Patents Examined by Corrine McDermott
  • Patent number: 7025779
    Abstract: An endoluminal device for affixation to a wall of a body lumen having a neck region defined by a relatively narrow width and a shoulder region that diverges from the neck region to a relatively wider width. The device comprises a shoulder portion, which may be part of a bulbous portion, having a diameter profile that conforms to the shoulder region, and, in some embodiments, a plurality of affixation members in an area of the device that typically extends from a distal end of the device through the shoulder portion. In one embodiment, the device comprises an endograft for repair of an aneurysm, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods of using the endograft to inhibit continued diametric expansion of the aneurysm and to inhibit endoleak formation and migration of the endograft are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: SCIMED Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7025783
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes an optic for focusing light, an outer ring for supporting the optic in a capsular bag of an eye and a plurality of radially spaced apart, elongated intermediate members connecting the optic to the outer ring. The intermediate members are configured to convert radial forces exerted by the capsular bag on the support ring into axial movement of the optic, allowing a presbyopic patient to more effectively focus on near objects. The outer ring is preferably contoured to conform to the portion of the capsular bag between the anterior and posterior zonules, and has sufficient axial thickness to contact both sets of zonules. In addition, the edge of the ring includes at least one sharp edge corner to prevent epithelial cell growth toward the optic. In addition, the outer ring may include weakened areas configured to allow consistent and repeatable deformation in response to compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brady, Stephen W. Laguette, Marlene L. Paul, Elbert Y. Tzeng, Robert E. Glick
  • Patent number: 7018418
    Abstract: Textured surface having micro recesses such that the outer surface overhangs the micro recesses. Embodiments of the textured surface include sharp edges for promoting bone deposition and growth within the micro recesses, protrusions of varying depth from the surface that include overhangs, and micro recesses that are at least partially defined by complex ellipsoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tecomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Amrich, Jonathan L. Rolfe, Joseph Buturlia, Robert F. Lynch
  • Patent number: 7018410
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens utilizing an optical element for correcting the vision of a patient. The optical element is positioned in the open capsular bag following an extra-capsular surgical procedure and phakoemulsification of the clouded natural lens. The optical element is adjusted anteriorly and posteriorly by a plurality of arms that are linked to the open capsular bag held by the zonular system of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mehdi Vazeen
  • Patent number: 7018409
    Abstract: Intraocular lenses include a lens body sized and adapted for placement in a mammalian eye and having a plurality of different optical powers, and a movement assembly joined to the lens body and adapted to cooperate with the mammalian eye to effect accommodating movement of the lens body in the eye. The lens body has an azonal, aspheric surface, with the correction power of the lens varying continuously and progressively from the optical axis to the periphery of the lens. Such intraocular lenses provide enhanced accommodation relative to the accommodation attainable using a spheric, monofocal IOL adapted for accommodating movement or an aspheric accommodating lens located in a substantially fixed position in an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Glick, Alan J. Lang
  • Patent number: 7018405
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices and methods for minimizing and/or inhibiting restenosis and hyperplasia after intravascular intervention. In particular, the present invention provides luminal prostheses which allow for programmed and controlled methylprednisolone delivery with increased efficacy to selected locations within a patient's vasculature to inhibit restenosis. An intraluminal delivery prosthesis may comprise an expansible structure and means on or within the structure for releasing methylprednisolone into the body lumen to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Avantec Vascular Corporation
    Inventors: Motasim Sirhan, John Yan
  • Patent number: 7018404
    Abstract: Prosthetic conduits include biocompatible material formed into a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section connected to the generally cylindrical section. The conduit has a lumen extending through the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The biocompatible material may be tissue. The biocompatible material can include one segment or a plurality of segments joined together to form the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The prosthetic conduit may include a reinforcement to prevent dilation or collapse of the conduit. The reinforcement can be placed at or near the junction of a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section and/or at other locations along the conduit. The prosthetic conduit may include a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic conduit can include tubules to facilitate attachment of coronary arteries to the prosthetic conduit The prosthetic conduit includes two sections that are joined to form the prosthetic conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Holmberg, Mario Osvaldo Vrandecic Peredo
  • Patent number: 7014661
    Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: University College London
    Inventors: Gordon Blunn, Justin Cobb, Allen Goodship, Paul Unwin
  • Patent number: 7014658
    Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is a multi-pronged domed spring which is coupled to the upper plate by set screws. The spring includes a socket formed in the peak thereof and mounts onto a ball-shaped head extending outwardly from the lower plate. The spring and post members are thereby flexibly coupled such that the upper and lower plates may rotate relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Stephen Tatar, Joseph P. Errico
  • Patent number: 7011688
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing or augmenting anatomical weaknesses or defects, and is particularly suitable for the repair of soft tissue and muscle wall openings. The prosthesis includes a repair fabric with a generally triangular-shaped body and two tails extending outward from the base of the triangular body. The tails may be rounded to provide the repair fabric with a generally heart-shaped configuration. An opening is provided along the base of the body and between the two tails for receiving a tube-like structure, such as the esophagus. The prosthesis may include a layer of fabric that is constructed and arranged to allow tissue ingrowth and is susceptible to erosion into and the formation of adhesions with tissue and organs. One or more regions of the prosthesis may be configured to inhibit erosion into and/or the formation of adhesions with tissue and organs. The prosthesis may include an edge barrier that is attached to the tails and overlies a portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul vonRyll Gryska, Stephen N. Eldridge, Roger E. Darois, Michael J. Lee, Valerie Vadurro
  • Patent number: 7011686
    Abstract: A humeral component of a shoulder prosthesis includes a stem configured for implantation within the humerus. A reverse articulating component is mounted to the stem by a connection mechanism. The reverse component defines a substantially concave bearing surface. The bearing surface is part of a bearing member that is engaged to a support member that is associated with the connection mechanism. A kit is provided which includes differently configured bearing members and support members to allow intraoperative selection and assembly of an optimum articulating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Jeffrey M. Ondrla, Anne-Céline Godest
  • Patent number: 7011678
    Abstract: Expandable stent for insertion into a body passage having a mesh structure of interconnecting portions (6) joined together by joining portions (5). The stent, when inserted into said body passage, is adapted to dissolve into smaller parts, wherein the joining portions dissolve faster than the interconnecting portions. In a preferred embodiment the joining portions are made from a first material and the interconnecting portions are made from a second material different from said first material, wherein the first material dissolves faster than said second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Radi Medical Systems AB
    Inventors: Lars Tenerz, Pär von Malmborg, Torbjörn Mathisen
  • Patent number: 7008448
    Abstract: An intraocular implant for implantation into the interior of a human eye, the eye having a retina, the implant comprising a body member and an optical arrangement. The body member has an anterior surface, a posterior surface and optical properties. The optical arrangement is configured for forming a first image on the retina. The first image is an image of at least part of the central visual field. The body member and/or the optical arrangement are configured for forming a second image on the retina. The second image is an image of at least part of the peripheral visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Issac Lipshitz, Yariv Lipshitz
  • Patent number: 7008455
    Abstract: A lip implant and lip instrument. The lip implant is formed of solid silicone and is shaped to be received in the lip of a patient. The lip instrument includes a pair of arms coupled together having clamping members to grasp and retain the lip implant. A method for insertion of the lip implant into the patient is further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Surgisil, L.L.P.
    Inventors: Peter Raphael, Scott Harris
  • Patent number: 7004969
    Abstract: Artificial skin having a thickness of 100 to 1,000 ?m, and prepared from a polymer which, when formed into a thin film having a thickness of 100–1,000 ?m, exhibits a percent transmission of light having a wavelength of 450–280 nm of at least 10%. In the artificial skin of the present invention, grooves which imitate furrows are provided on one surface. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating UV screening agents making use of the artificial skin of the present invention, on the basis of the relation between UV shielding power of a UV screening agent and UV transmission through the artificial skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ishikubo, Tohru Okamoto, Hideo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7004962
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering an implantable endoprosthesis with an occlusion region for occluding fluid flow to a desired location in a body lumen. The delivery device includes an outer sleeve and an inner tube terminating at a distal tip. The distal tip is made of one of a dissolvable, bioabsorbable, or deformable material. Upon deployment of the endoprosthesis at the desired location, the shape of the distal tip is altered to a different shape and withdrawn through the constricted region of the endoprosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Stinson
  • Patent number: 7004974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restoring bone in the body of humans or animals in connection with an existing structure, a bone implant or some other prosthetic construction, as well as a method for restoring bone. The bone restoring preparation consists of an easily handleable and controllable preparation (composition) of resorbable calcium phosphate granules and a carrier of a biopolymer or lipid type. The preparation is intended to be applied in the position where the bone needs to be replaced, reinforced or built up, especially in connection with a bone implant or some other prosthetic construction where there is a lack of sufficient bone volume, or where the quality of the bone is too poor to allow a load-carrying function, for example permanent fixing of an implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nobel Biocare AB (publ.)
    Inventors: Cecilia Larsson, Helena Ljusberg-Wahren
  • Patent number: 7001426
    Abstract: A one-piece capsulorhexis device is presented comprising a membrane having a curved, flexible substantially discoid flap-valve member shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag inner surface, and at least one integral, flexible retainer shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Institute for Eye Research
    Inventors: William Lee, Viviana Fernandez, Jean-Marie Parel, Arthur Ho
  • Patent number: 7001422
    Abstract: An expandable stent and delivery system is provided for enhancing luminal dilation of a blood vessel and treating aneurysms. The delivery system includes proximal, intermediate and distal cylindrical members disposed on and spaced apart along an elongated core member such that first and second gaps are formed. The expandable stent includes anchor members which align with the gaps. The expandable stent is mounted on the intermediate cylindrical member, and the anchor members are disposed within the gaps thereby locking the stent onto the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cordis Neurovascular, INC
    Inventors: Angeli Escamilla, Donald K. Jones, Vladimir Mitelberg
  • Patent number: 7001428
    Abstract: A capsule clamping ring for implantation in the emptied capsule of the human crystalline lens which can permanently counteract a shrinkage of the capsule thanks to the fact that it can be stiffened after implantation. The open ring—as required for implantation—is designed in such a manner that it can be welded inside the eye. For this purpose, the open ends must touch, the area of contact must be visible through the pupillary opening and thus accessible for the laser, and the colour of the material and the surface geometry must be designed in such a manner that, when irradiated with a laser, locally circumscribed, merging melting zones can form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Rolf Preussner