Patents by Inventor Allan R. Will
Allan R. Will 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).
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Patent number: 6656214Abstract: A tubular prosthesis is implanted at a target location within a body lumen by transluminally placing and embedding an expansible prosthesis body within a sealing layer. The sealing layer occludes at least a circumferential band within an interface region between the prosthesis body and the inner wall of the body lumen, thus providing for blockage of body lumen flow past the prosthesis. The sealing layer may be introduced prior to or simultaneously with the prosthesis body. A tubular prosthesis may be implanted in blood vessels, particularly to protect aneurysms.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Jay A. Lenker, Brian J. Cox, Allan R. Will, Kirsten Freislinger
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Publication number: 20030195614Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6576009Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6527787Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Publication number: 20030014069Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Publication number: 20020169495Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, Ivan Sepetka, Mark E. Deem, Allan R. Will, Martin S. Dieck, Sunmi Chew
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Publication number: 20020156521Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2000Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6451035Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6383171Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, Ivan Sepetka, Mark E. Deem, Allan R. Will, Martin S. Dieck, Sunmi Chew
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Patent number: 6203568Abstract: The present invention provides an endoluminal prosthesis for deployment in a body lumen of a patient body, the prosthesis comprising a tubular fabric liner and a radially expandable frame supporting the liner. A plurality of imagable bodies are attached to the liner, the imagable bodies providing a sharp contrast so as to define a pattern which indicates the prosthesis position when the prosthesis is imaged within the patient body. Preferably, each imagable body comprises a plate having first and second opposed major surfaces and a passage therebetween to facilitate stitching the imagable body to the liner. Advantageously, the imagable bodies can be aligned with the openings of a perforate frame structure so that at least some of the imagable bodies are visible through associated openings, but need not actually be attached to the frame directly.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sylvie Lombardi, Steven W. Kim, Darin C. Gittings, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6097978Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for measuring and/or marking the internal features of a patient body when those features are viewed under fluoroscopy or another medical imaging modality. Although suitable for the physiological measurement of many body lumens, including the intestines, the urethra, and the like, the present invention will find its most immediate use in the measurement of vascular lesions, particularly vascular aneurysms adjacent the aortoiliac junction and other bifurcations. The positions and bend angles of such branching body lumens can be accurately mapped on a panel which remains outside the patient body. By imaging the patient through the panel, and by providing markings on the panel which give a bright contrast when imaged, the panel provides a guide that highlights the length, position, and geometry of the luminal lesion.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Medtronic Inc.Inventors: Denise M. Demarais, Michael A. Evans, Glen R. Davis, Sascha K. Zarins, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6068639Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5899913Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5876413Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins or other elongate structures from the body are disclosed. The disclosed methods and devices allow vein harvesting using endoscopic procedures. A working space is created over a vein using standard endoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5853417Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5824042Abstract: The present invention provides an endoluminal prosthesis for deployment in a body lumen of a patient body, the prosthesis comprising a tubular fabric liner and a radially expandable frame supporting the liner. A plurality of imagable bodies are attached to the liner, the imagable bodies providing a sharp contrast so as to define a pattern which indicates the prosthesis position when the prosthesis is imaged within the patient body. Preferably, each imagable body comprises a plate having first and second opposed major surfaces and a passage therebetween to facilitate stitching the imagable body to the liner. Advantageously, the imagable bodies can be aligned with the openings of a perforate frame structure so that at least some of the imagable bodies are visible through associated openings, but need not actually be attached to the frame directly.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sylvie Lombardi, Steven W. Kim, Darin C. Gittings, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5769882Abstract: A tubular prosthesis is implanted at a target location within a body lumen by transluminally placing and embedding an expansible prosthesis body within a sealing layer. The sealing layer occludes at least a circumferential band within an interface region between the prosthesis body and the inner wall of the body lumen, thus providing for blockage of body lumen flow past the prosthesis. The sealing layer may be introduced prior to or simultaneously with the prosthesis body. A tubular prosthesis may be implanted in blood vessels, particularly to protect aneurysms.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Jay A. Lenker, Brian J. Cox, Allan R. Will, Kirsten Freislinger
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Patent number: 5730748Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 5601581Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using endoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard endoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will