Patents by Inventor James E. Windheuser
James E. Windheuser 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: 20110060315Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo
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Patent number: 7846133Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo
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Publication number: 20100174139Abstract: An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, JR., Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Patent number: 7706861Abstract: An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Jr., Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Publication number: 20090212466Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Michael P. BOUTILETTE, James E. WINDHEUSER, Oscar CARRILLO
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Patent number: 7534223Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Boutilette, James E. Windheuser, Oscar Carrillo
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Publication number: 20090099550Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Oscar Carrillo, James E. Windheuser, M. Kevin Richardson
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Patent number: 7186224Abstract: A guidewire torque device formed from a single piece that may be either molded or machined. The device includes an insertion slot for receiving a guidewire, such that the device does not have to be backloaded over the end of the guidewire. Two rotation slots, provided in opposite sides of the device, allow the device to be rotated so as to secure the guidewire within the device. The rotation slots terminate at a hole in the center of the device that is sized to secure a guidewire of a selected diameter. The device can be operated by a physician with a single hand, and is particularly useful during rapid exchange procedures.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: James E. Windheuser
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Patent number: 7076285Abstract: An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Jr., Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Patent number: 7037293Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Oscar Carrillo, James E. Windheuser, M. Kevin Richardson
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Patent number: 6879854Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. Also, a re-insertion tool and method for re-inserting a guide wire into a channel of a catheter. The re-insertion tool is particularly useful in combination with an endoscope and an SOE catheter disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Jr., Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Patent number: 6869416Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo
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Publication number: 20040215108Abstract: A guidewire torque device formed from a single piece that may be either molded or machined. The device includes an insertion slot for receiving a guidewire, such that the device does not have to be backloaded over the end of the guidewire. Two rotation slots, provided in opposite sides of the device, allow the device to be rotated so as to secure the guidewire within the device. The rotation slots terminate at a hole in the center of the device that is sized to secure a guidewire of a selected diameter. The device can be operated by a physician with a single hand, and is particularly useful during rapid exchange procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: James E. Windheuser
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Publication number: 20040097904Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Oscar Carrillo, James E. Windheuser, M. Kevin Richardson
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Publication number: 20040068250Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Michael P. Boutilette, James E. Windheuser, Oscar Carrillo
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Publication number: 20030233043Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Publication number: 20030199826Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo
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Patent number: 6606515Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, James Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Jr., Robert C. Allman, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Stephen C. Evans, Norman C. May
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Patent number: 6582401Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Sytems, Inc.Inventors: James E. Windheuser, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo
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Patent number: 6231581Abstract: An anchor secures an implantable device within a body by engaging a wall of the body. The anchor includes a shank and an arm extending from the shank. The shank and the arm are integrally formed from a single member. The shank attaches to the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Boston Scientific CorporationInventors: Peter J. Shank, Kevin R. Heath, Victor J. Shukhat, Gary M. Shapiro, Makoto Takeuchi, James E. Windheuser