Patents by Inventor Albert K. Chin

Albert K. Chin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Reversible Vascular Filter Devices and Methods for Using Same
    Publication number: 20110152918
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vascular filter device for capturing dislodged blood clots within a vessel. The vascular filter device includes an expandable framework for securing the device within a vessel. The device also a pathway extending through the framework. The device further includes at least one filter in alignment with the pathway for capturing dislodged clots or emboli. In an embodiment, the filter can be given form by a material that can be easily eliminated in situ to permit reestablishment of the pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Albert K. Chin
  • Reversible Vascular Filter Devices and Methods for Using Same
    Publication number: 20110152919
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vascular filter device for capturing dislodged blood clots within a vessel. The vascular filter device includes an expandable framework for securing the device within a vessel. The device also includes a pathway extending through the framework. The device further includes at least one filter in alignment with the pathway for capturing dislodged clots or emboli. In an embodiment, the filter can be given form by a material that can be easily eliminated in situ to permit reestablishment of the pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Albert K. Chin
  • Temporary anastomotic seal and method
    Patent number: 7947062
    Abstract: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. The retainer facilitates removal of the sealing element from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, Dwight Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Steven B. Choi, Eugene Reis, John W. Davis, Geoffrey H. Willis, Edward A. Pineda, Kushal P. Vepa
  • Tissue dissector apparatus
    Patent number: 7938842
    Abstract: Surgical apparatus and method includes a cannula that houses an endoscope and supports a dilating element near a distal end of the cannula. The dilating element has a dimension which is greater than the diameter of the cannula for enlarging a surgical cavity in tissue as the cannula is advanced through tissue at a surgical site to provide working space adjacent a target vessel within which surgical instruments may be conveniently manipulated. The dilating element of oval sided shape permits surrounding tissue to be pushed away or otherwise displaced away from the target vessel atraumatically. A locking mechanism is disposed on the cannula, which accepts a succession of mating dilating elements of progressively larger dimensions for successive insertion and enlargement of a surgical cavity as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventor: Albert K. Chin
  • Aneurysm sensing devices and delivery systems
    Patent number: 7918800
    Abstract: A system for gaining access to an interventional site within vasculature through a vessel wall or other structure such as that of a medical device. An apparatus is provided to accomplish a sealed worksite as are sensor delivery systems including sealable sensor devices that are adapted to be placed at the interventional site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Brown, Albert K. Chin, Arnold M. Escano, Gregory W. Fung, Rasean L. Hamilton, Juan I. Perez, Richard Rapoza, Shuji Uemura, Michael F. Wei, Arlene S. Yang
  • Instrument and method for remotely manipulating a tissue structure
    Patent number: 7867163
    Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, John P. Lunsford, Tenny Chang, Jeffrey W. Baxter
  • Organ Manipulator Having Suction Member Supported with Freedom to Move Relative to Its Support
    Publication number: 20100280324
    Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disk mounted to a joint providing freedom of movement of the at least one suction member or adhesive disk relative to its support. A method for retracting and maintaining an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Peng, Larry Voss, David E. Hancock, Grace A. Carlson, John W. Davis, Albert K. Chin, Jaime S. Vargas
  • Organ manipulator having suction member supported with freedom to move relative to its support
    Patent number: 7766817
    Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a joint providing freedom of movement of the at least one suction member or adhesive disk relative to its support. A method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Steven Peng, Larry Voss, David E. Hancock, Grace A. Carlson, John W. Davis, Albert K. Chin, Jaime S. Vargas
  • Endoscopic inflatable retraction device, method of using, and method of making
    Patent number: 7766823
    Abstract: A method of providing access to tissue for a surgical instrument through a body wall is provided. The method includes providing an expandable retractor having a flexible sheath, the retractor being in a collapsed state; introducing the retractor into the body and placing the retractor adjacent the tissue; expanding the retractor; deploying the flexible sheath by engaging the flexible sheath with a tool and driving the flexible sheath through the body wall with the tool; and inserting the surgical instrument from outside the body through the flexible sheath to provide access to the tissue by the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Charles Gresl, Jr., Albert K. Chin, Philip K. Hopper
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING A VESSEL
    Publication number: 20100191043
    Abstract: A method of harvesting a target vessel includes creating a first incision, inserting a light source into a vessel through the first incision, the vessel located next to the target vessel, using the light source to illuminate a portion of the vessel, locating the target vessel from outside the vessel using the illuminated portion of the vessel, and dissecting at least a portion of the target vessel from surrounding tissue. A method that involves a target vessel includes inserting a light source into a vessel that is located next to the target vessel, providing light inside the vessel using the light source, and using light transmitted through a wall of the vessel to illuminate the target vessel or tissue next to the target vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventor: Albert K. Chin
  • ENDOSCOPIC INFLATABLE RETRACTION DEVICE, METHOD OF USING, AND METHOD OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20100174149
    Abstract: A method of providing access to tissue for a surgical instrument through a body wall is provided. The method includes providing an expandable retractor having a flexible sheath, the retractor being in a collapsed state; introducing the retractor into the body and placing the retractor adjacent the tissue; expanding the retractor; deploying the flexible sheath by engaging the flexible sheath with a tool and driving the flexible sheath through the body wall with the tool; and inserting the surgical instrument from outside the body through the flexible sheath to provide access to the tissue by the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Charles Gresl, JR., Albert K. Chin, Philip K. Hopper
  • Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue
    Patent number: 7744617
    Abstract: An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: John P. Lunsford, Charles Gresl, Jeffrey A. Smith, Daniel T. Wallace, Albert K. Chin
  • EPICARDIAL CLIP
    Publication number: 20100004504
    Abstract: An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart. The epicardial clip includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: PETER TACHI CALLAS, PIERLUCA LOMBARDI, MICHAEL C. STEWART, LIMING LAU, MARK S. JURAVIC, EVAN ANDERSON, JOE LAMBERTI, ALBERT K. CHIN, TAMMY WANG
  • Apparatus and method for endoscopic encirclement of pulmonary veins for epicardial ablation
    Patent number: 7597698
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and procedures promote placement of a tissue-ablating probe surrounding the left and right pulmonary veins within the intrapericardial space of a patient's heart via access through a subxiphoid or subcostal entry incision. An opening is formed in the pericardium near the apex region of the heart to facilitate formation of openings through three pericardial reflections by which a tissue-ablating probe is positioned around the pulmonary veins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventor: Albert K. Chin
  • Devices, Tools and Methods for Atrial Appendage Exclusion
    Publication number: 20090209986
    Abstract: Devices, tools and methods for occluding fluid flow between two walls of tissue in a patient. Two walls of tissue are compressed together with sufficient compressive force to prevent fluid flow between the two walls, while ensuring that the compressive force is not so great as to cause tissue necrosis. The devices, tools and methods may be carried out using minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as in reduced-access surgical sites. Devices, tools and methods are provided for occluding an atrial appendix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Stewart, Mark Juravic, Albert K. Chin
  • METHOD AND INFLATABLE CHAMBER APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LAYERS OF TISSUE
    Publication number: 20090182368
    Abstract: An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Covidien AG
    Inventors: John P. Lunsford, Charles Gresl, Jeffrey A. Smith, Daniel T. Wallace, Albert K. Chin
  • ENDOSCOPE INSTRUMENTS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLOSED CHEST EPICARDIAL ABLATION
    Publication number: 20090177035
    Abstract: Endoscopic surgical instruments, lens elements and methods of treating or ablating tissue such as epicardial surfaces of cardiac tissue. An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft, a lens attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a coupling element extending from or attached to the lens. The distal end of the lens can protrude through the coupling element so that an ablation element, such as a flexible microwave ablation element, held by the coupling element is in the line of sight of the lens. Embodiments can be used to selectively ablate epicardial surfaces to treat atrial fibrillation and form more complete lesions around pulmonary veins without severing or penetrating a pericardial reflection near the superior vena cava.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Albert K. CHIN
  • Temporary seal and method for facilitating anastomosis
    Patent number: 7544203
    Abstract: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting a fluid-impervious sealing element with a lateral flange and central stem into the vessel through the puncture. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the central stem of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. A removal instrument attaches to the central stem and retrieves the sealing element that disassembles in helical disassociation of the flange and stem into a continuous strand that is withdrawn from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K Chin, Dwight Morejohn, Charles S Taylor
  • Instrument And Method For Remotely Manipulating A Tissue Structure
    Publication number: 20090131747
    Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, John P. Lunsford, Tenny Chang, Jeffrey W. Baxter
  • Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery
    Publication number: 20090131907
    Abstract: Apparatus and surgical methods establish temporary suction attachment to a target site on the surface of a bodily organ for enhancing accurate placement of a surgical instrument maintained in alignment with the suction attachment. A suction port on the distal end of a supporting cannula provides suction attachment to facilitate accurate positioning of a needle for injection penetration of tissue at the target site on the moving surface of a beating heart. Force applied via the suction attachment to the surface of the heart promotes perpendicular orientation of the surface of the myocardium for enhanced accuracy of placement of a surgical instrument thereon. A hollow needle and a supporting channel therefor, each include a slot along an outer wall between ends thereof, are selectably rotatable to align the slots for releasing a cardiac lead from within the needle through the aligned slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, Patrick J. Massetti