Patents by Inventor Karen E. Kullas

Karen E. Kullas 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: 11179542
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
  • Patent number: 10524896
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for reconstructing an anatomical feature, such as a breast nipple. The prosthesis may be formed from a biologic and/or synthetic material. The prosthesis may include a body with a shape that is suitable for reconstructing the anatomical feature. A base may be located at an end of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may be provided with openings that allow fluid flow therethrough, tissue ingrowth, revascularization, neovascularization and/or fat or stem cell deposition. The prosthesis may include a plurality of layers of biocompatible material arranged in a stacked configuration. The layers may be in spaced relation relative to each other and secured or fixed in position to maintain the spacing therebetween. Each layer may have one or more openings extending therethrough. The spaced layer arrangement may provide a desired tactile response and/or natural movement for the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
  • Publication number: 20180361113
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
  • Patent number: 10080863
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
  • Publication number: 20140309737
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for reconstructing an anatomical feature, such as a breast nipple. The prosthesis may be formed from a biologic and/or synthetic material. The prosthesis may include a body with a shape that is suitable for reconstructing the anatomical feature. A base may be located at an end of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may be provided with openings that allow fluid flow therethrough, tissue ingrowth, revascularization, neovascularization and/or fat or stem cell deposition. The prosthesis may include a plurality of layers of biocompatible material arranged in a stacked configuration. The layers may be in spaced relation relative to each other and secured or fixed in position to maintain the spacing therebetween. Each layer may have one or more openings extending therethrough. The spaced layer arrangement may provide a desired tactile response and/or natural movement for the prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: C. R. BARD, INC
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20140303603
    Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 8221440
    Abstract: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
  • Publication number: 20110054485
    Abstract: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
  • Publication number: 20110015760
    Abstract: A prosthetic device including biologically compatible and preferably fully resorbable materials includes a tissue infiltratable portion and a second portion. The two portion may have different rates of resorption. The ingrowth portion may include a plurality of openings to encourage tissue ingrowth and vascularization. The second portion may be stronger than the ingrowth portion and provide a location for fixation of the device. The portion may be attached using resorbable adhesives, sutures or other constructs to render a fully resorbable prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Karen E. Kullas
  • Patent number: 7846171
    Abstract: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
  • Patent number: 7175612
    Abstract: A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system includes a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough and a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore. The vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore. The suction limiting device also includes a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure and a closed position when positive pressure exists in the main vent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Augustus Felix, Kevin Ranucci, Karen E. Kullas, Adam P. Angell, Lisa Futato, Dan Hass
  • Patent number: 7070574
    Abstract: An improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040230169
    Abstract: A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system is provided and includes a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore. The vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore. The suction limiting device also includes a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when positive pressure exists in the main vent body, wherein the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore out of the vent mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: C.R. BARD. INC.
    Inventors: Augustus Felix, Kevin Ranucci, Karen E. Kullas, Adam P. Angell, Lisa Futato, Dan Hass
  • Patent number: 6436072
    Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and pump system utilize a permanent non-sterile drive motor capable of operating disposable sterile single use pump units each of which is specifically designed for a particular medical procedure. The pump units have housing which are adapted to be interchangeable within the permanent controller system. Only the sterilized and disposable pump units come into contact with the fluid pathway during pumping. A pattern of bumps on each pump unit is unique for the medical procedure for which the pump unit was designed. The pattern of bumps engages switches on the controller, enabling the controller to identify what type of pump unit has been installed. After automatically identifying the type of pump unit and the intended medical procedure, the controller automatically selects a default motor speed that will provide an appropriate fluid pressure for that particular procedure. Buttons on a control panel also enable the user to manually adjust the pressure delivered by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Glen French, Stephen Albrecht, Joan Kinniburgh, Augustus Felix, Nancy Drainville, Dean L. Kamen, Bradley Miller, Kevin Grant
  • Publication number: 20020082557
    Abstract: An improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego
  • Patent number: 6371934
    Abstract: An improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6077246
    Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and pump system utilize a permanent non-sterile drive motor capable of operating disposable sterile single use pump units each of which is specifically designed for a particular medical procedure. The pump units have housings which are adapted to be interchangeable within the permanent controller system. Only the sterilized and disposable pump units come into contact with the fluid pathway during pumping. A pattern of bumps on each pump unit is unique for the medical procedure for which the pump unit was designed. The pattern of bumps engages switches on the controller, enabling the controller to identify what type of pump unit has been installed. After automatically identifying the type of pump unit and the intended medical procedure, the controller automatically selects a default motor speed that will provide an appropriate fluid pressure for that particular procedure. Buttons on a control panel also enable the user to manually adjust the pressure delivered by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Glen French, Joan Kinniburgh, Augustus Felix, Philip Tessier, Dean L. Kamen, Bradley Miller, Kevin Grant
  • Patent number: 5322506
    Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigating and pressurizing a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure, such as during arthroscopy, includes a source of irrigation liquid, a pneumatically driven pump for pumping irrigation liquid from the source into the body cavity. The pump develops pulsatile flow and its operation is controlled by a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of air applied to the pump. The system enables disablement of the pumping function of the pump while permitting gravity flow of irrigation liquid to the body cavity. The pump and associated tubing is inexpensive and adapted for one-time, disposable use. The system includes a pump bypass mode that enables liquid to flow at a high rate as may be needed to maintain pressurization of the body cavity as that which occurs during arthroscopic shaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen E. Kullas
  • Patent number: 5176629
    Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigating and pressurizing a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure, such as during arthroscopy, includes a source of irrigation liquid, a pneumatically driven pump for pumping irrigation liquid from the source into the body cavity. The pump develops pulsatile flow and its operation is controlled by a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of air applied to the pump. The system enables disablement of the pumping function of the pump while permitting gravity flow of irrigation liquid to the body cavity. The pump and associated tubing is inexpensive and adapted for one-time, disposable use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Craig S. Nevers
  • Patent number: D385889
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Nancy Drainville Chomyszak, Stephen Albrecht