Patents by Inventor Bryan Rolfes

Bryan Rolfes 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: 8933416
    Abstract: A device includes a sheath having a lumen defined by a wall. The wall has an outer surface that is configured to emit ultraviolet light in a direction substantially normal to the wall. The lumen has a distal end configured for percutaneous placement. The lumen has a proximal end configured to receive a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Joseph E. Hale, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Bryan Rolfes
  • Patent number: 8435261
    Abstract: Devices, methods and kits which, when installed or used, access, aspire, dilate, insufflate, drain or deliver fluid medicaments to, or place a patency device within a sinus area, such as a maxillary sinus or a maxillary sinus ostium. The device can include a hollow catheter and probe, and can be configured to permit gradual and incremental probe extension. The device can be constructed to enhance the precision and maneuverability within the nasal and sinus passageways, while also accommodating the natural anatomical geometry of a targeted paranasal treatment site. For example, the present treatment and placement device can accomplish access to the maxillary sinus ostium by utilizing an uncinate process to guide a probe tip into the ostium in a retrograde manner. The probe can be slidably, bi-directionally or co-axially positioned within the catheter. A distal portion of the probe can be biased away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Joseph E. Hale, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Bryan Rolfes
  • Publication number: 20120161032
    Abstract: A device includes a sheath having a lumen defined by a wall. The wall has an outer surface that is configured to emit ultraviolet light in a direction substantially normal to the wall. The lumen has a distal end configured for percutaneous placement. The lumen has a proximal end configured to receive a catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Regent of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Joseph E. Hale, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Bryan Rolfes
  • Publication number: 20110029007
    Abstract: Devices, methods and kits which, when installed or used, access, aspire, dilate, insufflate, drain or deliver fluid medicaments to, or place a patency device within a sinus area, such as a maxillary sinus or a maxillary sinus ostium. The device can include a hollow catheter and probe, and can be configured to permit gradual and incremental probe extension. The device can be constructed to enhance the precision and maneuverability within the nasal and sinus passageways, while also accommodating the natural anatomical geometry of a targeted paranasal treatment site. For example, the present treatment and placement device can accomplish access to the maxillary sinus ostium by utilizing an uncinate process to guide a probe tip into the ostium in a retrograde manner. The probe can be slidably, bi-directionally or co-axially positioned within the catheter. A distal portion of the probe can be biased away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Joseph E. Hale, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Bryan Rolfes
  • Publication number: 20110015612
    Abstract: Devices, methods and kits which, when installed or used, urge or maintain patency of sinus ostia, such as the ostium between a nasal passageway and a maxillary sinus, while maintaining some function of cilia extending within or near the ostium. In various examples, the devices comprise a first portion, a second medial portion including a partially open cross-sectional configuration, and a third portion including one or more flexible and outwardly-biased projections. The partially open cross-sectional configuration can maintain a track of uncovered cilia within and near the ostium. In some examples, the devices can include an asymmetric body configuration. In some examples, the first portion includes a U-shaped configuration and the third portion includes at least two flexible and outwardly-biased projections. In some examples, the first, second or third portion includes a medication for delivery into sinus tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Joseph E. Hale, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Bryan Rolfes