Patents by Inventor Craig K. Abbey

Craig K. Abbey 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: 6532380
    Abstract: A method for image guidance of coronary stent deployment using radiopaque markers and the image processing technique of moving layer decomposition. The radiopaque markers are attached to guidewires or delivery balloons that are used to place the stent and co-moves with the coronary vessel. A series of fluoroscopic images are taken during the stent placement and are used to generate layer images which represent different structures in the angiograms, such as the stent and guidewires, background structures, etc. The clearly visible images of the markers are used in the layer decomposition. Although stents are less radiopaque than the markers, visibility of previously deployed stents is also enhanced in the layer images. The layer images are used to guide placement of multiple stents to prevent overlap or gaps between the stents. After stent expansion, angiographic images are acquired of the lumen filled with liquid contrast agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cedars Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: Robert A. Close, James S. Whiting, Craig K. Abbey