Patents Issued in July 20, 2004
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Patent number: 6764465Abstract: The invention provides a safety syringe for extracting blood, with retractable or removable needle that can be retracted into the syringe body or removed after use and safety locks that lock the retractable needle in an extended position during use and in a retracted position after use to ensure that the syringe is not reused or that the needle is not inadvertently extended. When retracted, the needle assembly is cocked at an angle identifying the syringe as used and adding further protection to prevent the needle from being inadvertently extended and exposed from the tube. These safety features work in conjunction to enhance the usability and increase the safety of the syringe. Thereby protecting medical workers from being injured by an exposed needle or contaminated by disease or infection from contact with the patient's blood present on a used needle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Long Hsiung Chen
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Patent number: 6764466Abstract: Adapters for use with an angiographic injector. A face plate adapter includes a channel for receiving a rearward end of a syringe. First and second mounting flanges on the adapter overlay a portion of the channel, to cooperate with mounting flanges on a rearward end of the syringe, so that the syringe mounting flanges may be inserted between the adapter mounting flanges, and then rotated in the channel behind the adapter mounting flanges, to thereby lock the syringe to the adapter. The adapter further includes one or more locking pins, which in a locked position extend across the channel, to block the syringe from rotating in the channel and thereby prevent a syringe from being dismounted from the adapter. A collar incorporated in the adapter interacts with a drive ram of the injector to move the locking pins into their locked position whenever the ram is forward of a rearwardmost position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Liebel Flarsheim CompanyInventors: Peter F. Staats, Dane J. Battiato
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Patent number: 6764467Abstract: A fibrin mixture and dispenser assembly is provided for mixing a first protein component with sterile water to form a first protein solution and for dispensing the first protein solution. The first protein solution forms a biological adhesive when intermixed with a second protein solution. The second protein solution is preferably mixed and dispensed by a similar fibrin mixture and dispenser assembly. The two fibrin mixture and dispenser assemblies can be housed within a single housing. The assembly includes a piercer and a first tubular extension having grooves for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and a mixing chamber or a vial. The reservoir is also in fluid communication with a dispensing needle through a second tubular extension. The reservoir is configured to contain water which is introduced to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is configured to contain the first protein component.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Mark S. Roby, Ernie Aranyi, Richard Yagami, H. Jonathan Tovey
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Patent number: 6764468Abstract: A sealed sterile intravenous catheter and needle assembly providing a substantially closed and sterile environment. The sealed sterile intravenous catheter is removably secured to a needle assembly and includes a tubular catheter portion, a catheter nozzle portion, and a gel cap portion aligned axially about a central axis to form a sealed flow passageway therethru. The gel cap portion includes a hollow gel cap hub having a gel cap formed of an elastic material to substantially seal the gel cap portion of the sealed catheter. Additionally, the needle assembly includes a needle configured to matingly cooperate with the sealed catheter assembly and pierce through the gel cap and sealed flow passageway of the sealed catheter assembly in a fully extended position. The needle will also be structured to fully retract for safe disposal after use.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Express ExquisiteInventor: Doreen May East
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Patent number: 6764469Abstract: A syringe including a barrel for retaining fluid and having a dispensing port for permitting fluid flow therethrough. A plunger is received within the barrel and is axially moveable relative thereto for controlling fluid flow through the dispensing port. A dosing indicator is carried by the plunger and includes indicia thereon collectively representing a dosing range of the fluid based upon a correlation between the indicia and a therapeutic treatment variable for a preselected group of patients. The indicia cooperate with the plunger and barrel for measuring a medically correct dose of the fluid to be administered to a patient from the group.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: James B. Broselow
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Patent number: 6764470Abstract: A device for delivering a beneficial agent within a body cavity such as the ear canal. The device preferably includes a soft resilient casing that can be compressed to fit at least partially within the ear canal. Once inserted in the ear canal, the casing expands to form a seal between a boundary defining the ear canal and the device. The soft casing preferably encapsulates the beneficial agent within a reservoir formed inside the soft casing. As the device is squeezed, the beneficial agent is ejected through a release point. The device then maintains the beneficial agent within the ear canal until the beneficial agent has had time to take effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Roland P. Dimick
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Patent number: 6764471Abstract: A syringe, for injecting anesthetic contained in a medicine vial. The syringe includes a housing having a needle end and a plunger end, connected by a body; to which housing is attached a plunger assembly having a plunger at the plunger end. There is a vial slot in the housing, cooperatively sized for receiving a medicine vial. A needle assembly slot is in the body, at the needle end, for receiving a needle assembly from a side of the body. A seat at the needle end of the housing receives and locates a corresponding seat portion of the needle assembly within the housing. Depressing the plunger housingward impales the vial onto a penetrator of the needle assembly and seats the assembly firmly.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Alexander E. Lee
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Patent number: 6764472Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a lightweight, inert housing which contains an infusate for administration to a patient, and an enclosed, gas-impermeable variable volume chamber which contains a pressure source, such as propellant, mechanical spring, or the like. The variable volume chamber may be in the form of a rigid-walled expandable bellows structure or a nonstretchable flexible bag and is attached to the housing so as not to obstruct the entry port for introduction of infusate. The infusate is delivered from the device via a catheter in response to expansion of the variable volume chamber against the volume of infusate in the housing. A separate bolus injection port is provided which allows infusate to be safely introduced directly into the catheter and overrides the controlled pressure-driven delivery. The lightweight housing may include integrally formed needle stops and suture fastening loops.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Burke, Kenneth A. Fine
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Patent number: 6764473Abstract: An ostomy pouch for both one and two-piece ostomy appliances having an integral closure at the bottom of the pouch to allow the pouch to be emptied and re-sealed without the use of a separate closure. The integral closure has mating parts that are locked together and provides the ostomy appliance with a leak-proof, odor-proof seal when in a closed, sealed, and locked position. A slider, when the appliance is closed, can be moved along the integral closure, thereby separating the mated male and female parts to provide an opening through which the stored contents within the ostomy pouch can be emptied. After the stored contents have been emptied, the slider can reseal the pouch by rejoining the male and female parts. The integral closure is manufactured from material that is different and more rigid than the material used to manufacture the ostomy pouch.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Jesse R. Morton
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Patent number: 6764474Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, said ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma, said sealing member being of a hypo-allergenic adhesive and being in the form of a moldable mass or a ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventors: Inger Mann Nielsen, Eskil Hoejland Olsen, Laila Busk Gothjaelpsen, Danuta Ciok, Carsten Sletten, Anders Christian Nielsen
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Patent number: 6764475Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has at least one first fastening component disposed in a first waist region and at least one second fastening component disposed in an opposite second waist region. The fastening components are adapted to releasably engage one another and at least one of the fastening components comprises primary and secondary regions that have different releasable engagement properties. Together the fastening components define a refastenable, variable-location seam having a main refastenable attachment zone providing a basic level of securement and an enhanced refastenable attachment zone providing an augmented level of securement.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Peter Olson
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Patent number: 6764476Abstract: The present invention provides liquid handling member which is capable of rapidly distributing the acquired liquid parallel to its surface. The present invention further provides a device for handling urine which comprises the liquid handling member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Stephen Allen Goldman, Mattias Schmidt
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Patent number: 6764477Abstract: A composite absorbent article comprises a reusable frame member for shaping and leakage control onto which a single-use absorbent device can be detachably connected and repeatedly replaced without the need to replace the reusable frame member. A low-cost, high-performance composite absorbent article can thus be provided from low-cost single-use absorbent devices by virtue of the reusable frame member. A wicking barrier lining a central void or depression helps provide leakage containment for the overall composite absorbent article.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Julie Marie Bednarz, Margaret Gwyn Latimer, Joseph DiPalma, Teresa Marie Zander
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Patent number: 6764478Abstract: Absorbent article having a containment assembly and highly extensible leg openings. The leg opening margins may have portions having differential properties, such as differential elastic extensibility. The absorbent article may also have highly extensible outer leg cuffs. Additionally, the absorbent article may have a narrow crotch region. The absorbent article may thus provide ease of application and removal, sustained dynamic fit, prevention of leakage, sustained wearer comfort, and desirable appearance.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gregory Ashton, Eiro Fukuda, Frederick Michael Langdon
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Patent number: 6764479Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard includes a pair of belt portions attached to the rear portion or alternatively to the front portion of the article. The belt portions are fastened together around the waist of the wearer, wherein the one belt portion carries a first fastener arrangement intended to be attached against the opposite belt portion. The front portion or alternatively the rear portion exhibits a second fastener arrangement intended to be attached to the belt portions in such a way that the article will assume a pantlike shape, where the belt portions form a part of the waist portions of the pant. The belt portions are attached to the rear portion or alternatively to the front portion of the article via first elastic side panels arranged on the article. The front portion or alternatively the rear portion of the article has second elastic side panels to which the second fastener arrangement is attached.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventors: Liljana Kusibojoska, Kent Hermansson, Kenneth Strannemalm
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Patent number: 6764480Abstract: A disposable diaper that includes a pair of tape fasteners extending outward from transversely opposite side edge portions of a rear waist region and a target tape strip to which the tape fasteners are anchored and attached to a outer surface of a backsheet in a front waist region. Hook members are provided on surfaces of the respective tape fasteners facing the target tape strip. Portions of the respective hook members defined in the vicinity of their inner side edges and lying in the vicinity of the transversely opposite side edge portions of to rear waist region are set free from the respective tape fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Koichiro Tani, Toshiyasu Yoshioka
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Patent number: 6764481Abstract: A packaged ocular irrigating solution bag, which comprises a gas-permeable plastic multiple compartment bag and a gas-impermeable plastic packaging member for packaging the bag and in which an oxiglutatione-containing solution or solid preparation is enclosed in one compartment and a bicarbonate ion solution is enclosed in another compartment and the space between the bag and the packaging member has a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignees: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiro Inada, Mitsuhira Nishio, Yoshiyuki Kimura, Junji Kaga, Koichi Muraoka, Nobuaki Sumiyoshi, Seiichiro Iguchi, Hiroaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6764482Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10) and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10,12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10,12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the tubing set (16) may be filled with air. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10,12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10,12).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Keilman, Walter A. Makaryk, Joseph A. Giertych
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Patent number: 6764483Abstract: Cross stream thrombectomy catheter and system for fragmentation and removal of thrombus or other material from blood vessels or other body cavities. High velocity saline jets emitted from a toroidal loop jet emanator or other jet emanator in a catheter distal end entrain fluid through inflow orifices, and with flow resistances create a back-pressure which drives cross stream streams through outflow orifices in a radial direction and thence radially and circumferentially to apply normal and drag forces on thrombotic deposits or lesions in the blood vessel or other body cavity, thereby breaking apart and transporting thrombus particles to be entrained through the inflow orifices, whereupon the high velocity jets macerate the thrombus particles which then transit an exhaust lumen or recirculate again via the outflow orifices.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Possis Medical, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Bonnette, John Edward Morris, Steven E. Wiesel, John B. Bridgeman, Debra M. Kozak, Rosemary C. Beaupre, Mark L. Jenson, Cindy M. Setum, Robert C. Dutcher
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Patent number: 6764484Abstract: A catheter system for use during biliary procedures, including a first elongate member carrying a guidewire lumen, and a channel extending longitudinally along the member which provides access to the guidewire lumen and defines two edge surfaces. A second elongate member is also included which is disposed within the guidewire lumen and mates with the cross-sectional profile of the guidewire lumen of the first elongate member, thereby converting a guidewire lumen having a C-shaped design into one having an O-shaped design. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures requiring the use of small diameter guidewires which would otherwise slip out of the channel during use.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Richardson, Michael Mangano
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Patent number: 6764485Abstract: The thermal treatment apparatus is equipped with a laser generator for supplying laser beams, a laser irradiation unit for applying the supplied laser beams to tissues, and a control unit for totally controlling various parts of the system. The laser irradiation unit is equipped with a movable laser emission part for emitting laser beams to tissues, a motor for reciprocating a laser emission part, and a guide lumen for supporting an endoscope in such a way as to enable it to move in the direction of the laser emission part. The control unit controls the motor that drives the laser emission part to make reciprocation motion in such a way that the laser emission part stops at a position where it does not interfere with the moving passage of the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignees: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norihiko Hareyama, Takefumi Uesugi, Taisuke Sato, Shigenobu Iwahashi, Shigeki Ariura, Wataru Karino, Makoto Inaba, Shin Maki
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Patent number: 6764486Abstract: An ablation device for cardiac tissue, especially for forming a circular lesion around a vessel orifice in the heart, comprises a steerable catheter that is provided in the region of its distal end with an abutment device for holding the distal end of the catheter on a cardiac vessel orifice; and a linear ablation applicator that is disposed distally or proximally relative to the abutment device of the catheter and can be brought from a straight passive position into a radially expanded, approximately circular-arc-type encircling ablation position.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Biotronik Mess- und Therapieger{haeck over (a)}te GmbH & Co. Ingenieurbüro BerlinInventor: Andrea Natale
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Patent number: 6764487Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Patent number: 6764488Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating a uterine disorder which receive its blood supply from a uterine artery. In particular, uterine fibroids are effectively treated by occluding the uterine arteries using trans-vaginal, trans-uterine, transrectal, or retroperitoneal approaches. The devices and methods are advantageous because the inventive procedures may be performed by a patient's gynecologist in the course of treatment, avoiding the need for referrals to specialist practitioners and for more radical treatments, such as hysterectomies. The methods include both temporary and permanent occlusion of the arteries. A cannula carries an imaging device and a member which will easily penetrate tissue, the member including a device which partially or completely, and temporarily or permanently, occludes a uterine artery.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Vascular Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Fred Burbank, Michael Jones, Paul Lubock
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Patent number: 6764489Abstract: An anterior thoracic/lumbar system comprising a thin plate and fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The plate may be hinged along the central axis, with a pair of collinear holes on each portion of the plate. Each of the holes accommodates a bolt which is screwed into the vertebrae and secured to the plate using a nut.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: NoVasive, IncInventor: Bret A. Ferree
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Patent number: 6764490Abstract: A surgical tool to create a recess for an artificial joint in cartilaginous and/or bony tissue, and particularly for an artificial acetabulum in a hip-joint bone, is described which has an essentially hemispherical superficies 10 and a hollow interior space 50 bounded by this surface where at the superficies 10 are formed at least one cutting edge 20 extending from the pole 12 of the superficies 10 to the equator 14 of the superficies 10 and having at least one cutting element 20 with one cutting surface 26 turned toward the workpiece and one cutting surface 28 turned away from the workpiece, as well as one opening 22 in the superficies 10 cooperating therewith to evacuate the chips toward the hollow interior space 50, where for rotation around the axis of symmetry which forms the axis of rotation, a bearing shaft 40 extending through the hollow internal space 50 is fastened at the superficies 10 and where a clearance angle &ggr; of the cutting edge 20 subtended between the superficies 10 and the cutting surfType: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Muller Erich JohannInventor: Zsolt Szabo
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Patent number: 6764491Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing disc space preparation and implant insertion from a unilateral approach to the spine through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include spreaders, distractors, reamers, scrapers, cutters, chisels, rasps, pushers and implant inserters. A surgical procedure is provided that allows bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with at least one interbody fusion device inserted into the disc space via a unilateral approach. Implants for insertion into the disc space are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: George Frey, John L. White, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
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Patent number: 6764492Abstract: A technique for preparing a bone to receive an implantable orthopedic component. The technique utilizes a modular bone impaction preform. The preform holds the shape of the implantable component during impaction of bone replacement material to fill defects formed in the bone via disease, congenital defect, or trauma. Typically, the bone impaction preform is used with an instrument that may comprise a trial stem, a trial stem adapter, and a handle. The bone impaction preform and trial stem, as well as the other components, can be made in modular form to facilitate interchangeability.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Taft
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Patent number: 6764493Abstract: Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of tissue to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Pearl Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Paul J. Weber, Luiz B. Da Silva, Alexander M. Rubenchik
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Patent number: 6764494Abstract: What is described here is a device for ablation of an aortic valve on the human heart by a minimally invasive surgical operation, comprising a centering and fixing body adapted to be introduced inside the aorta, which can be fixed relative to the aorta via at least one holding means, a drive shaft projecting centrally through said centering and fixing body, at least in part, and presenting a distal end, a cutting device fixedly mounted for rotation on the drive shaft in the region of the distal end of the drive shaft, as well as an aspiration device provided on the proximal side, relative to said cutting means, on said centering and fixing body.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignees: University Hospital Centre Freiburg, Albert-Ludwig UniversityInventors: Wolfgang Menz, Andreas Schoth
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Patent number: 6764495Abstract: An excisional biopsy device includes a tubular member having a window near a distal tip thereof; a cutting tool, a distal end of the cutting tool being attached near the distal tip of the tubular member, at least a distal portion of the cutting tool being configured to selectively bow out of the window and to retract within the window; and a tissue collection device externally attached at least to the tubular member, the tissue collection device collecting tissue excised by the cutting tool as the biopsy device is rotated and the cutting tool is bowed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Rubicor Medical, Inc.Inventors: Roberta Lee, James W. Vetter
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Patent number: 6764496Abstract: A single use lancet device having a housing, with an open interior and an access opening defined therein, a lancet, with a body and a piercing tip, and disposed in the open interior of the housing so as to move between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, a driving assembly structured to move the lancet into the piercing orientation, and a restrictor assembly having a shoulder element and a restrictor panel operatively associated with the lancet and the housing and structured to pass over the restrictor panel upon the lancet moving from its cocked orientation to its piercing orientation, and to abut the restrictor panel upon attempted movement of the lancet back into its cocked orientation after movement into the piercing orientation, thereby preventing the lancet from moving back into the cocked orientation and preventing re-use of a contaminated piercing tip.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Stat Medical Devices, Inc.Inventor: Steven Schraga
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Patent number: 6764497Abstract: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as au artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, George D. Hermann, Jan M. Echeverry, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 6764498Abstract: A device controls various neurological disorders resulting from improper electrical conduction.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Hans Alois Mische
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Patent number: 6764499Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Cook Urological IncorporatedInventors: R. John D'A. Honey, Marvin O. Andrews, Frank J. Fischer, Jr., John H. Ward
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Patent number: 6764500Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Kensey Nash CorporationInventors: Wouter Matthijs Muijs Van De Moer, Rienk Rienks
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Patent number: 6764501Abstract: Atherosclerotic vascular disease is treated by exposing the interior of an artery or vein to visible or ultraviolet light of a selected spectrum to thereby sterilize the artery, eradicating infectious pathogens and reverse the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic artery disease. A fiber optic bundle positioned via an intra-arterial catheter is connected to an appropriate light radiation source located outside of the body during treatment. In another form, the light energy is produced by means of a light energy source located at the distal tip of the instrument shaft positioned centrally within the atherosclerotic plaque formation. In this case, the power source at the distal tip of the instrument can be a light emitting diode (LED) or a transparent tube containing a chemilumlumenescent substance for producing cool light energy within the vessel to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms in the surrounding plaque or vessel without damage to the body tissue of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Robert A. Ganz
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Patent number: 6764502Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-conforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conductive cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person's skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.Inventor: Mark Thomas Bieberich
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Patent number: 6764503Abstract: A stent locating device that includes leading wires, a pushing rod for holding the leading wires, and a sheath for loading the pushing rod. The pushing rod includes inner and outer tubes. The inner tube is used as a guiding wire channel. An annular portion between the inner and outer tubes is used as a leading wire channel. The pushing rod may be a single tube having a hollow portion that is used as a guiding wire channel and a plurality of leading wire channels arranged in the body thereof at regular intervals circumferentially. The pushing rod may have a plurality of leading wires, crossing leading wires, or a combination of leading wires and auxiliary leading wires which are distributed at regular intervals circumferentially and are derived from the tip of a leading wire channel(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Shin Ishimaru
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Patent number: 6764504Abstract: A stent delivery catheter comprising a catheter shaft and balloon engaged thereto. The balloon being inflatable from a first inflation state to a first expanded state as well as to a second expanded state. The balloon having a stent mounting region for retaining and delivery of a stent therefrom, and at least one adjacent region. The stent mounting region having a first diameter and the at least one adjacent region having a second diameter. In the first inflation state the first diameter being less than the second diameter. In the first expanded state the first diameter being no greater than the second diameter. In the second expanded state the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. The stent being retained on the stent mounting region by engagement of the at least one adjacent portion and at least one retractable stent retaining sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lixiao Wang, John Jianhua Chen
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Patent number: 6764505Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Syed Hossainy, Fuh-Wei Tang, Brian P. Cahill
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Patent number: 6764506Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Endosystems LLCInventors: Gary S. Roubin, Geoffrey Hamilton White, Sriram S. Iyer, Russell J. Redmond, Claude A. Vidal
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Patent number: 6764507Abstract: An expandable medical device having a plurality of elongated struts, the plurality of elongated struts being joined together by ductile hinges to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. The plurality of struts and ductile hinges are arranged to improve the spatial distribution of the struts which is particularly important when delivering beneficial agents with the struts. The improved strut arrangement expands to a substantially parallelogram shape for improved beneficial agent distribution to the surrounding tissue. A beneficial agent may be loaded into openings within the struts or coated onto the struts for delivery to the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Conor Medsystems, Inc.Inventors: John F. Shanley, Neal L. Eigler, Elazer R. Edelman
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Patent number: 6764508Abstract: In a method for inserting an implant, such as a biological or artificial heart valve into a human organ, first the implant is provided with an adapter element, then a receiver element that is adapted to fit the adapter element is sutured to the recipient organ, and finally the adapter element is connected to the receiver element. The receiver element and the adapter element are each ring-shaped and are provided with matched interengageable threadings. They are connected with one another by relative rotation via a self-locking bayonet lock. Before being connected to the receiver element, the implant together with the adapter element are coated with living cells. Both the receiver element and the adapter element respectively have flanges that include elements for being sutured together with the recipient organ or the implant.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: co.don AGInventors: Oliver Roehe, Horst Laube, Martin Matthaeus
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Patent number: 6764509Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described having incorporated therein an effective amount of coating applied thereto to render the valve resistant to in vivo pathologic thrombus formation and in vivo pathologic mineralization. Preferably, the coating is derived from a precursor having the formula: X—Y—Z wherein X is a chemically reactive group capable, upon activation, of bonding to the surface of the heart valve; Y is either null or a relatively inert skeletal moiety resistant to cleavage in aqueous physiological fluids; and Z is a functionally active moiety or a biocompatible agent.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Carbomedics Inc.Inventors: Joseph Andrew Chinn, Jack R. Frautschi, Richard E. Phillips, Jr.
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Patent number: 6764510Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Myocor, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
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Patent number: 6764511Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Valdemar Portney, Erica J. Rogers, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Albert C. Ting
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Patent number: 6764512Abstract: A plastic implant having a sliding core, such as an intervertebral endoprosthesis, is formed with a peripheral, preferably circumferential, channel that is configured to receive a radiographic contrast wire. The channel may be partially or fully closed to an outside portion of the sliding core and may include a restriction in the profile of the channel that acts to partially close the channel to the outside portion of the sliding core. The restriction may have a width that is less than the diameter of the radiographic contrast wire. The channel may also include an insertion opening adapted to accept the wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Link Spine Group, Inc.Inventor: Arnold Keller
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Patent number: 6764513Abstract: A method for repairing a ligament using a crimp tube and a connector made of nylon or other suitable material. The method optionally utilizes a tensioner, a crimper, and a clamp. The method includes cutting open the skin and soft tissue surrounding the ligament, drilling holes through the bones surrounding the ligament, inserting a connector through the holes with the connector having a previously tightened knot at one end, placing a crimp tube around the connector at the opposite end of the connector from the knot, securing the connector in the tensioner, tightening the connector with the tensioner, crimping the crimp tube closed with the crimper against the connector, thereby securely coupling the bones together, and reattaching the skin and soft tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Brian T. Dowling
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Patent number: 6764514Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus for implantation in a chamber of an intervertebral disc after removal of at least a portion of a damaged or degenerated nucleus from the chamber, comprising a wafer of biologically compatible, thin, flexible, and expandable material in a selected first configuration. The wafer is adapted to be re-shaped mechanically into a compact second configuration of cross-section sufficiently small to permit travel of the wafer through a cannula and into the disc chamber. The wafer is further adapted to substantially regain the first configuration thereof by memory upon entry into the disc chamber, and the wafer is adapted to react to an expansion-inducing agent in the disc chamber to expand to an enlarged and selected third configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Lehmann K. Li, Rhodemann Li