Patents by Inventor Douglas Portnow

Douglas Portnow 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).

  • Expandable catheter having improved electrode design, and method for applying energy
    Patent number: 6638273
    Abstract: A catheter having expandable electrodes for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure such as a vein. When used on a vein, the catheter is useful for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency. The catheter includes conductive end rings to which the electrodes are attached, for mechanically connecting and electrically tying electrodes together to provide for a single wire electrical connection points, for transmitting energy while more evenly spacing the electrodes. Expandable arms are formed of electrically conductive material and insulated along their length except for an intermediate section that functions as the electrode. The arms are tapered to allow more room for wiring and to reduce the possibility of shorting between the ends of the arms. The catheter further includes thermocouples in the electrodes for measuring temperatures on the outer surface of the electrode. Slots are formed in the arms for mounting the thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Farley, Grace Y. Schulz, Dawn A. Henderson, Mark P. Parker, Arthur W. Zikorus, Gary H. Miller, Jay S. Daulton, Douglas Portnow
  • Expandable catheter having improved electrode design, and method for applying energy
    Patent number: 6152899
    Abstract: A catheter having expandable electrodes for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure such as a vein. When used on a vein, the catheter is useful for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency. The catheter includes conductive end rings to which the electrodes are attached, for mechanically connecting and electrically tying electrodes together to provide for a single wire electrical connection points, for transmitting energy while more evenly spacing the electrodes. Expandable arms are formed of electrically conductive material and insulated along their length except for an intermediate section that functions as the electrode. The arms are tapered to allow more room for wiring and to reduce the possibility of shorting between the ends of the arms. The catheter further includes thermocouples in the electrodes for measuring temperatures on the outer surface of the electrode. Slots are formed in the arms for mounting the thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Farley, Grace Y. Schulz, Dawn A. Henderson, Mark P. Parker, Arthur W. Zikorus, Gary H. Miller, Jay S. Daulton, Douglas Portnow