Patents by Inventor Lance Kumm

Lance Kumm 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).

  • Bipolar electrode with fluid channels for less invasive neurosurgery
    Patent number: 5700262
    Abstract: A flexible bipolar electrode for neurosurgery includes an inner hypotube defining an irrigation passageway and a hollow outer electrode surrounding the hypotube, with the outer electrode and hypotube together establishing a bipolar electrode. An empty void is established between the electrodes to facilitate flexibility of the bipolar electrode when, for example, the electrode is advanced through a curved lumen of a neuroendoscopy instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Neuro Navigational, L.L.C.
    Inventors: George M. Acosta, Lance Kumm
  • Neuro endoscope for shunt
    Patent number: 5458606
    Abstract: A shunt for relieving hydrocephalus has a closed distal end and an aperture formed in the distal end. A hollow hypotube has a distal end, and the hypotube holds an image fiber which protrudes beyond the distal end of the hypotube. The hypotube is positioned in the shunt with the distal end of the hypotube abutting the distal end of the shunt and the image fiber protruding through the aperture. The hypotube with shunt can then be advanced into the brain of a patient, while the surgeon views the path of advancement on a nearby video monitor which is connected to the image fiber. In an alternate embodiment, the distal end of the image fiber is flush with the distal end of the hypotube. The shunt has a slit formed in its distal end, and the hypotube with image fiber can be selectively advanced through the slit to view the area of the brain beyond the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Neuro Navigational Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Cohen, Lance Kumm, John Aoki, Rith N. Kimm, Shea Bassett
  • Shunt with internal neuroendoscope
    Patent number: 5437626
    Abstract: A shunt for relieving hydrocephalus has a closed distal end and an aperture formed in the distal end. A hollow hypotube has a distal end, and the hypotube holds an image fiber which protrudes beyond the distal end of the hypotube. The hypotube is positioned in the shunt with the distal end of the hypotube abutting the distal end of the shunt and the image fiber protruding through the aperture. The hypotube with shunt can then be advanced into the brain of a patient, while the surgeon views the path of advancement on a nearby video monitor which is connected to the image fiber. In an alternate embodiment, the distal end of the image fiber is flush with the distal end of the hypotube. The shunt has a slit formed in its distal end, and the hypotube with image fiber can be selectively advanced through the slit to view the area of the brain beyond the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Neuro Navigational Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Cohen, Lance Kumm, John Aoki, Rith N. Kimm, Shea Bassett