Patents by Inventor Ian N. Thomas

Ian N. Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20250114588
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a cathlock system integrally formed with a port or similar access device. The cathlock mechanism can include a shroud defining a recess, a stem disposed therein, and a collet lock transitionable between an unlocked and a locked configuration. The system can further include a tool configured to engage an outer surface of the cathlock and plastically deform the collet lock into the recess to the locked configuration. The collet lock can compress the catheter onto the stem to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The collet lock can be configured to engage the cathlock mechanism in the open configuration to facilitate coupling the catheter with the cathlock within the confined environment of a subcutaneous placement. Embodiments can include an extension leg disposed between the port and the cathlock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley, Christian Andersen, Ian N. Thomas, Diana Fiumefreddo
  • Publication number: 20240424277
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a dual, in-line port having a body defining a first reservoir and a second reservoir arranged along a central port axis. Dual, in-line ports can be advantageous since the port can be placed through an incision site, along the central port axis, requiring a smaller incision site than side-by-side dual ports. Further, the port can include a stem extending from a side surface of the body, between the first and second reservoirs, the stem can be angled such that an axis of the catheter can extend parallel to the central port axis. The angled, side stem can mitigate disparities in fluid paths and fluid resistance between the first and second reservoirs and the respective catheter lumen. Embodiments can include a pivotable stem configured to allow an axis of the stem to be repositioned relative to the central port axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley
  • Publication number: 20240358987
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a clamshell carhlock device and methods thereof. The cathlock includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion and rotatable through a plane extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. A user can apply opposing, radially inward, “pinching” force to transition the cathlock to the closed position, mitigating applying any pressure directly to the patient. The cathlock further includes a compliant sleeve coupled to an inner surface thereof and configured to slidably engage the cathlock with the catheter in both the open and closed positions. The sleeve can engage the catheter in an interference fit to allow a user to position the cathlock along the catheter and for the cathlock to remain in place until repositioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley, Luul H. Farah
  • Publication number: 20240316327
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a dual, in-line port having a direct fluid path between the proximal reservoir and the stem. The port includes a conduit extending through the distal reservoir and defining a lumen in fluid communication with the proximal reservoir and the stem. The axis of the conduit lumen is aligned with stem lumen to minimize any tortuous fluid pathway and reduce fluid flow resistance. The port can further include a needle guard extending over the distal reservoir and configured to prevent an access needle from impinging on the conduit when accessing the distal reservoir. Embodiments can further include a removable reservoir insert that defines the distal reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Bryon Ray Densley, Ian N. Thomas, Diana Fiumefreddo, Jessica Hoye, Christian Andersen
  • Publication number: 20240316328
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an integrated cathlock mechanism configured to engage an outer surface of a catheter to secure the catheter to a stem of a port, or similar medical device. The engagement structure can include a plurality of fins or an O-ring. The cathlock mechanism can include an engagement structure disposed annularly about the stem and configured to transition between an unlocked and locked configuration. The cathlock mechanism can be biased towards a locked configuration. A tab can selectively engage the cathlock mechanism and can maintain the cathlock mechanism in an unlocked configuration. Urging the catheter into the cathlock mechanism and onto the stem can engage the stem in an interference fit. A user can then remove the tab to transition the cathlock mechanism to the lock configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley
  • Publication number: 20240293654
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a port system including a port having a reservoir and a port lumen communicating therewith, and a connector having a stem defining a stem lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis. The stem can engage a catheter, providing fluid communication therewith. The connector can then be slidably engaged with the port along an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, e.g. a transverse axis, until the stem lumen aligns with a port lumen. The connector can further include a locking pin slidable along a longitudinal axis and configured to inhibit retrograde movement of the connector from the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Bryon Ray Densley, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Christian Andersen
  • Publication number: 20240285925
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a stem including optimized geometry configured to maximize fluid flow while facilitating engagement with a lumen of a catheter. The stem can define a lumen having a distal opening defining a first diameter. The tip structure can define a tip structure lumen having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The tip structure can include one or more fingers extending longitudinally distally and defining one or more slots. The tip structure can fit within the catheter lumen, facilitating engagement therewith, while the one or more slots can improve fluid flow, providing little or no reduction in fluid flow relative to the distal opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley
  • Publication number: 20240269449
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a collapsible reservoir and associated methods thereof. The port can include a body defining a reservoir and formed of a compliant material. The port body can transition between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The port can further include a port stem or a base plate, formed of a rigid or needle impenetrable material. The base plate can be aligned with a floor of the reservoir to prevent an access needle from traversing the bottom surface of the reservoir. The port, or the reservoir, can transition to the collapsed configuration to provide a reduced overall size or outer profile for insertion and/or between access events. The port can require a smaller incision site, required fewer stitches or no stitches at all, improving patient recovery times, patient comfort, reducing scarring and improving aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Bryon Ray Densley, Jessica Hoye, Ian N. Thomas, Diana Fiumefreddo
  • Publication number: 20240238573
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a body defining a reservoir and a port stem. One of the body or the stem can be formed of a shape memory material and can be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. One of the port body or the reservoir in the collapsed configuration can provide a reduced overall size or outer profile of the port for subcutaneous placement and/or between access events. The port can require a smaller incision site, required fewer stitches or no stitches at all, improving patient recovery times, patient comfort, reducing scarring and improving aesthetics. The port stem in collapsed configuration can be smaller than a catheter lumen diameter and can transition to an expanded configuration that is larger than a catheter lumen diameter facilitating a fluid tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Bryon Ray Densley, Jessica Hoye, Ian N. Thomas, Diana Fiumefreddo
  • Publication number: 20240238574
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a body defining a reservoir and a stem. One of the body can include a lower housing and an upper housing slidably engaged therewith and be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The port body in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume or outer profile than the port body in the expanded configuration. The reservoir in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume than the reservoir in the expanded configuration. A biasing member can bias the port to the expanded configuration. A latching mechanism can retain the port in one of the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration. An actuator can transition latching mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. Subcutaneous placement of the port in the collapsed configuration can require a smaller incision site, fewer stitches and improved patient recovery times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley, Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240238577
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a tool configured to engage a cathlock and facilitate urging the cathlock axially on to a port stem within the confined, wetted environment of a tissue pocket. The tool can include a body defining a channel configured to receive the cathlock therein and a handle extending therefrom. The body can include an elongate opening communicating with the channel. The cathlock and/or portion of the catheter can pass through the elongate opening. Further, the elongate opening can allow the body to flex and grip the cathlock within the channel. In an embodiment, an axis of the handle can align with one of the first end or the second end of the body to facilitate either “pushing” or “pulling” the cathlock onto the port stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Andersen, Diana Fiumefreddo, Ian N. Thomas, Jessica Hoye, Bryon Ray Densley
  • Publication number: 20230321423
    Abstract: A coupling system is configured to couple a catheter to a port. The coupling system can include a toothed grip connector system configured to retain a portion of an end portion of a catheter. The toothed grip connector system can include a recess extending longitudinally from a first end of the coupling system and including an internal stem with a gripping member extending radially about the internal stem. The gripping member can include a plurality of teeth extending radially inward, the plurality of teeth configured to engage an outer surface of the end portion of the catheter to prevent longitudinal movement in at least a first direction following insertion of the end portion of the catheter into the recess. A sealing member can be included to provide a seal between the end portion of the catheter and the internal stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Ian N. Thomas, Brenda L. F. Fedor
  • Publication number: 20220395678
    Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Brenda L. F. Fedor, Jason R. Stats, Ian N. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11420033
    Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Fedor, Jason R. Stats, Ian N. Thomas, Manikantan Shanmugham
  • Publication number: 20180078751
    Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brenda L. Fedor, Jason R. Stats, Ian N. Thomas, Manikantan Shanmugham, David M. Cise