Patents by Inventor Blair D. Walker
Blair D. Walker 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: 9770225Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes an ultrasound transducer and a pressure sensor both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Masood Ahmed, Edward Anthony Oliver, Joseph Puleo, Christopher Dee Ingman, Blair D. Walker
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Patent number: 9717472Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes an ultrasound transducer and a pressure sensor both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Masood Ahmed, Edward Anthony Oliver, Joseph Puleo, Christopher Dee Ingman, Blair D. Walker
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Patent number: 9358014Abstract: A liquid embolic delivery system is provided for trapping an injected liquid embolic composition to prevent the liquid embolic from solidifying or otherwise passing outside of an embolization area. The delivery system includes a catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition and a containment member positioned at a distal end of the catheter which is shaped to trap the liquid embolic composition delivered through the lumen of the catheter. The containment member is formed as a brush, nest, sponge, swab, flexible sack, or other shape into and around which the liquid embolic composition is injected. The liquid embolic composition is trapped or meshes with the containment member during solidification containing the liquid embolic and preventing the embolic composition from passing into the blood stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Blair D. Walker, John Perl, II, Michael Jones, George Robert Greene, George Wallace, Richard J. Greff
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Patent number: 9259349Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.Inventors: Blair D. Walker, Scott M. Evans, David P. Balding, Peter Barker
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Publication number: 20160022955Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Blair D. Walker, Scott M. Evans, David P. Balding, Peter Barker
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Patent number: 8888729Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
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Patent number: 8870819Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.Inventors: Blair D. Walker, Scott M. Evans, David P. Balding, Peter Barker
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Patent number: 8840560Abstract: A hand-operated intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter is described for flexed and rotational steering is described for improved catheter operation, control and less trauma on patients. The disclosed catheter assembly includes ultrasound transducers mounted upon a rotatable tip mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate shaft. A set of steering lines are controlled by a steering actuator to articulate bidirectionally a distal segment of the catheter. Another steering actuator controls rotation of a torque member that, in turn is coupled to the rotatable tip. A user, through the steering actuators, affects repositioning the ultrasonic transducers by repositioning exposed control surfaces of the steering actuators lengthwise along the housing of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Norman Hugh Hossack, Richard Scott Huennekens, Rovil Rae Pascual Arcia, Ernest W. Heflin, Stephen C. Davies, Richard Klosinski, Blair D. Walker, Chak M. Leung
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Patent number: 8753302Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
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Publication number: 20140155863Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.Inventors: Blair D. Walker, Scott M. Evans, David P. Balding, Peter Barker
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Patent number: 8627823Abstract: The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Timothy Kevin Glynn, Ernest W. Heflin, Norman Hugh Hossack, Julie Ann Riolo, Blair D. Walker
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Publication number: 20130296985Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
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Publication number: 20130274609Abstract: The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Timothy Kevin Glynn, Ernest W. Heflin, Norman Hugh Hossack, Julie Ann Riolo, Blair D. Walker
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Patent number: 8459266Abstract: The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Timothy K. Glynn, Ernest W. Heflin, Norman H. Hossack, Julie A. Riolo, Blair D. Walker
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Patent number: 8454649Abstract: A liquid embolic delivery system is provided for trapping an injected liquid embolic composition to prevent the liquid embolic from solidifying or otherwise passing outside of an embolization area. The delivery system includes a catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition and a containment member positioned at a distal end of the catheter which is shaped to trap the liquid embolic composition delivered through the lumen of the catheter. The containment member is formed as a brush, nest, sponge, swab, flexible sack, or other shape into and around which the liquid embolic composition is injected. The liquid embolic composition is trapped or meshes with the containment member during solidification containing the liquid embolic and preventing the embolic composition from passing into the blood stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Blair D. Walker, John Perl, II, Michael Jones, George Robert Greene, George Wallace, Richard J. Greff
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Patent number: 8403876Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
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Patent number: 8313461Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop iii which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.Inventors: Blair D. Walker, Scott M. Evans, David P. Baiding, Peter Barker
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Patent number: 8298147Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for creating, in a coordinated manner, graphical images of a body including vascular features from a combination of image data sources. The method includes initially creating an angiographic image of a vessel segment. The angiographic image is, for example, either a two or three dimensional image representation. Next, a vessel image data set is acquired that is distinct from the angiographic image data. The vessel image data set comprises information acquired at a series of positions along the vessel segment. An example of such vessel image data is a set of intravascular ultrasound frames corresponding to circumferential cross-section slices taken at various positions along the vessel segment. The angiographic image and the vessel image data set are correlated by comparing a characteristic rendered independently from both the angiographic image and the vessel image data at positions along the vessel segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Richard Scott Huennekens, Vincent J. Burgess, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Blair D. Walker, Jon D. Klingensmith, Nancy Perry Pool, Randall Kent Hanson
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Patent number: RE45534Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Richard Scott Huennekens, Stephen M. Fry, Blair D. Walker, Jon D. Klingensmith, Nancy Perry Pool, Vincent J. Burgess, William R. Kanz
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Patent number: RE46562Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: R. Scott Huennekens, Stephen M. Fry, Blair D. Walker, Jon D. Klingensmith, Nancy Perry Pool, Vincent J. Burgess, William R. Kanz