Patents by Inventor Russell Pflueger
Russell Pflueger 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: 7223227Abstract: Spinal disc therapy systems in accordance with the present invention generally include an implant element structured to have a therapeutic effect on a human or animal body when implanted into an intervertebral disc annulus or intervertebral disc nucleus. The implant element may include a biochemically active agent that provides pain relief, inflammation relief or other benefit to the human or animal body. The implant element may be mechanically active or mechanically activatable in being effective in providing a therapeutic effect to the human or animal body when implanted in the intervertebral disc. For example, the implant element may include a mechanically active or mechanically activatable component that radiates wave energy, for example, in the form of electrical or magnetic energy, into the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 7181289Abstract: Apparatus and methods for accessing and/or treating spinal cord nerve roots.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Robert E. Wright
-
Publication number: 20040134491Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: Quiescence MedicalInventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Christopher Paul Thompson
-
Publication number: 20040059254Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Stryker Puerto Rico LimitedInventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Publication number: 20040019381Abstract: Spinal disc therapy systems in accordance with the present invention generally include an implant element structured to have a therapeutic effect on a human or animal body when implanted into an intervertebral disc annulus or intervertebral disc nucleus. The implant element may include a biochemically active agent that provides pain relief, inflammation relief or other benefit to the human or animal body. The implant element may be mechanically active or mechanically activatable in being effective in providing a therapeutic effect to the human or animal body when implanted in the intervertebral disc. For example, the implant element may include a mechanically active or mechanically activatable component that radiates wave energy, for example, in the form of electrical or magnetic energy, into the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 6673023Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Stryker Puerto Rico LimitedInventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 6596263Abstract: A composition comprising cyclodextrin and an &agr;-hydroxy acid complexed by the cyclodextrin. A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a cyclodextrin-&agr;-hydroxy acid complex and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant. A combination of a cyclodextrin/&agr;-hydroxy acid complex and an applicator having an applicator head with alternating grooves and ridges disposed on the applicator head. A method of treating a skin area comprising applying a cyclodextrin/&agr;-hydroxy acid complex to the skin area in a pharmaceutically effective amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: STC English Ideas, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Schoon, D. Russell Pflueger
-
Publication number: 20020138021Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: DevonRex, Inc.Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Publication number: 20020138020Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: DevonRex, Inc.Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Publication number: 20020138091Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing intervertebral disc material, particularly nucleus pulposus, from a patient is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism operatively coupled thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula adapted to be inserted into an intervertebral disc and having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with projections or threading, for example, having a substantially helical configuration. The distal portion of the rotatable element may extend beyond the open distal tip of the cannula. The apparatus is designed to urge or draw nucleus material into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and preferably without the need for supplemental sources of suction or aspiration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: DevonRex, Inc.Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 6123198Abstract: Apparatus for carrying cosmetics include a cup member, a holder member and a cover. The cup member has a closed first end and an open second end and defines a hollow space therebetween. The holder member is sized and adapted to be placed in the hollow space and includes a plurality of spaced apart recesses each of which is sized to receive a cosmetic product. The cover is adapted to be detachably secured to the cup member to cover the open second end. The present apparatus are very effective and convenient for holding cosmetic properties in automobiles and other transportation vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: English Ideas, Ltd.Inventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Rebecca J. Pflueger
-
Patent number: 6013038Abstract: A magnetic guidewire anchoring apparatus for deterring longitudinal movement of a guidewire during manipulation or exchange of an over-the-wire catheter. The magnetic guidewire anchoring apparatus may comprise permanent magnet(s) or electromagnet(s), and may incorporate configuration attributes and/or attendent mounting brackets or other apparatus to facilitate positioning of the apparatus on the outer surface of a catheter through which a guidewire extends.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventor: Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 5540656Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device comprising an elongate ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end attachable to an ultrasound generating device and a bulbous distal head or probe formed on the distal end thereof for effecting ablative treatment of an occluding lesion. The ultrasound transmission member may be formed of one or more superelastic metal alloys such as NiTi (50 at. % Ni). A guidewire lumen may be formed in the distal head or probe to permit passage of a guidewire therethrough. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be curved or bent. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be tapered or narrowed. One or more surface disruptions may be formed on the distal head or probe to improve treatment efficacy. An increased hardness coating or outer skin may be formed on the ultrasound transmission member. The device of the present invention may be incorporated into an angioscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.Inventors: Russell Pflueger, Henry Nita, Steven Bacich, Robert Siegel, Geoffrey Bond, Eugene DeCastro
-
Patent number: 5397301Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device comprising an elongate ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end attachable to an ultrasound generating device and a bulbous distal head or probe formed on the distal end thereof for effecting ablative treatment of an occluding lesion. The ultrasound transmission member may be formed of one or more superelastic metal alloys such as NiTi (50 at. % Ni). A guidewire lumen may be formed in the distal head or probe to permit passage of a guidewire therethrough. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be curved or bent. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be tapered or narrowed. One or more surface disruptions may be formed on the distal head or probe to improve treatment efficacy. An increased hardness coating or outer skin may be formed on the ultrasound transmission member. The device of the present invention may be incorporated into an angioscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Russell Pflueger, Henry Nita, Steven Bacich, Robert Siegel, Geoffrey Bond, Eugene DeCastro
-
Patent number: 5345945Abstract: A guidewire having a centrally located core wire about which is mounted a single outer helical coil spring. The core wire is typically longer than the outer helical coil spring, with the helical coil spring and core wire having common distal ends. The spring is brazed at both its distal and proximal end to the core wire. The distal brazing of the core wire and helical coil springs is rounded. A second small radiopaque helical coil spring is fitted in the distal end of the outer helical coil spring and may be brazed to the core wire and outer helical coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: William S. Hodgson, Jagdish C. Dhuwalia, Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 5342292Abstract: An ultrasonic ablation device for effecting ultrasonic ablation of intravascular obstructions such as plaque or thrombi. The ultrasonic ablation device has a) an elongate catheter body, b) a wave guide or ultrasound transmission wire extending through the elongate catheter body, and c) a distal head or probe member positioned at the distal end of the catheter body. A guidewire lumen or passageway extends longitudinally through the catheter body and a guidewire aperture or passageway extends through the distal head or probe such that a guidewire may be passed through the distal head or probe and through the catheter body. Also disclosed is an improved distal head or probe which may be incorporated in any elongate ultrasonic ablation device, the improvement comprising the formation of a concavity or indentation in the distal or frontal face of the distal head or probe to improve the cavitation created thereby.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Henry Nita, Russell Pflueger
-
Patent number: 5326342Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device comprising an elongate ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end attachable to an ultrasound generating device and a bulbous distal head or probe formed on the distal end thereof for effecting ablative treatment of an occluding lesion. The ultrasound transmission member may be formed of one or more superelastic metal alloys such as NiTi (50 at. % Ni). A guidewire lumen may be formed in the distal head or probe to permit passage of a guidewire therethrough. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be curved or bent. Portions of the ultrasound transmission member may be tapered or narrowed. One or more surface disruptions may be formed on the distal head or probe to improve treatment efficacy. An increased hardness coating or outer skin may be formed on the ultrasound transmission member. The device of the present invention may be incorporated into an angioscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignees: Baxter International Inc., SonicStar International, Ltd.Inventors: Russell Pflueger, Henry Nita
-
Patent number: 4991588Abstract: A guide wire for an intravascular catheter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the guide wire has Doppler means positioned on the distal end, with preferred Doppler means being piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric polymeric materials, both having electrical leads connected thereto. In another embodiment, the guide wire has a Laser Doppler means.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.Inventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Cliff N. Cottonaro, Scott M. Evans