Patents Issued in February 20, 2001
  • Patent number: 6190372
    Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Epimed International, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Sandor Racz
  • Patent number: 6190373
    Abstract: A device for delivering an embolic coil to a selected site within a vessel in a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device involves an embolic coil having an enlarged member, such as a ball attached thereto which coil is released by forcing the enlarged member through an aperture in a socket situated on the distal end of a pusher assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Palermo, Pete Phong Pham
  • Patent number: 6190374
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating upon a cornea for delivering a laser beam having wavelength in an ultraviolet range emitted from a laser light source to the cornea, and for correcting ametropia by ablating the cornea with the laser beam, the apparatus comprises a correcting-hypermetropia optical system having a first aperture to restrict an ablation area, for correcting hypermetropia by changing a passing area for the laser beam, input device for inputting information necessary for defining a corneal shape after ablation, controlling device for defining an ablation shape based on the information inputted by the input device, and for driving the laser light source and the correcting-hypermetropia optical system, and a second aperture located by decentering for the center of the cornea, for transmitting the laser beam within an area of a near-point portion, whereby correction of presbyopia may be performed so that the cornea has double focal points by driving the laser light source and the correcting-hypermetropia o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Amano, Hirokatsu Makino
  • Patent number: 6190375
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a reshaping of a cornea of an eye for improved vision is presented. The system comprises a first appartus for determining dark adapted pupil size of an eye and a second apparatus for reshaping a cornea of the eye in an area approximately equal to the dark adapted pupil size as determined by the first apparatus. The method of the present invention involves dilating the pupil of an eye to its dark adapted size, determining the diameter of the dilated pupil, and ablating the cornea of the eye to match the dilated pupil size. The advantage to using such a system and method when reshaping a cornea of an eye is reduced halo effect or improved night vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Autonomous Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph W. Frey
  • Patent number: 6190376
    Abstract: A handpiece for cosmetic tissue treatment includes an input connector for connection of a first beam-outlet end of a first optical fiber to the handpiece and for alignment of the first optical fiber with an axis of the handpiece so that a first light beam emitted from the first beam-outlet end is transmitted substantially along the axis, a movable first deflecting device for deflection of the first light beam into a second light beam, and an output for emission of the second light beam towards a target surface. The handpiece may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. In addition, warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc., may be ablated or treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Asah Medico A/S
    Inventors: Bjarne Asah, Olav Balle-Petersen, Casper Dolleris
  • Patent number: 6190377
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for predicting an effective and safe laser light energy range for sub-epidermal laser surgery. The method is especially useful in controlling beam energy during the treatment of PWS. The method is accomplished by first impinging a measurement laser pulse on a predetermined treatment area, wherein the measurement laser pulse has an energy below a predetermined threshold of coagulation and below a predetermined threshold of skin damage. The thermal emission caused by the measurement laser pulse emanating from the treatment area is then detected and the delay time from the measurement laser pulse to the detection of the thermal emission is measured. The rise rate of the thermal emission is then measured. The layer thickness is then calculated based upon the delay time, wherein the layer thickness is substantially the epidermal thickness. An internal measurement temperature rise is calculated based upon the layer thickness and the rise rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: James A. Kuzdrall
  • Patent number: 6190378
    Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument includes a cryoprobe operative to form an ice ball in tissue of a patient targeted for cryosurgery upon activation, a sheath disposed over the cryoprobe and at least one measuring device supported by the sheath for measuring a parameter of the tissue of the patient. The instrument includes a processor for predicting formation of the ice ball by the cryoprobe over time and a display for displaying the prediction of ice ball formation. The processor is responsive to an output signal provided by the measuring device and a model of the effective thermal conductivity of the tissue of the patient targeted for surgery. In one embodiment, the measuring device is embedded in the sheath and measures temperature, thermal conductivity, blood perfusion rate and/or thermal diffusivity. The processor may be further responsive to an impedance measurement circuit for verifying the prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Philip O. Jarvinen
  • Patent number: 6190379
    Abstract: A system and method for treating a stenosis or blockage in a bodily fluid passageway is described. The system includes a catheter and a controller for generating radio frequency energy along a pair of output lines, a monitoring circuit for monitoring the phase of the radio frequency energy along the output lines, and an impedance matching circuit for adjusting the output impedance of the generator so that it equals that of a load, e.g., the patient. The catheter includes a catheter body which is insertable into the bodily passageway and operatively connected to the controller. A lumen in the catheter body defines an opening and a stainless steel, metallic-plated mandril is disposed within the lumen so that a terminal end thereof extends through the opening and into the bodily passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sun Star Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Heuser, Shinji Hara
  • Patent number: 6190380
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method provides for the application of a cell treatment agent, such as genetic material or drugs to be inserted within the cells of a patient in vivo. The apparatus may be a catheter arrangement with various embodiments for applying heat to a patient's cells in vivo in order to improve transfection efficiency or application efficiency. Laser beams may be applied directly to the cells. Alternately, the cells may be heated by electrical heating, chemical heating, radio frequency heating, microwave heating, infrared heating, ultrasound heating, or indirect laser heating. Further, the treatment agent may be heated prior to its application to the patient such that the treatment agent heats the cells of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: George S. Abela
  • Patent number: 6190381
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip M. Olsen, Maria B. Ellsberry, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
  • Patent number: 6190382
    Abstract: An improved radio-frequency catheter system for ablating biological tissues of a body vessel in a patient including a catheter, a deployable antenna guide disposed at the distal portion of the catheter and a radio-frequency (“RF”) antenna mounted on the antenna guide. The RF antenna includes a helical coil which defines an axial passageway to accommodate the antenna guide, and is adapted to receive and transmit RF energy for tissue ablation. Upon deployment, the antenna guide acquires a loop configuration which establishes line contact with the body vessel conformable to its internal contour to prescribe the precise and affixed tissue ablation pathway despite body vessel movements. The RF antenna is carried by the antenna guide to be deployed along the established tissue ablation pathway. Alignment of the loop with the desired tissue ablation pathway is facilitated with the use of radio-opaque markers and intracardiac electrodes mounted along the antenna guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Medwaves, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore C. Ormsby, George L. Leung, Ming-Fan Law
  • Patent number: 6190383
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal treatment of a tissue mass having an elongated housing having a proximal and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, and further including at least two electrodes supported at its distal end and mounted for rotation to facilitate entry and passage through a tissue mass. A drive shaft may be disposed within the elongated housing and operatively engageable with the electrodes for causing their rotational movement. The apparatus may include an electrode gear and a drive shaft gear in cooperative engagement whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the electrodes. Preferably, a motor is operatively connected to the drive shaft causing its rotational movement. Desirably, the distal end of the electrodes are threaded. A method for thermally treating a tissue mass is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Dale Schmaltz, Jenifer Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6190384
    Abstract: An endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool includes a flexible sheath, a manipulating wire, a fixed electrode and a moving electrode. The manipulating wire is inserted within the flexible sheath and is movable back and forth along a longitudinal axis thereof. The fixed electrode is connected to a tip of the flexible sheath. The moving electrode is connected to a tip of the manipulating wire, and opposes the fixed electrode to form a predetermined gap therebetween in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the manipulating wire. At least one of the fixing and moving electrodes receives a high-frequency current, and the moving electrode is movable toward and away from the fixed electrode by moving the manipulating wire back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruo Ouchi
  • Patent number: 6190385
    Abstract: An electrical connecting cable for bipolar electrosurgical scissors. The cable has a pair of insulated parallel conductors having insulating coatings. The coatings are separably connected. A slidable grommet is mounted to the cable. The conductors are partially separable from each other. A plug is mounted to one end of the cable. Spring loaded connectors are mounted to the other end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Peter Tom, Donald W. Regula
  • Patent number: 6190386
    Abstract: An electrosurgical coagulation instrument specifically designed to be insertable through a cannula for use in coagulating tissue during a laparoscopic or other scope-type procedure. The instrument has both bipolar forceps jaw paddles and bipolar needle electrodes. The needle electrodes are selectively extendable from the distal end of the instrument by manipulation of a knob member in a proximal handle. The needle electrodes can be extended to thereby enter certain tissue such as a tumor to thereby effectuate desiccation thereof and a gradual shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Everest Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Rydell
  • Patent number: 6190387
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Charles J. Winslow, Henry A. Klyce
  • Patent number: 6190388
    Abstract: A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the a intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with bone material to promote bone ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member (40) is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and bone screws (30) having similar attachment members (33) are engaged in the vertebral bodies of the intermediate vertebrae. A spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly (53, 54, 55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical trephine (70) is advanced. The trephine (70) has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the fusion implant and includes cutting teeth (72) for extracting a core (84) of bone material around the fusion implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Gary K. Michelson, Lawrence M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6190389
    Abstract: This invention concerns a device, and instruments for its insertion, that aligns two sections of bone and fixates the two sections to one another. The alignment feature and the fixation feature are typically independent, but they are incorporated into one device. The device is particularly well adapted to the alignment and fixation of a fragment of cranial bone with the remainder of the cranium. The device can be applied to a cranial bone fragment, and it allows the bone fragment to be aligned with the outer cortex of the cranium; prevents the bone fragment from entering the cranial cavity; and if desired, fixates the bone fragment to the cranium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bioplate, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadeusz Z. Wellisz, Eric V. Hohenstein
  • Patent number: 6190390
    Abstract: An instrument system and a method for creating a dome osteotomy having a semi-cylindrical surface contour configuration with an arcuate profile configuration at a selected location on a proximal tibia utilize a first guide component having a plurality of apertures placed along an arc which follows the arcuate profile configuration of the dome osteotomy and a cannula received in each aperture for establishing an array of parallel drill holes forming a pattern for the surface contour configuration of the dome osteotomy. A second guide component includes a slot which follows the arcuate profile configuration of the dome osteotomy and which is juxtaposed with the array of drill holes to guide osteotomes along the slot and into the tibia to create the surface contour configuration of the dome osteotomy. The osteotomes have a lateral curved configuration for following the arcuate profile configuration and footed osteotomes are used to reach behind the patellar tendon for completing the full dome osteotomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Craig M. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6190391
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for preparing the rejected posterior surface of a patella to receive a prosthetic element. Though applicable to both primary arthroplasty, the invention is ideally suited to revision procedures wherein the patella has previously failed or may be damaged or otherwise compromised. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of material which hardens on the posterior surface of the patella, and urging an inventive die having a planar surface against the layer of material before it hardens so as to create a reconstructed surface which serves as a host for a prosthesis. The preferred hardening material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) due to the widespread use of PMMA as a cement in conjunction with orthopaedic techniques. To provide a thicker build-up, however, the die surface may be recessed relative to a peripheral edge, so that the reconstructed surface is raised relative to the posterior surface of the patella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: Bruce T. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6190392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic removal of bone cement material includes an auger tool and an ultrasonic transducer/hand piece. The auger tool includes a spiral helical flute which extends about a cylindrical body and a quick connect mechanism for coupling the auger tool to the ultrasonic transducer/hand piece. Upon energizing the hand piece, bone cement is heated to a flowing mass so that the flowing mass of bone cement may flow about the cylindrical body and guided, via the spiral helical flute 90. This provides a method and apparatus for easily and quickly removing bone cement material during a revision type orthopedic surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Vandewalle, Dean R. Golden
  • Patent number: 6190393
    Abstract: A stent delivery system for medical treatment of a patient and for performing primary or direct stenting includes a balloon catheter, a stent, a sheath, and a flexible tapered introducer tip. The balloon catheter has a hub, shaft, and inflatable balloon, as well as a tubular stent mounted about the deflated balloon and crimped to an initial diameter. The introducer tip is affixed to the distal end of the balloon catheter and tapers to a maximum outer diameter equal to the crimped stent outer diameter plus the sheath wall thickness. The composite sheath has a multiple diameter design with a distal portion adapted to retractably cover the crimped stent, and a proximal portion having a smaller diameter. This smaller diameter enables greater flow of a radiopaque contrast fluid around the outside of the proximal sheath and through the inside of a guiding catheter, thus providing the system with a high visibility capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Bevier, Peter G. Piferi, Cesar L. Silva
  • Patent number: 6190394
    Abstract: A medical retrieval basket for removing objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body. The basket comprises an elongated flexible tube and a cage which is extendible from the distal end of the tube and can be collapsed by withdrawing into the tube by means of an actuation cable which passes through the tube. The cage consists of a plurality of flexible elements which are outwardly disposed to form a space for entrapping objects. The flexible elements are constructed of a shape memory material, allowing the cage to resume its original configuration when extended from the tube. The configuration of the cage is such that by means of rotating the cage, differing sizes, cross sectional shapes and/or spacing of the flexible elements may be presented to a given portion of the object to be removed. Rotation of the cage is controlled more precisely using an actuation cable constructed of nickel titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Annex Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Lind, Eugene C. Karels
  • Patent number: 6190395
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a surgical navigation system. The apparatus comprises a universal instrument attachment device. The universal instrument attachment device preferably includes a tracking body onto which a position tracking array is fixedly mountable, and an instrument attachment body removably and adjustably mounted to the tracking body. The instrument attachment body further includes a flexible clamping band having a circumference for adaptably conforming around a variety of instruments having different circumferential shapes and clamping the instrument to the instrument attachment body itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6190396
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits are provided for use with a body duct. More specifically, a device is provided for positioning sutures through a body duct. The device comprises a shaft structure for holding the end of the body duct and a suture organizer mounted about the structure. A plurality of needles are arranged on the shaft structure where each of the needles are advanced along a path in radially outward direction from the shaft structure through the end of the body duct and into a suture organizer. The suture organizer is movable relative to the shaft structure. Preferably, but not necessarily, moving the suture organizer extends the sutures from the body duct. Preferably, after the sutures have been positioned through the body duct, they may be tied off with sutures from a target body duct or tissue, where the tying off of the sutures will join the body duct to the targeted area. The suture organizer can hold the needle and sutures to facilitate the tying off of individual sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Perclose, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate Whitin, Lewis Isbell
  • Patent number: 6190397
    Abstract: An anastomosis is performed using a mounting structure mounted on the outside of at least one vessels. The mounting structure includes a flexible mounting structure that is attached to the vessel by a special instrument. A graft vessel is attached to the mounting structure either directly or by means of another mounting structure attached to the graft vessel. Tools for attaching a mounting structure to a vessel are disclosed, and a tool for attaching two mounting structures together is also disclosed. Methods for carrying out the anastomosis according to the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Origin Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Warren P. Williamson, IV, George Christakis
  • Patent number: 6190398
    Abstract: A lancet device used to pierce a user's skin and including a lancet with a body portion and a piercing tip, a primary housing, a cover assembly with a piercing opening and structured to be matingly coupled with the primary housing to define an interior chamber, and a lancet receiving assembly movably disposed within the interior chamber and structured and disposed to hold the lancet during its driven movement between a cocked orientation, a piercing orientation and a fired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Schraga
  • Patent number: 6190399
    Abstract: A jaw assembly for an endoscopic bioptome includes a pair of opposed end effectors having resilient arms formed from a super-elastic metal. The distal ends of the resilient arms terminate in end effector jaw cups which are also preferably formed from super-elastic metal, while the proximal portions of the resilient arms include angled portions which urge the jaw cups away from each other. The jaw cups are brought together into a biting action by a cylinder having a sharp distal edge which moves relative to and over he arms of the end effectors. As the resilient arms are formed from a super-elastic metal, they exhibit very high resiliency and durability even after numerous uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Palmer, Charles R. Slater, David Turkel, John Whittier
  • Patent number: 6190400
    Abstract: A percutaneously insertable system for sealing punctures in blood vessels includes an element that is percutaneously insertable into and deplorable within a blood vessel, a thread-like member attached to the element that passes through the wall of the blood vessel and arresting element moveable on the thread and into engagement with the other surface of the blood vessel thereby to seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: Wouter Matthijs Muijs Van De Moer, Rienk Rienks
  • Patent number: 6190401
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a staple into torn tissue such as the meniscus of the knee. The apparatus includes a pair of shafts individually movable in a longitudinal directing which are actuable from a handle mechanism. The shafts are movable sequentially so that the shafts disjunctively advance the prongs of the staple which is releasably held adjacent distal end portions of the shafts. A further embodiment of the device consists of a pair of needles detachably secured to a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a suture which connects adjacent the trailing ends of the anchoring members opposite the penetration end of the needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Green, Robert J. Geiste, Wayne C. Person
  • Patent number: 6190402
    Abstract: An intravascular flow modifier (IFM) for use in a vessel has an outer layer formed of a strand configured as a longitudinally oriented coil of adjacent helical loops extending between a first end and a second end of the outer layer. The outer layer is secured in the vessel by at least some of the helical loops pressing against a portion of the interior surface of the vessel. The IFM also has an inner layer formed of a strand configured as a longitudinally oriented coil of adjacent helical loops extending between a first end and a second end of the inner layer. At least a portion of the outer layer surrounds at least a portion of the inner layer so that at least some of the loops of the outer layer overlap and contact at least some of the loops of the inner layer An assembly and method for deploying are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Musc Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Joseph A. Horton, Diana Joan Vincent
  • Patent number: 6190403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a comparatively thick-walled vascular stent comprising sets of strut members connected by flexible, longitudinally extending links. This design utilizes flexible links with a variety of different shapes. Adjacent flexible links around the circumference of the stent are designed to nest one into the other, allowing the stent to be both thick-walled and to crimp down without overlap onto a low profile balloon. The flexible links are attached to the sets of strut members not at the center like the “S” links of prior art stents, but off center near the end of the curved strut portion of each set of strut members. This off center attachment point allows for a more flexible link without increasing the cell size of the expanded stent. Small cell size is desirable to limit plaque prolapse into the lumen of the expanded stent and to increase the stent's radial rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, David C. Majercak
  • Patent number: 6190404
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intravascular stent wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. Particularly, the inner surface of the intravascular stent includes at least one groove. Methods for manufacturing an intravascular stent are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Bio Prosthetic Surfaces, Ltd.
    Inventors: Julio C. Palmaz, Eugene A. Sprague
  • Patent number: 6190405
    Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable insert for use as a vessel support in blood vessels, the insert being able to deform plastically from a nonexpanded state to an expanded state by application of a radial force directed from the inside outward, with at least one tubular, essentially cylindrical main body section, whose circumferential surface is formed by a number of annularly meandering rings, the rings in each case forming a one-piece strand of material with a defined strand length. The insert is particularly stiff with respect to externally acting radial forces because a first group of rings is provided whose strand length essentially corresponds to the circumference of the insert in the expanded state, and a second group of rings is provided whose strand length is greater than the circumference of the insert in the expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: GFE Corporation for Research and Development Unlimited
    Inventors: Antonio Culombo, Norbert Heise
  • Patent number: 6190406
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent, preferably a self-expanding Nitinol stent, for insertion into a vessel of a patient. The stent is made from a tubular member a thickness, front and back open ends, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The member has a first smaller diameter for insertion into a vessel, and a second larger diameter for deployment into a vessel. The tubular member has a plurality of adjacent hoops extending between its front and back ends. The hoops are formed of a plurality of longitudinal struts, each having opposing ends and a center therebetween. The ends of the struts are shaped to form a plurality of loops which connect adjacent struts at the ends of the struts. The member further includes a plurality of bridges connecting adjacent hoops to one another. Each of the struts has a width which is greater at its ends than at its center. Preferably, the width continuously tapers from a greater width at the ends to a smaller width at the centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nitinal Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Duerig, Janet Burpee, Mark Mathis
  • Patent number: 6190407
    Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Ogle, William R. Holmberg, Richard F. Schroeder, Donald S. Guzik, M. William Mirsch, II, Darrin J. Bergman, Hallie A. Finucane, Katherine S. Tweden
  • Patent number: 6190408
    Abstract: A static device for use with the heart that has a plurality of members configured to be positioned adjacent the epicardial surface of the heart. The members are joined by at least one connector wherein the members are fixed in a spatial or spaced relationship relative to each other such that a portion of the heart wall is displaced inwardly. The member(s) can be configured in a rectangular shape, and preferably includes an inner surface having a curved configuration. In one embodiment, the device can have first and second member that are positioned in a spaced relationship relative to each other about 180 degrees apart. The first member is configured to be positioned adjacent the anterolateral surface of the chamber, and the second member configured to be positioned adjacent the posteromedial surface of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Cincinnati
    Inventor: David B. Melvin
  • Patent number: 6190409
    Abstract: A rotary torque-to-axial force energy conversion apparatus employs a rotatable member, a translatable member, and a magnetic coupling therebetween. The magnetic coupling converts a rotary torque on the rotatable member to an axial force on the translatable member, and includes a first permanent magnet comprising part of the rotatable member and a second permanent magnet comprising part of the translatable member. By way of example, the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet may each comprise interleaved, helical magnet sections of alternating polarities. A significant application of the energy conversion apparatus comprises an actuator apparatus for a ventricle assist device (VAD) or a total artificial heart (TAH). By oscillating the drive motor energizing the rotatable member, an oscillating rotary torque is achieved that is converted by the magnetic coupling to a reciprocating axial motion on the translatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Foster-Miller Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Gerard Vitale
  • Patent number: 6190410
    Abstract: A refractive intraocular lens including an optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more but preferably two balanced opposed looped haptic elements. Each looped haptic element is formed to have two broad connecting portions, two radial orientation portions, two spring portions and a linking portion for supporting the optic portion in a patient's eye. The two broad connecting portions of each looped haptic element is permanently connected to the outer peripheral edge of the optic portion. Each looped haptic element is likewise formed to have greater resistance to bending in a plane generally parallel to an eye's optical axis than in a plane generally perpendicular to the eye's optical axis. The intraocular lens is so designed to exhibit less than approximately 1.0 mm axial displacement or tilting of the optic portion along the eye's optical axis under a compression force suitable to effect a 1.0 mm in diameter compression in overall length of the intraocular lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Helene Lamielle, Laurent Hoffmann, Vincent Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6190411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing element for connecting a ligament to a bone part of a human or animal. The fixing element includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical element fixable in a continuous opening in the bone part, and an engaging element for the ligament anchorable in the cylindrical element at least at two mutually differing axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kokbing Lo
  • Patent number: 6190412
    Abstract: A composition or device suitable for orthopedic or dental implantation to bone, characterized by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) adsorbed to a porous hydroxyapatite substratum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Washington Research Foundation
    Inventors: Minako Yoshioka Lee, David Rodney Eyre, Mary Ann Eklof Weis
  • Patent number: 6190413
    Abstract: An implant for insertion between a pair of spaced vertebrae has a center element and a pair of end elements fitted to the center element and each adapted to engage a respective one of the vertebrae. The center and end elements have formations for varying the spacing between the end elements. Respective brackets fixed to the end elements are each fixable to the respective vertebra. The formations include screwthreads engaged between the center and end elements and the end elements are formed as caps engaged over ends of the center element. Each bracket is generally L-shaped and has a long leg attached to the respective vertebrae and an arcuate short leg attached to the respective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: John Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6190414
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae includes an implant member dimensioned to be at least partially positioned within an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae. The implant member includes first and second vertebral engaging plates operatively connected to each other for respectively engaging vertebral end plates of the adjacent vertebrae and having discontinuous surfaces to engage the vertebral end plates and promote bone ingrowth. A displacement member is associated with the engaging plates and is deployable to cause relative movement of the engaging plates to thereby at least laterally displace the engaging plates whereby in a deployed position the engaging plates are in supportive engaged relation with the adjacent vertebrae. The first and second engaging plates are preferably pivotally connected to each other at respective end portions thereof to define a reduced entry profile to facilitate insertion within the intervertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Surgical Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Young, Peter W.J. Hinchliffe
  • Patent number: 6190415
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis, includes a femoral element, a tibial element and at least one bearing element between the femoral and tibial components. The femoral component has medial and lateral condylar elements that extend posteriorly about 160°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: T. Derek V. Cooke, Bryan Cornwall
  • Patent number: 6190416
    Abstract: This orthopedic assembly has a connection between the ancillary tool and the stem or raspatory that allows both the raspatory and the femoral stem to be positioned in the intramedullary channel of a femur by means of the same ancillary tool. The connector includes a tapped hole extending from the bottom of a conical recess in the femoral end of the stem, or of the raspatory, and a threaded projection provided on the ancillary tool and designed to be screwed into the tapped hole. The bottom of the conical recess in the raspatory and in the stem has a profiled indentation whose edge includes alternating concave and convex curves and is designed to receive a male indexing part of a corresponding profile arranged on the end of the removable neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Groupe Grion
    Inventors: Michel Choteau, Gérard Grynblat, Joël Letendart, Henri Mathevon, Philippe Stahl, Jacques Van Overschelde, Philippe Vigier
  • Patent number: 6190417
    Abstract: The present invention provides a femoral prosthesis to be utilized as an implant into a human femur to connect the coxa. The femoral prosthesis comprises a stem body to be inserted into a femur bone, a neck portion fixed integrally at the proximal portion of the stem body, a spherical head member having an opening to receive the neck potion, and a cross pin for fixing the stem body to the femur bone, wherein the stem body is formed with a pinnig hole through a proximal portion thereof corresponding to a greater trochanter of the femur bone, and the cross pin is in a unthreaded cylindrical shape and inserted into the pinning hole, both ends of the cross pin being projected out of the stem body to be engaged with the bone wall of the femur bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Moritoshi Itoman, Kiyoshi Mabuchi, Noriyuki Ishida, Shingo Tamabuchi, Masaru Ueno
  • Patent number: 6190418
    Abstract: In a long bone endoprosthesis, the anchoring shaft on at least a part of its length has a cross section of generally rectangular or other polygonal shape and with rounded corners and straight side sections allowing the anchoring shaft to fit more closely with the bone when the anchoring shaft is inserted into a bone recess cut with a rotary cutting head having a minimum radius, the rounded corners of the anchoring shaft having radii equal to or greater than the minimum radius of the cutter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: orto Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harald Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 6190419
    Abstract: A composition which incorporates a metallic salt of fluoric acid is used as an additive for washing. When used in the “wash cycle”, the metallic salt of fluoric acid increases the cleaning affect of the detergent and also increases the “fluff” of the clothes. Application of the fluoric acid is through a variety of mechanisms including: direct deposit of a quantity of liquid dilute containing the fluoric acid; application of an absorbent material containing the fluoric acid within the wash; and, inclusion of the fluoric acid within the detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ales M. Kapral
  • Patent number: 6190420
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning article suitable for use in the home. The article is characterized by a sheet that is permeated with a composition including 51-98% by weight of organic solvent such as paraffins, olefins, acetylenes or mixtures thereof, 1-35% by weight of water, and 1-14% by weight of emulsifier to allow the water to be uniformly mixed into the solvent. The composition can also include 1-5% by weight of perfume for scenting clothing, and 1-5% by weight of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant to provide additional stain removal capability of the composition. The invented composition is thus organic-solvent-based and is particularly effective to remove body or cosmetic oil stains from garments. The invention is also directed to the composition and methods for using the sheet in a drying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Dry, Inc.
    Inventor: Rayvon E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6190421
    Abstract: A method for dyeing keratin fibers, particularly human keratin fibers, and more particularly hair. When the method is used, an extemporaneous mixture is applied on the fibers of a composition (A) containing one or more oxidation dye precursors and optionally one or more couplers, of a composition (B), in powder form, containing one or more direct dyes, preferably cationic, optionally dispersed in an organic pulverulent excipient and/or a mineral pulverulent excipient, and a composition (C) containing one or more oxidizing agents. The invention also features a ready-to-use composition of three components (A), (B), and (C) stored separately and mixed at the time of use to be applied on keratin fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Christine Rondeau, Nicole Zemori