Patents by Inventor Maritess Minas

Maritess Minas 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).

  • Publication number: 20190090843
    Abstract: An intravascular imaging device (102) is provided. In one embodiment, the intravascular imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly including: a flex circuit (214); and a support member (230) around which the flex circuit is positioned, the support member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central portion having greater flexibility than the proximal and distal portions. In one embodiment, the intravascular imaging device includes a flexible elongate member; an imaging assembly including: a flex circuit; and a first support member component; and a second support member component spaced from the second support member component, wherein the flex circuit is positioned around the first and second support member components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Princeton Saroha, Maritess Minas, Jeremy Stigall, David Kenneth Wrolstad
  • Publication number: 20190076093
    Abstract: Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user, the housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes an opening sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device; an adaptor positioned within the opening of the housing, the adaptor including a bore sized and shaped to allow a proximal end of the intravascular device to pass therethrough; a steering controller coupled to the housing; and an actuator positioned within the housing and in communication with the steering controller, the actuator interfacing with the proximal end of the intravascular device based on inputs to the steering controller to steer a distal end of the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Princeton Saroha, Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20190076092
    Abstract: Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user; a steering controller coupled to the housing; a processor in communication with the steering controller, the processor configured to translate inputs from the steering controller into actuation signals based on a code architecture that includes a script for at least one of a return home function, a return to stored position function, a store current position function, or an automated mapping function; and an actuator positioned within the housing and configured to interface with the intravascular device based on the actuation signals to the steer the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Princeton Saroha, Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20180368675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 10080491
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 9993628
    Abstract: A balloon catheter junction includes a distal junction on a distal end of a balloon. The junction includes an inner member, a balloon inner sleeve encompassing the inner member and bonded to an interior of a mid-shaft, and a balloon distal leg bonded to an exterior of the mid-shaft. A connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20180064313
    Abstract: An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 9833125
    Abstract: An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 9730613
    Abstract: The invention includes imaging catheters having image collectors co-located with radiopaque labels, methods of using the imaging catheters, and systems for locating the position of intravascular images within the body. In some instances, an angiogram is used to determine the precise location of the co-located radiopaque labels, and thus, the position of the intravascular image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20170055941
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the intravascular placement of a filter includes an outer shaft with marker boards, an inner shaft, an intravascular ultrasound catheter with an ultrasonic imaging element, and the filter that is to be deployed. The ultrasound imaging element is enclosed within a proximal and distal transducer capsule configured to support the electronics of wiring of the element and provide for ease of insertion and withdrawal of the catheter. A guide wire is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the ultrasound catheter. In the stored position, the filter is secured adjacent to the distal inner shaft and proximal to the ultrasound catheter. When the apparatus is introduced into the vasculature, the ultrasound catheter provides real-time imaging of the vessel for identifying the appropriate location for placement of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy STIGALL, Princeton SAROHA, Maritess MINAS
  • Publication number: 20160302762
    Abstract: A medical device including both an intraluminal imaging apparatus and dual guidewire lumens is provided, allowing more accurate and stable catheter navigation and treatment delivery. The dual lumen catheter may also include members for increased torsional rigidity, distally located functional measurement sensors, and patterned radioopaque markers for orientation of the dual lumen exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas, Princeton Saroha
  • Publication number: 20160051323
    Abstract: The invention provides devices with integrated intravascular imaging and methods for crossing a CTO within the true lumen of a vessel. An interventional catheter with intravascular imaging capabilities can be guided into an affected vessel and to a CTO. An included intravascular imaging device captures a 3D image of the environment. The catheter includes a crossing member that can be extended out from a distal tip of the catheter, causing the crossing member to directly cross through the CTO creating a new channel through the CTO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, John Unser, Dino De Cicco, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20150305710
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods provide a solid-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system that includes an array of ultrasound transducers mounted on a structural uni-body made of a polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material. The use of the polymeric substance doped with acoustic dampening material to fabricate the uni-body assists in improving the signal-to-noise ratio associated with the IVUS imaging signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas, Gloria Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150141812
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20150057536
    Abstract: A balloon catheter junction includes a distal junction on a distal end of a balloon. The junction includes an inner member, a balloon inner sleeve encompassing the inner member and bonded to an interior of a mid-shaft, and a balloon distal leg bonded to an exterior of the mid-shaft. A connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 8936553
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20140276028
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a radiopaque balloon assembly, a treatment device operatively associated with an outer sleeve of the balloon assembly, and an imaging device adjacent the balloon assembly. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The catheter includes a connection medium, wherein when the connection medium extends through the balloon it is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member. The imaging device is disposed adjacent to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20140180055
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and aspirating biological material from inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include an aspiration channel within the body. The aspiration channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy K. Glynn, Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20140180071
    Abstract: The invention includes imaging catheters having image collectors co-located with radiopaque labels, methods of using the imaging catheters, and systems for locating the position of intravascular images within the body. In some instances, an angiogram is used to determine the precise location of the co-located radiopaque labels, and thus, the position of the intravascular image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Publication number: 20140180122
    Abstract: Intraluminal devices, especially catheters having variable flexibility elements in a midsection of the device. The devices offer improved deliverability in an intraluminal environment, especially when used in imaging and treatment catheters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas