Patents by Inventor Jessica Hixon
Jessica Hixon 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: 20180214211Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflector disposed within a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. An outer member or cap can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through a catheter or endoscope. The endoscope is then at least partially inserted into a patient's body to provide laser-based medical treatment. In some embodiments, a multilayer dielectric coating can be disposed on an angled surface of the reflector. In other embodiments, a multilayer dielectric coating can be positioned between a distal end surface of the reflector and an inner side of a distal end portion of the capillary. The coated reflector can be configured to increase laser energy redirected from a first portion of an optical path to a second portion of the optical path that is non-parallel to the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian HANLEY, Jessica HIXON, Christopher L. OSKIN, Edward SINOFSKY
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Patent number: 9888964Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflector and an optical fiber end portion disposed within a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. The reflector surface can be coated with a multilayer dielectric coating to increase the amount of side-fired laser energy. An outer member or cap can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through a catheter or endoscope. The endoscope is then at least partially inserted into a patient's body to provide laser-based medical treatment. Multiple grooves can be defined on an outer surface of the optical fiber buffer layer to increase the surface area and improve the mechanical strength of the coupling between the optical fiber and the capillary. In some embodiments, the outer member or cap can also be coupled to the grooved surface portion of the optical fiber buffer layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Hanley, Jessica Hixon, Christopher L. Oskin, Edward Sinofsky
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Publication number: 20170007803Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an articulating structure for use as at least part of a medical device. In one aspect, the invention features an articulating structure comprising an inner member, a sleeve, a pull wire, and an outer member. The inner member defines at least one channel on the outer surface of the inner member, the at least one channel extending along a length of the inner ember. The inner member further defines at least one lumen extending through the inner member. The sleeve is disposed in the at least one channel. The pull wire extends within a lumen of the sleeve. The outer member is disposed over the inner member and defines a lumen through which the inner member extends.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Isaac OSTROVSKY, Ty FAIRNENY, Josef SLANDA, Jessica HIXON
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Patent number: 9462932Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an articulating structure for use as at least part of a medical device. In one aspect, the invention features an articulating structure comprising an inner member, a sleeve, a pull wire, and an outer member. The inner member defines at least one channel on the outer surface of the inner member, the at least one channel extending along a length of the inner member. The inner member further defines at least one lumen extending through the inner member. The sleeve is disposed in the at least one channel. The pull wire extends within a lumen of the sleeve. The outer member is disposed over the inner member and defines a lumen through which the inner member extends.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Ostrovsky, Ty Fairneny, Josef Slanda, Jessica Hixon
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Publication number: 20160151147Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate body configured to be disposed within a urinary tract of a patient such that a first end portion of the elongate body is disposed at a first location of the urinary tract and a second end portion of the elongate body is disposed at a second, different location of the urinary tract. The elongate body defines a lumen that is configured to convey urine from the first location of the urinary tract to the second location of the urinary tract. An agent is formulated to visually alter urine of the patient, the agent is coupled to the elongate body and releasable into the patient's urine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Jessica Hixon, Bryan Kostelac
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Patent number: 9289262Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment includes a distal end portion of an optical fiber core having a multilayer dielectric coating. For side-firing optical fibers, the coating can be disposed on an angled surface at the core distal end to produce total internal reflection of laser energy at the angled surface. The coating can also be disposed on an outer surface of the distal end portion of the core. The coating and the angled surface can be collectively configured to redirect laser energy in a lateral or side-fired direction. For end-firing optical fibers, the coating can be disposed on an outer surface of the distal end portion of the core. The coating and a perpendicular surface at the core distal end can be collectively configured to direct laser energy in a direction substantially parallel to the distal end portion of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Hanley, Jessica Hixon, Christopher L. Oskin, Edward Sinofsky
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Patent number: 9291792Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus also includes a tube including a tube channel. The distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the tube channel. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber disposed on the tube and a cap disposed on the shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: William Asselin, Jessica Hixon, Michael O'Brien, Michael Melanson, Ty Fairneny
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Patent number: 9265865Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate body configured to be disposed within a urinary tract of a patient such that a first end portion of the elongate body is disposed at a first location of the urinary tract and a second end portion of the elongate body is disposed at a second, different location of the urinary tract. The elongate body defines a lumen that is configured to convey urine from the first location of the urinary tract to the second location of the urinary tract. An agent is formulated to visually alter urine of the patient, the agent is coupled to the elongate body and releasable into the patient's urine.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Jessica Hixon, Bryan Kostelac
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Patent number: 9050118Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian Hanley, Jessica Hixon, Alfred P. Intoccia, Christopher L. Oskin
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Patent number: 8911433Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first capillary component. A second capillary component may be disposed outside of the first capillary component and may have an inner surface, wherein a portion of the inner surface may be heat-fused to an outer surface of the first capillary component. The apparatus may also include a portion of an optical fiber disposed inside of the first capillary component and the portion of the optical fiber can have an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface of the optical fiber may be heat-fused to an inner surface of the first capillary component. The optical fiber may have a distal surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation propagated along a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber in a lateral direction through the inner surface of the first capillary component and the inner surface of the second capillary component.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Jessica Hixon, Christopher Oskin, Richard Tumminelli
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Publication number: 20140309627Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflector and an optical fiber end portion disposed within a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. The reflector surface can be coated with a multilayer dielectric coating to increase the amount of side-fired laser energy. An outer member or cap can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through a catheter or endoscope. The endoscope is then at least partially inserted into a patient's body to provide laser-based medical treatment. Multiple grooves can be defined on an outer surface of the optical fiber buffer layer to increase the surface area and improve the mechanical strength of the coupling between the optical fiber and the capillary. In some embodiments, the outer member or cap can also be coupled to the grooved surface portion of the optical fiber buffer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. HANLEY, Jessica HIXON, Christopher L. OSKIN, Edward SINOFSKY
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Patent number: 8845522Abstract: A deflection assembly of a medical instrument (such as an endoscope or a flexible ureteroscope) allows an operator to deflect a distal portion of the instrument using one or more controls located at a proximal portion of the instrument. The instrument allows the operator to achieve multi-directional deflection of the distal portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Jon T. McIntyre, Jessica Hixon, Isaac Ostrovsky, Jozef Slanda
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Publication number: 20140286617Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus also includes a tube including a tube channel. The distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the tube channel. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber disposed on the tube and a cap disposed on the shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: William ASSELIN, Jessica HIXON, Michael O'BRIEN, Michael MELANSON, Ty FAIRNENY
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Patent number: 8781275Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus also includes a tube including a tube channel. The distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the tube channel. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber disposed on the tube and a cap disposed on the shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: William Asselin, Jessica Hixon, Michael O'Brien, Michael Melanson, Ty Fairneny
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Patent number: 8657812Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment includes a distal end portion of an optical fiber disposed inside a lumen defined along a curved path within a capillary. The distal end surface of the optical fiber can be substantially flush with a portion of an outside surface of the capillary that defines a transmissive portion. The distal end portion of the optical fiber and the curved path can be collectively configured to direct laser energy through the transmissive portion in a lateral or side-fired direction that is offset from a longitudinal axis or centerline of the capillary. In some embodiments, more than one optical fiber can be disposed along the curved path. In other embodiments, more than one curved path can be defined within the capillary such that a distal end portion of an optical fiber can be disposed along each of the curved paths.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Hanley, Jessica Hixon, Christopher L. Oskin, Edward Sinofsky
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Patent number: 8644666Abstract: An apparatus may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include a distal end surface which may be substantially normal to a centerline of a distal end portion of the waveguide. The apparatus may further include a cover which may be coupled to a portion of the waveguide. The cover may include a portion distal to the distal end surface of the waveguide, and the portion of the cover may be made of a material which may be configured to be removed when exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a portion of the distal end surface of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Jessica Hixon
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Publication number: 20130324799Abstract: An apparatus may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include a distal end surface which may be substantially normal to a centerline of a distal end portion of the waveguide. The apparatus may further include a cover which may be coupled to a portion of the waveguide. The cover may include a portion distal to the distal end surface of the waveguide, and the portion of the cover may be made of a material which may be configured to be removed when exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a portion of the distal end surface of the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Jessica HIXON
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Patent number: 8532456Abstract: An apparatus may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include a distal end surface which may be substantially normal to a centerline of a distal end portion of the waveguide. The apparatus may further include a cover which may be coupled to a portion of the waveguide. The cover may include a portion distal to the distal end surface of the waveguide, and the portion of the cover may be made of a material which may be configured to be removed when exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a portion of the distal end surface of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Jessica Hixon
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Publication number: 20130231648Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Brian HANLEY, Jessica HIXON, Alfred P. INTOCCIA, Christopher L. OSKIN
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Patent number: 8425500Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian Hanley, Jessica Hixon, Alfred Intoccia, Christopher L. Oskin