Patents by Inventor Anthony C. Vrba

Anthony C. Vrba 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).

  • Patent number: 9375234
    Abstract: A medical device, such as a guidewire, catheter, or the like, that includes an elongated tubular member that includes a plurality of angled slots defined in at least a distal section thereof. The plurality of angled slots can form a generally spiral shaped pattern about the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and can be useful, for example, in aiding a user of the device in crossing an occlusion in a vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal section of the tubular member may have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of a proximal section of the tubular member. In some embodiments, a proximal section of the tubular member may include a plurality of slots defined therein, for example, that may be configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 9320525
    Abstract: A device for occluding a target body lumen, comprises a wire structure defining a wire structure lumen extending therethrough and movable between a reduced diameter insertion configuration and an expanded diameter deployed configuration and a basket structure extending across the wire structure lumen and including therein a cell growth promoting agent to promote cell growth across the wire structure lumen to occlude the target body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Khieu, Daniel James Horn, Anthony C. Vrba, John Blix, Kent Harrison, Timothy J. Ley
  • Patent number: 8880185
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide for intravascular or extravascular delivery of renal denervation therapy and/or renal control stimulation therapy. Wireless vascular thermal transfer apparatuses and methods provide for one or both of production of current densities sufficient to ablate renal nerves and terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, and production of current densities sufficient to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation of the renal artery bed. A common apparatus may be used for both renal ablation and control of renal function locally after renal denervation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. Hastings, Anthony C. Vrba, Clara Davis
  • Patent number: 8758422
    Abstract: A stent deployment device is provided with a tapered balloon wrap to protect the edge of a crimped stent during stent deployment. The balloon is wrapped unevenly so that the distal end is looser and has a wider circumference than the proximal end of the balloon. With a stent crimped upon such a balloon, the distal balloon end billows out and covers the distal edge of the stent. This shielding billow prevents the stent edge from becoming damaged or causing harm if the stent is distally impacted while traversing body vessels on the way to the deployment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Vrba
  • Publication number: 20140039532
    Abstract: An medical device, such as a guidewire, catheter, or the like, that includes an elongated tubular member that includes a plurality of angled slots defined in at least a distal section thereof. The plurality of angled slots can form a generally spiral shaped pattern about the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and can be useful, for example, in aiding a user of the device in crossing an occlusion in a vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal section of the tubular member may have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of a proximal section of the tubular member. In some embodiments, a proximal section of the tubular member may include a plurality of slots defined therein, for example, that may be configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: ANTHONY C. VRBA
  • Publication number: 20130274735
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide for intravascular or extravascular delivery of renal denervation therapy and/or renal control stimulation therapy. Wireless vascular thermal transfer apparatuses and methods provide for one or both of production of current densities sufficient to ablate renal nerves and terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, and production of current densities sufficient to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation of the renal artery bed. A common apparatus may be used for both renal ablation and control of renal function locally after renal denervation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: ROGER N. HASTINGS, ANTHONY C. VRBA, CLARA DAVIS
  • Patent number: 8556914
    Abstract: A medical device, such as a guidewire, catheter, or the like, that includes an elongated tubular member that includes a plurality of angled slots defined in at least a distal section thereof. The plurality of angled slots can form a generally spiral shaped pattern about the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and can be useful, for example, in aiding a user of the device in crossing an occlusion in a vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal section of the tubular member may have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of a proximal section of the tubular member. In some embodiments, a proximal section of the tubular member may include a plurality of slots defined therein, for example, that may be configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 8377109
    Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Vrba, Lance A. Monroe, Scott R. Smith, David J. Sogard
  • Patent number: 8287564
    Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Anthony C. Vrba, Brian J. Lowe, Thomas E. Broome, Dennis A. Boismier
  • Patent number: 8221491
    Abstract: A new multiple component stent arrangement which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Burmeister, Charles L. Euteneuer, Brian J. Brown, Paul J. Fordenbacher, Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 8162974
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a defective occlusion. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of an occlusion device having occluder pads. The distance between the occluder pads can be adjusted so as to compress tissue between the occluder pads to anchor the occlusion device to the tissue and to block the defective occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Eskuri, Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 8152832
    Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Thomas E. Broome, Robert L. Cassell, John M. K. Daniel, Alan D. Eskuri, James G. Hansen, Gary R. Kostur, Douglas B. Molland, Scott R. Smith, Jeffrey H. Vogel, Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 8083689
    Abstract: A guidewire having a proximal section, a distal section, and a transition section is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the proximal section may be formed of a relatively stiff, inelastic material, whereas the distal section may be formed of a relatively flexible, elastic material having super-elastic properties. A coupling member may be placed adjacent to the transition section to secure the proximal and distal sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Vrba
  • Publication number: 20110301635
    Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Anthony C. Vrba, Brian J. Lowe, Thomas E. Broome, Dennis A. Boismier
  • Patent number: 8007510
    Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Anthony C. Vrba, Brian J. Lowe, Thomas E. Broome, Dennis A. Boismier
  • Publication number: 20100331955
    Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant maybe applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Vrba, Lance A. Monroe, Scott R. Smith, David J. Sogard
  • Patent number: 7824345
    Abstract: A medical device with improved flexibility characteristics and methods of using the same. The medical device may include a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate region. In at least some embodiments, the column strength or flexibility of the intermediate portion is generally greater than the column strength or flexibility at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Anthony C. Vrba
  • Patent number: 7794488
    Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Vrba, Lance A. Monroe, Scott R. Smith, David J. Sogard
  • Publication number: 20100217305
    Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Anthony C. Vrba, Brian J. Lowe, Thomas E. Broome, Dennis A. Boismier
  • Patent number: 7740644
    Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel R. Beulke, Anthony C. Vrba, Brian J. Lowe, Thomas E. Broome, Dennis A. Boismier