Patents by Inventor Richard R. Anderson
Richard R. Anderson 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: 9827006Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for harvesting small portions of tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts can be provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, where a distal end of the hollow tube can have two or more points or extensions to facilitate separation of the micrografts from the surrounding tissue. The exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of such tubes for simultaneous harvesting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. The micrografts can be approximately cylindrical or strip-shaped, and can be placed in a biocompatible matrix to form a graft or directly into tissue at the recipient site. Such exemplary micrografts can be obtained from skin or other types of tissue, e.g., various internal organs.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Michael R. Hamblin, Dieter Manstein, William A. Farinelli
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Patent number: 9801677Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: THe General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Publication number: 20170128096Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Falguni Asrani, William Farinelli, Ajay Shah, Vincent Liu, Richard R. Anderson
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Patent number: 9522031Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Patent number: 9451979Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Falguni Asrani, Ajay Shah, William Farinelli, Vincent Liu, Richard R. Anderson
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Patent number: 9393073Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Iris Kedar Rubin, William A. Farinelli
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Publication number: 20160135985Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Patent number: 9308120Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Publication number: 20160030722Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for an improved wound dressing that facilitates healing. For example, the dressing can include a membrane that maintains a sterile enclosed volume over the wound. Pressure in the enclosed volume can be reduced by deforming the membrane and compressing a resilient open-cell sponge provided therein, facilitating a relatively unobstructed flow of air out of the enclosed volume. Oxygen and/or moisture can be introduced by a controlled flow of moist oxygen-containing gas into the enclosed volume. An oxygen-producing reaction within the enclosed volume using calcium peroxide or the like can also provide oxygen to the wound site. An external vacuum source that includes compressible foam can also be coupled to the enclosed volume to provide a reduced pressure therein. The external vacuum source can be attached to a user's body to maintain the reduced pressure without use of electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: RICHARD R. ANDERSON, MARTIN PURSCHKE, WALFRE FRANCO, JOSHUA TAM, YING WANG, WILLIAM FARINELLI
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Publication number: 20160015416Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus for harvesting, handling and implanting small tissue grafts obtained from a donor site. In some embodiments the apparatus includes hollow needles and base that can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials that are biodegradable and/or dissolvable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Walfre FRANCO, Joel N. JIMENEZ-LOZANO, Martin PURSCHKE, Richard R. ANDERSON
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Publication number: 20150351840Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Iris Kedar Rubin, William A. Farinelli
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Patent number: 9138294Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Iris Kedar Rubin, William A. Farinelli
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Publication number: 20150216545Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Walfre Franco, Joel N. Jimenez-Lozano, William A. Farinelli
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Publication number: 20150173991Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Mathew Avram, Fernanda H. Sakamoto, Wikunda Limpiangkanan, William A. Farinelli
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Patent number: 8961450Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for delivering substances, e.g., therapeutic substances, into openings on or near a skin surface, such as hair follicles, pores and/or into sebaceous glands. This can be achieved by using an apparatus to direct a substance into the openings under pressure via one or more nozzles or slits. A portion of the sebum present in the hair follicle is optionally heated and/or removed, e.g. using low-pressure conduit located on the lower surface of the apparatus, before introducing the therapeutic substance.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, William A. Farinelli
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Patent number: 8840608Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Publication number: 20130310818Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Iris Redar Rubin, William A. Farinelli
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Publication number: 20130190744Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for use in the selective disruption of visceral fat tissue by controlled cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Matthew M. Avram, Richard R. Anderson, Joshua Tam
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Publication number: 20120215207Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard R. Anderson, Iris Redar Rubin, William A. Farinelli
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Publication number: 20120170037Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel multi-spectral exogenous fluorescence polarization imaging technique that enables rapid imaging of large tissue fields. The imaging device includes a tunable monochromatic light source and a CCD camera. Linear polarizers are placed into both the incident and collected light pathways in order to obtain fluorescence polarization or/and anisotropy image. To acquire exogenous fluorescence image, fluorescent contrast agents are delivered to a target tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Anna N. Yaroslavsky, Richard R. Anderson