Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Carter

Stephen J. Carter 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: 7722539
    Abstract: A noninvasive technique that can be used to deny blood flow to a particular region of tissue, without the inherent risks associated with invasive procedures such as surgery and minimally-invasive procedures such as embolization. Blood flow in selected portions of the vasculature can be occluded by selectively treating specific portions of the vasculature with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The occlusion denies undesired tissue the nutrients and oxygen provided by blood flow, causing necrosis in the undesired tissue. An imaging technology (such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, ultrasound imaging, Doppler based ultrasound imaging, or computed tomographic angiography) is used to identify the undesired tissue, and the vascular structures associated with the undesired tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignees: University of Washington, Mirabilis Medica
    Inventors: Stephen J. Carter, Shahram Vaezy, Roy W. Martin, George W. Keilman, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Patent number: 7686763
    Abstract: Ultrasound contrast agents are used to enhance imaging and facilitate HIFU therapy in four different ways. A contrast agent is used: (1) before therapy to locate specific vascular structures for treatment; (2) to determine the focal point of a HIFU therapy transducer while the HIFU therapy transducer is operated at a relatively low power level, so that non-target tissue is not damaged as the HIFU is transducer is properly focused at the target location; (3) to provide a positive feedback mechanism by causing cavitation that generates heat, reducing the level of HIFU energy administered for therapy compared to that required when a contrast agent is not used; and, (4) to shield non-target tissue from damage, by blocking the HIFU energy. Various combinations of these techniques can also be employed in a single therapeutic implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shahram Vaezy, Roy W. Martin, Stephen J. Carter, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Patent number: 6716184
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the simultaneous use of ultrasound on a probe for imaging and therapeutic purposes. The probe limits the effects of undesirable interference noise in a display by synchronizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves with an imaging transducer to cause the noise to be displayed in an area of the image that does not overlap the treatment site. In one embodiment, the HIFU is first energized at a low power level that does not cause tissue damage, so that the focal point of the HIFU can be identified by a change in the echogenicity of the tissue caused by the HIFU. Once the focal point is properly targeted on a desired treatment site, the power level is increased to a therapeutic level. The location of each treatment site is stored and displayed to the user to enable a plurality of spaced-apart treatment sites to be achieved. As the treatment progresses, any changes in the treatment site can be seen in the real time, noise-free image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shahram Vaezy, Roy W. Martin, Stephen J. Carter, George W. Keilman, Victor Y. Fujimoto, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Publication number: 20030028111
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the simultaneous use of ultrasound on a probe for imaging and therapeutic purposes. The probe limits the effects of undesirable interference noise in a display by synchronizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves with an imaging transducer to cause the noise to be displayed in an area of the image that does not overlap the treatment site. In one embodiment, the HIFU is first energized at a low power level that does not cause tissue damage, so that the focal point of the HIFU can be identified by a change in the echogenicity of the tissue caused by the HIFU. Once the focal point is properly targeted on a desired treatment site, the power level is increased to a therapeutic level. The location of each treatment site is stored and displayed to the user to enable a plurality of spaced-apart treatment sites to be achieved. As the treatment progresses, any changes in the treatment site can be seen in the real time, noise-free image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: The University of Washington
    Inventors: Shahram Vaezy, Roy W. Martin, Stephen J. Carter, George W. Keilman, Victor Y. Fujimoto, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Publication number: 20030018255
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling substantially bloodless surgery and for stemming hemorrhaging. High intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) is used to form cauterized tissue regions prior to surgical incision, for example, forming a cauterized tissue shell around a tumor to be removed. The procedure is referred to as “presurgical volume cauterization.” In one embodiment, the method is particularly effective for use in surgical lesion removal or resection of tissue having a highly vascularized constitution, such as the liver or spleen, and thus a propensity for hemorrhaging. In further embodiments, methods and apparatus for hemostasis using HIFU is useful in both surgical, presurgical, and medical emergency situations. In an apparatus embodiment, a telescoping, acoustic coupler is provided such that depth of focus of the HIFU energy is controllable. In other embodiments, apparatus characterized by portability are demonstrated, useful for emergency medical situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Roy W. Martin, Lawrence A. Crum, Shahram Vaezy, Stephen J. Carter, W. Scott Helton, Michael Gaps, Peter J. Kaczkowski, Andrew Proctor, George Keilman
  • Patent number: 6432067
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling substantially bloodless surgery and for stemming hemorrhaging. High intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) is used to form cauterized tissue regions prior to surgical incision, for example, forming a cauterized tissue shell around a tumor to be removed. The procedure is referred to as “presurgical volume cauterization.” In one embodiment, the method is particularly effective for use in surgical lesion removal or resection of tissue having a highly vascularized constitution, such as the liver or spleen, and thus a propensity for hemorrhaging. In further embodiments, methods and apparatus for hemostasis using HIFU is useful in both surgical, presurgical, and medical emergency situations. In an apparatus embodiment, a telescoping, acoustic coupler is provided such that depth of focus of the HIFU energy is controllable. In other embodiments, apparatus characterized by portability are demonstrated, useful for emergency medical situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: University of Washington, Sonic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy W. Martin, Lawrence A. Crum, Shahram Vaezy, Stephen J. Carter, W. Scott Helton, Michael Gaps, Peter J. Kaczkowski, Andrew Proctor, George Keilman
  • Patent number: 6425867
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the simultaneous use of ultrasound on a probe for imaging and therapeutic purposes. The probe limits the effects of undesirable interference noise in a display by synchronizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves with an imaging transducer to cause the noise to be displayed in an area of the image that does not overlap the treatment site. In one embodiment, the HIFU is first energized at a low power level that does not cause tissue damage, so that the focal point of the HIFU can be identified by a change in the echogenicity of the tissue caused by the HIFU. Once the focal point is properly targeted on a desired treatment site, the power level is increased to a therapeutic level. The location of each treatment site is stored and displayed to the user to enable a plurality of spaced-apart treatment sites to be achieved. As the treatment progresses, any changes in the treatment site can be seen in the real time, noise-free image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shahram Vaezy, Roy W. Martin, Stephen J. Carter, George W. Keilman, Victor Y. Fujimoto, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Patent number: 6315741
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling substantially bloodless surgery and for stemming hemorrhaging. High intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) is used to form cauterized tissue regions prior to surgical incision, for example, forming a cauterized tissue shell around a tumor to be removed. The procedure is referred to as “presurgical volume cauterization.” In one embodiment, the method is particularly effective for use in surgical lesion removal or resection of tissue having a highly vascularized constitution, such as the liver or spleen, and thus a propensity for hemorrhaging. In further embodiments, methods and apparatus for hemostasis using HIFU is useful in both surgical, presurgical, and medical emergency situations. In an apparatus embodiment, a telescoping, acoustic coupler is provided such that depth of focus of the HIFU energy is controllable. In other embodiments, apparatus characterized by portability are demonstrated, useful for emergency medical situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Roy W. Martin, Lawrence A. Crum, Shahram Vaezy, Stephen J. Carter, W. Scott Helton, Michael Gaps, Peter J. Kaczkowski, Andrew Proctor, George Keilman
  • Patent number: 6103807
    Abstract: An ethylene-polymer-based composition obtained by mixing, in the melt: 100 parts by weight of an ethylene polymer withfrom 0.0005 to 0.1 part by weight of a compound (a) with the ability to generate free radicals andfrom 0.0005 to 0.1 part by weight of coagent (b) chosen from among the C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 alkenes and the C.sub.5 to C.sub.16 alkadienes.This composition has clearly improved melt strength. It is very suitable for extrusion and rotational molding and in particular for the extrusion of tubes intended for conveying fluids under pressure. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining the composition and using it for the manufacture of shaped articles, and to shaped articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Solvay Polyolefins Europe-Belgium (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Stephen J. Carter, Laurent Cardon, Wim Coppens
  • Patent number: 6007499
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling substantially bloodless surgery and for stemming hemorrhaging. High intensity focused ultrasound ("HIFU") is used to form cauterized tissue regions prior to surgical incision, for example, forming a cauterized tissue shell around a tumor to be removed. The procedure is referred to as "presurgical volume cauterization." In one embodiment, the method is particularly effective for use in surgical lesion removal or resection of tissue having a highly vascularized constitution, such as the liver or spleen, and thus a propensity for hemorrhaging. In further embodiments, methods and apparatus for hemostasis using HIFU is useful in both surgical, presurgical, and medical emergency situations. In an apparatus embodiment, a telescoping, acoustic coupler is provided such that depth of focus of the HIFU energy is controllable. In other embodiments, apparatus characterized by portability are demonstrated, useful for emergency medical situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Roy W. Martin, Lawrence A. Crum, Shahram Vaezy, Stephen J. Carter, W. Scott Helton, Michael Gaps, Peter J. Kaczkowski, Andrew Proctor, George Keilman
  • Patent number: 5266963
    Abstract: A microwave/millimetric receiver of the kind in which a dielectric lens focusses incoming radiation on to an integrated antenna/mixer supported by a dielectric substrate. In one embodiment the antenna/mixer comprises a slot antenna and diode means coupled thereto for mixing the received signal with a local oscillator signal to form an IF signal. The local oscillator signal may be irradiated on to the antenna/mixer to be picked up by a crossed slot antenna or the local oscillator signal may be directly injected into the antenna/mixer circuit say via a microstrip line. In an alternative embodiment, the slot antenna is replaced by a dipole and a local oscillator signal is directly injected into the antenna/mixer via a coplanar line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Carter
  • Patent number: 4965384
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of copper catalysts for the oxidative coupling of 2,6-dialkylphenols to produce mixtures of 3,3',5,5'-tetra-alkyl-4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyls and corresponding diphenoquinones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Cliffton, Stephen J. Carter
  • Patent number: 4889231
    Abstract: A surgical procedure tray for supporting disposable medical devices in a surgical procedure pack. The tray and components are wrapped with a sterile wrap. The tray includes a substantially flat bottom portion and a border surrounding the periphery of the bottom portion. The border has a series of bends and includes an upwardly extending lip of a predetermined thickness. The distal end of the lip narrows to connect to a thinner rounded elbow which joins a downwardly slanting ledge. The distal end of the ledge is connected to a tip which is connected to a bead. The thinner outer portions and numerous bends of the border flex so that damage to the sterile wrap covering the tray is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Foote, Stephen J. Carter
  • Patent number: 4851589
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of copper catalysts in the oxidative coupling of 2,6-dialkylphenols to produce mixtures of 3,3',5,5'-tetra-alkyl-4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyls and corresponding diphenoquinones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Cliffton, Stephen J. Carter