Patents by Inventor Gregory E. Mirigian

Gregory E. Mirigian 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: 7771369
    Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured for delivery of devices to vasculature portions such as intracranial spaces while retaining a desired level of flexibility. A catheter having an elongate shaft can include removable support means that can provide column support to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft can include anchoring means that releasably secure the removable support means. The catheter can be deployed within a patient's vasculature, followed by deploying the removable support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20090227983
    Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN GRIFFIN, ELAINE LIM, GREGORY E. MIRIGIAN
  • Publication number: 20090177261
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are detachment mechanisms for vaso-occlusive devices that allow for rapid operator-controlled release of the vaso-occlusive device into the selected site. Also disclosed are vaso-occlusive assemblies comprising these detachment mechanisms and methods of using these detachment mechanisms and vaso-occlusive assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford Teoh, Michael Williams, Gregory E. Mirigian, Kirsten Carroll, James M. Anderson, Jay Rassat, Benjamin Arcand, Derek Sutermeister
  • Patent number: 7540865
    Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Elaine Lim, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 7338511
    Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific-Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Huey Quoc Chan, Thomas Yung-Hui Chien, Stephen C. Porter, Robert P. Eury
  • Patent number: 7018346
    Abstract: A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 7001369
    Abstract: An medical device include a shaft having an elongated inner tubular member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over a portion of the inner tubular member. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member is disposed about a proximal portion of the inner tubular member such that a distal portion of the inner tubular member is free of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner tubular member is spaced from an inner surface of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member. In some such embodiments, reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Elaine Lim, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20040193140
    Abstract: An medical device include a shaft having an elongated inner tubular member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over a portion of the inner tubular member. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member is disposed about a proximal portion of the inner tubular member such that a distal portion of the inner tubular member is free of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner tubular member is spaced from an inner surface of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member. In some such embodiments, reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS,INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Elaine Lim, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 6682493
    Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for medical devices such as guidewires. Some embodiments are directed to a guidewire, including a core wire having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an elongated distal assembly defining an inner lumen, the elongated distal assembly connected to the core wire adjacent the distal portion of the core wire, wherein the elongated distal assembly includes a plurality of separate and discrete interlocking segments. Some other embodiments are directed to a guidewire including a tubular segment connected to the distal portion of the corewire, wherein the tubular segment includes a plurality of notches therein to increase the lateral flexibility of the segment while maintaining rotational torqueability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20030220666
    Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Huey Quoc Chan, Thomas Yung-Hui Chien, Stephen C. Porter, Robert P. Eury
  • Publication number: 20030114776
    Abstract: A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20030105415
    Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for medical devices such as guidewires. Some embodiments are directed to a guidewire, including a core wire having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an elongated distal assembly defining an inner lumen, the elongated distal assembly connected to the core wire adjacent the distal portion of the core wire, wherein the elongated distal assembly includes a plurality of separate and discrete interlocking segments. Some other embodiments are directed to a guidewire including a tubular segment connected to the distal portion of the corewire, wherein the tubular segment includes a plurality of notches therein to increase the lateral flexibility of the segment while maintaining rotational torqueability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20020156459
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intravascular catheters for performing medical procedures. An intravascular catheter is disclosed comprising a multi-layered shaft having a shapable distal end. The shaft may comprise an inner liner; a second layer disposed over the inner liner, the second layer having a proximal segment and a distal segment corresponding to the shapable portion of the shaft; a third layer disposed over the second layer; and a fourth layer disposed over the third layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Ting Tina Ye, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 6001092
    Abstract: A vasoocclusive device in the form of a coil for placement in the vasculature of an animal to form thrombus in a selected site such as an aneurysm or AVM. The device involves a primary coil form having thrombogenic fibers placed on the coil in a specified fashion. The coil will pass through the lumen of a vascular catheter in the primary coil form and evolve into a convoluted or complex secondary form when ejected from the catheter's distal end. The fibers are attached to the coil and cooperate with the coil so that upon ejection from the catheter, the convoluted coil forms a shape in which the central region or secondary coil form center that contains the majority of these fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga Thi Van, Son M. Gia
  • Patent number: 5769796
    Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use in a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni--Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. Variations include multi-section guidewire assemblies having (at least) super-elastic distal portions and super-elastic braided reinforcements along the mid or distal sections. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes the coating of the wire with a tie layer and then with a one or more lubricious polymers to enhance its suitability for use within catheters and with the interior of vascular lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Palermo, Gene Samson, Gregory E. Mirigian, U. Hiram Chee, Erik T. Engelson, Edward Snyder
  • Patent number: 5749837
    Abstract: This invention is a surgical device. It is a guidewire for use in a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni--Ti alloy, having specified physical parameters. The guidewire is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. A special variation of the inventive guidewire includes the coating of the wire with a tie layer and then with a one or more lubricious polymers to enhance its suitability for use within catheters and with the interior of vascular lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Palermo, Gene Samson, Gregory E. Mirigian, U. Hiram Chee
  • Patent number: 5700258
    Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil for placement in the vasculature of an animal to form thrombus in a selected site such as an aneurysm or AVM. The device involves a primary coil form having thrombogenic fibers placed on the coil in a specified fashion. The coil will pass through the lumen of a vascular catheter in the primary coil form and evolve into a convoluted or complex secondary form when ejected from the catheter's distal end. The fibers are attached to the coil and cooperate with the coil so that upon ejection from the catheter, the convoluted coil forms a shape in which the central region or secondary coil form center that contains the majority of these fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga Thi Van, Son M. Gia
  • Patent number: 5639277
    Abstract: This is a surgical device that, in particular, is for forming a vasoocclusion or embolism. Typically, it is a helically wound coil in which the helix is wound in such a way as to have multiple axially offset, longitudinal or focal axes. Another important facet of the invention is the presence of small diameter secondary coil windings adjacent large diameter coil windings. The device is sufficiently flexible and small that it may be delivered to a site within the vasculature of the human body using a pusher and a catheter. The device is generally linear when within the catheter but relaxes to form the multi-focal form after delivery from the distal end of the catheter lumen. Various mechanical connections may also be used to discharge the inventive coil from its pusher. Similarly, the coil may be attached to a pusher using a sacrificial joint, which sacrificial joint is dissolved by imposition of a small voltage within the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mariant, Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga T. Van, Roberto L. Orellana, Christopher G. M. Ken
  • Patent number: 5578074
    Abstract: A thermally activated occlusive implant delivery assembly is provided. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device and a pusher. The pusher has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a coupling portion which is shape memory material and exhibits different configurations depending on the coupling portion's temperature. The coupling portion interlockingly engages the implant when it is in one of the configurations and releases the implant from interlocking engagement therewith when in another one of the configurations. In operation, the assembly is introduced into the body of a mammal via a guide catheter suited for the particular lumen being navigated. When the implant is positioned at the desired site, the coupling portion of the pusher is thermally activated to effect the return of its original, pre-set configuration, which is originally formed to release the implant from interlocking engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 5549624
    Abstract: This invention is a vasoocclusive device. It is placed in the vasculature of an animal to form thrombus in a selected site such as an aneurysm or AVM. The device uses a central coil having thrombogenic fibers placed on the coil in a specified fashion. The coil will pass through the lumen of a vascular catheter and form a convolution when ejected from the catheter's distal end. The fibers are attached to the coil and cooperate with the coil so that upon ejection from the catheter, the convoluted coil forms a shape in which the central region contains the majority of these fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga T. Van