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).
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Patent number: 11179542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
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Patent number: 10524896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
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Publication number: 20180361113Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
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Patent number: 10080863Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Rathbun
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Publication number: 20140309737Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: C. R. BARD, INCInventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Hamlin
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Publication number: 20140303603Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Tami L. Hamlin
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Patent number: 8221440Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
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Publication number: 20110054485Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
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Publication number: 20110015760Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Karen E. Kullas
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Patent number: 7846171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Daniel E. Hass, Thomas J. Capuzziello, Dennis J. Coffey, David C. Calabrese
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Patent number: 7175612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Augustus Felix, Kevin Ranucci, Karen E. Kullas, Adam P. Angell, Lisa Futato, Dan Hass
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Patent number: 7070574Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040230169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: C.R. BARD. INC.Inventors: Augustus Felix, Kevin Ranucci, Karen E. Kullas, Adam P. Angell, Lisa Futato, Dan Hass
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Patent number: 6436072Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Karen E. Kullas, Glen French, Stephen Albrecht, Joan Kinniburgh, Augustus Felix, Nancy Drainville, Dean L. Kamen, Bradley Miller, Kevin Grant
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Publication number: 20020082557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego
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Patent number: 6371934Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Jackson, Karen E. Kullas, Augustus Felix, Richard P. Rego, Jr.
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Patent number: 6077246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Karen E. Kullas, Glen French, Joan Kinniburgh, Augustus Felix, Philip Tessier, Dean L. Kamen, Bradley Miller, Kevin Grant
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Patent number: 5322506Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 1991Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventor: Karen E. Kullas
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Patent number: 5176629Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Craig S. Nevers
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Patent number: D385889Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Karen E. Kullas, Nancy Drainville Chomyszak, Stephen Albrecht