Patents by Inventor Michael Ludzack

Michael Ludzack 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: 9044214
    Abstract: A needle assembly comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The outer cannula and the inner cannula have complementary tissue receiving apertures. A tissue piercing tip is secured relative to one or both of the inner cannula or the outer cannula. A cutter is slidably disposed in the inner cannula. The cutter is configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse apertures. A hub releasably secures at least part of the needle assembly relative to the body of a biopsy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20140107528
    Abstract: A needle assembly comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The outer cannula and the inner cannula have complementary tissue receiving apertures. A tissue piercing tip is secured relative to one or both of the inner cannula or the outer cannula. A cutter is slidably disposed in the inner cannula. The cutter is configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse apertures. A hub releasably secures at least part of the needle assembly relative to the body of a biopsy device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Patent number: 8622928
    Abstract: A needle assembly comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The outer cannula and the inner cannula have complementary tissue receiving apertures. A tissue piercing tip is secured relative to one or both of the inner cannula or the outer cannula. A cutter is slidably disposed in the inner cannula. The cutter is configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse apertures. A hub releasably secures at least part of the needle assembly relative to the body of a biopsy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20110112437
    Abstract: A needle assembly comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The outer cannula and the inner cannula have complementary tissue receiving apertures. A tissue piercing tip is secured relative to one or both of the inner cannula or the outer cannula. A cutter is slidably disposed in the inner cannula. The cutter is configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse apertures. A hub releasably secures at least part of the needle assembly relative to the body of a biopsy device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Patent number: 7895725
    Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing a biopsy needle assembly is provided. The process may comprise the steps of forming an aperture for receiving tissue to be sampled in an exterior surface of an elongated tube for receiving a cutter, wherein the elongated tube comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; forming a hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube; and applying a coating of material over the elongated tube to form a lumen for receiving vacuum on the exterior surface of the elongated tube, wherein the hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube provides communication between an interior of the elongated tube and an interior of the lumen. In one version, the elongated tube may be placed in a mold configured to form the vacuum lumen when material is injected into the mold. A proximal hub may advantageously be formed by overmolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20090260755
    Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing a biopsy needle assembly is provided. The process may comprise the steps of forming an aperture for receiving tissue to be sampled in an exterior surface of an elongated tube for receiving a cutter, wherein the elongated tube comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; forming a hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube; and applying a coating of material over the elongated tube to form a lumen for receiving vacuum on the exterior surface of the elongated tube, wherein the hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube provides communication between an interior of the elongated tube and an interior of the lumen. In one version, the elongated tube may be placed in a mold configured to form the vacuum lumen when material is injected into the mold. A proximal hub may advantageously be formed by overmolding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20080114264
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Weikel, Lee Reichel, John Hibner, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20070032742
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable hand piece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Gavin Monson, Trevor Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Robert Weikel, Michael Ludzack, John Hibner
  • Publication number: 20070029364
    Abstract: A linear surgical stapler adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes an anvil structure and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. The cartridge housing and anvil structure are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil structure. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for selective activation and deactivation. The lockout mechanism includes a swing gate tab secured to the cartridge housing at a position adjacent a lockout lever, such that firing of the linear surgical stapler rotates the swing gate tab releasing the lockout lever for preventing further firing of the used cartridge housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Kruszynski, Michael Ludzack, William Kelly, Howard Flaxman
  • Publication number: 20060200040
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Weikel, Lee Reichel, John Hibner, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20060144548
    Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing a biopsy needle assembly is provided. The process may comprise the steps of forming an aperture for receiving tissue to be sampled in an exterior surface of an elongated tube for receiving a cutter, wherein the elongated tube comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; forming a hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube; and applying a coating of material over the elongated tube to form a lumen for receiving vacuum on the exterior surface of the elongated tube, wherein the hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube provides communication between an interior of the elongated tube and an interior of the lumen. In one version, the elongated tube may be placed in a mold configured to form the vacuum lumen when material is injected into the mold. A proximal hub may advantageously be formed by overmolding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Beckman, Noreen Kascak, Lee Reichel, Michael Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20050234336
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and materials for implantable devices (markers) which are disclosed for permanently marking the location of a biopsy or surgery for the purpose of identification. The devices are remotely delivered, preferably percutaneously. Visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using various state of the art imaging systems. Preferred visualization is through MRI, X-ray and ultrasound. The markers function to provide evidence of the location of the lesion after the procedure is complete for reference during future examinations or procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Andrew Beckman, Fidelis Onwumere, Michael Ludzack, Charles Samples, Ana Barbur