Means For Introducing Or Removing Material From Body For Therapeutic Purposes (e.g., Medicating, Irrigating, Aspirating, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/19)
  • Patent number: 8834509
    Abstract: Methods and devices incorporating a guidewire entry port subassembly for use in rapid exchange catheters. The use of a subassembly allows for stronger quality control and simpler fabrication of a rapid exchange device. In several embodiments, methods of making a molded guidewire entry port using a mold, often in conjunction with one or more mandrels, are disclosed. Several device embodiments include a separate molded guidewire port as well as molded guidewire ports which are attached, during a molding step, to segments of a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Holzapfel, Martin J. Plantenberg, Daniel K. Tomaschko, Richard J. Olson
  • Patent number: 8838206
    Abstract: A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Reza S. Mohajer
  • Patent number: 8827966
    Abstract: A therapeutic patch for treating pain capable of compressing a tender area up to a boundary thereof and/or an entire induration with metallic grains or crushed stones by a treatment method in accordance with a classification determined after clarifying a site of pain by pressing a skin with a pressing bar or fingers (first to fourth fingers) to classify the cause of pain, thereby finding the presence of a geographical tender area and/or the presence of an induration on a skin as the cause of pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Soukenbi Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Saitou
  • Patent number: 8821431
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a housing, configured for insertion into a body of a subject, one or more oxygen reservoirs disposed within the housing, at least one layer of functional cells, disposed within the housing, and gaseous oxygen disposed within the one or more oxygen reservoirs. The apparatus is arranged to permit passage of the gaseous oxygen from the one or more oxygen reservoirs to the functional cells. The one or more oxygen reservoirs define first and second air gaps, the first air gap is configured to receive oxygen in a first concentration, and the second air gap is disposed adjacent to the layer of functional cells and stores the oxygen in a second concentration that is lower than the first concentration. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Beta O2 Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaki Stern, Yoram Rozy
  • Patent number: 8810394
    Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Kalpin
  • Patent number: 8808225
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for targeted administration of a drug to a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera of the eye at an insertion site and infusing a fluid drug formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, wherein the infused fluid drug formulation flows within the suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site during the infusion. The fluid drug formulation may flow circumferentially toward the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the posterior segment of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Prausnitz, Henry F. Edelhauser, Samirkumar Rajnikant Patel
  • Patent number: 8808272
    Abstract: A modified medical device for delivery of a pharmaceutically active material is described. The present inventors have found that many conventional medical devices contain a metallic or polymeric component that comes into contact with a pharmaceutically active material during use, and that the contact substantially reduce the pharmaceutical effectiveness of the pharmaceutically active material. The invention described herein concerns various modifications to the metallic or polymeric component that are effective to diminish such a substantial reduction in pharmaceutical effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: James Barry, Maria Palasis, Louis Ellis, Timothy Mickley, Brian Berg
  • Patent number: 8801652
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Landherr, Lynn E. Jensen, Jay M. Lan
  • Patent number: 8801682
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating tissue cells from a fluid, with a collection container forming a collection space, which is connected, on one hand, with a negative pressure source and which is connected, on the other hand, with a supply line for the fluid-tissue cell mixture. It is provided that inside the collection space (18) a communicating tube (16) is arranged, which terminates at a distance from the bottom (17) of the collection container (14), wherein a connection is provided between the communicating tube (16) and the collection space (18) above a fluid-tissue cell mixture level (22) established in the collection container (14), and a suction element (20) which is connected with the negative pressure source (6) is arranged inside the communicating tube (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Human Med AG
    Inventor: Arnd Kensy
  • Patent number: 8795517
    Abstract: A machine-readable medium with instructions for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8798721
    Abstract: A system for advancing a needle through a vasculature to an injection site at the heart of a patient includes a guide catheter with a reflective distal tip. Also included is an imaging unit that is mounted on the catheter to radiate an energy field. Structurally, a distal portion of the catheter is biased to bend into a predetermined configuration that will position the distal end of the catheter for interception by the energy field. If necessary, coincidence of the reflective tip with the energy field is established by moving the energy field along the length of the guide catheter. With coincidence, the reflective tip reflects a signal that is useful for advancement of the needle from the guide catheter and into the injection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dib Ultrasound Catheter, LLC
    Inventor: Nabil Dib
  • Patent number: 8795245
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to subcutaneous tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a sleeve adapted for placement at a subcutaneous tissue site. The sleeve is further adapted to receive a manifold. The sleeve may also have an opening operable to transfer reduced pressure from the manifold to the subcutaneous tissue site. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a manifold that is insertable into the sleeve. The manifold may include at least one aperture, and may be operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site via at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Barbara Anne Collins
  • Patent number: 8790321
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the harvesting of specific materials in multiple stages of filtration of bone graft materials from a Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) Device, specifics of interconnected stages, related filtration materials, and techniques. The harvesting process collects large material in a first stage, and other materials of a limited geometric size in at least a second stage of filtration. Such material captured in the second stage may contain plasma, cellular elements including stem cells as well as growth factors and other particulate matter of a specific geometrically limited size, using various filtration approaches including centrifugation in some embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention provide for an improved tubing interface and management approach to ease use in the operating room. Filtration materials may include collagen based filters and may allow direct implant of small scale and larger scale matter in specific portions within the collagen itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Genesis Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Nick Segina, James Arthur Proctor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8790301
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Patent number: 8790288
    Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: David L. Cull
  • Patent number: 8785382
    Abstract: A method including introducing into a blood stream a delipidated high density lipoprotein (HDL) and a bioactive agent. A composition including a delipidated high density lipoprotein (HDL) and an auxiliary agent in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel. A composition including Apo A1 comprising a hydrophobic ligand suitable to interact with cell surface binding sites. A composition including Apo A1 and an agent selected to one of increase the ATP-binding cassette protein 1 (ABCA1) transporter expression in macrophages and protect ABCA1 from thiol-mediated degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Kilpatrick, Syed Faiyaz Ahmed Hossainy, Irina Astafieva, Florian N. Ludwig, Paul M. Consigny, Jeffrey T. Ellis, Florencia Lim
  • Patent number: 8783255
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Seamus Maguire, Lockett E. Wood, Brian Ledwith
  • Patent number: 8777891
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Landherr, Jay M. Lan
  • Patent number: 8780190
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral camera having an imaging system for depicting the object located in front of an observation window of the camera on a recording unit, wherein the imaging system has at least one focusing unit for setting a suitable focus and an aperture unit for forming a variable aperture. The setting of the aperture is carried out independently of the focus adjusted by the focusing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Hackel, Florian Bühs, Heinz Lehr, Stephen Schrader
  • Patent number: 8777888
    Abstract: A method of applying a liquid or powder in a body cavity of a living body involves positioning the distal portion of an applicator in the living body, using an applicator that includes an outer tube and a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head at the distal end side of the nozzle main body. The method also includes relatively moving the outer tube and the nozzle so a curved section of the nozzle main body moves proximally relative to the outer tube and enters the outer tube to adjust the direction in which the nozzle is facing, conveying the liquid/powder through the nozzle main body and to the nozzle head, expelling the liquid or the powder from the nozzle head toward a surface in the body cavity, and discharging gas in the body cavity into a longitudinally extending gap and to outside the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8771255
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a suture less injectable retinal detachment sponge and method for placing the sponge in a pocket beneath the surface of the sclera is the subject of the present invention. An exterior accessible pocket can be created in the sclera by making an incision in the outer surface. The incision can be made utilizing a crescent blade. The apparatus used to perform the procedure for insertion of the sponge in the pocket utilizes an injector having a cylinder and plunger combination. The cylinder can have a sponge removably contained therein and a plunger for injecting the sponge out of the cylinder portion of the injector to the desired location within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Saint Louis University
    Inventor: Levent Akduman
  • Patent number: 8771678
    Abstract: Methods of treating patients for conditions such as breast augmentation, soft tissue defects, and urinary incontinence, are described. The methods include removing adipose tissue from a patient, processing a portion of the adipose tissue to obtain a substantially isolated population of cells comprising disaggregated adipose-derived stem cells, mixing the concentrated population of adipose-derived cells comprising disaggregated adipose-derived cells with a portion of unprocessed, intact, non-disaggregated adipose tissue to form a composition, and administering the composition to the patient from which the adipose tissue was removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc H. Hedrick, John K. Fraser
  • Patent number: 8764698
    Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: CreatiVasc Medical, LLC
    Inventor: David L. Cull
  • Patent number: 8756806
    Abstract: A method for producing a catheter (100) having a plurality of axially spaced apart electrodes (5) towards a distal end (4) of the catheter (100) comprises forming the electrodes (5) from a single sheet (110) of electrically conductive foil material by forming spaced apart slots (111) in the sheet material to define a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive elements (114) extending transversely between spaced apart elongated connecting portion (112,113). The electrically conductive elements (114) subsequently form the electrodes (5), and are retained spaced apart by the connecting portions (112,113) until bonded to the catheter (100). Electrically conductive wires (10) electrically coupled to the electrically conductive elements (114) extend through an elongated slot (105) into and along an axial communicating bore (9) to a proximal end (3) of the catheter (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Flip Technologies Limited
    Inventors: John O'Dea, Adrian McHugh, Patrick Griffin
  • Patent number: 8758291
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus that ventilates a wound dressing with warm humidified oxygen and/or air at a very low flow rate while under a sub-atmospheric pressure. A controlled flow of filtered air and/or oxygen is selected or blended under atmospheric pressure. This gas is pulled by a downstream vacuum source through a flow limiting device and exits at a sub-atmospheric pressure equal to the vacuum source. The gas flow is then humidified and heated to prescribed conditions before entering a substantially airtight negative pressure type wound dressing which is adapted for ventilation with an added inlet connection. This conditioned gas ventilates and nourishes the wound environment exiting the dressing outlet, through a fluid trap, to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Acute Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8758265
    Abstract: A guide block for an MRI device has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and a plurality of passageways extending between the two faces. A first guide passageway within the guide block is open along the body length, extends between the proximal face and the distal face, and is configured to receive a tissue-removing device. A second guide passageway within the guide block is open along the body length, extends between the proximal face and the distal face, and is configured to receive the tissue-removing device. A longitudinal opening extends between the first guide passageway and the second guide passageway, and is coextensive with the first guide passageway and the second guide passageway between the proximal face and the distal face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin V. Shabaz
  • Patent number: 8747392
    Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Le, Daniel M. Santos, Patrick L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8740874
    Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Phase One Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian C. Ravenscroft
  • Patent number: 8736455
    Abstract: A fluid volume alarm system is presented. The alarm system has a container for storing fluid, and alarm module coupled to the container for notifying a user or observer that the fluid within the container has reached a predetermined level. The container has at least one exterior wall and defines an interior volume for at least temporary storage of fluid. In one aspect, there are at least two electrodes disposed on an interior portion of the exterior wall of the container and positioned at a position thereon an interior portion of the exterior wall corresponding to a predetermined fluid level at which it is desirable to receive an alarm. The system also has an alarm module configured to alert the practitioner that the fluid has met or has exceeded the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Todd A. Linsenmeyer, Joseph V. DiTrolio, Dorothy F. Linsenmeyer
  • Patent number: 8728023
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Landherr, Jay M. Lan
  • Patent number: 8721581
    Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a tip with a smooth, rounded edges and free of any sharp edges. The tip may have pores on its top, but none on the underside of its base. The distal end may have an open port with micro wires that form a Maltese cross shape. The distal end may be instead closed with protrusions spaced from each other by gaps or recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Christine Lydie Zolli
  • Patent number: 8702682
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides therapeutic-agent-releasing medical devices which comprise at least one region of piezoelectric material. Therapeutic agent release is initiated or increased when the piezoelectric material is subjected to mechanical stress, which leads to the development of a voltage across the piezoelectric material. This voltage is used to initiate or increase therapeutic agent release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Liliana Atanasoska, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Scott Schewe
  • Patent number: 8702641
    Abstract: A system of components may be used separately or in combination to create partial bypass of food, stomach and intestinal secretions and digestive enzymes. The systems are designed to be modular so as to allow the physicians to quickly replace certain elements to tailor the amount of material bypassed, the restriction applied to food passage, and the origin and destination of bypass according to the patient's individualized clinical needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: MetaModix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8702664
    Abstract: By providing a non-liquid drug reservoir layer 2 having first and second principal surfaces and containing a drug and a polymer that is to be a base, a drug permeation layer 4 disposed at the first principal surface side of the drug reservoir layer 2 and being lower in permeability of the drug than the drug reservoir layer 2, and a first backing 3 with a bending resistance of 10 to 80 mm that is formed so as to cover a side surface of the drug reservoir layer, skin irritation can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Amano, Tomohiro Shinoda, Natsumi Kase, Keita Mori
  • Patent number: 8691216
    Abstract: Cells present in adipose tissue are used to promote wound healing in a patient. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the regenerative cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Fraser, Marc H. Hedrick, Eric Daniels
  • Patent number: 8690865
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for thermal treatment of a barrier to increase the permeability of the barrier. One form of increasing the permeability of the barrier comprises forming micropores which may be used for administration of active agents across the barrier, or may be used for sampling or collecting fluids, or may be used for detecting, measuring or determining analytes, or may be used for monitoring of physiological or other conditions. Devices of the present invention may comprise microheaters that are activated by inductive or ohmic heating power supply components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Prausnitz, Mark G. Allen, Jung-Hwan Park, Yong-Kyu Yoon, Jin-Woo Park
  • Patent number: 8679077
    Abstract: A system for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject includes an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips supported by a support structure so that at least a part of applicator is deployed so as to engage a recess between the lips of subject without obstructing contact between the subject's upper and lower lips. The proximity of the applicator to the lips allows the use of simple contact-based implementations of the applicator. At the same time, disruption of speech and other normal oral movement is minimized by avoiding any obstruction to contact between the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: IMD Tech Ltd.
    Inventors: Oded Elish, Ehud Nagler, Gilad Heftman
  • Patent number: 8673338
    Abstract: Provided are methods of delivering at least one pharmaceutical agent to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include forming a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject and administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto the SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of forming a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject, compositions for administration onto a SEM graft in the skull base or into an endonasal reservoir or endonasal reservoir device in a subject, and devices for administering such compositions onto a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Bleier
  • Publication number: 20140066834
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a multilayer wiring board having first, second and third wirings, a fourth wiring formed in a first wiring layer, and a fifth wiring formed in a second wiring layer. A first via conductor electrically connects the third and fifth wirings. A second via conductor electrically connects the fourth and fifth wirings. The medical instrument further includes first and second transistors, a second transistor, and a capacitor mounted on the first wiring layer side of the multilayer wiring board. The drain and source electrodes of the first transistor are electrically connected to the first and second wirings, respectively. The drain electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. The source electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. The first and second electrodes of the capacitor are electrically connected to the first and fourth wirings, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi OSHIMA, Noritaka IDE
  • Patent number: 8663199
    Abstract: A wound exudate removal and isolation system includes a porous dressing, a canister in fluid communication with the dressing, and a first valve positioned between the dressing and the canister. The first valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A disposal line is fluidly connected to the canister and includes a second valve that is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A pump is fluidly connected to the canister and is configured to draw wound exudate from the dressing into the canister when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. The pump is configured to force wound exudate from the canister into the disposal line when the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Jaeb, Tab Randolph, Randall Kelch, Xiaolu Zheng, Devin Ginther, Tianning Xu, Jennifer Novak, Teryl Blane Sanders
  • Patent number: 8636684
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Foundry LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford
  • Publication number: 20140025233
    Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to perform a task, alone or in combination with other entities, or for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Royce A. Levien, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR., Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8632513
    Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Kevin L. Grant, Eric M. Soederberg, David E. Altobelli, David Flynn, Kenneth S. Solovay, Samuel Klein
  • Patent number: 8622213
    Abstract: Containers and components thereof for use in the medical industry and methods to manufacture the same are described. An example tab for use with a medical container includes opposing sheets sealed to define an open ended chamber into which a port is to be at least partially positioned. The port is to enable access to the medical container. The tab includes a tear seal defined by each of the opposing sheets and a first guide positioned on a first side of each of the tear seals. The tab includes a second guide positioned on a second side of each of the tear seals, wherein the first and second guides are to enable a tear to propagate substantially between the guides and adjacent the tear seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lynn, Richard L. West, Tat Mui, Mark B. Jones
  • Patent number: 8617139
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Transcend Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Steven John, Jose Garcia, Richard S. Lilly
  • Publication number: 20130338568
    Abstract: An assembly for dispensing fluid is described. In some implementations, an assembly can include a housing containing fluid, where the housing includes a conduit. The assembly can also include an actuator operably attached to the conduit of the housing. The actuator can include a body portion surrounding a cavity; a tip portion having a fluid path that is fluidly connected to the cavity, the cavity being fluidly connected to the conduit, and a channel support including a fluid passage space under pressure. The assembly can further include a collector having a collection zone configured to collect the fluid dispensed by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Patent number: 8612055
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system comprises a pump configured to deliver a therapeutic agent to a patient, a memory storing a therapy program defining the delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the pump and a default infusion schedule based on the therapy program, and a processor configured to control the pump to deliver the therapeutic agent to the patient according to the therapy program, to determine an error condition that prevents the pump from continuing to deliver therapy according to the therapy program, and, upon determination of the error condition, to control the pump to deliver the therapeutic agent to the patient according to the default infusion schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Irfan Z. Ali, Steven M. Goetz, David C. Ullestad, Emem D. Akpan, Mark D. Salzwedel, Jiaying Shen
  • Patent number: 8608953
    Abstract: An extracorporeal filtration and detoxification system and method generally comprise separating ultrafiltrate from cellular components of blood, treating the ultrafiltrate independently of the cellular components in a recirculation circuit, recombining treated ultrafiltrate and the cellular components, and returning whole blood to the patient. A recirculation circuit generally comprises an active cartridge including active cells operative to effectuate a selected treatment; in some embodiments, the active cells are the C3A cell line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Vital Therapies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Brotherton, Dar He
  • Patent number: 8602959
    Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering radiation to a target at a posterior portion of an eye using a brachytherapy-administering device adapted to be inserted into a suprachoroidal space of the eye including a brachytherapy source and a means of advancing the brachytherapy source from a storage position to a radiation position corresponding to a position in a distal portion of the device, positioning the device appropriately such that the distal portion of the device is in close proximity to the target, exposing the target to the brachytherapy source for a predetermined length of time then removing the device and closing incisions made during a surgical procedures to reach the suprachoroidal space of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Park, Luca Brigatti, Russell J. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8597516
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a very large pore hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Immunocept, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Radunsky, James R. Matson, Patrice A. Lee