Patents by Inventor Richard C. Ewers
Richard C. Ewers 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: 8388526Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Richard C. Ewers, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Payam Adlparvar, Scott V. Taylor, Gary R. Dulak, Michael J. Dunn, Norman L. Morales, Charles C. Hart, Robert R. Bowes
-
Patent number: 8382800Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Marvin C. Elmer, Richard C. Ewers
-
Publication number: 20130041214Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
-
Patent number: 8343175Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Chris A. Rothe, Rodney C. Brenneman, Cang C. Lam, Eugene G. Chen
-
Publication number: 20120313325Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Gonzales, Boun Pravong, Richard C. Ewers, Richard L. Myers
-
Publication number: 20120296348Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably dispose through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Laduca, Robert A. Vaughan, Chris Rothe, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 8308710Abstract: A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system comprising a sheath defining a sheath lumen and a flexible catheter disposed in and through the sheath lumen. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and comprises a plurality of apertures at a distal portion that curls in a pigtail configuration. The fluid is directed and outputted to the body area through the catheter lumen and the apertures, and the outputted fluid is recovered and returned through the sheath lumen.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Jaime Landman, Ralph V. Clayman, Richard C Ewers
-
Patent number: 8308765Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This unidirectional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Marvin C. Elmers, Jesus Flores, Alex Khairkhahan, Ruey-Feng Peh, Cang C. Lam
-
Publication number: 20120283756Abstract: Devices and methods for endolumenally manipulating stomach fundus tissue alter the function of nearby nerves. The altered function of the nerves interacts with the cardiopulmonary system to cause a substantially permanent reduction in blood pressure. The altered nerve function may also treat heart disease as well. This application also relates to devices and methods for endolumenally manipulating stomach tissue to alter hormone production from cells associated with stomach tissue, providing a therapeutic effect in treating hypertension and heart disease, not conventionally associated with the stomach.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Scott Moonly, John Cox, Richard C. Ewers
-
Patent number: 8298291Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the tissue manipulation assembly, which may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly. A deployment assembly is provided for securing engaged tissue via one or more tissue anchors, the deployment assembly also being configured to disengage the anchors endoluminally or laparoscopically by applying thermal energy through at least one suture cutting element disposed along the deployment assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Lam
-
Publication number: 20120265218Abstract: Devices and methods for laparoscopically repairing a hernia are described. In some embodiments, a laparoscopic instrument is used to deploy one or more tissue anchor assemblies into the edges of the fascia tissue surrounding or adjacent to the hernia defect. The tissue anchor assemblies are used to cause the fascia tissue to be approximated to facilitate the repair procedure, to improve healing, and to reduce the incidence of recurrence.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Eugene G. CHEN, Tracy D. MAAHS, Richard C. EWERS, Lee L. SWANSTROM
-
Patent number: 8277373Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
-
Publication number: 20120238952Abstract: An endoluminal surgical instrument has first and second steering controls on a handle. A flexible shaft attached to the handle has a distal steerable end including a first link and a second link separated by a plurality of intermediate links. First and second steering elements, such as pairs of steering wires, are linked to first and second steering controls and to the first and, second links. One or more of the links is pivotable through an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to an adjoining link. The set back position of the second steering elements from the first steering elements, and the pivoting capability of the links allows the steerable end to be steered into a small bend radius. This makes the instrument highly maneuverable for use in endoluminal surgery, such as incision-less surgery of the stomach.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Sean Mitchell, Richard C. Ewers, Tracy D. Maahs
-
Patent number: 8262676Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Boris Reydel, Cang Lam, Eugene G. Chen, Brent D. Seybold, Rodney Brenneman, Vahid Saadat
-
Patent number: 8262622Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Joseph A. Gonzales, Boun Pravong, Richard C. Ewers, Richard L. Myers
-
Publication number: 20120226105Abstract: A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with at least one instrument passing through the surgical access device and through an incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device comprises an access seal. The material of the access seal is adapted to form a seal to generally maintain insufflation pressure within the abdominal cavity. At least one opening is formed through the material of the access seal between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal. The at least one opening when operatively disposed is in communication with the incision and forms a working channel between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The material of the access seal conforms to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Richard C. Ewers, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Gary R. Dulak, Payam Adlparvar, Robert R. Bowes
-
Patent number: 8236009Abstract: Needle assemblies for tissue manipulation are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. A needle deployment assembly is deployable through the tissue manipulation assembly via a handle assembly, through the tubular member, and into or through tissue. An elongate pusher is translationally disposed within a sheath of the needle deployment assembly and can be urged distally for deploying an anchor assembly from the sheath distal end. The anchor assembly is positioned distally of the pusher within the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris Rothe, Richard C. Ewers
-
Publication number: 20120184821Abstract: A device comprises an access port adapted to permit access of at least one surgical instrument into a patient. The access port comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion monolithically formed of a flexible material. At least one opening extends through the access port. The proximal portion comprises a proximal flange. The distal portion comprises a distal flange. The intermediate portion comprises an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The access port is adapted to form a perimeter seal when the proximal flange is disposed exteriorly and the distal flange is disposed interiorly. The access port is adapted to form a seal with the at least one surgical instrument positioned through the access port. The intermediate portion conforms to the surface of the surgical instrument positioned through the at least one opening and forms the seal between the inner surface and the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Richard C. Ewers, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Gary R. Dulak, Payam Adlparvar, Robert R. Bowes
-
Publication number: 20120184972Abstract: An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. The handle may include a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Cang Lam, Richard C. Ewers, Christopher James Earley
-
Patent number: 8216252Abstract: Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Vaughan, Cang C. Lam, Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat