerable in any additional direction and may be rotateable to allow grasping, elevation and more complex manipulation of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: USGI Medical Corp.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Eugene Chen, David Miller