Patents Examined by Stephen C. Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 5702364
    Abstract: A fixed wire balloon catheter for use in angioplasty includes an elongated flexible thin walled metal tube which carries an inflatable balloon at its distal end. A metal core member of smaller outer diameter meter than the metal tube is attached to the distal end of the tube to provide support for and guiding of the balloon section. The proximal end of the balloon is connected either to the distal end of the metal tube or to an intermediate waist tube, with the core extending distally from the metal tube through the balloon. The distal end of the balloon is secured to the core. A vent arrangement is provided to purge the catheter of gases prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Richard C. Mattison, Daniel O. Adams, Thomas R. Hektner, Peter T. Keith
  • Patent number: 5637109
    Abstract: An apparatus for ablating the surface of the cornea using a laser beam to correct the refractive of an eye to be operated having a laser source for emitting a laser beam having a non-uniform intensity distribution of Gaussian distribution and the like to one direction and a uniform beam intensity in another direction, an ablation optical system for ablating the surface of the cornea by the laser beam emitted from the laser source, translational scanning device for scanning the laser beam in the direction of non-uniform intensity distribution, beam rotating device for rotating the laser beam emitted from the laser source round the optical axis in the ablation optical system, control device which controls the beam rotation by the beam rotating device whenever the laser beam is scanned in parallel by the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Sumiya
  • Patent number: 5623941
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush comprising a shank which over a portion of the length thereof is provided wish a velour finish of fibers which are attached to the shank and stand on end projecting from the surface of the shank. The invention also relates to a method in manufacturing such a brush wherein an end portion of the shank is dipped in glue and fibers then are applied to said portion by being adhered to the shank by means of an electrostatic field so as to be attached to the end portion coated with glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Nils Stormby
    Inventors: Tommy Hedberg, Jan Claren
  • Patent number: 5624432
    Abstract: An illuminated bougie in which the elongate bougie body is formed of flexible light-transmitting material. A socket for detachably attaching the light-transmitting end of a fiber optic bundle is formed in the proximal end of the bougie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Jean P. Angelchik
  • Patent number: 5613969
    Abstract: A surgical kit for performing a tibial osteotomy is provided, comprising a pair of mounting pins for attaching, an osteotomy guide in a predetermined relation to a tibia; an osteotomy guide, comprising a transverse slot, defining a transverse cutting plane, adapted to receive and guide a transverse cutting blade for making a transverse cut into the tibia, and a plurality of oblique slots angularly offset from the transverse slot, each oblique slot defining an oblique cutting plane, adapted to receive and guide an oblique cutting blade for making a selected oblique cut into the tibia, wherein the intersection of each oblique cutting plane with the transverse cutting plane defines a wedge of bone which may be removed from the tibia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph R. Jenkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5599348
    Abstract: A trocar assembly includes an elongate trocar device and a surrounding cannula. The trocar device incorporates an electrosurgical cutting element which is used to make a guide hole for the cannula and thus enables the remainder of the trocar assembly to enlarge the puncture. An electronic control circuit senses the current flow to the cutting element and, when the trocar device breaks through the wall of the organ being cut, this circuit cuts off the connection to the associated electrosurgical generator. Further control circuitry prevents a surgeon from resuming electrosurgery until a predetermined time period has elapsed. Multiple trocars of different diameters are provided for the same assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Gentelia, Frank Williams, William C. Wheatley, Ernesto G. Sevilla, Sharyn Longo, Deborah Forbey
  • Patent number: 5599351
    Abstract: Scalpel constructions are shown in which shipping of the scalpel occurs with the blade retracted, surgeon usage enables exposure of the scalpel blade from required cutting during surgery, and finally and upon completed use of the scalpel, one-way retraction of the scalpel into a "sharp-safe" blade covering disposition can occur. Thereafter, upon scalpel discard, the cutting edge of the scalpel is safely shielded and inhibited from further intentional or inadvertent cutting. A first design includes scalpel reciprocation along a handle against a detent for shipping with the blade within the handle, use with the blade exposed from the handle, and one-way retraction into the handle immediately prior to discard. A second design includes a handle folding across the scalpel body with a sleeve having a first position for covering the blade during shipping, a second position for holding the blade extended and exposed for surgery, and a third position for permanently locking about the scalpel blade after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5595569
    Abstract: The invention is a spoon-shaped device for removing ticks from pets and other hosts. The outer or leading edge of the spoon bowl has a beveled V-shaped notch of a size to permit the bowl to be passed between the tick and the skin of the host until the scoop engages the tick underneath its body on three sides. A further forward sliding motion of the notched area along the skin releases the tick entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Rick Hebbard
  • Patent number: 5593406
    Abstract: An instrument for use in endoscopic surgery is provided. The instrument has a heating element with a working surface for providing hemostasis at an auto-regulated temperature. The working surface may include a tapered edge for providing thermally-enhanced cutting and a non-stick coating for operating the instrument at low auto-regulation temperatures. A process for making the instrument is also provided. Additionally, a method of performing endoscopic surgery on a patient's internal tissue is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Hemostatic Surgery Corporation
    Inventors: Philip E. Eggers, Anthony J. Manlove
  • Patent number: 5591188
    Abstract: A surgical instrument serves to insert a trocar needle into the bone marrow of a patient for connection of a syringe, an infusion set or the like. The instrument includes a cylindrical housing containing a sliding bolt and the trocar needle configured to be forcefully shot through the bone material into the marrow by release of a compressed helical spring. The bolt holds the rear end of the needle in a releasable grip permitting the needle to be released and to remain in the bone. The helical spring is positioned in the rear of the housing and of the bolt and is held in compressed state by a catch which is releasable by pressure on a trigger. This shoots the bolt and the needle forwards, a collar in the housing stopping the bolt sharply and allowing the needle to be released from the device after its penetration and to be connected to a syringe or an infusion set for intraosseous injection, infusion or other treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Wais-Med Lmt, a subsidiary company of Teic Technion Enterpreneurial Incubator Ltd.
    Inventor: Marc Waisman
  • Patent number: 5584304
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inserting foldable IOL's into the eye are disclosed. The present methods include holding a foldable IOL with a forceps; passing the IOL through the bore of a tubular member; placing the distal end portion of the tubular member in proximity to or in the eye; causing at least a portion of the IOL to pass through the open distal end of the tubular member; and releasing the IOL from the forceps in the eye. Apparatus including tubular members and forceps, particularly useful in practicing the present methods, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Brady
  • Patent number: 5582610
    Abstract: A grooved slider forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved slider is located. The electrode support member has a grooved slider having a central opening extending therethrough for fixedly mounting the grooved slider on the conductive core of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Circon Corporation
    Inventors: Benedetto Grossi, Robert Quint
  • Patent number: 5571105
    Abstract: Apparatus for the osteosynthesis of bone fragments, in particular for the fixation of bone fractures comprises a retaining strap that wraps around the fracture or the bone in the region of the site to be treated. The retaining strap is in the form of a flat strip typically in the nature of a hose- or pipe-clamp. At one end of the retaining strap, which is intended to be that end which contacts the bone, there is provided a receiving element through which the other end of the retaining strap can be passed and fixed in position to hold the strap in place under tension when wrapped around the bone. The receiving element is mounted so that it can be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the retaining strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Ferdinand Gundolf
  • Patent number: 5569272
    Abstract: A system for linking a first member with a second member. The system is comprised of a first plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the first member. The system is also comprised of a second plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the second member. The barbs on the first member and the second member are of a shape such that a locking connection is formed between the first member and second member through the first plurality and second plurality of barbs when placed together. Each of the barbs of the first plurality and second plurality of barbs extend from the first member and second member, respectively, to a height no greater than 5 millimeters. The present invention also pertains to a micromechanical barb for linking with an object. The micrormechanical barb comprises a base. The micromechanical barb is also comprised of a support which extends from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Michael L. Reed, Lee E. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5569190
    Abstract: A hypodermic fluid dispenser and a collapsible body for the hypodermic fluid, with a hypodermic needle injecting the fluid once sufficient pressure is applied to collapse the body. There is also disclosed an electrical hypodermic fluid dispenser having a reusable, rechargeable power source, and a reservoir from which hypodermic fluid can be withdrawn for injection through a single injection orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Nicholas F. D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 5569275
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a mechanical thrombus maceration device which includes a flexible shaft adapted to be guided along a vascular path and rotated within a vascular channel; a rotor affixed to the shaft adjacent the distal end thereof for rotation therewith; drive means for rotating the shaft; and a rotor housing within which the rotor rotates. The rotor housing of this embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical wall substantially surrounding the rotor and having at least one port formed therein, the port or ports being positioned about the housing such that when a fluid (e.g. blood) is ejected through the ports within a vascular channel, the housing will tend to deflect toward one side of the vascular channel to permit the device to be steered during deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Microvena Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Kotula, Timothy Claude
  • Patent number: 5569298
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has a hollow elongated shaft for insertion into the body, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and supporting a pair of interacting pivotable jaws on its distal end and being connected at its proximal end to a first movable component of an operating handle, with a reciprocable rod located within the shaft. The rod is connected to a second movable component of the handle for reciprocation within the shaft when the first and second components are moved relative to each other. The jaws are pivotally connected by a pivot pin supported on the shaft transversely to the axis. Each of the jaws has a proximal end extending proximally from the pivot pin. Each of the proximal ends is provided with an elongated opening therethrough, each the openings forming an elongated slot oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The reciprocable rod has a distal end extending into each slot whereby reciprocation of the rod causes the jaws to open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: William J. Schnell
  • Patent number: 5562687
    Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a proximal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, distal to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g., arthroscopic surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Mitek Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 5562619
    Abstract: For achieving, e.g., an improved electrophysiology catheter for examination of the heart, or a catheter accessing the brain, the invention, in one aspect, features an elongated wound wire coil extending through the hollow catheter body of a steerable catheter, the coil constructed and arranged to enable the catheter body to withstand reactive compressive load without distortion during application of tension on the pull wire and to transmit torque from the proximal to the distal tip portion of the catheter to enhance fidelity of rotational positioning of the distal tip in response to rotational orientation of the proximal portion of the catheter. The coil is shown in frictional torque-transmitting relationship with the interior of the hollow shaft substantially along the common length of the catheter body when the catheter is bent. Steerable catheters with augmented throw for one-handed operation and important improvements in construction features are also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Mirarchi, Josef V. Koblish, Kulbir S. Hunjan, Craig R. Kline, Thomas H. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5556416
    Abstract: The improved endoscopic instrument of the present invention includes handles, a shaft and an end effectors. The handle is capable of adjustment to accommodate variations in hand size, and grip style. The handle is also adjustable relative to the shaft for use in a variety of medical procedures. In addition, the control linkages for the end effector of the improved endoscopic instrument of the present invention do not directly contact the patient thereby enabling the instrument to be easily cleaned, sterilized and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Valleylab, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Clark, Steven K. Heisel, Arlen L. Johnson, Chris Robinson, Mark K. Dana