Patents by Inventor Richard A. Hillstead
Richard A. Hillstead 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: 20080172086Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
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Patent number: 7311656Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Best Vascular, Inc.Inventors: James D. Hughett, Robert Michael Webster, Douglas Layland Armstrong, Byron Lee Boylston, Gregg T. Juett, Richard A. Hillstead, Jack C. Griffis, III, Andrew L. Lerohl, Mark Dehdashtian, Marvin A. Guiles
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Publication number: 20070118010Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: Richard Hillstead, Charles Larsen, Roelof Trip, Cory Anderson, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske, John Hendrick, Benjamin Woodward
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Publication number: 20070055089Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventors: Charles Larsen, Richard Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
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Patent number: 7160238Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Best Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Ron Waksman, Thomas D. Weldon, Richard A. Hillstead, Jonathan J. Rosen, Charles E. Larsen, Ian R. Crocker, Raphael F. Meloul
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Patent number: 7066872Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Best Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Ron Waksman, Thomas D. Weldon, Richard A. Hillstead, Jonathan J. Rosen, Charles E. Larsen, Ian R. Crocker, Raphael F. Meloul
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Patent number: 7066873Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Best Vascular, Inc.Inventors: James D. Hughett, Robert Michael Webster, Douglas Layland Armstrong, Byron Lee Boylston, Gregg T. Juett, Richard A. Hillstead, Jack C. Griffis, III, Andrew L. Lerohl, Mark Dehdashtian, Marvin A. Guiles
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Publication number: 20060111605Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: May 25, 2006Inventors: Charles Larsen, Richard Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
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Patent number: 7025716Abstract: A transfer device and catheter assembly for the delivery of treatment elements to a selected location within the intraluminal passageways of a patient as part of an intraluminal radiation system. The transfer device includes a gate member that permits the treatment elements to have the transfer device only if the catheter is attached thereto. A pressure indicator provides a visual indication of the fluid pressure within the transfer device, and provides for a release of the fluid if the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The catheter also includes detents to secure it to the transfer device and which must be manually activated to remove the catheter from the transfer device. The transfer device includes circuiting that determines whether the treating elements reside within the transfer device based upon the reflectivity of the treating elements. A method for determining whether treating elements reside in the catheter is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Novoste CorporationInventors: Raphael F. Meloul, Richard A. Hillstead, George K. Bonnoit, Jr., Martin B. Tobias
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Patent number: 6994665Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Novoste CorporationInventors: Ron Waksman, Thomas D. Weldon, Richard A. Hillstead, Jonathan J. Rosen, Charles E. Larsen, Ian R. Crocker, Raphael F. Meloul
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Publication number: 20050277802Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2005Publication date: December 15, 2005Inventors: Charles Larsen, Richard Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene de Juan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
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Publication number: 20050107824Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2004Publication date: May 19, 2005Inventors: Richard Hillstead, Bryan Knodel
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Patent number: 6830174Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Cerebral Vascular Applications, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
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Publication number: 20040243176Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The shaft may be capable of an angled configuration where at least a portion of the shaft is manually movable to a direction in which it extends at an angle to another portion of the shaft. The end effector is not limited to a linear configuration and at least a portion of an elongated end effector extends at an angle relative to another portion of the end effector as is needed or desirable for the particular procedure to be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Kevin F. Hahnen, Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
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Publication number: 20040192999Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Novoste CorporationInventors: Ron Waksman, Thomas D. Weldon, Richard A. Hillstead, Jonathan J. Rosen, Charles E. Larsen, Ian R. Crocker, Raphael F. Meloul
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Patent number: 6755338Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The shaft may be capable of an angled configuration where at least a portion of the shaft is manually movable to a direction in which it extends at an angle to another portion of the shaft. The end effector is not limited to a linear configuration and at least a portion of an elongated end effector extends at an angle relative to another portion of the end effector as is needed or desirable for the particular procedure to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Cerebral Vascular Applications, Inc.Inventors: Kevin F. Hahnen, Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
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Publication number: 20040097778Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Novoste CorporationInventors: James D. Hughett, Robert Michael Webster, Douglass Layland Armstrong, Byron Lee Boylston, Gregg T. Juett, Richard A. Hillstead, Jack C. Griffis, Andrew L. Lerohl, Mark Dedashtian, Marvin A. Guiles
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Publication number: 20040097777Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Novoste CorporationInventors: James D. Hughett, Robert Michael Webster, Douglas Layland Armstrong, Byron Lee Boylston, Gregg T. Juett, Richard A. Hillstead, Jack C. Griffis, Andrew L. Lerohl, Mark Dedashtian, Marvin A. Guiles
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Publication number: 20040092787Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Novoste CorporationInventors: James D. Hughett, Robert Michael Webster, Douglas Layland Armstrong, Byron Lee Boylston, Gregg T. Juett, Richard A. Hillstead, Jack C. Griffis, Andrew L. Lerchl, Mark Dehdashtian, Marvin A. Guiles
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Publication number: 20040039312Abstract: A system for the destruction of adipose tissue utilizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) within a patient's body. The system comprises a controller for data storage and the operation and control of a plurality of elements. One elements is a means for mapping a human body to establish three dimensional coordinate position data for existing adipose tissue. The controller is able to identify the plurality of adipose tissue locations on said human body and establish a protocol for the destruction of the adipose tissue. A HIFU transducer assembly having one or more piezoelectric element(s) is used along with at least one sensor wherein the sensor provides feed back information to the controller for the safe operation of the piezoelectric element(s). The sensor is electronically coupled to the controller, and the controller provides essential treatment command information to one or more piezoelectric element(s) based on positioning information obtained from the three dimensional coordinate position data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: LIPOSONIX, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Carl Hennige, Robert Cribbs