Patents by Inventor Gary Lichttenegger
Gary Lichttenegger 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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Publication number: 20080027517Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: Light Sciences Oncology, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Burwell, Zihong Guo, Jennifer Matson, Steven Daly, David Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
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Patent number: 7252677Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Light Sciences Oncology, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Burwell, Zihong Guo, Jennifer Kristine Matson, Steven Ross Daly, David B. Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
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Publication number: 20070149917Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: June 28, 2007Inventors: Frederick Bennett, John Zang, Gary Lichttenegger, James Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20070112268Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a plurality of drug delivery ports which are positioned adjacent the energy delivery section. The system further includes an elongated body including at least one ultrasound element and configured to be movably positioned within the utility lumen to transmit the ultrasound energy from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: May 17, 2007Inventors: John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Patent number: 7186246Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Ekos CorporationInventors: Frederick J. Bennett, John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20070002582Abstract: A method of manufacture and medical apparatus that provides an apparatus useful in illuminating at least a portion of a lumen of a body. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible member and a polymer encasement portion encasing a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters may be electrically coupled to one another without the use of wire bonds, and in some embodiments may be coupled without intervening electrical paths or traces. A maximum cross-sectional dimension of the polymer encasement portion may be less than twice a dimension of one of the light emitters. In some embodiments the maximum cross-sectional dimension is less than or equal to the sum of the dimension of one of the light emitters and a marginal dimension by which an outer portion of the polymer encasement portion extends beyond the light emitter. Light emitters may be arranged linearly, helically or in partially overlapping back-to-back relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Light Sciences CorporationInventors: Phillip Burwell, James Chen, Zihong Guo, Steven Daly, David Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jennifer Matson, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
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Publication number: 20050228260Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: October 13, 2005Inventors: Phillip Burwell, Zihong Guo, Jennifer Matson, Steven Daly, David Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
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Publication number: 20050131510Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue to administer photodynamic therapy, and usable with, or including a distal protection device. A first device includes a hollow tip, a flushing lumen, a guidewire lumen, and at least one of a light source, and a hollow light transmissive shaft that is adapted to accommodate a light source. If desired, the device can include a balloon, so that a portion of a body lumen between the balloon and the distal protection device is isolated when the balloon is inflated. A second device includes inner and outer catheters, the outer catheter including a balloon, and the inner catheter including a light source and distal protection device comprising a shape memory polymer. Yet another device is a catheter having two balloons and a sleeve extending therebetween. Within the sleeve, the catheter includes a light source and an expanding member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2004Publication date: June 16, 2005Inventors: James Chen, David Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Zihong Guo, Phillip Burwell, Steven Daly
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Publication number: 20050128742Abstract: A light generating device for illuminating tissue adjacent to a body lumen while a distal end of the device is centered in the lumen, to render photodynamic therapy. The device can either occlude or displace bodily fluid, both without the use of a balloon. In one embodiment, a flushing lumen has a port adjacent to an array of light sources, to displace bodily fluid that might otherwise absorb light. Another embodiment employs a centering member that moves between a first position and a second position. The centering member centers the device in the lumen and preferably is formed of a shape memory material. In yet another embodiment, the device includes an outer sheath and an inner member that are independently positionable, enabling the centering member to be selectively positionable. The centering member can be non porous, such that the centering member also occludes fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2004Publication date: June 16, 2005Inventors: James Chen, Zihong Guo, Gary Lichttenegger, David Shine, Phillip Burwell
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Publication number: 20040229830Abstract: Therapeutic compositions are delivered to a target site using a catheter which includes at least one ultrasound transducer coupled to an energy source. The therapeutic compositions include genetic material and the target site may be a DNA with affinity for the genetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana, James R. Anderson, Gary Lichttenegger
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Patent number: 6723063Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a plurality of drug delivery ports which are positioned adjacent the energy delivery section. The system further includes an elongated body including at least one ultrasound element and configured to be movably positioned within the utility lumen to transmit the ultrasound energy from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Ekos CorporationInventors: John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20040059313Abstract: A kit and method for causing tissue death within a tissue site is disclosed. The kit includes a media with a light activated drug activatable upon exposure to a particular level of ultrasound energy. The kit also includes a catheter with a lumen coupled with a media delivery port through which the light activated drug can be locally delivered to the tissue site. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit the level of ultrasound energy which activates the light activated drug with sufficient power that the ultrasound energy can penetrate the tissue site.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana, James R. Anderson, Gary Lichttenegger
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Publication number: 20040015122Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a plurality of drug delivery ports which are positioned adjacent the energy delivery section. The system further includes an elongated body including at least one ultrasound element and configured to be movably positioned within the utility lumen to transmit the ultrasound energy from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20030216681Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a plurality of drug delivery ports which are positioned adjacent the energy delivery section. The system further includes an elongated body including at least one ultrasound element and configured to be movably positioned within the utility lumen to transmit the ultrasound energy from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20030167023Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Frederick J. Bennett, John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20030157024Abstract: A kit and method for causing tissue death within a tissue site is disclosed. The kit includes a media with a light activated drug activatable upon exposure to a particular level of ultrasound energy. The kit also includes a catheter with a lumen coupled with a media delivery port through which the light activated drug can be locally delivered to the tissue site. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit the level of ultrasound energy which activates the light activated drug with sufficient power that the ultrasound energy can penetrate the tissue site.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana, James R. Anderson, Gary Lichttenegger
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Publication number: 20030153833Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Frederick J. Bennett, John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Patent number: 6582392Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Ekos CorporationInventors: Frederick J. Bennett, John Zhang, Gary Lichttenegger, James E. Rodriguey, Katsuro Tachibana
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Publication number: 20030092667Abstract: Therapeutic compositions are delivered to a target site using a catheter which includes at least one ultrasound transducer coupled to an energy source. The therapeutic compositions include genetic material and the target site may be a DNA with affinity for the genetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana, James R. Anderson, Gary Lichttenegger
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Patent number: 6527759Abstract: A kit and method for causing tissue death within a tissue site is disclosed. The kit includes a media with a light activated drug activatable upon exposure to a particular level of ultrasound energy. The kit also includes a catheter with a lumen coupled with a media delivery port through which the light activated drug can be locally delivered to the tissue site. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit the level of ultrasound energy which activates the light activated drug with sufficient power that the ultrasound energy can penetrate the tissue site.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Ekos CorporationInventors: Katsuro Tachibana, Shunro Tachibana, James R. Anderson, Gary Lichttenegger