Patents Examined by Wynn Wood Coggins
  • Patent number: 6488665
    Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial skin-preparation delivery systems useable to disinfect a surgical site for surgery. The delivery systems include an antimicrobial alcohol gel formulation contained within a sealed, flexible container and a gel formulation dispenser connected to the container. The gel formulation dispenser includes a container connector connected to the flexible container and a gel applicator having a sealed piercing member which is slidably engaged with the container connector. An applicator pad is porous and also has enlarged holes for passage of the gel formulation. The gel formulation dispenser pierces a seal in the container and delivers the antimicrobial alcohol gel formulation from the container to the surgical site. Flow rate of the gel formulation is largely controlled by the amount of external pressure of squeezing a user applied to the flexible container. The antimicrobial skin-preparation formula includes iodine, alcohol and gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Jane E. Severin, David K. Jeng, Bruce H. Wilson, David A. Childers
  • Patent number: 6287271
    Abstract: The present invention describes a catheter suitable for introduction into a tubular tissue for dissolving blockages in such tissue. The catheter is particularly useful for removing thrombi within blood vessels. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, a combination of vibrating motion and injection of a lysing agent is utilized to break up blockages in vessels. The vessels may be veins, arteries, ducts, intestines, or any lumen within the body that may become blocked from the material that flows through it. As a particular example, dissolution of vascular thrombi is facilitated by advancing a catheter through the occluded vessel, the catheter causing a vibrating, stirring action in and around the thrombus usually in combination with the dispensing of a thrombolytic agent such as urokinase into the thrombus. The catheter has an inflatable or expandable member near the distal tip which, when inflated or expanded, prevents the passage of dislodged thrombus around the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Bacchus Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Will R. Dubrul, Michael A. Evans
  • Patent number: 6280422
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a patient having a surgically created stoma in the stomach. The apparatus enables feeding liquids of varying viscosities without a suction pump. The simplified, replaceable feeding bottle design makes the apparatus useable by hospital personnel and by patients at home. A decorative cover provides additional privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Maria Sanchez-Browning
  • Patent number: 6258079
    Abstract: A body lumen access system comprises a distal access cannula and a proximal access cannula. The distal access cannula is attached to or within the body lumen and the proximal access cannula is attached to an implantable port or is transcutaneously positioned and attached to a luer or other external connector. The distal and proximal access cannulas are usually implanted separately, cut to length, and attached at a subcutaneous junction location. Preferably, the proximal access cannula has a larger lumen diameter than that of the distal access cannula in order to reduce flow resistance within the cannula system. In some cases the distal and proximal access cannulas may be formed integrally. Replacement of a proximal portion or distal end may be performed by accessing the cannula, removing either the proximal portion or distal end, and reattaching a replacement portion of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Vasca, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Charles D. Finch, Gerald Beathard, George W. Buffaloe
  • Patent number: 6245044
    Abstract: An epidural needle has an elongate tube defining a longitudinal axis having a proximal end, a distal end and an axial hollow bore having an inside diameter therethrough. The needle has a hub with a proximal end, a distal end and an open passageway having an inside diameter substantially similar to the hollow bore therethrough, the distal end of the hub being fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate tube so that the hollow bore of the elongate tube is in fluid communication and substantial axial alignment with the open passageway. The hub further has a cavity disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the hub. There is a resilient member with an opening therethrough that has an inner diameter substantially similar to the inside diameter of the hollow bore disposed in the cavity so that the opening is substantially axially aligned and in fluid communication with the open passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Sean P. Daw, Ronald W. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6231563
    Abstract: An intraluminal catheter for directing a guidewire and/or catheter in a desired direction within a bodily vessel or cavity. The intraluminal catheter has a first elongate tubular member and a support means which can comprise a second elongate tubular member that can pass over a main support guidewire. The catheter acts as a platform as the guidewire is passed through the first elongate tubular member and is deflected transversely outwardly by an angled surface through an aperture. A second intraluminal catheter has a first elongate tubular member and a support means comprising a second elongate tubular member. The first elongate tubular member has a main portion and an end portion, with the end portion being deflectable relative to the locus of the main portion so as to direct the guidewire passing through the end portion in a desired direction in the bodily vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. White, Weiyun Yu, Mark Dehdashtian
  • Patent number: 6224585
    Abstract: A catheter system comprising a catheter including a tip having a distal opening, a first opening, and a guide wire lumen extending from the distal opening to the first opening provided on a surface of the catheter, and a guide wire having a length substantially smaller than a length dimension of the catheter. The catheter system in accordance with the present invention may include a sensor lumen and a pressure lumen. The sensor lumen terminates at the first opening and includes an optically transparent closure and the pressure lumen includes a second opening. In the preferred embodiment, the first opening and the second opening are positioned on the catheter at substantially same axial distance from the distal opening and further includes a perforation that allows fluidic communication between the pressure lumen and the first opening. The catheter system may also comprise a pressure hose, at least one optical fiber and a thermal sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Pulsion Medical Systems AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6221047
    Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter assembly and method for use with a needle is comprised of the following. A catheter hub has an axial bore extending through the catheter hub. A needle cover has a first end of the needle cover insertable in the axial bore and a second axial bore extending through the needle cover and co-axial with the axial bore. A continuous circumferential notch extends outwardly in the axial bore of the catheter hub. A notch clip is joined with the needle cover and is positionable to engage the notch of the catheter hub. The notch clip can engage a side of the needle and the notch and locks the catheter hub in engagement with the needle cover when the needle cover is inserted in the axial bore and the needle is inserted in the second axial bore at least adjacent or past a distal portion of the notch clip. Further, the notch clip is maintained adjacent the needle in a range of positions from being in non-forceful contact with the needle to being spaced from the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Albany Medical College
    Inventors: Elliott Stephen Greene, Jason Andrew Greene
  • Patent number: 6221064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube coupling device for connecting a tubular rigid stem to a flexible catheter tube which is adapted to be arranged around said tubular rigid stem, the flexible catheter tube having a proximal free end, the tube coupling device having a main axis, a wall, at least an inner lumen extending along said main axis, through the wall, and two opposite radially non-deformable distal and proximal free ends, said inner lumen axially widening out towards the proximal free end of the tube coupling device, so that the proximal free end of the flexible catheter tube radially expands in the widening when arranged around the tubular rigid stem, said widening being delimited, along the main axis, at a first end, by the proximal free end of the tube coupling device, and, at a second opposite end by an internal annular flange extending from the wall of the tube coupling device, at a location along the main axis which is intermediate between the proximal and the distal free ends of the tube coupling d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Guy Nadal
  • 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: 6210364
    Abstract: Balloons and balloon catheters with superior overall combination of distensibility, elastic stress response and strength. The improved properties of a balloons result from the method or process used to form the balloons, as well as the polymeric materials used in said balloon forming process. Additionally, the enhanced combination of properties of the balloons will not be adversely affected by the novel sterilization process contemplated by this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jere R. Anderson, Louis J. Jandris, Michael D. Barbere, Richard T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6206847
    Abstract: A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a non-conductive sleeve having a RF electrode lumen and an optional a fluid supply lumen and a temperature sensor lumen therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medicament liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Vidamed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart D. Edwards, Hugh R. Sharkey, Ingemar H. Lundquist, Ronald G. Lax, James Allen Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6203517
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an instrument having an operative zone defined thereon for physical engagement with a patient's body tissue. The instrument has a foraminous outer shell disposed in the operative zone. The foraminous outer shell has a multitude of relatively uniformly dispersed, small perforations defined therein. The instrument has a fluid supply channel communicated with the perforations for diffusing a flushing fluid out of the perforations throughout the operative zone so that adhesion of tissue to the operative zone of the instrument is reduced. The flushing fluid preferably includes a cytotoxic solution and/or an anti-adhesive solution. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer surface of the instrument may be permanently coated with a cytotoxic material and/or an anti-adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: John I. Shipp, Morris E. Franklin, Jr., Richard H. Klein
  • Patent number: 6203536
    Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic material is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous material; and a water-insoluble salt of a therapeutic material dispersed in the porous material. The water-insoluble salt is formed by contacting an aqueous solution of a therapeutic salt with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The heavy metal water-soluble salt can be dispersed in the porous material so that the device can be sterilized and the therapeutic material can be loaded in the device in situ, for example, just prior to use. The therapeutic material is preferably a heparin or heparin derivative or analog which renders the material antithrombotic as an implantable or invasive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Berg, Thomas Q. Dinh
  • Patent number: 6190371
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a multi-lumen working catheter having a first distal working orifice and a second distal working orifice. The catheter system further includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. Also, the catheter system includes a locking mechanism which locks the working catheter relative to the guide catheter in (i) an operative position, and (ii) a stowed position. When the working catheter is locked in the operative position, (i) the working catheter extends through the guide lumen of the guide catheter and out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter, and (ii) the first distal working orifice and the second distal working orifice are each positioned outside of the guide catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Maginot Vascular Systems
    Inventors: Paul J. Maginot, Thomas J. Maginot
  • Patent number: 6186986
    Abstract: A micro-catheter including an inner primary liner and a plurality of concatenated tubes is provided. The primary liner extends substantially from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter. Each of the tubes has a respective inner surface that is fused to the outer surface of the primary liner. For each and every pair of tubes, the outer diameter of the more proximally located tube is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the more distally located tube. Each of the tubes may have different physical properties and dimensions for making customized micro-catheter profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Cardiovascular Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Allen Berg, Jon Patrick St. Germain
  • Patent number: 6183463
    Abstract: A bidirectional steerable catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section and a control handle. The catheter body has a tubular wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tip section comprises flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The control handle is mounted at its distal end to the proximal end of the catheter body. The control handle comprises a housing having proximal and distal ends. A distal piston is mounted in the distal end of the housing and fixedly attached to the proximal end of the catheter body. The distal piston is slidably movable relative to the housing. First and second proximal pistons are mounted in the housing proximal to the distal piston. Each of the proximal pistons is slidably movable relative between proximal and distal positions to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cordis Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilton W. Webster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6179815
    Abstract: A system for selectively inflating and deflating a balloon of a dilation balloon catheter. The system includes an inflation syringe that generates a positive pressure for inflating the balloon and a vacuum source that generates a negative pressure for deflating the balloon. A valve is used to selectively establish fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The valve may be a manually operable device for alternatingly and selectively applying the positive and negative pressures to the catheter. Alternatively, the valve includes a port in a wall of the barrel of the inflation syringe. The port is obstructed when the plunger of the inflation syringe is advanced beyond a specified point in the barrel. An obstructed port isolates the negative pressure of the vacuum source from the catheter, while an opened port establishes fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The system may be used to position a stent in a treated artery of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrold Foote
  • Patent number: 6176845
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Science Incorporated
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Steven M. Arnold, James Garrison, Farhad Kazemzadeh, William F. Kuester, III, Rolf Hogan
  • Patent number: 6176822
    Abstract: A blood pump comprises a drive portion (11) and a pump portion (12) prolongated by a flexible hose (13). Pressure sensors (60, 61) determine the differential pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the pump. The volume flow can be determined from the differential pressure in conjunction with the rotational speed. Further, the differential pressure may be used to find the correct position of the pump in the heart. As an alternative to measuring the differential pressure, the motor current consumed by the motor (21) is measured and the volume flow of the pump is calculated therefrom under consideration of the known rotational speed. The signal from the pressure measuring device or the motor current may be used to establish the correct position of the pump in the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Impella Cardiotechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Nix, Thorsten Siess