Patents Examined by Eric Kline
  • Patent number: 6217549
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for the treatment of occluded blood vessels that includes tissue displacement or hinged expansion members that are movable from a closed to an open position. An actuating assembly may be provided for moving the tissue expansion members between an open and closed position to exert a substantially lateral distal end force upon the region surrounding an occluded blood vessel. The tissue expansion members may stretch apart, tear or otherwise disrupt a vascular occlusion sufficiently to create a pathway that may support the passage or placement of a guidewire or an interventional vascular device across the occlusion or obstruction. Methods of crossing or displacing a vascular occlusion are further provided that include the positioning of a vascular catheter having at least one hinged spreading member positioned at the distal region of the catheter that is responsive to directed force along the longitudinal axis of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: LuMend, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Selmon, Charles F. Milo, Robert L. Wynne, Suresh S. Pai, Kent D. Dell, Charles Gresl
  • Patent number: 6157858
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering a pharmaceutically active compound or cosmetic substance to a subject comprises a flexible substrate sheet attached to an electronic controller. The controller is provided with a pair of electrical contacts on the underside thereof and is adhered to the sheet by means of a pair of strips of electrically conductive adhesive. The underside of the sheet is printed in two halves with electrically conductive ink to provide a pair of electrodes separated by an insulating barrier. A protuberance extends from each electrode and is folded onto the top of the sheet such that the contacts of the controller are adhered in electrical connection with the protuberances and thus also with the electrodes. The use of an adhesive to connect a controller in electrical communication with the electrodes enables an extremely simple construction of delivery device to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Elan Pharma International Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Gross, Zvi Nitzan
  • Patent number: 6142975
    Abstract: An intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method of making same that has an elongate inner core element with an outer layer of material disposed about the core element. The layer of material can be applied as a braid, strand or smooth layer of material, and is preferably a metal. If the layer of material is applied as a braid or strand, it may be subsequently cold drawn so as to create a smooth layer from the braid or strand. The inner core element may be homogeneous, or may consist of drawn filled tubing with at least two layers of material, preferably biocompatible metals. In this way, the multiple layer distal section of the elongate core can be shaped or ground so as to achieve the desired mechanical properties and provide surfaces for attachment of components that are readily bonded or soldered to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Mehrzad Jalisi, Mark Richardson, David M. Anderson, Wayne E. Cornish
  • Patent number: 6142980
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-function control valve assembly for use in aspirating the left ventricle of the heart during open heart bypass surgery. The control valve assembly includes a housing assembly which defines an inlet adapted for connection to a suction tube inserted into the left ventricle and an outlet adapted for connection to a pump. The control valve assembly further includes a valving arrangement that is operable to provide three distinct functions. First, the control valve assembly includes a unidirectional flow valve which is operable to only permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, thereby preventing a reverse flow situation. Second, the control valve assembly includes a positive pressure relief valve which is operable to vent the outlet when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined positive pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: 3-T Medical Products, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen E. Schalk
  • Patent number: 6139524
    Abstract: An inventive perfusion catheter is disclosed which allows for the flow of a bodily fluid across the catheter while the catheter delivers a treatment device to a specified bodily location. The inventive perfusion catheter finds particular application in the delivery of a stent. The stent is deployed from a chamber having perfusion openings in the proximal and distal ends. The perfusion openings are constructed and arranged so as to allow the flow of a bodily fluid such as blood through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Killion
  • Patent number: 6132406
    Abstract: A single channel cannula which has a semi-rigid hollow shaft and a soft seal for both a fluid seal and to prevent the cannula from slipping out of position during medical procedures. The cannula may be straight, curved or angled at the distal inner end and may have a flexible segment at the proximal outer end for insertion of a syringe or other fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Mohiuddin M. Muzzammel
  • Patent number: 6132395
    Abstract: A cartridge and nozzle assembly for use in a needless injection system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Bioject, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Landau, James M. Bonicatto
  • Patent number: 6126635
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device for treatment of disease in biological conduits. The device has inner and outer coaxial catheter members, each having an inflatable balloon attached near its distal end. When the balloons are inflated, a sealed treatment chamber is created between the balloons. The length of the treatment chamber is adjustable by sliding the coaxial catheter members with respect to each other to obtain a desired separation between the attached balloons before inflation. Biological debris is trapped within the chamber and removed by infusion and aspiration of a flushing fluid, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. Adjunctive treatment devices can be inserted into the sealed treatment chamber through a lumen of the outer coaxial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Simpson, Scott C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6126632
    Abstract: A gravity cup for drinking fluids, comprising a container defined by sides connected to a base on one end and forming an opening at the other end through which fluid is placed and contained therein, the container having an outlet located at the base such that gravity forces the fluid through the outlet; a valve being ball-shaped and having a passage therethrough in rotationally attached to the container such that rotating the valve regulates the flow of fluid out of the container through the outlet; the valve being operable from fully opened, through partially opened, through fully closed; position an adjustable tube straw connected at its proximal end to the valve such that fluid flowing through the valve flows through the adjustable tube straw to a user for drinking at its distal end, and such that manipulating the adjustable tube straw rotates the ball thereby operating the valve and regulating the rate of flow of fluid from the container through the passage and the adjustable tube straw to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Esther Verbovszky, Carl J. Myers
  • Patent number: 6117109
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing fatty tissue underlying a patient's epidermis (e.g., blepharoplasty, brow lifts, eyelid shortening procedures, and the like). These methods include positioning one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) in close proximity to a target site on an external body surface of the patient. A high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active and return electrode(s), and the active electrode(s) are translated across the external body surface to create an incision therein. The bipolar configuration controls the flow of current to within and around the distal end of the probe, which minimizes tissue necrosis and the conduction of current through unwanted paths in the patient. The residual heat from the electrical energy also provides simultaneous hemostasis of severed blood vessels, which increases visualization and improves recovery time for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew R. Eggers, Philip E. Eggers, Ronald A. Underwood, Stephen M. Brunell, Hira V. Thapliyal
  • Patent number: 6113582
    Abstract: A fluid tight wrap is provided around a penis of a user utilizing a substantially fluid impermeable sheath formed of sheet material. The sheath has a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface contacts the skin of the penis in use. The sheath has a first side and a second side, and sheath member is sized to circumferentially envelop a penis of a user such that the inner surface of the second side overlaps the attachment portion and the attachment portion securing the second side to the first side such that the first and second sides overlyingly coextend substantially longitudinally down the penile shaft from the proximal end of the sheath to the distal end of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Dwork
  • Patent number: 6099506
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-access cannula for use in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly for use in the course of performing conventional open-chest and peripheral access cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The multi-access cannula is capable of being inserted through a single puncture site with a percutaneous tip. At the appropriate depth of insertion, a closure seal may be engaged at the point of entry to secure the positioning of the cannula and prevent leakage of blood from the incision. Once the cannula is at the appropriate position the cannula provides a multiplicity of procedural options for the surgeon. For example, when approaching through the ascending aorta, the multi-access cannula enables the simultaneous passage of various fluids and multiple catheters or instruments in opposing directions within the lumen of the aortic arch through a single insertion site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Wilfred J. Samson, Lynn M. Thompson, James J. Leary
  • Patent number: 6096004
    Abstract: A master/slave system is used for performing a surgical procedure such as theterization of cardiac or peripheral vasculature. Movements of catheters or similar tools within a patient are remotely controlled by a surgeon, and the surgeon receives haptic or tactile feedback caused by the movement of the tools within the patient. The system employs a master actuator with cylindrical controls and a slave actuator that engages the tools. The master actuator and slave actuator are electrically coupled to electrical interface circuitry by drive signals and sense signals. A fluid system is coupled to the slave actuator by fluid-carrying tubes for the delivery of contrast and other solutions to be injected into the vasculature for improved imaging and also to pressurize the balloon on a balloon catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc. (Ita)
    Inventors: Dwight Allan Meglan, Frederick Marshall Morgan, Jeffrey Michael Wendlandt
  • Patent number: 6096000
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating holes in a biological tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing which at least partially defines a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber including a tissue contact surface which is configured to be positioned adjacent the biological tissue. An ultrasound delivery device is positioned adjacent the fluid chamber and is configured to cavitate a fluid within the fluid chamber. A plurality of apertures extend from the fluid chamber through the tissue contact surface. The apertures are sized to permit passage of the cavitated fluid through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ekos Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6074379
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a strain relief device which assists in resisting bending and/or torsional forces while at the same time resisting axial pull forces to avoid separation of the strain relief device from the catheter tube during use. By way of example, the strain relief device of the present invention preferably includes an elongate body formed of an elastomeric material having a lumen formed therethrough along its entire length. The strain relief device lumen may be generally divided into proximal, central and distal portions which may each be of varying and/or different diameters. The strain relief device is preferably placed about a selected portion of the catheter tube, and the proximal and distal portions are bonded to the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventor: James B. Prichard
  • Patent number: 6059769
    Abstract: An intravascular medical catheter and method of manufacturing a medical catheter are provided herein. The medical catheter includes a catheter shaft having an inner liner, a reinforcing section and an outer shell. As provided herein, a groove is formed in the outer shell of the catheter shaft near a distal end of the catheter shaft with a laser. The groove can be filled with a fill section which is made of a relatively soft material. This improves the flexibility of the distal end so that the medical catheter has improved tracking and movement in the body vessel. Further, because the reinforcing section is continuous under the groove, the catheter shaft is durable and inhibits kinking during movement in the body vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Lunn, Nasser Rafiee, Charles Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6056721
    Abstract: A balloon catheter device for treating an obstructing material within a vascular conduit or other body passageway. The device comprises an elongate catheter body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A high compliance balloon and a spaced apart angioplasty balloon are coaxially disposed along the distal end. The catheter device includes a plurality of longitudinal lumens which extend along the catheter body from the proximal end. At least one of the lumens has a cross section which is non circular and is configured, in conjunction with the other lumens to provide a maximum total lumen cross sectional area within a minimum diameter catheter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sunscope International, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Shulze
  • Patent number: 6050987
    Abstract: A system for coupling a vascular overflow graft or cannula to a heart pump. A pump pipe outlet is provided with an external tapered surface which receives the end of a compressible cannula. An annular compression ring with a tapered internal bore surface is arranged about the cannula with the tapered internal surface in a facing relationship to the external tapered surface. The angle of inclination of the tapered surfaces is converging such that the spacing between the tapered surfaces decreases from one end of the external tapered surface to the other end thereby providing a clamping action of the tapered surface on a cannula which increases as a function of the length of cannula segment between the tapered surfaces. The annular compression ring is disposed within a tubular locking nut which threadedly couples to the pump and provides a compression force for urging the annular ring onto the cannula between the tapered surfaces. The nut has a threaded connection to the pump body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Bernard J. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 6027474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device and method of use for exchanging a catheter having a full-length guidewire lumen over a conventional-length guidewire without the use of a guidewire extension or an exchange wire. The catheter device includes an elongated shaft defining an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen extending longitudinally throughout its length, and a hydraulic exchange lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft and terminating proximal the distal end of the shaft, wherein the hydraulic exchange lumen is in fluid communication with the guidewire lumen. A balloon is coupled to the distal section of the shaft and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A flow guiding member is disposed within the guiding catheter and functions to redirect the distal flow of pressurized fluid traveling through the hydraulic exchange lumen in a proximal direction through the guidewire lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nareak Douk, William A. Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 6015400
    Abstract: A method for placing a feeding tube in a patient. The method includes the step of providing a needle defining a channel therethrough, the needle being constructed for insertion through an abdominal wall of a patient and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the needle is inserted through an abdominal wall of a patient. An endoscope constructed for insertion through the channel defined through the needle is provided and inserted through the channel defined through the needle. An external environment of the distal end portion of the needle is viewed using the endoscope in order to determine whether the distal end portion of the needle is positioned within a preselected portion of a gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A dilating device having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion is provided. The dilating device defines a channel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ross, Kathleen Rowland