Patents by Inventor John W. Westrum

John W. Westrum 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: 7762942
    Abstract: An implantable article and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the position of the sling to be permanently changed during and/or after implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Christopher H. Porter
  • Patent number: 7681518
    Abstract: A method of depositing a coating to a surface of an inflatable component by providing a vacuum chamber system having an inner chamber positioned within an outer chamber. At least one coating material is introduced into at least one of the inner and outer chambers to deposit a coating onto an exposed surface of the component. This invention also provides methods of masking portions of surfaces of an inflatable component to prevent a coating from being deposited on the masked portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary J. Nachreiner, Mona J. Inman
  • Publication number: 20100023027
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, JR., Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Patent number: 7615059
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for suturing soft tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument is capable of probing tissue, and preferably provides tactile feedback concerning the condition of the tissue. The instrument can then be used to pass and retrieve a suture without the need for an additional suture retrieval tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Watschke, Robert E. Lund, S. Robert Kovac, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johann J. Neisz, Timothy A. Bachman, Gary A. Rocheleau, Robert S. Runman
  • Patent number: 7517313
    Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7407480
    Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Kimberly A. Anderson, Karen Pilney Montpetit, John W. Westrum, Jr., Brian P. Watschke, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20080140218
    Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Kimberly A. Anderson, Karen Pilney Montpetit, John W. Westrum, Brian P. Watschke, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20080132754
    Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum
  • Patent number: 7350538
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the user. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the pump assembly from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., David W. Clark
  • Patent number: 7267645
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The invention is a repositionable handle for an arcuate needle configured to be minimally invasive. The invention is for use with a sling assembly that allows a sling to be controllably implanted in a therapeutically effective position. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Johann J. Neisz, Gary A. Rocheleau, John W. Westrum, Jr., David R. Staskin
  • Patent number: 7223229
    Abstract: A novel surgical instrument is shown and described. The surgical instrument is useful in pelvic floor repair procedures such as sling procedures for treating incontinence. Also, a novel, ornamental design for a handle for a surgical instrument is shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mona J. Inman, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. VanOrnum, Robert E. Lund, Brian P. Watschke, Johann J. Neisz, Vicki R. Vandersloot
  • Patent number: 7083568
    Abstract: An implantable article and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the position of the sling to be permanently changed during and/or after implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: American Medical Systems
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Christopher H. Porter
  • Patent number: 7066876
    Abstract: Surgical implants and procedures for restoring erectile function are described. A method of detecting an unsatisfactory condition of an inflatable penile prosthesis system including a pump, cylinder(s), fluid circuit, a septum and a reservoir. The method including the steps of: i) implanting the inflatable penile prosthesis system in a patient; ii) providing a probe assembly with first and second sensors; iii) placing the first sensor through the septum and into the fluid circuit of the inflatable penile prosthesis system; iv) placing a second sensor outside the penile prosthesis system in the patient's tissue, v) sensing conditions with the first and second sensors, and vi) comparing the conditions sensed by the first and second sensors to detect an unsatisfactory condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7037255
    Abstract: A novel surgical instrument is shown and described. The surgical instrument is useful in pelvic floor repair procedures such as sling procedures for treating incontinence. Also, a novel, ornamental design for a handle for a surgical instrument is shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mona J. Inman, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. VanOmum, Robert E. Lund, Brian P. Watschke, Johann J. Neisz, Vicki R. Vandersloot
  • Patent number: 7025063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eva S. Snitkin, John W. Westrum, Jr., James E. Cabak
  • Patent number: 7011622
    Abstract: This invention provides an artificial sphincter including a component coated on at least one contacting surface with a polymeric material, the polymeric coating adapted to expand and return to an original configuration and to prevent or inhibit wear or abrasion of the contacting surface. The polymeric material is parylene in some embodiments. The component adapted for inflation and deflation may be a cuff formed from silicon and adapted to surround a urethra or a rectum. Also provided by the present invention is a method of depositing a coating to a surface of an inflatable component by providing a vacuum chamber system having an inner chamber positioned within an outer chamber. At least one coating material is introduced into at least one of the inner and outer chambers to deposit a coating onto an exposed surface of the component. This invention also provides methods of masking portions of surfaces of an inflatable component to prevent a coating from being deposited on the masked portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary J. Nachreiner, Mona J. Inman
  • Patent number: 6971986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary A. Rocheleau, Kimberly A. Anderson, Eva S. Snitkin
  • Patent number: 6935847
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the user. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the pump assembly from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., David W. Clark
  • Patent number: 6929599
    Abstract: Surgical implants and procedures for restoring erectile function are described. One method includes the steps of providing an inflatable prosthesis system with a pump, a cylinder, a septum, and a reservoir, the system having sufficient fluid to inflate the cylinder and reservoir, implanting the system in an inflated condition and leaving the system in this condition in the post-operative period, then inserting a needle through the septum and withdrawing some fluid from the system. The systems of the invention may include the insertion of a needle through the septum for the injection of an antimicrobial or antibiotic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: D534650
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mona J. Inman, Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. VanOrnum, John W. Westrum, Jr., Johann J. Neisz, Vicki R. Vandersloot