Patents by Inventor Michelle Y. Monfort
Michelle Y. Monfort 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).
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Patent number: 8292919Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 8187296Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body comprises an introducer and a sheath. The tubular sheath may surround the introducer, and may have a weakened region along its longitudinal axis. A handle may be provided on the sheath. The handle may be adapted to be pulled proximally to separate the weakened region and allow the sheath to be removed from the introducer. The sheath may be secured to the introducer via detents or latches on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, Helmut L. Kayan
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Patent number: 8133248Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 8016820Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Publication number: 20100261973Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 7744626Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: General Surgical Innovations Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Publication number: 20100049235Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Publication number: 20090234347Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORKInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kuchlick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 7588566Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 7588584Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 7473262Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Herman, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 7297153Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body comprises an introducer and a sheath. The tubular sheath may surround the introducer, and may have a weakened region along its longitudinal axis. A handle may be provided on the sheath. The handle may be adapted to be pulled proximally to separate the weakened region and allow the sheath to be removed from the introducer. The sheath may be secured to the introducer via detents or latches on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, Helmut L. Kayan
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Patent number: 7214236Abstract: Laparoscopic apparatus and method for insertion into a space or potential space in a body comprising an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is provided and is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A tunneling member is mounted on the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided which is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a balloon wrapped about said tunneling shaft. A sheath is provided which encloses the balloon on the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a slit extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed whereby the balloon can be released and inflated. A tubular member is provided which has a balloon inflation lumen thereon and is coupled to the balloon for inflating said balloon.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 7211080Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 7077852Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: General Surgical InnovationsInventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will
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Patent number: 6953467Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body includes an introducer and a sheath. The tubular sheath may surround the introducer, and may have a weakened region along its longitudinal axis. A handle may be provided on the sheath. The handle may be adapted to be pulled proximally to separate the weakened region and allow the sheath to be removed from the introducer. The sheath may be secured to the introducer via detents or latches on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, Helmut L. Kayan
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Patent number: 6916331Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort
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Patent number: 6908463Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 6860880Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 6840946Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using laparoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard laparoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, George D. Hermann, Allan R. Will