Patents by Inventor Nga T. Van

Nga T. Van 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).

  • Variable stiffness coils
    Patent number: 6254592
    Abstract: An implantable vaso-occlusive device, constructed of a helically wound coil having a central section along its longitudinal axis which is somewhat stiffer than at least one of its end regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Samson, Ivan Sepetka, U. Hiram Chee, Christopher G.M. Ken, Nga T. Van
  • Variable stiffness coils
    Patent number: 5766160
    Abstract: This invention is an implantable vaso-occlusive device. It is a helically wound coil having a central section along its longitudinal axis which is somewhat stiffer than at least one of its end regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Samson, Ivan Sepetka, U. Hiram Chee, Christopher G. M. Ken, Nga T. Van
  • Embolic coils with offset helical and twisted helical shapes
    Patent number: 5639277
    Abstract: This is a surgical device that, in particular, is for forming a vasoocclusion or embolism. Typically, it is a helically wound coil in which the helix is wound in such a way as to have multiple axially offset, longitudinal or focal axes. Another important facet of the invention is the presence of small diameter secondary coil windings adjacent large diameter coil windings. The device is sufficiently flexible and small that it may be delivered to a site within the vasculature of the human body using a pusher and a catheter. The device is generally linear when within the catheter but relaxes to form the multi-focal form after delivery from the distal end of the catheter lumen. Various mechanical connections may also be used to discharge the inventive coil from its pusher. Similarly, the coil may be attached to a pusher using a sacrificial joint, which sacrificial joint is dissolved by imposition of a small voltage within the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mariant, Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga T. Van, Roberto L. Orellana, Christopher G. M. Ken
  • Fibered vasooclusion coils
    Patent number: 5549624
    Abstract: This invention is a vasoocclusive device. It is placed in the vasculature of an animal to form thrombus in a selected site such as an aneurysm or AVM. The device uses a central coil having thrombogenic fibers placed on the coil in a specified fashion. The coil will pass through the lumen of a vascular catheter and form a convolution when ejected from the catheter's distal end. The fibers are attached to the coil and cooperate with the coil so that upon ejection from the catheter, the convoluted coil forms a shape in which the central region contains the majority of these fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Nga T. Van
  • Vasoocclusion coil with attached tubular woven or braided fibrous covering
    Patent number: 5522822
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of vasoocclusion devices. More particularly, it relates to a vasoocclusion coil which may be segmented, onto which a fibrous, woven or braided, tubular covering or element is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Phelps, Nga T. Van
  • Vasoocclusion coil with attached tubular woven or braided fibrous covering
    Patent number: 5382259
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of vasoocclusion devices. More particularly, it relates to a vasoocclusion coil which may be segmented, onto which a fibrous, woven or braided, tubular covering or element is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Phelps, Nga T. Van