Patents by Inventor S. Ward Casscells
S. Ward Casscells 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: 8784866Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of functionalized carbon nanotubes and at least one type of payload molecule are provided herein. The compositions are soluble in water and PBS in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the payload molecules are insoluble in water. Methods are described for making the compositions and administering the compositions. An extended release formulation for paclitaxel utilizing functionalized carbon nanotubes is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: James M. Tour, Rebecca Lucente-Schultz, Ashley Leonard, Dmitry V. Kosynkin, Brandi Katherine Price, Jared L. Hudson, Jodie L. Conyers, Jr., Valerie C. Moore, S. Ward Casscells, Jeffrey N. Myers, Zvonimir L. Milas, Kathy A. Mason, Luka Milas
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Patent number: 7603166Abstract: Methods for the detection of inflammation associated with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque to prevent heart attack and stroke are disclosed. The methods are also applicable to detection of infection, cancer, wounds or auto-immune disease in the body. Certain embodiments of the new methods provide a way of predicting the level of vulnerability of an atherosclerotic plaque to rupture or thrombus formation by assessing via fiber optic NIR spectrophotometry the status of two or more parameters associated with inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in a vessel of a living patient. From these measurements such conditions as low pH, hypoxia, low glucose, oxidative stress or compounds abundant in vulnerable plaque such as oxidized LDL cholesterol and oxidized metabolites of NO, significant active macrophage population, thin plaque cap, as well as senescence and/or apoptosis of smooth muscle or endothelial cells are determined with the assistance of a suitably programmed microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Patent number: 7513876Abstract: A system for detecting vulnerable arterial plaque formed on the vessel wall in vivo is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, one or more thermal sensors at said distal end of said catheter, and a detector coupled to the proximal end of the catheter and in communication with one or more of the thermal sensors. The detector is capable of receiving thermal information from one or more thermal sensors and differentiating the different types of plaque based upon the thermal information received.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson
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Patent number: 7426409Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery, and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Patent number: 7123968Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells. The methods are particularly suitable for treating inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. The techniques generally involve heating the cells with a catheter that is equipped to produce infrared radiation. The cells are heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson
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Patent number: 6993382Abstract: A method of detecting vulnerable arterial plaque formed on the vessel wall in vivo is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image of the arterial plaque, measuring the temperature of the arterial plaque, and determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature compared to the temperature of at least one adjacent vessel wall site. The method may include determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature of between 0.4 to 4° C. above at least one adjacent vessel wall site.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Board of Regents The University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Gregory H. Bearman, Michael L. Eastwood, Timothy N. Krabach
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Patent number: 6763261Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by a identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Texas Heart InstituteInventors: S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Publication number: 20040133100Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using an analysis of data generated during a scan of a patient to aid in assessment of coronary risk based upon coronary calcification. In an embodiment, a region of interest in a patient is scanned using computed tomography (CT). CT generated data resulting from the scanning are stored where the data comprise calcification data. The data are analyzed to determine a distribution of calcification in the patient and the patient's risk of cardiovascular disease based upon the analysis is assessed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Morteza Naghavi, S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson
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Publication number: 20040111016Abstract: Methods for the detection of inflammation associated with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque to prevent heart attack and stroke are disclosed. The methods are also applicable to detection of infection, cancer, wounds or auto-immune disease in the body. Certain embodiments of the new methods provide a way of predicting the level of vulnerability of an atherosclerotic plaque to rupture or thrombus formation by assessing via fiber optic NIR spectrophotometry the status of two or more parameters associated with inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in a vessel of a living patient. From these measurements such conditions as low pH, hypoxia, low glucose, oxidative stress or compounds abundant in vulnerable plaque such as oxidized LDL cholesterol and oxidized metabolites of NO, significant active macrophage population, thin plaque cap, as well as senescence and/or apoptosis of smooth muscle or endothelial cells are determined with the assistance of a suitably programmed microprocessor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: TEXAS HEART INSTITUTEInventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Publication number: 20040099596Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for local delivery of drugs directly to the coronary circulation which may be isolated from systemic circulation. More especially it relates to a dialysis system and methods of infusing beneficial drugs, therapeutic agents, and/or other beneficial substances, including high doses of these, such as HDL, therapeutic genes, and/or chelating agents to the coronary system. The multi-chambered dialysis machine in the present system is capable of removing unwanted/harmful substances from the blood, enriching and/or otherwise processing the blood, and re-circulating the processed blood back to the coronary circulation of patient. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Morteza Naghavi, Hossein Eftekhari, S. Ward Casscells
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Publication number: 20040102732Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for local delivery of drugs directly to the coronary circulation which may be isolated from systemic circulation. More especially it relates to a dialysis system and methods of infusing beneficial drugs, therapeutic agents, and/or other beneficial substances, including high doses of these, such as HDL, therapeutic genes, and/or chelating agents to the coronary system. The multi-chambered dialysis machine in the present system is capable of removing unwanted/harmful substances from the blood, enriching and/or otherwise processing the blood, and re-circulating the processed blood back to the coronary circulation of patient. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Morteza Naghavi, Hossein Eftekhari, S. Ward Casscells
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Publication number: 20030171691Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Patent number: 6615071Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery, and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Publication number: 20030150464Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating atrial fibrillation. More specifically, highly active foci of atrial myocytes are identified and selectively heated to induce apoptosis of the arrhythmic foci. The methods generally involve heating the myocytes with a catheter for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: S. Ward Casscells
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Publication number: 20030028114Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by a identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: TEXAS HEART INSTITUTEInventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo
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Publication number: 20030004430Abstract: An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Gregory H. Bearman, Michael L. Eastwood, Timothy N. Krabach
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Publication number: 20020193785Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells by heating cells for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death. The disclosed stents can be placed in contact with the inflammatory cells and heated under controlled conditions. The disclosed apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for treating athersclerotic plaques.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo, Birendra Lal, S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson
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Patent number: 6475159Abstract: An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Gregory H. Bearman, Michael L. Eastwood, Timothy N. Krabach
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Patent number: 6451044Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells by heating cells for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death. The disclosed stents can be placed in contact with the inflammatory cells and heated under controlled conditions. The disclosed apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for treating athersclerotic plaques.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Texas Heart InstituteInventors: Morteza Naghavi, Bujin Guo, Birendra Lal, S. Ward Casscells, III, James T. Willerson
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Patent number: 5935075Abstract: An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Texas Heart InstituteInventors: S. Ward Casscells, James T. Willerson, Gregory H. Bearman, Michael L. Eastwood, Timothy N. Krabach