Patents by Inventor Steven W. Kim

Steven W. Kim 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).

  • Publication number: 20160213426
    Abstract: A tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Yoav BEN-HAIM, Peter J. BENTLEY, Donghoon CHUN, Daniel E. FRANCIS, Jessi E. JOHNSON, Kevin SHAN, Ted Y. SU, Steven W. KIM
  • Publication number: 20160135888
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue, including treatment using microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention a medical device and associated apparatus and procedures are used to treat dermatological conditions using, for example, microwave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Steven W. KIM, Daniel E. FRANCIS, Jessi Ernest JOHNSON, Alexey SALAMINI, Ted Y. SU, Donghoon CHUN, Yoav BEN-HAIM
  • Publication number: 20160045755
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in the reduction of fat, which may include a number of features. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may include an applicator having electrodes that form capacitors to heat tissue, an acquisition chamber having a cooling system, and a vacuum input providing a vacuum to acquire tissue to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Donghoon CHUN, Daniel E. FRANCIS, Jessi E. JOHNSON, Steven W. KIM, Kevin LE, Ted Y. SU
  • Patent number: 8562662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Brian K. Shiu
  • Publication number: 20130261724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Steven W. KIM, Brian K. SHIU
  • Patent number: 8535367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Brian K. Shiu
  • Publication number: 20120330343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Steven W. KIM, Brian K. SHIU
  • Patent number: 8231665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Brian K. Shiu
  • Patent number: 8231666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Brian K. Shiu
  • Patent number: 7322360
    Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, David Willis, Thomas A. Howell, George D. Hermann, Peter M. Wilson, Elizabeth M. Bush, Steven W. Kim, Roman Turovskiy
  • Patent number: 7316655
    Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving directed placement of guidewires or other flexible rails over which other catheters or other devices may be introduced to a targeted location. A guidewire directing device includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal peripheral opening for directing a guidewire laterally from the device, and may have a deflecting member with a predetermined deflection angle in the lumen adjacent the peripheral opening. A snaring device is also provided that includes one or more lumens through which a snare or other grasping member is directed for releasably capturing or coupling to a guidewire. The snaring and target guidewire devices may include cooperating end effectors for releasably coupling or securing the devices together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John Garibotto, Steven W. Kim, Jason Whitt, J. Christopher Flaherty, Joshua Makower, Motoya Hayase, John Chang
  • Patent number: 6863684
    Abstract: A plastically deformable stent for implantation within a body passage includes a plurality of cylindrical segments, and a plurality of connectors extending between adjacent segments. Each segment has an alternating pattern of curvilinear elements extending about its circumference, including first and second sets of curvilinear elements having different resistances to expansion, and preferably defining “U” shapes with alternating lengths that are connected to one another to define a substantially sinusoidal pattern. The connectors define a sinusoidal shape adapted to extend and compress axially substantially evenly when the adjacent segments are subjected to bending. The stent may be delivered on a device including an elongate member with a nose cone, an expandable member, and a proximal shoulder thereon, and an outer sheath for slidably receiving the elongate member therein. The outer sheath and/or nose cone may have perfusion holes for allowing continued perfusion of fluid during stent delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Joshua Makower, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 6843803
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
  • Publication number: 20040168692
    Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, David B. Willis, Thomas A. Howell, George D. Hermann, Peter M. Wilson, Elizabeth M. Bush, Steven W. Kim, Roman Turovskiy
  • Patent number: 6752154
    Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, David B. Willis, Thomas A. Howell, George D. Hermann, Peter M. Wilson, Elizabeth M. Bush, Steven W. Kim, Roman Turovskiy
  • Publication number: 20040015225
    Abstract: A plastically deformable stent for implantation within a body passage includes a plurality of cylindrical segments, and a plurality of connectors extending between adjacent segments. Each segment has an alternating pattern of curvilinear elements extending about its circumference, including first and second sets of curvilinear elements having different resistances to expansion, and preferably defining “U” shapes with alternating lengths that are connected to one another to define a substantially sinusoidal pattern. The connectors define a sinusoidal shape adapted to extend and compress axially substantially evenly when the adjacent segments are subjected to bending. The stent may be delivered on a device including an elongate member with a nose cone, an expandable member, and a proximal shoulder thereon, and an outer sheath for slidably receiving the elongate member therein. The outer sheath and/or nose cone may have perfusion holes for allowing continued perfusion of fluid during stent delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Joshua Makower, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20030195614
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
  • Patent number: 6613081
    Abstract: A plastically deformable stent for implantation within a body passage includes a plurality of cylindrical segments, and a plurality of connectors extending between adjacent segments. Each segment has an alternating pattern of curvilinear elements extending about its circumference, including first and second sets of curvilinear elements having different resistances to expansion, and preferably defining “U” shapes with alternating lengths that are connected to one another to define a substantially sinusoidal pattern. The connectors define a sinusoidal shape adapted to extend and compress axially substantially evenly when the adjacent segments are subjected to bending. The stent may be delivered on a device including an elongate member with a nose cone, an expandable member, and a proximal shoulder thereon, and an outer sheath for slidably receiving the elongate member therein. The outer sheath and/or nose cone may have perfusion holes for allowing continued perfusion of fluid during stent delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Transvascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Kim, Joshua Makower, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 6576009
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will
  • Publication number: 20020156521
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular bifurcated intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively assembled to form a prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient, including branch angle and branch lumen sizes which match the patients vascular geometry. A Y-connector prosthetic module structure provides support and separation for each of the adjacent branching lumens. Radiopaque markers on the prostheses promote alignment between prosthetic modules and with the body lumen system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ryan, Michael A. Evans, Jay A. Lenker, Kirsten Freislinger, Steven W. Kim, Allan R. Will