Patents by Inventor Gary B. Weller
Gary B. Weller 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: 9498198Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR, LLCInventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Morejohn P. Dwight, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 8277476Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Maguet Cardiovascular LLCInventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Publication number: 20100210916Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Morejohn P. Dwight, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 7736307Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLCInventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Morejohn P. Dwight, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 7585277Abstract: Methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. A stabilizing device may be introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles in a vicinity of a site of surgery to be performed, is effectively eliminated. A surgeon may contact the heart with the stabilizing means, assess the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exert a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site. The stabilizing means may be attached to a rigid support or may be attached to a semi-rigid support which is rendered motionless mechanically, chemically, or by human intervention.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLCInventors: Charles S. Taylor, Dwight P. Morejohn, Benjamin Sherman, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt, Caralin R. Adair
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Patent number: 7056287Abstract: Devices for stabilizing tissue during a surgical procedure. The beating heart may be stabilized during a surgical procedure on the heart, using a described stabilizing device. In one example, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles id effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Dwight P. Morejohn, Benjamin Sherman, Gary B. Weller, William Friederich Witt, Caralin R. Adair
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Publication number: 20040230099Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Publication number: 20040210188Abstract: The present invention includes systems, devices and methods for delivering and injecting a solution or agent into a target site within the body for the purpose of treating or diagnosing the target site. The target site may be bodily tissue (such as an organ, vessel or bodily lumen), bodily substances (such as a tumor, plaque and thrombus) or synthetic material attached to bodily tissue (such as an artificial graft). The systems and devices of the present invention include injection systems and components for accurately and precisely delivering, injecting and perfusing a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, preferably in a fluid form, directly into the target site without the need to penetrate the tissue with anything other than the agent itself. More specifically, none of the embodiments employ a needle or other penetrating device for creating a space within which the agent is injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robert C. Glines, Gary B. Weller
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Publication number: 20040143168Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6743169Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Patent number: 6716190Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering and injecting an agent into a target site within the body without penetrating the tissue of the target site with anything other than the agent. The system comprises a nozzle assembly and a propulsion mechanism. The nozzle assembly comprises an ampule with a reservoir, having a reservoir orifice, for containing the agent; a dispersion fixture that has a dispersion orifice; and a channel in fluid communication between the reservoir orifice and the dispersion orifice. The propulsion mechanism is operatively coupled to the reservoir for propelling the agent from within the reservoir, through the reservoir orifice and the channel and the dispersion orifice, at a pressure sufficient to cause the agent to penetrate the target site without penetration of the target site with the dispersion fixture. Methods of using and making the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Glines, Gary B. Weller
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Patent number: 6685632Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position. Stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard II Green, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6656113Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic System, Inc.Inventors: Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Publication number: 20020111537Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Dwight P. Morejohn, Benjamin Sherman, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt, Caralin R. Adair
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Publication number: 20020099270Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Patent number: 6394951Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing device such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Dwight P. Morejohn, Benjamin Sherman, Gary B. Weller, William Friederich Witt, Caralin R. Adair
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Patent number: 6346077Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Publication number: 20020010388Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 1997Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: CHARLES S. TAYLOR, WILLIAM N. ALDRICH, THOMAS L. BAUGHMAN, FEDERICO J. BENETTI, BRIAN J. BENNETT, MICHAEL J. BILLIG, THOMAS J. FOGARTY, JOHN J. FRANTZEN, RICHARD S. GINN, ROBERT C. GLINES, HARRY L. GREEN, DWIGHT P. MOREJOHN, BRENT REGAN, EUGENE E. REIS, AMR SALAHIEH, IVAN SEPETKA, BENJAMIN SHERMAN, CHRISTIAN SKIELLER, VALAVANUR A. SUBRAMANIAN, GARY B. WELLER, WILLIAM F. WITT
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Publication number: 20010025136Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Harry L. Leonard, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6290644Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari