Patents by Inventor Mark A. Hamm

Mark A. Hamm 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: 20100256632
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 7749159
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 7585320
    Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A Hamm, Louis J Barbato, Robert J Crowley, Wendy Naimark, Hatal Patel
  • Publication number: 20080039728
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to catheters and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter defines a lumen and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the catheter to the lumen, and a waveguide is disposed within the lumen of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Dharmendra Pal, Michael Amato, Brian Connor, Douglas Hutchison, Mark A. Hamm, Stephen Forcucci
  • Patent number: 7273452
    Abstract: A disposable imaging catheter that produces high resolution, color images comparable to those obtained from an endoscope. The device may also be made to function as a guidewire. The device may also include a sheath which slides over the catheter body for stiffening and which may include a working channel for accepting interventional devices, as well as LEDs to illuminate the field of view. The vision catheter system includes a detector assembly, scanning mechanism, and distal objective lens. In one embodiment, a photodetector is mated to a lens/pinhole assembly that allows the detector to read light from a small discrete point. This assembly is then scanned in raster or spiral patterns via electric wire coils that actuate a magnetic scan plate to read the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Mark A. Hamm, Yem Chin
  • Patent number: 7101394
    Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A Hamm, Louis J Barbato, Robert J Crowley, Wendy Naimark, Hatal Patel
  • Patent number: 6932812
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Publication number: 20040234206
    Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Scimed Life Syetems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20040193057
    Abstract: An improved medical imaging device assembly includes an imaging transducer coupled to the distal end of a drive shaft, and a conductive wire is wrapped around a distal portion of the drive shaft, wherein the conductive wire reinforces the imaging device assembly. In one embodiment, the conductive wire is part of a sensor adapted to communicate with a medical positioning system. In another embodiment, the conductive wire is configured to be a matching circuit for the imaging transducer. The conductive wire may be configured to be in parallel with the imaging transducer or configured to be in series with the imaging transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Isaac Ostrovsky, Paul Goll, Thomas C. Moore, Douglas M. Petty, Mark A. Hamm, Richard Romley
  • Patent number: 6749344
    Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20040030220
    Abstract: An imaging device such as a catheter has a plurality of infusion holes adapted to infuse liquid into the blood stream while substantially preventing radial jetting. An example imaging catheter includes an elongated member, having distal and proximal ends, an axis, a lumen along the axis, and an outer surface. Preferably, a plurality of infusion holes are defined along the axis of said elongated member between the lumen and the outer surface. The plurality of infusion holes may be tapered from the outer surface to the lumen. Further, the plurality of infusion holes may be angled outwardly toward the proximal end of the elongated member. The size, shape, spacing and configuration of the infusion holes may be varied as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hamm
  • Publication number: 20040030379
    Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Louis J. Barbato, Robert J. Crowley, Wendy Naimark, Hatal Patel
  • Publication number: 20030077043
    Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20020120264
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 6394949
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 6324418
    Abstract: A portable tissue spectroscopy apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one light detector, a power source and a controller module all disposed inside a housing that is insertable inside a body. The housing may be in the form of a hand-holdable probe or in the form of a capsule that can be swallowed or implanted in the body. The probe further includes a display mounted at a proximal end of the housing for displaying tissue characteristics. The capsule further includes a transmitter mounted inside the capsule and a receiver placed outside the body for transmitting signals representative of tissue characteristics to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 6263133
    Abstract: Coupling devices for coupling a lens to a single mode optical fiber are disclosed. In one aspect, a lens alignment assembly is the coupling device and includes a single mode optical fiber, a lens, and a locating tube. The locating tube includes a hollow bore having an internal diameter such that the lens and single mode optical fiber are held in a tight, sliding fit within the locating tube. In another aspect, the device includes a single mode optical fiber located adjacent to a cylindrically shaped lens. The lens includes an angled facet having a reflective surface for directing light normal, or near normal, to the optical axis. The lens further includes a flat surface opposite the angle facet. The lens and single mode optical fiber are rotatable to scan a region of a biological surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 6004279
    Abstract: The invention features a medical guidewire constructed for insertion into the body for providing access to a body passage. The medical guidewire has a main proximal portion in the form of an elongated tube extending the majority of the length of the guidewire, and a distal tubular portion integral with the main proximal portion. The distal portion includes a distal end and a flexible section having a slot cut in the wall of the distal tubular portion. The slot crosses the right sections of the distal tubular portion at an oblique angle and extends continuously about the distal tubular portion, in excess of at least one rotation about the distal tubular portion, to increase the flexibility of the distal tubular portion with respect to the main proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm, Kevin R. Heath, Isaac Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 5949929
    Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 5872879
    Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Hamm