Patents by Inventor Mark L. Pomeranz

Mark L. Pomeranz 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: 8998926
    Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body is provided. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a detachment member and a heat-responsive coupling attached to a delivery member for holding the coil during positioning of the coil. The heating element is heated to reduce the strength of and sever the heat-responsive coupling for releasing the coil at a desired position within the body vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 7611530
    Abstract: A medical device having at least one expandable stent, and at least three removable slat members carried by the stent. The removable slat members provide a substantially continuous cover for the medical device, and thus impede the flow of blood through the peripheral walls of the medical device. When deployed within a blood vessel, some of the slat members may serve to cover an aneurysm and restrict the blood flow into the aneurysm. In addition, one or more of the slat members may be selectively removed to provide blood flow into a branching blood vessel. In an alternative embodiment, an inner expandable stent is coaxially disposed within the outer expandable stent, and three removable slat members are carried by the inner expandable stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, Esteban Pino
  • Patent number: 7294123
    Abstract: A vascular occlusive device which includes a support structure and a bioactive coating disposed onto the support structure and an outer barrier coating which serves to prevent a reaction between the bioactive agent and bodily fluids until the outer barrier is activated by applying an external agent to the outer barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Corris Neurovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald K. Jones, Juan A. Lorenzo, Mark L. Pomeranz, Darren Sherman
  • Publication number: 20070239196
    Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body is provided. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a detachment member and a heat-responsive coupling attached to a delivery member for holding the coil during positioning of the coil. The heating element is heated to reduce the strength of and sever the heat-responsive coupling for releasing the coil at a desired position within the body vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Mark L. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 7247159
    Abstract: A vascular occlusive device, such as an embolic coil, having thrombogenic fibers extending from the coil and having an outer barrier which encapsulates and flattens the fibers along the sides of the embolic coil for preventing activation of the coil until the outer barrier has been dissolved, or removed, from the embolic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cordis Neurovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan A. Lorenzo, Mark L. Pomeranz, Darren Sherman
  • Patent number: 7244261
    Abstract: A vascular occlusive device, such as an embolic coil, having thrombogenic fibers extending from the coil and having an outer barrier which encapsulates fibers extending from the embolic coil for preventing activation of the fibers until the outer barrier has been dissolved, or removed, from the embolic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Cordis Neurovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan A. Lorenzo, Mark L. Pomeranz, Darren Sherman
  • Publication number: 20040167602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable tubular device for implantation in the lumen of a body duct, such as a blood vessel in particular, in order to ensure a passage therein, said device consisting of an assembly of tubular elements aligned along a common longitudinal axis and successively joined together in parts by a plurality of liking members, each tubular element consisting of a strip forming a zigzag corrugation defining bent extreme portions which are sucessively connected together in pairs in opposite directions by rectilinear intermediate portions, the thickness (e) of said strip forming each of the above-mentioned tubular elements (1), measured radially relative to said tubular element, being greater than the width 1 of this strip in said bent potions (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Mark L. Pomeranz, Nicholas A. Green
  • Patent number: 6736840
    Abstract: There are two methods for securing the ultra-thin distal sheath section over the distal tip. A preferred method is to employ another thin tube shrunk down over the distal end of the ultra-thin distal sheath. It is also envisioned that simply shrinking the ultra-thin distal sheath section down on the tapered section of the distal tip will hold it securely. A monorail (rapid exchange) version of this stent delivery system is also envisioned. A second version of the present invention includes an unsheathed primary stenting system which uses radiopaque elastic bands mounted over the ends of the balloon just proximal and just distal to the stent to provide the lowest possible profile for a primary stent delivery system without the risk of stent embolization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Mark L. Pomeranz, Nicholas A. Green
  • Patent number: 6540768
    Abstract: A removable vascular filter system for blocking micro- and macro-emboli while allowing the continued perfusion of blood comprises a filter membrane positioned on a guidewire, wherein a free end of the membrane sits tightly against the guidewire when the filter membrane is in a collapsed state and wherein the filter has a means for deploying the filter membrane to assume a position substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire. The filter membrane is comprised of a fine mesh material which has a pore size capable of blocking emboli while allowing continued blood flow, a preferred embodiment of which comprises regularly spaced, laser-formed holes, and in which the membrane has a scalloped proximal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Pedro L. Diaz, Mark L. Pomeranz, Robert Letendre, Mark Inderbitzen
  • Publication number: 20020052639
    Abstract: There are two methods for securing the ultra-thin distal sheath section over the distal tip. A preferred method is to employ another thin tube shrunk down over the distal end of the ultra-thin distal sheath. It is also envisioned that simply shrinking the ultra-thin distal sheath section down on the tapered section of the distal tip will hold it securely. A monorail (rapid exchange) version of this stent delivery system is also envisioned. A second version of the present invention includes an unsheathed primary stenting system which uses radiopaque elastic bands mounted over the ends of the balloon just proximal and just distal to the stent to provide the lowest possible profile for a primary stent delivery system without the risk of stent embolization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Mark L. Pomeranz, Nicholas A. Green
  • Patent number: 6270521
    Abstract: An ultra-thin distal sheath section of the sheathed system uses heat shrinkable elastomer tubing with a wall thickness that is less than 0.05 mm and may be less than 0.025 mm. There are two methods for securing the ultra-thin distal sheath section over the distal tip. A first method is to employ another thin tube shrunk down over the distal end of the ultra-thin distal sheath. It is also envisioned that simply shrinking the ultra-thin distal sheath section down on the tapered section of the distal tip will hold it securely. A monorail (rapid exchange) version of this stent delivery system is also envisioned. A second version uses radioopaque elastic bands mounted over the ends of the balloon just proximal and just distal to the stent to provide a low profile for a primary stent delivery system. These radioopaque elastic bands could contain a high-density material such as tungsten to make them radioopaque and eliminate the need for radioopaque markers normally attached to the angioplasty balloon inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Mark L. Pomeranz, Nicholas A. Green
  • Patent number: 6241666
    Abstract: An ablative catheter assembly whose electrode is completely covered by a buffer layer. The buffer layer prevents areas of high current density at the surface of the catheter tip, which helps to reduce popping and clotting. The buffer layer may be in the form of a conductive fluid (such as saline solution) pumped into a cavity surrounding the electrode. In this case, the conductive fluid couples the electrode to the surrounding tissue so that RF energy will pass from the electrode to the tissue, thereby effecting ablation. Also, the buffer layer may be in the form of a porous coating which covers an electrode tip. In this case, blood or fluid which infuses the porous coating couples the electrode tip to the surrounding tissues to be ablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corp.
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, N. Parker Willis, Richard E. Riley
  • Patent number: 6119041
    Abstract: An apparatus for ablating body tissue, and particularly for creating linear lesions within a chamber of a patient's heart, includes an elongate member having an ablation section. The ablation section includes an infusion tube and a plurality of spaced electrodes. The infusion tube and electrodes are covered by a fluid permeable foam material, and the foam material is covered by a fluid impermeable covering having a plurality of holes formed in it. During use, the ablation section is positioned against tissue to be ablated. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to he electrodes while saline or other conductive fluid is delivered to the infusion tube. The fluid exits the infusion tube at the ablation section, contacts the electrodes, and carries RF energy from the electrodes through the foam, through the holes in the covering and into contact with the body tissue to form a burn in the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, Troy J. Chapman, Darren R. Sherman, Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 6032077
    Abstract: An ablation catheter for ablating tissue, such as endocardial tissue. The ablation catheter includes a foam tip with an electrode embedded therein. Conductive fluid, such as saline solution, is pumped through the foam tip out to the tissue adjacent to the foam tip. The conductive fluid electrically couples the electrode embedded in the foam tip with the tissue to be ablated in order to effect ablation. The flow of the conductive fluid and the foam tip both help prevent any combustible products of the ablation from reaching the high current surfaces of the electrode itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 6015407
    Abstract: An apparatus for ablating body tissue is provided that is particularly adapted for creating both linear and point lesions in the endocardium. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member having a tip electrode and an ablation section mounted thereon. The ablation section includes one or more spaced electrodes, a fluid permeable foam material, and a fluid impermeable covering having a plurality of holes formed in it. The flow of conductive fluid to the ablation section during use allows contact to be maintained between the electrodes and the tissue to be ablated so as to minimize the formation of lesion breaks. The conductive fluid also serves to cool the tip electrode during its use by delivering the fluid to the tip electrode before routing it to the ablation section. In preferred embodiments, use of a shape wire and/or one or more pullwires allows the inventive apparatus to be more easily manipulated during the ablation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Rieb, Lorna Fosse, Mark L. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 6014579
    Abstract: An endocardial mapping catheter for introduction into a chamber of a heart formed by a wall. The flexible elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of longitudinally-extending spaced-apart members are carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and have proximal extremities and interconnected distal extremities. Certain of the plurality of longitudinally-extending members are arms of a basket-like assembly and are movable between contracted positions and expanded positions in which the arms bow outwardly from the longitudinal axis. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes are carried by each of the arms. Electrical conductors extend through the flexible elongate tubular member and are connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes. At least one additional electrode is slidably mounted on one of the longitudinally-extending members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corp.
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, Susan M. Pietroski, Harold A. Heitzmann, Robert F. Bencini, Edward M. Gillis
  • Patent number: 6010500
    Abstract: A catheter device for creating linear lesions in endocardial tissue or other body tissue is described. The catheter includes an inner shaft telescopically received within an outer shaft. The inner shaft has one or more spaced apart electrodes along its distal section. The outer shaft member includes a fluid permeable window positionable to selectively overlay some or all of the electrodes when the relative positioning of the inner and outer shaft members is adjusted. During use, the window is positioned adjacent to the body tissue which is to be ablated and at least a portion of the electrodes are exposed through the window. RF energy is delivered to the electrodes while saline or other conductive fluid is simultaneously delivered through the infusion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventors: Darren Sherman, Mark L. Pomeranz, Troy J. Chapman, N. Parker Willis, Dale Rieb, Robert B. West
  • Patent number: 5993462
    Abstract: In a shapable catheter and method for positioning a shapable catheter within a body cavity, a core wire is provided which includes a pre-shaped region bent into a predetermined shape. A catheter is provided which includes a lumen proportioned to slidably receive the core wire. The catheter includes a rigid proximal section and a flexible distal section. A pull wire may additionally be provided to allow the user to cause deflection at a distal portion of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, Darren R. Sherman, Troy J. Chapman, Peter Park
  • Patent number: 5938609
    Abstract: A guidewire imaging catheter includes a catheter body, housing secured to the distal end of the catheter body, a drive cable extending through a central lumen of the catheter body, and an imaging system disposed within the housing and coupled to the drive cable. A fixed guidewire is secured to the distal tip of the housing, and the catheter body is highly flexible while retaining sufficient torsional stiffness to allow the entire catheter to be used as a guidewire. Thus, the imaging guidewire can be used to first image a desired region within a patient's vascular system and subsequently as a guidewire to allow placement of a desired interventional catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 5895417
    Abstract: An apparatus for ablating body tissue, and particularly for creating linear lesions within a chamber of a patient's heart, is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate member having an ablation section which includes an infusion tube and a plurality of spaced electrodes. The infusion tube and electrodes are covered by a fluid permeable foam material, and the foam material is covered by a fluid impermeable covering having a plurality of holes formed in it. During use, the ablation section is placed against tissue to be ablated. This positioning step is facilitated because the ablation section of the inventive devices may be manipulated in various ways. When the ablation section is properly positioned, radio frequency energy is delivered to the electrodes while saline or other conductive fluid is delivered to the infusion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Pomeranz, Troy J. Chapman, Darren R. Sherman, Scott Tedder, Steven C. Anderson