Patents by Inventor Steven E. Walak
Steven E. Walak 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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Publication number: 20230042812Abstract: A medical device including a handle including an actuation device, a sheath extending from the handle and having a longitudinal axis, the sheath defining an imaging lumen extending from the handle to a distal end of the sheath, an imaging device at a distal end of the sheath, and a piezoelectric member connected to the imaging device, where movement of the piezoelectric member moves the imaging device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. WALAK, Bridget STANFORD, Priya Vasdev KHANCHANDANI, Seamus Finbarr O'SHAUGHNESSY, Michael E. ZUPKOFSKA, Heather BOURASSA
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Publication number: 20210038204Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for obtaining a navigating to a targeted biopsy region are disclosed. An example device for navigating to a targeted biopsy region may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen. An inflatable balloon may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The device may further include an ultrasound transducer positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a power and control unit in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer. A vacuum source may be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: John A. HINGSTON, Daniel R. QUINN, Steven E. WALAK, Jason MORRELL, Michelle Pham TRAN, Pat S. PHONGSAVANH, Mahfuza AHMED, Paul SMITH, Michael M. BOREK, Gerald FREDRICKSON, Michael E. ZUPKOFSKA, Douglas C. SHEPARD, Gene T. STORBECK, Michael D. SINISI
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Publication number: 20170340782Abstract: A method for reducing mucus accumulation in an airway including disposing an implantable device within an airway, wherein the implantable device has a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface has a hydrophobic polymer coating thereon, wherein a polymer coating surface has dynamic water contact angles of 145 degrees or greater; and wherein the implantable device is constructed and arranged to maintain patency of the airway; wherein accumulation of mucus is reduced as compared to a similar implantable device without the hydrophobic portion of the inner surface. An implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface and a method of making an implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: SEAN P. FLEURY, MARK D. WOOD, DANE T. SEDDON, LAURA ELIZABETH FIRSTENBERG, PAUL SMITH, GARY J. LEANNA, CLAUDE O. CLERC, JAMES WELDON, STEVEN E. WALAK
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Patent number: 9808268Abstract: A medical device may include an elongate member, and a plurality of grasping members extending from the elongate member. Each of the grasping members may include a proximal end, and a distal end. Each of the grasping members may include at least one first section formed of a first material and a second material, and a second section located at the distal end of the grasping member. The second section may be formed without the first material and being less stiff than the at least one first section.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Campbell, Mark Andrew Hera, Richard C. Tah, Steven E. Walak
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Publication number: 20170291013Abstract: A guidewire includes an elongate core member having an intermediate segment, a distal segment and a proximal segment, a distal shoulder between the intermediate segment and the distal segment and a proximal shoulder between the intermediate segment and the proximal segment. A coil having a proximal end and a distal end is disposed about at least a portion of the distal segment of the elongate core member and disposed adjacent to the distal shoulder. A distal tip comprising a polymer material is disposed adjacent to the distal end of the coil and a proximal polymer member, the proximal polymer member disposed adjacent to the proximal shoulder. At least the intermediate segment and the coil have a diameter that is substantially the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: PETER J. PEREIRA, STEVEN E. WALAK
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Patent number: 9764067Abstract: A method for reducing mucus accumulation in an airway including disposing an implantable device within an airway, wherein the implantable device has a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface has a hydrophobic polymer coating thereon, wherein a polymer coating surface has dynamic water contact angles of 145 degrees or greater; and wherein the implantable device is constructed and arranged to maintain patency of the airway; wherein accumulation of mucus is reduced as compared to a similar implantable device without the hydrophobic portion of the inner surface. An implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface and a method of making an implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Sean P. Fleury, Mark D. Wood, Dane T. Seddon, Laura Elizabeth Firstenberg, Paul Smith, Gary J. Leanna, Claude O. Clerc, James Weldon, Steven E. Walak
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Publication number: 20170042708Abstract: A stent comprising a radially expandable elongate tubular support structure, the elongate tubular support structure comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and an anchoring element disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular support structure, the anchoring element is separate and removable from the elongate tubular support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventor: STEVEN E. WALAK
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Patent number: 9498319Abstract: A stent comprising a radially expandable elongate tubular support structure, the elongate tubular support structure comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and an anchoring element disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular support structure, the anchoring element is separate and removable from the elongate tubular support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventor: Steven E. Walak
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Publication number: 20160287223Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for obtaining a navigating to a targeted biopsy region are disclosed. An example device for navigating to a targeted biopsy region may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen. An inflatable balloon may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The device may further include an ultrasound transducer positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a power and control unit in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer. A vacuum source may be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: John A. HINGSTON, Daniel R. QUINN, Steven E. WALAK, Jason MORRELL, Michelle Pham TRAN, Pat S. PHONGSAVANH, Mahfuza AHMED, Paul SMITH, Michael M. BOREK, Gerald FREDRICKSON, Michael E. ZUPKOFSKA, Douglas C. SHEPARD, Gene T. STORBECK, Michael D. SINISI
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Publication number: 20160287371Abstract: Methods and devices for dilating a stricture of a body lumen are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device for dilating a lumen of a body comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and an inflatable scaffold member disposed on the distal end of the elongate member, the inflatable scaffold member defining a lumen. In some additional embodiments, the device may further include an inflation member in fluid communication with the lumen of the inflatable scaffold member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inflatable scaffold member is frangibly connected to the inflation member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: PAUL SMITH, NIKLAS ANDERSSON, BRIAN GAFFNEY, STEVEN E. WALAK, LYNDIA D. PERSONNAT, JONATHAN ZOLL, ALISON O. SILBERMAN, JOHN A. HINGSTON
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Publication number: 20160151146Abstract: A stent comprising a radially expandable elongate tubular support structure, the elongate tubular support structure comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and an anchoring element disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular support structure, the anchoring element is separate and removable from the elongate tubular support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventor: STEVEN E. WALAK
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Publication number: 20160081678Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the distal end including a pair of jaws, at least a first one of the jaws being movable relative to the other between an open configuration, in which the jaws are open to receive tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration in which the jaws are drawn toward one another to collect a tissue sample therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Gary S. KAPPEL, William BERTOLINO, Dennis B. HUBBARD, JR., Brian GAFFNEY, Thomas JONES, Mickael A. JETTE, Sebastian LOAIZA, Naroun SUON, Daniel FAULKNER, Brian ALMEIDA, Kimberly LAJOIE, Paul SMITH, Eric WONG, Tantra S. BUDIMAN, Justin ELFMAN, Vishal SHAH, Steven E. WALAK, Michael POWERS, Amie PRESTON, Mahfuza AHMED, Daniel R. QUINN
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Patent number: 9265635Abstract: A stent comprising a radially expandable elongate tubular support structure, the elongate tubular support structure comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and an anchoring element disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular support structure, the anchoring element is separate and removable from the elongate tubular support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventor: Steven E. Walak
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Publication number: 20160015372Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes an outer sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes a tissue collecting member movably housed within the lumen and biased toward an expanded configuration in which the tissue collecting member is curved about a longitudinal axis thereof and longitudinal edges thereof are separated from one another. The tissue collecting member is movable between a constrained position, in which the tissue collecting is received within the lumen and constrained by a surface thereof such that longitudinal edges of the tissue collecting member are drawn toward one another to define a channel therein, and a tissue collecting position, in which the tissue collecting member moves distally past the distal end of the outer sheath to revert to the biased expanded configuration to cut a target tissue into which it is inserted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Steven E. Walak, Michael Powers
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Publication number: 20150148813Abstract: A medical device may include an elongate member, and a plurality of grasping members extending from the elongate member. Each of the grasping members may include a proximal end, and a distal end. Each of the grasping members may include at least one first section formed of a first material and a second material, and a second section located at the distal end of the grasping member. The second section may be formed without the first material and being less stiff than the at least one first section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Andrew J. CAMPBELL, Mark Andrew HERA, Richard C. TAH, Steven E. WALAK
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Publication number: 20150011964Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a guidewire for performing medical procedures may include a central core. The central core may include a first region having a first width and a distal surface. The central core may also include a second region distal to the first region. The second region may have a second width different than the first width. The second region may also have a proximal surface. At least a portion of the distal surface of the first region may be angled relative to a portion of the proximal surface of the second region. The guidewire may also include a first covering surrounding the first region. The first covering and the first region may form a first covered region having a third width. The guidewire may also include a second covering surrounding the second region. The second covering and the second region may form a second covered region having a fourth width. The third width and the fourth width may be substantially equal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: William ABNER, Steven E. WALAK, Brian GAFFNEY, Gene T. STORBECK
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Publication number: 20140277443Abstract: A method for reducing mucus accumulation in an airway including disposing an implantable device within an airway, wherein the implantable device has a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface has a hydrophobic polymer coating thereon, wherein a polymer coating surface has dynamic water contact angles of 145 degrees or greater; and wherein the implantable device is constructed and arranged to maintain patency of the airway; wherein accumulation of mucus is reduced as compared to a similar implantable device without the hydrophobic portion of the inner surface. An implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface and a method of making an implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Fleury, Mark D. Wood, Dane T. Seddon, Laura Elizabeth Firstenberg, Paul Smith, Gary J. Leanna, Claude O. Clerc, James Weldon, Steven E. Walak
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Publication number: 20140277560Abstract: A stent comprising a radially expandable elongate tubular support structure, the elongate tubular support structure comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and an anchoring element disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular support structure, the anchoring element is separate and removable from the elongate tubular support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Steven E. Walak
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Patent number: 8620406Abstract: Medical devices that are visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optionally, other imaging techniques, are described. In some embodiments, a medical device adapted for insertion into the body includes an elongated shaft and an electrically conductive path extending spirally about a portion of the shaft. The conductive path is capable of being connected to a current source. The medical device can further include one or more contrast agents (such as MRI contrast agents, radiopaque materials, and/or ultrasound visible materials), which can be arranged in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Smith, Steven E. Walak, Lixiao Wang, Jan Weber, Sheng-Ping Zhong
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Patent number: 8382739Abstract: Composite medical devices, such as catheters, or the like. In at least some embodiments, composite medical devices, and/or shafts for use therein, that can include a more flexible inner portion and a less flexible outer portion. In some embodiments, the composite elongate shaft can be constructed by forming a metallic outer portion including a first metallic material about a metallic inner portion including a second metallic material different from the first material. The second metallic material can be more flexible than the first metallic material. A segment of the metallic outer portion can then be removed from the composite shaft to expose a segment of the metallic inner portion. As portions of the outer portion are removed, and/or portions of the inner portion are exposed, certain characteristics along the length of the shaft can be achieved. For example, portions of the shaft can be rendered more flexible by the removal of the outer portion to expose the inner portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Steven E. Walak