Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Whalen, II

Thomas J. Whalen, II 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: 7374568
    Abstract: Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40° C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whalen, II, Earl Slee, Amanda Conner
  • Patent number: 7083643
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whalen, II, Richard J. Greff, Kevin P. Gilmartin, Douglas Ray Hayman, Todd J. Hewitt, Ed L. Olson, Mark A. Pecor, Earl H. Slee, George Wallace
  • Patent number: 7011677
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Wallace, Richard J. Greff, Earl H. Slee, Thomas J. Whalen, II
  • Patent number: 6645167
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for embolizing blood vessels comprising delivering, via a catheter, an embolic composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible water insoluble contrast agent, and a biocompatible solvent. In one embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby a flow-arresting device is positioned and activated at the vascular site to be embolized, the embolic composition is injected, and the flow-arresting device is deactivated. In another embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby two embolic compositions, situated adjacent to one another, are injected at the vascular site to be embolized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whalen, II, Chinh Ngoc Tran, Douglas Ray Hayman, Noah Michael Roth, Jacques Moret, Richard J. Greff
  • Patent number: 6569190
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whalen, II, Richard J. Greff, Kevin P. Gilmartin, Douglas Ray Hayman, Todd J. Hewitt, Ed L. Olson, Mark A. Pecor, Earl H. Slee, George Wallace
  • Patent number: 6565601
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Wallace, Richard J. Greff, Earl H. Slee, Thomas J. Whalen, II
  • Patent number: 6531111
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whalen, II, Chinh N. Tran, Noah M. Roth, Richard J. Greff
  • Patent number: 6511472
    Abstract: An interface needle is used for connecting a syringe to a catheter to create a blunt interface between two or more liquids being delivered through the catheter. The interface needle is particularly useful for creating a blunt interface between a biocompatible solvent and a liquid embolic composition which is delivered to the body for treatment of various conditions including aneurysms. A system for liquid delivery with a blunt liquid interface includes a catheter or other cannula, an interface needle, and a syringe. The interface needle includes a tube extending from a distal end which delivers liquid to a lumen of the catheter bypassing a reservoir in the catheter hub to create the blunt liquid interface. One embodiment of the interface needle controls an injection pressure of high viscosity liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: MicroTherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Hayman, Ed Olsen, Noah M. Roth, Gary Curri, Thomas J. Whalen, II