Patents by Inventor Christopher H. Porter
Christopher H. Porter 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: 6290668Abstract: This invention provides a light delivery catheter having a proximal shaft with two lumens and a distal shaft connected to the proximal shaft, which distal shaft has only a single lumen. A guidewire and a light guide are received in the first and second lumens resectively, of the proximal shaft, either of which may be extended into the single lumen of the distal shaft, the distal shaft being sufficiently flexible to facilitate movement of the catheter through tortuous paths. A hub is provided having ports through which appropriate fluids may be applied to the lumens. When used to remove a blood clot in a blood vessel of the brain or other part of the body, the guidewire is extended through the single lumen in the distal shaft and is utilized to guide the catheter adjacent the clot, at least one guidewire/light guide exchange being performed to ablate the clot.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Kenton W. Gregory, Christopher H. Porter, Mark Anders Rydell, Robert Ziebol
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Patent number: 6102848Abstract: An incontinence system includes an anchoring mechanism and a channel with a blocking valve positioned in the channel, the blocking valve in a first state prevents urine flow through the channel and in a second state allows urine to flow through the channel. The anchoring mechanism may be a fixation balloon that is contoured to the geometry of the bladder near the opening to the urethra. When urine flows through the channel it flows around a lumen that provides access to the fixation balloon. The fixation balloon may be attached to a shortened Foley-type catheter, with the catheter providing the channel through the balloon. The catheter may contain a lumen that provides access to the blocking valve and it may also contain the lumen that provides access to the fixation balloon. The fixation balloon is inserted in a deflated state and inflated to hold the system in place. The fixation balloon remains inflated with the blocking valve providing continence and allowing voiding.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: SRS Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Christopher H. Porter
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Patent number: 6093191Abstract: A urethral valve system includes a fixation balloon that is positioned in and contoured to the geometry of the bladder near the opening to the urethra. The fixation balloon, which is narrower at an end that is closest to the urethra and wider at an opposite end, includes a channel through which urine is directed to flow from the bladder to the urethra. A valve balloon is positioned in the channel and inflates to prevent urine flow through the channel and deflates to allow urine to flow around the balloon and out the end of the channel. The fixation balloon may be attached to a Foley-type catheter, with the catheter providing the channel through the balloon. The fixation balloon then acts as a shock absorber for the system by moving relative to the catheter in response to, for example, a contraction in the bladder. The catheter may contain lumens that provide access to the valve balloon and/or the fixation balloon. The fixation balloon is inserted in a deflated state and inflated to hold the system in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: SRS Medical, Inc.Inventor: Christopher H. Porter
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Patent number: 6042535Abstract: A urethral valve system includes a valve balloon that inflates to provide continence and deflates to allow urine to flow around the balloon and an attached catheter that extends through the urethra, and out of the body through the meatus. The urine cleanses the valve balloon, the catheter and the urethra of bacteria, and thus, minimizes infection. The catheter includes a check valve at the end that is accessible to the user. To inflate the balloon, the user attaches to the check valve a small pump that supplies air or a liquid such as water to inflate the balloon. To deflate the balloon, the user manipulates the check valve to allow the water or air to drain from the balloon. The valve balloon may be positioned in the bladder. To retain the system in the bladder when urine flows around the balloon and the catheter, the balloon deflates to a shape that is wider than the diameter of the neck of the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: SRS Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Christopher H. Porter
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Patent number: 5976085Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating sensors used to analyze characteristics of physiologic fluids such as blood. The method involves the use of a sensor assembly having an analyte-responsive sensor in communication with a passageway which is in divertable fluid communication with a physiologic line and a conduit by which a reference sample may be introduced into the passageway. The method involves exposing the sensor to the reference sample, thereby producing a sensor response. The method also allows performing quality control on the sensors. Also provided is an apparatus with which the claimed method may be practiced.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Optical Sensors IncorporatedInventors: Victor E. Kimball, Laurie E. Lynch, Irvin T. Pierskalla, Christopher H. Porter
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Patent number: 5964751Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Illumenex CorporationInventors: Curtis A. Amplatz, Mark A. Rydell, Robert J. Ziebol, Christopher H. Porter, Michael Kasinkas
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Patent number: 5931774Abstract: Implantable devices for treatment of proliferative disorders are described. In one aspect, the invention provides an implantable apparatus for treating a proliferative disorder in a patient. The device comprises a treatment fluid receptacle for receiving a treatment fluid, an inflatable balloon having a balloon body, a catheter connected between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon and defining a fluid flow path therebetween, and a diffusion barrier disposed in the fluid flow path between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon. Methods for treating proliferative disorders with the devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery A. Williams, Christopher H. Porter, Mark A. Rydell
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Patent number: 5931860Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Urologix, Inc.Inventors: John M. Reid, James V. Kauphusman, Christopher H. Porter, Bruce H. Neilson
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Patent number: 5913813Abstract: An instrument for use in brachytherapy comprises a concentric arrangement of inner and outer distensible, spherical chambers disposed near the proximal end of a catheter body where one of the chambers is made to contain a radioactive material with the other chamber containing a radiation absorptive material, the apparatus functioning to provide a more uniform absorbed dose profile in tissue surrounding a cavity created by the removal of a tumor. An alternative embodiment includes non-spherical inner and outer chambers whose respective walls are spaced equidistant over the entire surfaces thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery A. Williams, Christopher H. Porter, Jeffrey F. Williamson, James F. Dempsey, Timothy J. Patrick, James B. Stubbs
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Patent number: 5833682Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Illumenex CorporationInventors: Curtis A. Amplatz, Mark A. Rydell, Robert J. Ziebol, Christopher H. Porter, Michael Kasinkas
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Patent number: 5766204Abstract: A stent for supporting a selected portion of a body lumen, comprising a fibrous material which is treated with a curable material to form a curable fiber composite. The fiber composite is positioned within a body lumen and, upon curing of the curable material, forms a rigid support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: MetaStent IncorporatedInventors: Christopher H. Porter, Robert Van Tassel, Curtis Amplatz, Michael Kasinkas
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Patent number: 5697366Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating sensors used to analyze characteristics of physiologic fluids such as blood. The method involves the use of a sensor assembly having an analyte-responsive sensor in communication with a passageway which is in divertable fluid communication with a physiologic line and a conduit by which a reference sample may be introduced into the passageway. The method involves exposing the sensor to the reference sample, thereby producing a sensor response. The method also allows performing quality control on the sensors. Also provided is an apparatus with which the claimed method may be practiced.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Optical Sensors IncorporatedInventors: Victor E. Kimball, Laurie E. Lynch, Irvin T. Pierskalla, Christopher H. Porter
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Device for maintaining the partial pressure of a dissolved gas in a fluid and related methods of use
Patent number: 5690215Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining a volume of gas dissolved in a fluid at a predetermined partial pressure. The device includes a first sealable, gas-tight pouch containing the fluid and a second sealable, gas-tight pouch encasing the first pouch and providing a space between the first and second pouches. The space may be charged with an atmosphere containing a volume of the gas dissolved in the fluid that is greater than the volume of dissolved gas, at a partial pressure that is substantially the same as the partial pressure of the dissolved gas. A method is also provided for using the device to maintain a volume of a gas dissolved in a fluid at a predetermined partial pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Optical Sensors IncorporatedInventors: Victor E. Kimball, Irvin T. Pierskalla, Christopher H. Porter -
Patent number: 5643335Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Urologix, Inc.Inventors: John M. Reid, James V. Kauphusman, Christopher H. Porter, Bruce H. Neilson
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Patent number: 5620438Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a blood vessel wall following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) includes an optical system for transmitting radiant energy, preferably UV light energy, from a laser source to the distal end portion a PTCA catheter and causing the radiant energy to exit the catheter in a relatively narrow radial band. A microprocessor-controlled stepping motor is used to longitudinally reposition the band along the length of the balloon of the PTCA catheter to thereby expose endothelial tissue spanned by the balloon to radiation for the purpose of inhibiting smooth muscle proliferation reducing incidences of restenosis.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: AngioMedics II IncorporatedInventors: Curtis A. Amplatz, Christopher H. Porter, Mark A. Rydell
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Patent number: 5591199Abstract: A stent for supporting a selected portion of a body lumen, comprising a fibrous material which is treated with a curable material to form a curable fiber composite. The fiber composite is positioned within a body lumen and, upon curing of the curable material, forms a rigid support structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Inventors: Christopher H. Porter, Robert Van Tassel, Curtis Amplatz, Michael Kasinkas
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Patent number: 5575811Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Urologix, Inc.Inventors: John M. Reid, James V. Kauphusman, Christopher H. Porter, Bruce H. Neilson
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Patent number: 5496277Abstract: An open weave fixation device is secured to a distal end region of a catheter or other diagnostic or treatment device, for either temporarily or permanently fixing the device within a body cavity. In one approach, the fixation element is constructed of braided, helically wound filaments of resilient stainless steel. A sheath surrounds the catheter and fixation element to elastically deform the element into a reduced radius configuration to facilitate insertion and deployment. With the fixation element positioned as desired, the sheath is withdrawn to permit the fixation element to self-expand against body tissue, thus to secure the fixation element and catheter. In all alternative arrangement, a dilatation balloon surrounds a catheter near its distal end, and in turn is surrounded by a plastically deformable fixation element. Following desired positioning, the balloon is dilated to permanently deform the fixation element into contact with body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.Inventors: Paul L. Termin, Christopher H. Porter
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Patent number: 5464437Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Urologix, Inc.Inventors: John M. Reid, James V. Kauphusman, Christopher H. Porter, Bruce H. Neilson
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Patent number: 5378239Abstract: An open weave fixation device is secured to a distal end region of a catheter or other diagnostic or treatment device, for either temporarily or permanently fixing the device within a body cavity. In one approach, the fixation element is constructed of braided, helically wound filaments of resilient stainless steel. A sheath surrounds the catheter and fixation element to elastically deform the element into a reduced radius configuration to facilitate insertion and deployment. With the fixation element positioned as desired, the sheath is withdrawn to permit the fixation element to self-expand against body tissue, thus to secure the fixation element and catheter. In an alternative arrangement, a dilatation balloon surrounds a catheter near its distal end, and in turn is surrounded by a plastically deformable fixation element. Following desired positioning, the balloon is dilated to permanently deform the fixation element into contact with body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.Inventors: Paul L. Termin, Christopher H. Porter