Having Means For Varying, Regulating, Indicating, Or Limiting Injection Pressure Or Aspirating Suction Patents (Class 604/118)
  • Patent number: 8034018
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 24, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette, and means 70 for stopping the pump and preventing creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Ian Lutwyche
  • Patent number: 8029497
    Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Neotech Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. McCrary, Thomas R. Thornbury, Arnold M. Heyman
  • Patent number: 8025634
    Abstract: Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ahmad-Maher Moubayed, Oscar E. Hyman, David N. White, Larry L. Wilson, John W. Stevenson, Jay G. Moubayed, Linda Thomas
  • Patent number: 8007468
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow through medical devices, specifically for sealing devices which remain in place in the body to provide long term access to the vascular system. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a wedge or other similarly shaped geometrical feature for fixing an elastic component and controlling an internal stress of the elastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Navilyst Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8002725
    Abstract: Embolic protection and plaque removal apparatus and methods are provided wherein an aspiration device aspirates, filters and reperfuses blood using a closed fluid circuit having a bi-directional working lumen. The plaque removal device includes a plurality of self-expanding cutting elements that form a cage that self-centers within the blood vessel to reduce the risk of trauma to the vessel lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: NovoStent Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hogendijk
  • Patent number: 7998114
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for regulating pressure applied during a medical procedure, including an inelastic housing enclosing an inner volume, a housing having a first and second end; an aperture in the housing, the aperture for coupling to an element for applying a pressure during a medical procedure, the element having an inner volume communicated with the inner volume of the housing; and a pressure-operated valve coupled to the housing for providing access to the inner volume of the housing when pressure in the housing is above a threshold, whereby the valve releases pressure from within the inner volume of the housing. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in preparation of conduits such as veins and arteries during grafting procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventor: Pierluca Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7981073
    Abstract: A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity (1), in which an inflow liquid pump (2) pressurizes the irrigation liquid in a feed line (13) and an outflow device (3) or an external suction source (20) drains the irrigation liquid from the body cavity (1) through a tubing (16) into a waste container (17). A control unit (4) controls either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or both the inflow liquid pump (2) and the outflow device (3) depending on an inflow irrigation liquid pressure from a pressure sensor (5). The method and the device are combined with a method for detecting blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and/or debris in liquid coming from a surgical site to provide an automatic control and rinsing system with clear vision in the viewing area of the operational site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Anders Möllstam, Sven Milton, Tomas Movin
  • Patent number: 7981074
    Abstract: A surgical system with irrigation and aspiration lines having different compliance or stiffness, with the irrigation line having a higher compliance than the aspiration line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Sherman G. Davis, Gary P. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7967783
    Abstract: An automatic pump relay system includes controllers coupled to drivers for sequentially discharging fluid from a plurality of medication containers into a coupler having a reflux barrier from which fluid is administered to a patient. The internal fluid pressure of the coupler is determined by a pressure sensing device or devices that provide signals to the controllers that, based at least on the sensor signals, cause the drivers to operate in reverse and forward directions so as to rapidly decrease and raise the fluid pressure within the coupler during a relay from an empty syringe to a filled syringe, thereby avoiding bolus formation and an interruption in infusion therapy. Independently operable syringes pumps are contemplated to be connected in relay fashion to form a modular system. An associated method is also disclosed wherein a fluid administration pressure is stored for use as a reference during a syringe changeover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Rebours
  • Patent number: 7963946
    Abstract: Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ahmad-Maher Moubayed, Oscar E. Hyman, David N. White, Larry L. Wilson, John W. Stevenson, Jay G. Moubayed, Linda Thomas
  • Patent number: 7947009
    Abstract: A surgical system controls a fluid and includes an irrigation line and a first fluid vessel for holding the irrigation fluid. The irrigation line connects the first fluid vessel to a handpiece. An aspiration input line connects a suction pump to the surgical handpiece and permits the suction pump to draw fluid through the surgical handpiece. A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the fluid in the aspiration input line. An aspiration output line connects the suction pump to a collection vessel to permit fluid from the suction pump to be conducted into the collection vessel. A second fluid vessel accommodates irrigation fluid therein and an aspiration ventilation line connects the second fluid vessel to the aspiration input line. A venting valve in the aspiration ventilation line is switchable in dependence upon the fluid pressure in the aspiration input line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Kübler, Michael Eichler, Tobias Maier
  • Patent number: 7947014
    Abstract: A relief valve incorporated within a Luer connector regulates the amount of air pressure applied by a syringe to a balloon at the end of a catheter to prevent bursting of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Tai Kien
  • Patent number: 7947033
    Abstract: Wound fluid blood detection systems and methods are described that are operable in conjunction with reduced pressure wound treatment (RPWT) systems, as well as ancillary therapy and monitoring systems applied concurrently with RPWT systems. The blood detection monitor operates by optically characterizing the content of wound fluids to the extent of identifying percentage blood content. This identification relies upon the transmission of select wavelengths of light across a volume of wound fluid to a photo detector (connected to signal processing instrumentation) capable of quantifying the absorption characteristics of the fluid. The detection components may be implemented in conjunction with either a fluid flow conduit (i.e. the reduced pressure tubing directing fluid away from the wound dressing) or more directly in association with the materials that comprise the wound dressing positioned within the wound bed itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Premnarayan Ganapathy, Royce Johnson, Tim Robinson, Christopher B. Locke
  • Patent number: 7938796
    Abstract: Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ahmad-Maher Moubayed, Oscar E. Hyman, David N. White, Larry L. Wilson, John W. Stevenson, Jay G. Moubayed, Linda Thomas
  • Patent number: 7931619
    Abstract: A power injection catheter for high flow rate delivery of fluids. The power injection catheter may include a pressure relief mechanism for preventing overpressurizing within the lumen of the catheter. The pressure relief mechanism may be configured to prevent sudden pressure build-up inside the catheter lumen by absorbing, buffering or releasing pressure inside the lumen during pressure spikes. The power injection catheter may also take the form of a multi-lumen catheter capable of simultaneous infusions of a single fluid through two or more of the lumens in the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan P. Diamond, Abtihal Raji-Kubba, William R. Barron, Catherine C. Breiter
  • Publication number: 20110087188
    Abstract: A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a tube comprising a free end and a housing at a second end adjoined to a cap with a coaxial cap nipple. A valve assembly inside the housing comprises a disk-like valve and a plurality of housing standoffs configured to stop the valve but allow a fluid flow in the housing and out the nipple. A cylindrical elastic valve seat is adjoined to the cap nipple and forms a gap with the valve on the standoffs. A spring opposes the valve moving toward the valve seat from the standoffs and assists in returning the valve from the seat to the standoffs and thus with the valve seat creates a periodic pulsatile fluid flow in the nipple in response to a chamber pressure which exceeds a critical chamber threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7922693
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for flushing a lumen of a catheter instrument to reduce or eliminate bubbles within the lumen. An interface valve is adapted for attachment to a proximal end of the catheter instrument and can receive a working instrument for insertion into the catheter instrument lumen. A fluid supply line and purge lines are coupled to the interface valve and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the interface valve lumen. Flow of fluid (e.g. saline and a gas such as bubbles) through purge lines is controllable using clamps such that fluid flowing into the interface valve lumen can be manipulated to flow in different directions through different portions of the interface valve lumen for evacuation through different purge lines, thus allowing for purging of forward and backward flows to remove gas or bubbles from the catheter instrument lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene Reis
  • Patent number: 7918822
    Abstract: A single handed, safe and efficient system for aspirating a surgical site. The aspirating system of the present invention allows the surgeon to aspirate a surgical site by holding the aspiration cannula constantly in the same hand, such that the other hand of the surgeon is never needed for managing or manipulating the aspiration system in any manner. The invention allows a surgical site to be aspirated in an uninterrupted manner despite blood clots and tissue debris which constantly block the tip and the lumen of the aspiration cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Alka Kumar, Atul Kumar
  • Patent number: 7918835
    Abstract: An aspiration instrument includes a compliant protective guard for minimizing injury to internal organs and other soft tissue while removing fluids from the body cavity. The compliant protective guard may be constructed from foam, plastic or other like material, including polyethylene and polypropylene. A preferred embodiment of the protective guard takes the shape of a bell. The compliant guard may be connected with the aspiration instrument using adhesives, such as glue or epoxy, or with a snap or friction fit. The compliant guard may define a single opening in fluid communication with the yankauer. The compliant guard may also define a plurality of openings for removing fluids from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Mark J. Callahan, Mark S. Guitarini
  • Patent number: 7914482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dana LLC
    Inventors: Alex Urich, Armand Maaskamp
  • Patent number: 7896839
    Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Nader Nazarifar, Mark A. Hopkins, Shawn X. Gao, Frederick M. Reed, John C. Huculak, Roger D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7892202
    Abstract: An inflation syringe having an improved display and method of displaying pressurization information. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a progressive non-numeric display is provided for displaying the pressurization of the inflation syringe along with numeric indicators of the pressurization. The progressive display includes a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of inflation pressurization values. The indicia are actuated to indicate inflation pressurization and to allow the practitioner to not only easily monitor the general intensity of the pressurization but to monitor changes in the pressurization without needing to interpret numerical values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Lampropoulos, Steve Taylor, Thomas Stout, Jim Mottola, Blaine Johnson
  • Patent number: 7887510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to control suction in a patient environment. The device comprises a body portion having an interior chamber adapted for coupling to a source of the vacuum; a valve comprising a shaft rotatably coupled to the body portion; and an actuator coupled to the shaft of the valve. In operation the valve is rotatable between i) a first position in which the vacuum is provided to the interior chamber via the valve at a first predetermined level and ii) a second position in which the vacuum is interrupted to the interior chamber. The actuator is adapted to move between a first position and a second position which increases the vacuum in the interior chamber to a second predetermined level for clearing occluded suction lines in the patient circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: John Karpowicz, Kevin P. Klocek
  • Patent number: 7879228
    Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Lawrence E. Guerra
  • Patent number: 7878202
    Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter assembly includes a manifold supporting a rotatable swivel member for engagement with an endotracheal tube, and a seal support body disposed on a boss of the manifold opposite the part supporting the swivel for supporting a catheter tube seal and a porous filter for filtering air flowing into and out of a flexible elongated sheath enclosing the catheter tube. The sheath includes opposed tapered ends secured to the seal support body and to a boss on a suction control valve housing. The valve housing supports a tapered plug closure member engageable with a resilient actuator and a slide-lock member. Certain components, including the sheath, the seal support body, the filter, the catheter tube seal and the catheter tube may be treated with an anti-microbial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Egret Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Anderson, Richard C. Dowdy
  • Patent number: 7857784
    Abstract: A medical instrument for suction and irrigation comprises an elongate shaft with a first channel serving as suction channel and with a second channel serving as irrigation channel, the shaft having a first tube which is closed in cross section and in which one of the channels is present. The shaft has a second tube which is open in cross section along its length and is placed with its open lengthwise side on an outside face of the first tube and secured sealingly thereon, the other channel being formed in the space between the outside face of the first tube and an inside face of the second tube. A method for production of the instrument is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Schmidberger, Andreas Efinger
  • Patent number: 7850649
    Abstract: A needleless fluid delivery system allowing for selective control of amounts of therapeutic fluids that are administered to treatment sites within a patient. The fluid delivery system includes an injector source and an access device. The fluid delivery system generally includes an adjustable volume control system for selectively metering the amount of therapeutic fluid to be delivered to the treatment location. The adjustable volume control system generally includes a mechanical stop system with a plunger member and a stop member, wherein the plunger member and stop member physically interact to restrict a plunger insertion length which simultaneously controls an amount of therapeutic fluid expelled by said plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Justin M. Crank, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20100305505
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The systems generally comprise a container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source configured to be placed in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of a reservoir of the container. In one embodiment, fluid from the pressure source is directed through a first region of the container in a direction towards a second region of the container. The fluid then is at least partially redirected to urge the therapeutic agent in a direction from the second region of the container towards the first region of the container and subsequently towards the target site. In alternative embodiments, the fluid from the pressure source may be directed through the second region of the container in a direction towards the first region of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Richard W. Ducharme, David E. Sugg, Eugene Skelton, Martin Bruggemann, Lyndsey Bryce
  • Publication number: 20100305506
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical fluid injector of the type that uses a motor to drive fluid from a fluid container by receiving electrical energy from a power source. The medical fluid injector has a motor drive control that delivers electrical energy to the motor. The motor drive control measures electrical energy delivered to the motor and computes a pressure value of the fluid delivered based upon the measured electrical energy. This pressure value is computed utilizing a calibrated relationship between the electrical energy delivered to the motor and resulting fluid pressure from the fluid delivered. The control further tracks a time factor over an operative life of the motor and alters the calibrated relationship based upon the time factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Theodore J. Fahrer
  • Patent number: 7842009
    Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprising a catheter for insertion and guidance to a target site in a body lumen or a cavity and an operating head mounted in proximity to a distal end of the catheter and comprising a system for removing obstructive material from the target site is provided. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly includes at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head that communicates with a first sealed lumen for withdrawing fluids and obstructive material from the target site, together with at least one liquid infusion port penetrating the catheter and located proximal to the at least one aspiration port that communicates with a second sealed lumen for supplying fluid to a location in proximity to the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Torrance, Kate Walsh, Jared Salstrom, Scott Youmans, Edward I. Wulfman
  • Patent number: 7824355
    Abstract: Methods, devices and device components are presented for blood processing. Particularly, methods, devices and device components are presented for separating blood into blood components and collecting one or more separated blood components, which reduce the incidence of blood vessel infiltration and enhance donor comfort. In one aspect, the invention provides blood processing methods having a return flow rate which decreases systematically during a return time. In another aspect, the invention provides blood processing methods having a removal flow rate, return flow rate or both which are derived from a subject's total blood volume. In another aspect, the present invention provides blood processing methods wherein the fraction by volume of removed blood corresponding to collected components is selected to optimize blood processing efficiency and enhance the purities of collected blood components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Langley, Thomas J. Felt, Geert Van Waeg, Marlene Adele Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 7819837
    Abstract: A flow control device includes a housing having a motor chamber and a pump chamber. The motor chamber has an outlet for communication with a fluid collection device, and an inlet for communication with an aspiration line through which fluids are delivered into the motor chamber. First and second motor rotors are rotatably disposed in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet in the motor chamber, and a drive shaft is coupled to the first motor rotor. The pump chamber has an outlet for infusing fluid to a surgical site, and an inlet through which infusion fluids are delivered into the pump chamber. First and second pump rotors are rotatably disposed in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet in the pump chamber, where the first pump rotor is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft drives the pump rotors at the same speed as the motor rotors, such that any surge in aspiration flow induces a similar surge in infusion flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas E. Music
  • Publication number: 20100262078
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting insulin infusion volume based on air in an infusion set tube includes inputting at least one location and length of an air bubble along the infusion set tube. An air bubble volume is determined in the infusion set tube. An insulin infusion volume is determined based on a desired insulin infusion. A determination is then made whether the desired insulin infusion would include the air bubble volume based on the inputted location and length of the air bubble. The air bubble volume is added to the insulin infusion volume to make an adjusted insulin infusion volume if the insulin infusion volume includes the air bubble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Blomquist
  • Patent number: 7811255
    Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as when an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system of the present invention predicts the temperature of the eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system of the present invention monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, Raphael Gordon, Michael D. Morgan, Ann Yadlowsky
  • Patent number: 7806862
    Abstract: A regional anesthesia system and a cart for aiding in the placement of a regional anesthesia block without the need of ancillary assistance. The invention includes equipment for use in the performance of a regional anesthesia block which is carried on a cart for transporting and providing a stable foundation for the equipment. The equipment includes a nerve localization means such as ultrasound or a peripheral nerve stimulator for locating a target nerve of a patient, a position assist arm for maintaining the position of the localization means over the target nerve while the operator inserts an anesthetic needle over the target nerve, and an anesthetic infusion device for infusing or aspirating through the anesthesia needle. The infusion device includes an infusion pump controlled by a foot pedal. The system may be easily transported to a patient requiring a regional anesthesia block, and allows the regional anesthesia block to be performed with minimal ancillary assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: James M. Molnar
  • Patent number: 7794421
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Surgimark, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J Yarger
  • Patent number: 7785316
    Abstract: A method for operating a surgical system including placing a handpiece in an operative relationship with an eye for a surgical procedure. The method also comprises supplying irrigation fluid from an irrigation fluid source to the eye and applying vacuum from an aspiration source to the handpiece in order to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece. The method further comprises sensing a value of an occlusion indicating parameter corresponding to an occlusion of the handpiece and, from the sensing of the value, determining a duration of occlusion. The method additionally comprises controlling a controlled system parameter based at least in part on the duration of occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Claus, Wayne S. Wong, Carina Reisin, Stephen H. Jang
  • Patent number: 7776004
    Abstract: A surgical aspirator tip and sleeve combination includes a hollow aspirator tip adapted to be placed into communication with a suction source, a grip portion, a coupling portion extending distally from the grip portion, and a neck portion extending distally from the coupling portion. The surgical aspirator sleeve is receivable on the tip to define an internal channel between the sleeve and the neck portion. The internal channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the tip. A plurality of spaced orifices on the sleeve provide communication between the external environment and the internal channel. At least one longitudinal groove is formed at least partially within the grip portion and the coupling portion. The longitudinal groove defines a venting channel in communication with the internal channel and the external environment. The longitudinal groove is adapted to be at least partially covered to adjust the suction within the internal channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Surgimark, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Yarger
  • Publication number: 20100198155
    Abstract: A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly, the disposable comprising a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is disposed along the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is located between the lid portion and the base portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: HOSPIRA, INC.
    Inventors: Yei Feng Moy, John S. Ziegler, John J. Hahn, Michael G. Lowery, Thomas D. Johnson, James D. Jacobson, Marwan A. Fathallah
  • Publication number: 20100198154
    Abstract: A pressure compensating device includes a compensating disc located within an internal chamber of a housing. The compensating disc has a diaphragm over which fluid passes after entering the internal chamber. The diaphragm deflects in response to a pressure differential between fluid entering the internal chamber and fluid exiting the internal chamber to maintain the set flow rate of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Michael G. Simon
  • Publication number: 20100191185
    Abstract: A device for transferring fluids between an internal structure in a living body and an exterior thereof, comprises a housing including a pressure activated lumen extending to a distal end opening to a power injection lumen that extends to a distal port configured for connection to a fluid conduit extending to a target structure within the body and a pressure activated valve extending across the pressure activated lumen and controlling fluid flow therethrough, the pressure activated valve opening to permit fluid flow therethrough into the power injection lumen when a fluid pressure differential thereacross is at least a first predetermined threshold level and remaining sealed when the fluid pressure differential thereacross is less than the first threshold level in combination with a proximal port coupled to the housing for movement between a first position in which a proximal end of the power injection lumen opens to the proximal port and a second position in which a proximal end of the pressure activated lum
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100179473
    Abstract: A hypodermic drug delivery apparatus (10) for delivering a pressurized medication fluid (23) comprising a reservoir (14) containing at least one deliverable fluid (23) and a rupturing member (25) the reservoir (14) having at least one portion of at least one wall (22) rupturable by the rupturing member (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Amir Genosar
  • Patent number: 7753880
    Abstract: A tool system for operating an irrigation pump. The pump includes a fixed pump head driven by a pump motor and a removable tube set. A readable memory such as a RFID is integral with the tube set. The tube set memory contains data describing the physical characteristics of the tube set. A control console reads the data in the tube set memory. Based on these data, the control console then regulates the operation of the pump motor so that fluid, when required, is delivered at those flow rates. These data are also used by the control console to regulate priming of the pump so that when the system is initially set up a head of irrigation fluid can be pumped close to the end of the handpiece from which the fluid is to be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Don Malackowski
  • Publication number: 20100160897
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for containing and delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through the container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure source may be selectively in fluid communication with either a first hollow tube and the container so that therapeutic agent is urged into a catheter, or with a second hollow tube and a catheter so that a fluid from the pressure source bypasses the container and enters the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Richard W. Ducharme, David E. Sugg
  • Patent number: 7740612
    Abstract: Self-injection system allows a user to inject a drug from a cartridge carrying unique identification information, into any one of a plurality of injection sites. Tissue at each injection site is associated with at least one injection parameter, such as flow-rate, that is different for each site. A scanner reads the identification information of the cartridge and cooperates with a central processing unit to determine the validity of the drug in order to permit an injection procedure to commence. The central processing unit has a memory for storing the different injection parameters and controls a drive unit for driving fluid from the cartridge and through a needle into the selected tissue, at the injection parameter that is associated with the user selected tissue for the injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Milestone Scientific, Inc
    Inventor: Mark N. Hochman
  • Patent number: 7727193
    Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as when an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system of the present invention predicts the temperature of the eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system of the present invention monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Y. Chon, Ahmad Salehi, Ann Yadlowsky
  • Publication number: 20100130929
    Abstract: A flow control system that includes a vacuum device configured to control the level of vacuum applied for urging the flow of aspirated fluid from a surgical site, and a vacuum sensor configured to communicate a signal representative of the sensed vacuum level. A flow sensor control is configured to generate a signal indicative of the rate of aspirated fluid flow. A flow controller monitors the vacuum sensor and the flow measurement device, and communicates a requested vacuum level to the vacuum device for establishing a desired vacuum level. The flow controller employs a first feed back loop that compares the actual sensed vacuum level with the requested vacuum level and adjusts the requested vacuum level as needed. The flow controller implements a second feedback loop that compares the actual flow rate of aspirated fluid with a desired flow rate, and adjusts the requested vacuum level to achieve the desired flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: David Hertweck
  • Patent number: 7713235
    Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprises an operating head for removing obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity and at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head and penetrating the catheter assembly, the aspiration port being in communication with a sealed lumen that communicates with a vacuum system for withdrawing aspirate fluid and obstructive material from the target site. A rotatable member is positioned inside the catheter assembly at the site of the aspiration port and rotates during operation of the vacuum system. The rotatable member is provided with at least one upstanding bar that is sized to cooperate with the walls of the aspiration port and the inner surface of the catheter assembly to macerate debris that is drawn into the aspiration port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Torrance, David Auth
  • Patent number: 7713237
    Abstract: An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Nader Nazarifar, Mark A. Hopkins, Shawn X. Gao, Frederick Reed, John C. Huculak, Roger Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100114064
    Abstract: A system, includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize a fluid including a contrast enhancement agent for delivery to a patient; and a control system in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism. The control system includes a system to adjust control of fluid injection based upon a measurement of renal function of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Kalafut, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Thomas P. Joyce, Jerry A. Stokes, Gerald W. Callan, Dennis P. Hack, Julie Gulick, Andreas R. Maihoefer, Arthur E. Uber, III