Patents by Inventor Michael D. DOLPHIN

Michael D. DOLPHIN 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: 20230068728
    Abstract: Provided is an epidural device configured to inhibit or substantially or completely prevent further progression of an epidural needle upon entry of the needle into the epidural space. When the needle is inserted into the ligamentum of the patient's back, the device may be pressurized with fluid using the resistance of the dense ligament to maintain pressure. This pressurization may lock a pushing mechanism in place relative to the needle such that the pushing mechanism can be used to advance the needle. Once the epidural space is reached, the fluid (e.g., saline or air) enters the epidural space, and the release of pressure may cause the trigger mechanism to disengage from the sliding pusher, allowing the pusher to slide along the body of the construct. The device thus may provide the ability to detect the epidural space using pressure loss while preventing the needle from advancing into the dura once the space is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Guidestar Medical Devices
    Inventors: Michael D. Dolphin, Brianna B. Carrels, Simon F. Cooke, James A. Helliwell
  • Patent number: 11517677
    Abstract: Provided is an epidural device configured to inhibit or substantially or completely prevent further progression of an epidural needle upon entry of the needle into the epidural space. When the needle is inserted into the ligamentum of the patient's back, the device may be pressurized with fluid using the resistance of the dense ligament to maintain pressure. This pressurization may lock a pushing mechanism in place relative to the needle such that the pushing mechanism can be used to advance the needle. Once the epidural space is reached, the fluid (e.g., saline or air) enters the epidural space, and the release of pressure may cause the trigger mechanism to disengage from the sliding pusher, allowing the pusher to slide along the body of the construct. The device thus may provide the ability to detect the epidural space using pressure loss while preventing the needle from advancing into the dura once the space is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GUIDESTAR MEDICAL DEVICES
    Inventors: Michael D. Dolphin, Brianna B. Carrels, Simon F. Cooke, James A. Helliwell
  • Publication number: 20220265936
    Abstract: Provided is an epidural device configured to inhibit or substantially or completely prevent further progression of an epidural needle upon entry of the needle into the epidural space. When the needle is inserted into the ligamentum of the patient's back, the device may be pressurized with fluid using the resistance of the dense ligament to maintain pressure. This pressurization may lock a pushing mechanism in place relative to the needle such that the pushing mechanism can be used to advance the needle. Once the epidural space is reached, the fluid (e.g., saline or air) enters the epidural space, and the release of pressure may cause the trigger mechanism to disengage from the sliding pusher, allowing the pusher to slide along the body of the construct. The device thus may provide the ability to detect the epidural space using pressure loss while preventing the needle from advancing into the dura once the space is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Guidestar Medical Devices
    Inventors: Michael D. DOLPHIN, Brianna B. CARRELS, Simon F. COOKE, James A. HELLIWELL