Patents Examined by (Jackie) Tan-Uyen T. Ho
  • Anastomosis composite gasket
    Patent number: 7942890
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides structures and/or gaskets for deposition between adjacent intestinal sections in an anastomosis procedure. The structure possesses at least an inner ring of a first material, and a middle ring of a second material. The first material and the second material include a wound treatment material consisting of at least one of an adhesive, a sealant and/or a medicament. The first material is different from the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: William L. D'Agostino, Michael Bettuchi
  • Treating valve failure
    Patent number: 7942927
    Abstract: A device (1) for treating valve failure in a patient is provided. The device has one or more engaging zones (3) for engaging the device with the annulus of the valve being treated. The device also has pre-disposition means for changing the geometry of the device to a predetermined configuration which is suitable for constricting the valve annulus. The device is compressible for percutaneous delivery to the valve. When in the predetermined configuration, the engaged device constricts the valve annulus facilitating substantial closure of leaflets of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Medical Research Institute
    Inventors: David Martin Kaye, John Melmouth Power, Clifton A. Alferness, Adam Lucas Bilney
  • Devices and methods for operating and controlling interventional apparatus
    Patent number: 7938851
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for operating and controlling an interventional element on an interventional catheter. The interventional element may be a stent or series of stents, a balloon, or any other interventional element for which length control is necessary or desirable. A handle member includes an elongated body and an actuator knob that rotates around the longitudinal axis of the body. Rotational movement of the actuator knob is translated to rotational movement of one or more lead screws by a system of gears, rollers, or combinations of gears and rollers. Each of one or more axially moveable members is positioned on a lead screw and attached to a portion of the catheter shaft in order to provide the ability to advance or retract the portion of the catheter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: XTENT, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Lee Olson, Michael C. McGarry
  • Anchor assemblies in stretch-resistant vaso-occlusive coils
    Patent number: 7938845
    Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices are provided for occluding an aneurysm within the human vasculature. The vaso-occlusive device also includes a stretch-resisting member that extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the primary coil and is directly or indirectly attached to the primary coil at two locations axially separated from each other to prevent or minimize axial stretching of the primary coil. At one location, the stretch-resisting member is coupled to the primary coil via a flexible anchor assembly disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly may comprise an anchor coil and a link directly or indirectly coupled between the anchor coil and the stretch-resisting member. Alternatively, the anchor assembly may comprise a chain of twisted links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Stryker Corporation, Stryker NV Operations Limited
    Inventors: Nestor Aganon, Ann Huang, Maria Pizarro, John L. Minck, Jr.
  • Profile reduction of valve implant
    Patent number: 7935144
    Abstract: A method for reducing an axial profile of a valve implant includes providing a valve implant having a longitudinal axis and a delivery catheter having a central axis and a distal receiving section. The method further includes helically rolling the valve implant around a rolling axis that is offset at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a rolled valve implant having a rolled axis, where the rolled axis is the same as the rolling axis. The method further includes aligning the rolled axis of the rolled valve implant with the central axis of the delivery catheter. The method further includes inserting the rolled valve implant into the distal receiving section of the delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Direct Flow Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Robin, Do D. Uong
  • Tissue puncture closure device with automatic tamping
    Patent number: 7931670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventors: William Fiehler, John White
  • Stretch resistant coil device
    Patent number: 7927348
    Abstract: A coil device is provided with a stretch resistant feature. The device includes a wound coil defining a lumen and a stretch resistant member at least partially received within the lumen. A restrictor member is also at least partially received within the lumen and defines an aperture adapted to movably receive a portion of the stretch resistant member to allow the wound coil to stretch and elongate. The stretch resistant member includes an enlarged portion that is larger than the aperture and adapted to engage the restrictor member to prevent or resist stretching of the wound coil. The restrictor member may be provided as a separate element fixedly secured to the coil wire, or the coil wire may include one or more minor turns adapted to perform the function of the restrictor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald K Jones, Vladimir Mitelberg
  • Occlusion device with flexible wire connector
    Patent number: 7927351
    Abstract: An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cardia, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Corcoran, Joseph A. Marino
  • Eye positioner
    Patent number: 7927344
    Abstract: Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten
  • Device for end-to-side anastomosis
    Patent number: 7922733
    Abstract: A device for end-to-side anastomosis of body ducts comprising a coupling (2) which can be positioned on a side wall (3a) of a first duct (3) and connectable to a second duct (4) in order to create a fluid communication between the first (3) and second duct (4), and means of restraint (5) to firmly and preferably removably attach the coupling (2) to said first duct (3). The device (1) also comprises at least one membrane (6) removably positioned between the coupling (2) and side wall (3a) of the first duct (3) to prevent or allow the fluid communication between the first (3) and the second duct (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Newman Medical KFT
    Inventor: Enzo Borghi
  • Stepped microkeratome blade holder
    Patent number: 7922736
    Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH
    Inventors: Craig A. Barrile-Josephson, Peter J. Halecki, Michael H. Dobner
  • Method for using a surgical rongeur
    Patent number: 7922723
    Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Karlin Michelson
  • Device for cutting the cornea of an eye
    Patent number: 7922735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting the cornea of an eye to correct the refractive power thereof, having a frame that comprises a fixation ring, which may be drawn onto the eye, as well as a receptacle, which may be coaxially displaced relative to the fixation ring and which serves to accommodate an applanator for deforming the cornea within the fixation ring, and a holding device, which is guided on the frame in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis with regard to the fixation ring and which serves to hold a blade, which passes through the frame via a peripheral recess and which is mounted in front of the applanator, being radially displaceable relative to the fixation ring as well as movable around an axis perpendicular to the guiding plane, for the purpose of cutting a pocket through a merely tunnel-like entry into the corneal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Daxer
  • Bifurcated stent delivery system
    Patent number: 7922753
    Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter which includes a catheter shaft and a balloon positioned thereon. A rotatable sheath is rotatably disposed about a portion of the catheter. The rotatable sheath has a first portion inner diameter and a second portion inner diameter, which are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracee Eidenschink, Jan Weber
  • Method and apparatus for meniscal repair
    Patent number: 7918868
    Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes first and second needles. A first structure associated with the first needle is adapted and configured to pass a leading portion of the suture from a near side of a tissue to a far side of the tissue. A second structure cooperates with the second needle to capture and secure the suture. Proximal movement of the apparatus after the suture is captured moves the suture from the far side of the tissue to the near side of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Scandius Biomendical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Marshall, Dennis Hubbard
  • Apparatus and method for the ligation of tissue
    Patent number: 7918865
    Abstract: A novel catheter-based system that ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter inserted into the interior of the left atrial appendage that may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature or constricting element on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set the ligature or constricting element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: SentreHEART, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Liddicoat, William E. Cohn
  • Apparatus for endoscopic repair of the lower esophageal sphincter
    Patent number: 7918864
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for adhering tissue to one another. In an embodiment of the present invention the two tissues to be joined, for example the lower esophagus and the fundus of the stomach, are first placed adjacent to one another. Next a first restraint is placed near the outside surface of one of the tissues and a second restraint is placed near the outside surface of the other tissue. An irritant is then placed between the two adjacent tissues. The restraints, and consequently the tissue surfaces, are then drawn together. As the touching irritated tissue surfaces heal they will become bonded to one another and their need for the mechanical fastening of the restraints, to secure them together, will be diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Pugsley, Jr., Barry N. Gellman
  • Expandable fastener with compressive grips
    Patent number: 7918879
    Abstract: Anchoring elements of a fastener are made elastically curved. The curvatures of the elements are resiliently straightened by a trocar for tissue insertion. As the trocar is withdrawn, the anchoring elements resume the curved configuration, laterally pressing the elements against tissue to anchor the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Eric Yeung, Teresa T. Yeung
  • Adjustable lancing devices and methods
    Patent number: 7914547
    Abstract: Lancing devices and methods of use are provided. Also provided are lancets for use with lancing devices. Certain embodiments of the lancing devices include a front end cap with an annular skin-engaging surface surrounding a piercing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Facet Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Mason Curry, John Andrew Trissel, Ray Adams Lathrop, Stephen J. Flynn, Kevin Young, Jonathan M. Wyler, Damien Vizcarra, Maiya Shur
  • Surgical knife safety handle having user operable lock
    Patent number: 7909840
    Abstract: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances. A spring, such as leaf spring or a cantilever beam, and a pair of detents or slots are provided to fix the guard in the extended or retracted position and to provide resistance during movement between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Beaver-Visitec International (US), Inc.
    Inventors: Dana M. Cote, Brian D. Rapp, Paul E. Karnafel, Xiaoyu Zhang