Patents Examined by Adam J. Cermak
  • Patent number: 5538511
    Abstract: An improved indwelling catheter adapted for long-term usage includes a stable enzyme coating to prevent occlusion of the catheter lumen. The enzyme coating includes a fibrinolytic and/or lipolytic enzyme incorporated in a catheter coating to resist or control proteolytic degradation, thereby maintaining the enzyme in an active state for dissolving clots and occlusions within the catheter lumen over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Minimed Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Van Antwerp
  • Patent number: 5536253
    Abstract: The syringe of the present invention is ideally supplied to the user in a pre-filled state, with the piston stem protruding from the syringe body and with the cannula covered with a protective cover. Once the disposable safety syringe of the present invention is unwrapped, it may be used for performing an injection in the usual way. As the last bit of fluid is injected through the cannula, the piston engages the proximal portion of the needle axial translating structure. The piston stem is then withdrawn back through the syringe body, pulling the cannula inside the syringe body. The piston is prevented from exiting the syringe body because of the presence of a flange at the proximal end of the syringe. The piston stem is then quickly removable from the piston by disengaging the large-pitch thread with which it was attached to the piston, which eliminates the possibility of inadvertent proximal motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5533983
    Abstract: A needleless connector for adding medication to a parenteral fluid is provided. In one embodiment an adapter is provided for securing to a Y connector having a standard puncture pad. The adapter includes a cannula for piercing the pad and a valve that is opened by the attachment of a syringe. In a second embodiment the Y connector itself contains the valve in lieu of the puncture pad. In a final embodiment the valve is contained within a universal luer connector adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Michael L. Haining
  • Patent number: 5533968
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter such as a dilatation catheter for angioplasty with a catheter shaft having an outer tubular member with an expandable distal section which expands elasticly upon the introduction of fluid under a pressure within a first pressure range to a larger diameter and which contracts by elastic recoil upon the withdrawal of the inflation fluid. The expandable distal section is relatively noncompliant at pressures above the first pressure range. Preferably, the dilatation catheter has an inflatable member or balloon disposed distal to the expandable distal section which is formed of the same polymeric material as the expandable distal section and is in fluid communication with the expandable inner lumen within the expandable distal section. In one preferred embodiment the catheter has a distal section which includes an outer tubular member bonded or otherwise secured (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan P. Muni, Motasim M. Sirhan
  • Patent number: 5531685
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible tubular member containing a shape-memory tube formed to include a lumen extending along the central axis of the tubular member. A liner sleeve extends through the lumen of the shape-memory tube and lies inside the tubular member. A control system selectively heats the shape-memory tube to its activated state causing the shape-memory tube to move toward a predetermined shape if it is different than its present configuration. Whether the shape-memory tube moves or not, it will increase significantly in stiffness, both axial and bending to help retain, hold, or wedge the apparatus in place in a selected body cavity while catheters or other objects are passed through a lumen in the liner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignees: Catheter Research, Inc., Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Chad G. Hemmer, John A. Steen, Michael R. Forman, Jonathan R. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5531719
    Abstract: A vascular catheter usable for intravascular surgical operation, highly localized injection of medicine such as anticancer drugs, and angiography.The main portion of the catheter body is made up of an inner tube formed synthetic-resin and an outer tube formed of a synthetic resin covering the outside surface of the inner tube. The tip of the catheter body is made up of the portion of the outer tube extending from the distal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has one or more grooves, slots or slits formed in the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tohru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5531722
    Abstract: An aspiration unit that can be readily connected to an ultrasonic scaler of conventional design which includes a novel suction means for automatically carrying away from the work site cooling water and debris generated during the performance of the scaling procedure. The unit includes a transparent, tip-encompassing shroud that uniquely functions as a suction scoop for automatically capturing aerosols in the operative field including aerosols containing saliva, blood, tissue, calculus and like adherent deposits which are generated during the scaling procedure. The aspiration unit includes novel connectors that enable the unit to be removably connected to a conventional scaler so that the assemblage can be operated by the dentist using one hand without the aid of a dental assistant thereby decreasing the number of people exposed to any pathogens encountered during the scaling procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory L. Van Hale
  • Patent number: 5531686
    Abstract: A steering mechanism including a steering shaft coupled to a controller which includes a handle and apparatus for manipulating the distal end of the steering shaft. The steering shaft includes a flexible coiled spring having a lead spring fixed in position with respect to a distal end thereof in the distal end of the steering shaft. One or more steering wires is affixed at the distal ends thereof to the lead spring. The steering wires extend through the steering shaft to the controller, and the steering apparatus of the controller is used to place tension on one or both of the steering wires. The attachment of the distal ends of the steering wires to the lead spring may be opposite one another or may be offset for providing greater maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: EP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingemar Lundquist, Russell B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5531691
    Abstract: A single use syringe is provided having a rod-like plunger comprising a plurality of cylindrical ratchet teeth. A resilient locking spring dangles on the ratchet teeth of the plunger. The original location of the locking spring determines the maximum dosage which may be administered by the syringe. A first withdrawal of the plunger with respect to the barrel allows medication to be drawn into the barrel. The tab of the locking spring resiliently cams over the surface of the ratchet teeth. The locking spring is maintained in position along the barrel by outwardly directed contact points which embed into the interior side wall of the barrel. During administration of the medication, i.e., when the plunger is distally pushed with respect to the barrel, the locking spring tab cooperates with the base of the ratchet teeth and causes the spring to move along with the plunger. A second attempted withdrawal of the plunger is blocked once the locking spring has been moved to its full distal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Univec Inc.
    Inventors: David Shonfeld, Joel S. Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 5527283
    Abstract: Disposable medical syringe 10, consisting of a hollow syringe chamber 12, for receiving a piston 14, traversing a displaceable extendible path 16, in the chamber, a rod 18, axially coupled to one end of the piston 14, and at the other end to a thumb engaging surface 20, a stop member 22, in the hollow chamber 12, at a proximal end and adjacent to the rod 18 for terminating one end of the displaceable extendible path 16, a cap 30, securely but removably mounted at a distal end of the hollow chamber from the one end and having a tubular coupling 32, for receiving in frictional engagement a syringe needle 34, a supporting body for axially centering support of the needle within the hollow chamber and securely mounted to an inner end of the needle 34, a distal end of the needle 34, adapted for injection in a patient for serving to pass fluid received from the hollow chamber to pass into the patient, an annular projection 38 disposed about the tubular coupling 32, for latch-engaging the distal end of the needle the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Kyley Swisher, III
  • Patent number: 5522806
    Abstract: A self-closing catheter valve having a housing with an oval cross section and a conical hose attachment connector which can be inserted into a catheter hose. A valve hose piece partially extends through the housing. A V-shaped spring element deforms and constricts the valve hose piece by pressing the valve hose piece against a wall of the housing. An actuation member is positioned within the housing for bringing the self-closing catheter valve into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Peter Schonbachler, Peter Huser, Thomas Huser, Othmar Horat
  • Patent number: 5522818
    Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon dilatation catheter has a stainless steel hypotube catheter shaft, an intermediate sleeve section bonded to the shaft and a distal balloon section connected to the sleeve section. The sleeve section is formed from relatively flexible polymer materials and includes an inner core tube which defines a guide wire lumen extending only through a distal portion of the catheter (including its sleeve and balloon sections) to facilitate fast balloon catheter exchanges. A distal end of the hypotube shaft is crimped laterally and the core tube is nested and bonded within the crimp to provide a proximal outlet for the guide wire lumen. The hypotube shaft provides an inflation lumen for the balloon, with the inflation lumen being continued as an annular inflation lumen through the sleeve section where an outer sleeve is bonded about the core tube and extends from the distal end of the hypotube shaft to the balloon section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Keith, Charles L. Euteneuer
  • Patent number: 5520650
    Abstract: A self-arrest overpenetration-proof cannula device for the safe insertion of a cannula or a needle with or without a catheter concentric to it into any body cavity or anatomical hollow structure having a wall, said body cavity or hollow structure being either naturally present or pathologically formed, being fluid, air or gas filled. The device has the intrinsic ability of automatically arresting the advancement of a needle or cannula instantly upon occurred body cavity penetration by the tip of said needle or cannula. The device is capable of recognizing penetration of a body cavity by means of a dropping of a vacuum pressure present in the device prior to body cavity penetration, said dropping of vacuum pressure occurring upon body cavity penetration of the needle tip, and is able to automatically respond to said drop of vacuum pressure by arresting the advancement of the needle or cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Filiberto Zadini, Giorgio Zadini
  • Patent number: 5520193
    Abstract: A needle assembly for evacuated blood collection tubes or containers comprises a single needle cannula, a needle cannula support made of a translucent or transparent material provided on the middle portion of the needle cannula, a blood flow confirmation passage formed in the interior of the needle cannula support and communicating with one end of the needle cannula, said one end being covered with an elastomeric resilient cap, and an air-permeable, blood repellant plug provided at an opening end of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignees: Issei Suzuki, Misawa Medical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Issei Suzuki, Hiroyasu Misawa, Kosei Misawa
  • Patent number: 5520646
    Abstract: The present invention provides a significantly improved diagnostic tool and procedure for radiation therapy in or near body cavities accessible through existing orifices. This invention makes use of a flexible catheter and balloon. The balloon is inflated by fluid communication through the catheter. This invention makes use of several preferable embodiments which provide radiopaque references, seals, control of movement, and drainage. The radiopaque references are provided by means of radiopaque lines painted on the balloon's interior or exterior surface, by means of the use of radiopaque fluid to inflate the balloon, or by means of a slidable clip made of radiopaque material which is positioned at the patient's orifice. Sealing is provided by means of the slidable clip which also permits adjustment of the balloon size and shape. Control of movement is achieved through the use of a small balloon usually located near the patient's orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Mark A. D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 5507727
    Abstract: This invention relates to a syringe assembly which includes a housing having a barrel having a forward fluid discharge end; a plunger disposed within said barrel and having a threaded rod extending therefrom; a threaded nut element for engaging said threaded rod for threaded advancement of said plunger relative to said barrel; and a control lever for positively engaging and positively disengaging said threaded nut element with said threaded rod, said control lever having a first arm member connected to said threaded nut element and being pivotably mounted for pivot between an engaged position wherein said first arm member positively engages said threaded nut element with said threaded rod, and a disengaged position wherein said first arm member positively disengages said threaded nut element from said threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Design Standards Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 5507732
    Abstract: The present invention is accomplished by providing a catheter manifold (15) having a manifold catheter lumen (115) extending longitudinally therethrough plus a rotationally symmetrical, conically tapering, elastomeric distal seal (65) for gripping the catheter shaft (70), the proximal end of the distal seal (65) having a smaller diameter than the distal end, the distal end of the manifold catheter lumen (115) being conically tapered and sized for a friction fit with the distal seal (65) when the distal seal (65) is inserted into the distal end of the manifold catheter lumen (115), the distal seal (65) having a longitudinally extending distal seal catheter lumen (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. McClure, Ernie P. Gerstmar, Walter R. Parkola, Matthew S. Gibbons, Everett D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5507301
    Abstract: A guidewire having a core member with proximal, intermediate and distal sections and a flexible coil on the distal section and a catheter assembly or kit with such guidewire. The proximal section of the core may be substantially longer than the combined lengths of both the intermediate and distal sections and has a diameter which is at least 0.001 inch greater than the diameter of the intermediate section. The intermediate section has a diameter which is at least 0.002 inch greater than the diameter of the distal section. Improved pushability and a greater flexibility in the distal and intermediate sections are obtained. A catheter which is used with the guidewire has a proximal section of about 100 cm and a distal section of at least about 15 cm in length and an inner lumen having diameter of at least 0.003 inch less than the inner diameter of the inner lumen in the proximal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Wasicek, Dennis L. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5507737
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the volume of a bellows reservoir for medication in an infusion system which is implantable in a patient, the pressure in the reservoir is measured and the corresponding volume is determined from a predetermined relationship between pressure and volume. A pressure gauge is disposed for measuring the pressure in the bellows reservoir, and a signal corresponding to the measured pressure is supplied to a memory unit wherein a corresponding volume is determined from the measured pressure value by means of the predetermined relationship between pressure and volume being stored in the memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Goeran Palmskog
  • Patent number: 5507733
    Abstract: A securable collar is used with two connectors to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of IV tubing sets. The securable collar includes a housing supported by one of the connectors, a radial flange extending from the housing, a collar having a frustum-shape, two notches that separate the collar into two longitudinal segments, a transition portion on the exterior of the collar, and a sliding annular locking ring. The locking ring slides on the collar from a small diameter portion over the transition portion to a larger diameter portion. The annular locking ring compresses the larger diameter portion to pivot the longitudinal segments radially inward at the radial flange to grip the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Mark E. Larkin, David E. Kramer, Warren P. Frederick