Patents by Inventor Dennis R. Boulais
Dennis R. Boulais 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: 8197400Abstract: The present invention is a system for dissipating loops in an elongated medical device having one end secured to an anchor point, such as a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to the anchor point that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation during use, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another embodiment, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to an object without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In another embodiment, the invention provides a rotatable shaft coupling system for rotatably coupling a first and second shaft segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Boutillette, Peter L. Dayton, Dennis R. Boulais
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Publication number: 20120101334Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Banik, Lucien Alfred Couvillon, JR., Dennis R. Boulais, Anh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20120071720Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. BANIK, Lucien Alfred Couvillon, JR., Dennis R. Boulais, Richard M. Wiesman, Timothy J. Mason, Neil Rasik Mehta
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Patent number: 8118732Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Banik, Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr., Dennis R. Boulais, Richard M. Wiesman, Timothy J. Mason, Neil Rasik Mehta
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Patent number: 8083671Abstract: A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R Boulais, Michael S Banik, Vincent Turturro, Christopher Rowland, David W Hoffman, John P O'Connor, Eric Litscher
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Publication number: 20110295072Abstract: An imaging assembly for use in a medical imaging device such as an endoscope or the like. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes a transparent distal cap that is shaped to receive an image sensor insert. The image sensor insert has a cooling channel that supplies a cooling liquid or gas to one or more illumination sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Michael S. Banik, William Lucas Churchill, Sergey S. Grigoryants, Louis J. Barbato, Daniel G. Orband, Luis J. Maseda, Stephen D. Fantone
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Patent number: 8052597Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Dennis R Boulais
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Patent number: 7955255Abstract: An imaging assembly for use in a medical imaging device such as an endoscope or the like. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes a transparent distal cap that is shaped to receive an image sensor insert. The image sensor insert has a cooling channel that supplies a cooling liquid or gas to one or more illumination sources.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Michael S. Banik, William Lucas Churchill, Sergey S. Grigoryants, Louis J. Barbato, Daniel G. Orband, Luis J. Maseda, Stephen D. Fantone
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Patent number: 7951392Abstract: The present invention relates to microarray polymeric barriers designed to control the release rate of therapeutic agents. By varying the thickness of the coating or affecting, physically and/or chemically, the constituents of the barrier composition, the release profile of the underlying therapeutic agent can be modified and controlled.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Maria Palasis, Samuel Epstein, Wendy Naimark
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Publication number: 20110082337Abstract: A system includes a steerable device, such as a sheath or shaft, having proximal and distal ends. The steerable device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a steering section, and a distal tip. Control wires are routed through the body and connected at or near the distal end of the steerable device. The system further includes a control unit to which the proximal end of the steerable device is functionally connected. In one embodiment, the control unit includes an actuator connected to one control wire and a biasing force generating device connected to a second control wire. The steering section is controllably manipulated by the control unit to facilitate steering of the distal tip of the steerable device as the steerable device is advanced through tortuous passageways of a patient's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventor: Dennis R. Boulais
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Patent number: 7811277Abstract: A system includes a steerable device, such as a sheath or shaft, having proximal and distal ends. The steerable device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a steering section, and a distal tip. Control wires are routed through the body and connected at or near the distal end of the steerable device. The system further includes a control unit to which the proximal end of the steerable device is functionally connected. In one embodiment, the control unit includes an actuator connected to one control wire and a biasing force generating device connected to a second control wire. The steering section is controllably manipulated by the control unit to facilitate steering of the distal tip of the steerable device as the steerable device is advanced through tortuous passageways of a patient's body.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Dennis R. Boulais
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Patent number: 7785652Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Sheng-ping (Samuel) Zhong, Dennis R. Boulais, Praveen Kulkarni
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Publication number: 20100076266Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, IncInventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Francis T. Macnamara, Andrew Peter Kirouac
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Publication number: 20100048999Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Francis T. Macnamara, Andrew Peter Kirouac
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Patent number: 7591783Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Francis T. Macnamara, Andrew Peter Kirouac
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Publication number: 20090226601Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Sheng-ping (Samuel) Zhong, Dennis R. Boulais, Praveen Kulkarni
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Patent number: 7578786Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Francis T. Macnamara, Andrew Peter Kirouac
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Patent number: 7563474Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance are provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Sheng-ping Zhong, Dennis R. Boulais, Praveen Kulkarni, Ron Sahatijian
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Patent number: 7482034Abstract: A system and method for selective masking of stents using an expandable masking balloon to prevent deposition of therapeutic or protective coatings on portions of the stent during a coating application process. An expandable balloon is located within the inner region of a stent, the balloon is inflated until its outer surface contacts and the inner surface of the stent lattice in the areas in which the stent coating is not to be applied, thereby masking the stent inner surface from deposition of stent coating material during a stent coating process, and the coating is applied to the remaining exposed surfaces of the stent, for example by spraying or dipping the stent. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the coated stent. The balloon may be coated with, or formed from, a material impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene to discourage adherence of the coating material to the balloon's outer surface in order to minimize coating waste and bridging of stent lattice openings by coating films.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Dennis R. Boulais
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Publication number: 20080269561Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Banik, Dennis R. Boulais, Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Albert C.C. Chin, Ian W. Hunter