Patents by Inventor Clinton L. Finger

Clinton L. Finger 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: 11857193
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening of a receiving passage and further configured to leave a proximal portion of the opening of the receiving passage in a non-everted position. A donor support mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening at an end of a donor passage and further configured to leave a first proximal portion of the end of the donor passage in a non-everted position. The donor support mechanism is further configured to form a passage juncture at the end of the donor passage and the opening of the receiving passage. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a generally helical path around the passage juncture to suture the donor passage to the receiving passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L Finger, David R. Seward
  • Publication number: 20220022874
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to engage a first external surface of a receiving passage adjacent a first opening in the receiving passage in order to create a receiving flange presenting a first interior face. A donor support mechanism is configured to support a donor passage with an opening in an end in an everted position that forms a donor flange presenting a second interior face. The donor support mechanism is further configured to present the second interior face of the donor flange against the first interior face of the receiving flange to present a passage juncture. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a helical path around the passage juncture to suture the second interior face of the donor passage to the first interior face of the receiving passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger
  • Publication number: 20220008098
    Abstract: A device for providing access to a nodule, lesion, or pathological area in a lung or other body organ or lumen. The device includes a sheath portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of stabilization wires. The sheath portion includes a primary lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of secondary lumens that extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The stabilization wires are configured to be slidably received within the secondary lumens. The length of the stabilization wires is greater than the length of the secondary lumens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Clinton L. Finger, Matthew E. Nickeson, Michael S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210378673
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening of a receiving passage and further configured to leave a proximal portion of the opening of the receiving passage in a non-everted position. A donor support mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening at an end of a donor passage and further configured to leave a first proximal portion of the end of the donor passage in a non-everted position. The donor support mechanism is further configured to form a passage juncture at the end of the donor passage and the opening of the receiving passage. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a generally helical path around the passage juncture to suture the donor passage to the receiving passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger, David R. Seward
  • Patent number: 11141161
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to engage a first external surface of a receiving passage adjacent a first opening in the receiving passage in order to create a receiving flange presenting a first interior face. A donor support mechanism is configured to support a donor passage with an opening in an end in an everted position that forms a donor flange presenting a second interior face. The donor support mechanism is further configured to present the second interior face of the donor flange against the first interior face of the receiving flange to present a passage juncture. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a helical path around the passage juncture to suture the second interior face of the donor passage to the first interior face of the receiving passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger
  • Patent number: 11134981
    Abstract: A device for providing access to a nodule, lesion, or pathological area in a lung or other body organ or lumen. The device includes a sheath portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of stabilization wires. The sheath portion includes a primary lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of secondary lumens that extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The stabilization wires are configured to be slidably received within the secondary lumens. The length of the stabilization wires is greater than the length of the secondary lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton L. Finger, Matthew E. Nickeson, Michael S. Smith
  • Patent number: 11116506
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening of a receiving passage and further configured to leave a proximal portion of the opening of the receiving passage in a non-everted position. A donor support mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening at an end of a donor passage and further configured to leave a first proximal portion of the end of the donor passage in a non-everted position. The donor support mechanism is further configured to form a passage juncture at the end of the donor passage and the opening of the receiving passage. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a generally helical path around the passage juncture to suture the donor passage to the receiving passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger, David R. Seward
  • Patent number: 11033271
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a first connector configured to engage an opening of a donor passage. A second connector is configured to engage an opening in a receiving passage. A separator is configured to support the first connector and the second connector and to fix relative positions of the end of the donor passage to edges of the opening in a receiving passage across a gap. The separator is configured to maintain the gap between the first connector and the second connector while multiple loops of a suture are passed through the edge of the opening in the donor passage and the edges of the opening in the receiving passage. The first connector, the second connector, and the separator are further configured to be removed from between adjacent loops of the multiple loops of the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger, David R. Seward
  • Publication number: 20210093290
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for conveying implements through a narrow passage in a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an insertion tube defines therein lumens and is configured to slide through an orifice and into a passageway to a target tissue. A first probe is connectable to a power source, is slidably receivable through one of the lumens, and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue. An imaging probe is connectable to an imaging device configured to collect imaging data at a distal end, is slidable through one of the lumens not receiving the first probe, and is positionable to collect imaging data at a distal end of the insertion tube. A second probe is connectable to the power source, is slidably receivable through one of the lumens not receiving the first probe, and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventor: Clinton L. Finger
  • Publication number: 20200305875
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a first connector configured to engage an opening of a donor passage. A second connector is configured to engage an opening in a receiving passage. A separator is configured to support the first connector and the second connector and to fix relative positions of the end of the donor passage to edges of the opening in a receiving passage across a gap. The separator is configured to maintain the gap between the first connector and the second connector while multiple loops of a suture are passed through the edge of the opening in the donor passage and the edges of the opening in the receiving passage. The first connector, the second connector, and the separator are further configured to be removed from between adjacent loops of the multiple loops of the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Spiration, Inc., d/b/a Olympus Respiratory America
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger, David R. Seward
  • Patent number: 10624733
    Abstract: A stent comprising: two or more stent sections; one or more rods extending between the two or more stent sections; wherein one the one or more rods is fixedly connected to a fixed anchor that is connected to a first of the two or more stent sections, and a second of the two or more of stent sections are movable connected to one of the one or more rods by a movable anchor; and wherein the stent supports an opening of an anatomical passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Clinton L. Finger
  • Patent number: 10568612
    Abstract: A device for tissue sampling that comprises a needle, a stylet and a sealing member. The needle comprises a distal tip, a proximal end, and one or more interior portions. The needle extends along a longitudinal axis extending between the distal tip and the proximal end. The stylet is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle. The sealing member Is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle and substantially conforms to the one or more interior portions, The distal tip is configured to obtain a tissue sample. The stylet and the sealing member are movable, along the longitudinal axis away from the distal tip so that a local vacuum is created at the distal tip so that obtained tissue samples can be aspirated into the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Spiration, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Martin Baillargeon, Christopher J. Thralls, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Peter D. Hoffman, Clinton L. Finger, Brandon Shuman
  • Publication number: 20190343529
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to engage a first external surface of a receiving passage adjacent a first opening in the receiving passage in order to create a receiving flange presenting a first interior face. A donor support mechanism is configured to support a donor passage with an opening in an end in an everted position that forms a donor flange presenting a second interior face. The donor support mechanism is further configured to present the second interior face of the donor flange against the first interior face of the receiving flange to present a passage juncture. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a helical path around the passage juncture to suture the second interior face of the donor passage to the first interior face of the receiving passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Spiration, Inc., d/b/a Olympus Respiratory America
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger
  • Publication number: 20190343527
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for facilitating surgical anastomosis between bodily passages. In an illustrative embodiment, an eversion mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening of a receiving passage and further configured to leave a proximal portion of the opening of the receiving passage in a non-everted position. A donor support mechanism is configured to partially evert a distal portion of an opening at an end of a donor passage and further configured to leave a first proximal portion of the end of the donor passage in a non-everted position. The donor support mechanism is further configured to form a passage juncture at the end of the donor passage and the opening of the receiving passage. A suturing mechanism is configured to motivate a filament through a generally helical path around the passage juncture to suture the donor passage to the receiving passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Spiration, Inc., d/b/a Olympus Respiratory America
    Inventors: Adam Lee Smith, Clifton A. Alferness, Gina M. Muia-Longman, Clinton L. Finger, David R. Seward
  • Patent number: 10307243
    Abstract: A valve comprising: (a) a rod, (b) a plurality of struts in communication with the rod and extending generally radially outward away from the rod in a deployed state, the plurality of struts including at least: (i) a plurality of first struts that extend radially outward from the rod a first distance, and (ii) a plurality of second struts that extend radially outward a second distance from the rod, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and (c) one or more membranes that are in communication with the first struts, the second struts, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SPIRATION, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Liljegren, Clinton L. Finger, Alexis Jensen
  • Patent number: 10258376
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating a foreign body (e.g., a deployed medical device) can include an operative portion. The operative portion can be used to move the foreign body in the proximal and/or distal directions with respect to the removal/repositioning tool and/or the tissue surrounding the foreign body. In some embodiments, the tool can include a compressing portion that can be used to compress the foreign body as the foreign body is pulled by the operative portion in the proximal direction. The tool can further include a sleeve that can be used to transition the operative portion and/or compressing portion between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the tool can be used in conjunction with an endoscope to navigate the tool to the site of a foreign body within the body of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Dillard, Clinton L. Finger, Erik Liljegren, Desmond O'Connell, Richard O. Shea, William A. Sirokman
  • Publication number: 20180161142
    Abstract: A device for providing access to a nodule, lesion, or pathological area in a lung or other body organ or lumen. The device includes a sheath portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of stabilization wires. The sheath portion includes a primary lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of secondary lumens that extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The stabilization wires are configured to be slidably received within the secondary lumens. The length of the stabilization wires is greater than the length of the secondary lumens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Clinton L. Finger, Matthew E. Nickeson, Michael S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180042588
    Abstract: A device for tissue sampling that comprises a needle, a stylet and a sealing member. The needle comprises a distal tip, a proximal end, and one or more interior portions. The needle extends along a longitudinal axis extending between the distal tip and the proximal end. The stylet is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle. The sealing member Is moveably supported within the one or more interior portions of the needle and substantially conforms to the one or more interior portions, The distal tip is configured to obtain a tissue sample. The stylet and the sealing member are movable, along the longitudinal axis away from the distal tip so that a local vacuum is created at the distal tip so that obtained tissue samples can be aspirated into the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Jean Martin Baillargeon, Christopher J. Thralls, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Peter D. Hoffman, Clinton L. Finger, Brandon Shuman
  • Publication number: 20180028306
    Abstract: A stent comprising: two or more stent sections; one or more rods extending between the two or more stent sections; wherein one the one or more rods is fixedly connected to a fixed anchor that is connected to a first of the two or more stent sections, and a second of the two or more of stent sections are movable connected to one of the one or more rods by a movable anchor; and wherein the stent supports an opening of an anatomical passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Clinton L. Finger
  • Publication number: 20170281330
    Abstract: A valve comprising: (a) a rod, (b) a plurality of struts in communication with the rod and extending generally radially outward away from the rod in a deployed state, the plurality of struts including at least: (i) a plurality of first struts that extend radially outward from the rod a first distance, and (ii) a plurality of second struts that extend radially outward a second distance from the rod, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and (c) one or more membranes that are in communication with the first struts, the second struts, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Erik Liljegren, Clinton L. Finger, Alexis Jensen