Patents by Inventor Rance A. Winkler
Rance A. Winkler 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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Publication number: 20120116146Abstract: A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patient's spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Cytyc CorporationInventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Patent number: 7494456Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a spacing member is disclosed herein. The spacing member is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical excision site.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: CYTYC CorporationInventors: James B. Stubbs, Rance A. Winkler
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Patent number: 7494457Abstract: A brachytherapy device is provided for treating a target tissue through an external surface area of the target tissue. The device includes an insertion member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A fluid retaining member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and has a first surface shaped to conform to a predetermined external surface area of a tissue to be treated, and a cavity formed therein in fluid communication with the at least one lumen in the insertion member. A plurality of anchor members can be distributed about a periphery of the first surface to anchor the first surface to an external surface area of a tissue to be treated.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: CYTYC CorporationInventors: Rance A. Winkler, Bartolome J. Salazar, Timothy J. Patrick, James B. Stubbs
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Patent number: 7381178Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Publication number: 20070156224Abstract: A handle system of a delivery catheter for the deployment of prosthetic implants includes a first stationary portion, at least one guide rail secured to the first stationary portion and extending generally longitudinally with the handle system, and a generally cylindrical second rotating portion rotably connected to the first stationary portion. A sheath mount is secured to an outer sheath of the delivery catheter, and includes one or more bearing surfaces to engage with at least one of the one or more guide rails. Rotation of the second rotating portion longitudinally displaces the sheath mount by interaction with the sheath mount. Interaction may be by internal thread of the rotating portion and external thread of the sheath mount, or alternately by rotating one or more drive screws by turning the rotating portion, the drive screws interacting with through holes in the sheath mount configured to receive and engage the drive screws.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Iulian Cioanta, Cesar Rincon, Brian Wilkins, Rance Winkler
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Publication number: 20060047178Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: March 2, 2006Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATIONInventors: Rance Winkler, Timothy Patrick, Carribeth Ramey
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Patent number: 6976949Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Publication number: 20050101825Abstract: A brachytherapy device is provided for treating a target tissue through an external surface area of the target tissue. The device includes an insertion member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A fluid retaining member is mated to the distal portion of the insertion member and has a first surface shaped to conform to a predetermined external surface area of a tissue to be treated, and a cavity formed therein in fluid communication with the at least one lumen in the insertion member. A plurality of anchor members can be distributed about a periphery of the first surface to anchor the first surface to an external surface area of a tissue to be treated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2003Publication date: May 12, 2005Applicant: PROXIMA THERAPEUTICS, INC.Inventors: Rance Winkler, Bartolome Salazar, Timothy Patrick, James Stubbs
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Publication number: 20050085681Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a spacing member is disclosed herein. The spacing member is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical excision site.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2004Publication date: April 21, 2005Applicant: PROXIMA THERAPEUTICSInventors: James Stubbs, Rance Winkler
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Publication number: 20050027157Abstract: A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patient's spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventors: Rance Winkler, Timothy Patrick, Carribeth Ramey
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Publication number: 20040210101Abstract: The present invention provides a spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
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Publication number: 20040167372Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Patent number: 6749555Abstract: A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patient's spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Patent number: 6695760Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Proxima TherapeuticsInventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, Carribeth B. Ramey
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Patent number: 6673006Abstract: A spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
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Patent number: 6589158Abstract: An infuser for transferring hazardous treatment fluids to and from a medical application includes a spill containing housing having a medical application connecting element and a syringe seat. The syringe seat of the infuser leads to a syringe connecting element that provides a fluid coupling between the syringe and a fluid passage leading to the medical application connecting element. The interior of the housing can be sealed against leaks, for example, by providing the housing in two portions with a gasket provided between the portions. A fluid tight coupling between the syringe and the interior of the housing may be created by integrally forming a septum with the gasket and coupling the syringe with the syringe connecting element through the septum. The infuser can also be provided with two syringe seats so that two different fluids can be transferred. In one embodiment, a second syringe connecting element is provided in fluid-tight communication with a second fluid passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
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Patent number: 6537194Abstract: Drug delivery vehicles and catheter systems are disclosed for controlled release of therapeutic agents employing a permeable hydrogel membranes a reservoir for an inflation fluid carrying a therapeutic agent. The membrane devices of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a catheter or similar instrument having an elongated hollow body member and a lumen extending therethrough to permit fluid communication between a proximal infusion port and a permeable membrane disposed at the distal end of the catheter body. The membrane preferably comprises an expandable, hydrophilic polymer having a predetermined permeability with respect to an inflation fluid. One preferred hydrophilic polymer is a hydrogel capable of imbibing an aqueous solution to reach a state in which it comprises between 50% and 98% water by weight in equilibrium. In this state, the hydrogel membrane serves to control the rate of medicament delivery.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
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Publication number: 20020193653Abstract: The present invention provides a spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
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Patent number: 6482142Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus of the invention delivers radioactive emissions in an asymmetric fashion to target tissue surrounding a surgical extraction site. The apparatus includes an expandable outer surface element defining an apparatus spatial volume, a radiation source disposed within the apparatus volume, and a means for providing predetermined asymmetric isodose curves within the target tissue. In one configuration, asymmetric isodose curves are created in the target tissue by shaping or locating the radiation source so as to be asymmetrically placed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. In other configurations, asymmetric radiopaque shielding is provided between the radiation source and the target tissue. A surgical procedure using the apparatus is also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick
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Patent number: 6413204Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus for delivering radioactive emissions to an internal body location includes a catheter body member having a proximal end and distal end, an inner spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter body member, an outer spatial volume defined by an expandable surface element disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member in a surrounding relation to the inner spatial volume, and a radiation source disposed in the inner spatial volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Rance A. Winkler, Timothy J. Patrick, James Stubbs