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: 6926732
    Abstract: A stent delivery system and method for intraluminal delivery and deployment of a self-expanding prosthesis at a site within a body canal is provided. The delivery system comprises a housing removably attached to a delivery tool. The housing stores the self-expanding prosthesis in an expanded state. The delivery tool has a catheter assembly with a capture zone. The capture zone receives and contains the self-expanding prosthesis in a compressed state. A securing mechanism couples the catheter assembly to the self-expanding prosthesis, wherein the securing mechanism transfers the self-expanding prosthesis from the housing to the capture zone immediately prior to the delivery and deployment procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Stephen L. Bolea, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6884212
    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: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040249396
    Abstract: An anatomical support adjustment and tension control article for use in applying a tensioning force to anatomical support material disposed therein. The tension control article preferably comprises a base member disposing a plurality of tensioning members extending therefrom. The tensioning members create a tortuous pathway thereby providing a tensioning force to anatomical support material positioned therebetween. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of tensioning members may be removed from the device to alter the supportive tension applied by the device. The anatomical support material may be disposed between the plurality of tensioning members in a number of ways, thereby resulting in varying amounts of supportive tension being applied by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: American Medical Systems
    Inventors: Robert E. Lund, Johann J. Neisz, Brian P. Watschke, John W. Westrum
  • Publication number: 20040230092
    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: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum
  • Patent number: 6802807
    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 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Johann J. Neisz, Gary A. Rocheleau, John W. Westrum, Jr., David R. Staskin
  • Publication number: 20040106845
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: American Medical Systems
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Johann J. Neisz, Gary A. Rocheleau, John W. Westrum, David R. Staskin
  • Publication number: 20040073235
    Abstract: A surgical article useful in a sling procedure is disclosed. The surgical article may be used with a sling assembly having a sling, and two end insertion sheaths having a hiatus substantially adjacent a mid portion of the sling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Lund, Johann J. Neisz, Brian P. Watschke, John W. Westrum
  • Publication number: 20040054253
    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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Eva S. Snitkin, John W. Westrum, James E. Cabak
  • Patent number: 6702827
    Abstract: An anatomical support adjustment and tension control article for use in applying a tensioning force to anatomical support material disposed therein. The tension control article preferably comprises a base member disposing a plurality of tensioning members extending therefrom. The tensioning members create a tortuous pathway thereby providing a tensioning force to anatomical support material positioned therebetween. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of tensioning members may be removed from the device to alter the supportive tension applied by the device. The anatomical support material may be disposed between the plurality of tensioning members in a number of ways, thereby resulting in varying amounts of supportive tension being applied by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: American Medical Systems
    Inventors: Robert E. Lund, Johann J. Neisz, Brian P. Watschke, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040039453
    Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Karen Pilney Montpetit, John W. Westrum, Brian P. Watschke, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20040015048
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: American Medical Systems
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Christopher H. Porter
  • Patent number: 6652450
    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 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Christopher H. Porter
  • Publication number: 20030216612
    Abstract: Surgical implants and procedures for restoring erectile function are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Westrum
  • Publication number: 20030195386
    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: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum
  • Patent number: 6612977
    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: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: American Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Staskin, Johann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Gary A. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 6592515
    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: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thierfelder, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6582443
    Abstract: Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for enhancing the functional life-span of medical implants and for facilitating their implantation, particularly for medical devices designed to support anatomical structures. The apparatus comprises a reinforcing fastener guide for fixedly mounting or interlocking onto the surface of a medical device such as a urethral sling or the like. Formed of surgical grade metals or plastics, the attached reinforcing fastener guide defines an easily identified location for the implanting surgeon to position one or more surgical fasteners, such as a suture, to the patient's body in order to permanently position the medical implant. This greatly simplifies and shortens the implantation protocol while substantially reducing undesirable mechanical stresses within the implant at these attachment points, thereby increasing the useful life of the implanted medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Cabak, Steven T. Deininger, John W. Westrum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030065246
    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: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Mona J. Inman, John W. Westrum, Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. VanOrnum, Robert E. Lund, Brian P. Watschke, Johann J. Neisz, Vicki R. Vandersloot
  • Publication number: 20030065249
    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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, David W. Clark
  • Patent number: 6533719
    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 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, John W. Westrum, Jr., David W. Clark