Specific Structure Of Body Entering Or Piercing Conduit Patents (Class 604/239)
  • Patent number: 7021561
    Abstract: A spray device including a barrel having a bypass and at least two spaced stoppers defining a first and second chambers and a spray nozzle. Movement of the first stopper drives the second stopper to the bypass and the fluid in the first chamber into the second chamber, mixing the fluid and substance. Continued movement of the first and second stoppers drives the mixture through the spray nozzle. The spray device may include a third stopper having a body in the tubular barrel which is moved toward the spray nozzle. The movement of the third stopper provides space for the mixture and prevents unpressurized fluid from flowing through the spray nozzle. The third stopper includes an axial stalk. The stalk may be deformable or the stalk may be separate from the body and the spray nozzle includes a longitudinal internal passage which provides communication with the spray port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Lionel Védrine, Laurent Barrelle
  • Patent number: 7004928
    Abstract: The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rosedale Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gregory Aceti, Sterling Eduard McBride, Richard Morgan Moroney, III, Christopher Carter Gregory, Peter John Zanzucchi
  • Patent number: 6979318
    Abstract: A catheter introducer includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the tube for accommodating a catheter traveling along a longitudinal axis of the tube and a head portion coupled to the distal end of the tube. The head portion includes an aperture in fluid communication with the lumen at a proximal end thereof and a tip at a distal end thereof, an exterior surface extending from the proximal end thereof to an opening of the head portion along a first portion of the head portion and extending from the proximal end thereof to the tip along an opposing portion of the head portion and an interior surface extending from the aperture to the opening of the head portion along the first portion of the head portion and extending from the aperture toward the tip along the opposing portion of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: David McDonald, Christine Willy
  • Patent number: 6945964
    Abstract: A medical needle adapted for conducting fluid comprising a generally cylindrical tube having a central longitudinal axis, a first end and a second pointed end adapted for penetration into a bodily cavity of a subject, wherein the pointed end includes a plurality of prongs defined by at least one notch formed in the pointed end. Said notch between the prongs being beveled to allow for easy penetration of the needle into a blood-vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Dianne L. Hilderbrand, Chauncey F. Ross
  • Patent number: 6929623
    Abstract: An elongated syringe for administering a substance to a patient includes an elongated syringe chamber that may be inserted into a duct of a patient without unwantingly injuring the patient, a needle extending from the distal end of the syringe chamber, and a plunger rod extending from the proximal end of the syringe chamber. The syringe chamber may be flexible to accommodate curvatures of the duct of the patient. The syringe chamber includes a plurality of chamber compartments that will contain a fluid. At least one of the chamber compartments contains a fluid that is administered to a patient. The syringe chamber may include a driving piston located between two or more chamber compartments. The needle of the syringe may be a component of a transition-bore needle apparatus to facilitate delivery of a relatively viscous fluid from the syringe. The needle may also be flared at its proximal end so that the diameter of the proximal end of the needle is greater than the diameter of the distal end of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Artes Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Corbett Stone
  • Patent number: 6918892
    Abstract: An improved intraosseous injection system including an injection needle constructed of high strength metal to resist bending and buckling mounted within a protective and supportive sleeve. The sleeve includes a retractable cannula for additional protection and support of the needle and a measuring gauge for precise sighting alignment to properly locate the site for an effective anesthetic injection. The movement of the retractable cannula is limited by a stop which operates to position the needle at the correct depth of penetration for delivery of anesthetic to the most effective location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Howard Martin
  • Patent number: 6843783
    Abstract: A drug injection needle comprises a puncturing needle part having a puncturing part capable of puncturing a body, a drug introducing needle part capable of communicating with the inside of the drug container, and a housing supporting the puncturing needle part and the drug introducing needle part to allow the liquid drug to flow between the needle parts. The outer diameter of the puncturing part is not more than 0.254 mm. The outer diameter of the drug introducing needle part is larger than at least that of the vicinity of the distal end of the puncturing part of the puncturing needle part, and a cutting edge is formed at the end of the drug introducing needle part for penetrating through an elastic member that is provided to seal the drug injection port of the drug container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ooyauchi
  • Publication number: 20040254541
    Abstract: A non-sharp vascular infusion device and related method are disclosed. The non-sharp vascular infusion device permits medicine to be introduced into an IV assembly without creating a danger to healthcare personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: K. C. Wong, Ming-Hsiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040122377
    Abstract: A delivery tip configured to engage a syringe delivery device includes a hub, a cannula attached to the hub, and structure configured to regulate the fluid flow rate through the delivery tip. The hub includes a passage disposed there through. The cannula includes a lumen formed therethrough in communication with the hub passage. A restriction portion is formed in the hub passage. The restriction portion is such that it forms a minimum diameter in the hub passage that is smaller than the minimum diameter of the lumen. As such, the fluid rate is primarily determined by the size of the restriction portion rather than the diameter of the cannula lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Paul E. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040111066
    Abstract: A syringe assembly including a needle cannula having a five-beveled point and a needle shield formed of a styrene block poly(ethylene/butylene) thermoplastic elastomer which significantly reduces needle penetration force and may reduce the cycle time for gas sterilization. The multi-beveled needle cannula point includes a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective tip bevel, wherein the angles of rotation of the primary bevel and the intermediate bevels are substantially equal resulting in reduced heights of intercepts between the bevels, therby reducing needle penetration force. The needle shield maintains the sharpness of the needle cannula during application, sterilization and removal of the shield and it is believed that the needle shield will also reduce the cycle time of gas sterilization as compared to rubber needle shields and vulcanizate thermoplastic elastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: A. Wesley Prais, Eric Borin, Lionel Vedrine
  • Patent number: 6743211
    Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Prausnitz, Mark G. Allen, Sebastien Henry, Devin V. McAllister, Donald E. Ackley, Thomas Jackson
  • Patent number: 6726676
    Abstract: A method for improving the draining of aqueous humor in an eye of a living being and a device for widening the Schlemm's canal is described wherein a first incision is made in a lamellar section of the sclera to form a first scleral flap which is then folded upwards in the direction of the cornea, thereby creating a recess in the sclera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Grieshaber & Co. AG Schaffhausen
    Inventors: Robert Stegmann, Hans R. Grieshaber
  • Patent number: 6719721
    Abstract: A safety port needle assembly used to connect an IV line to an implanted port needle receiving port. The assembly includes an L-shaped port needle with an integrally attached horizontal leg member, a vertical leg member, an elongated, fixed main body and a pivotally attached needle arm. The horizontal leg member is longitudinally aligned and attached to the needle arm. The vertical leg member extends downward perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle arm. A channel is formed in the main body that enables the needle arm to rest longitudinally against the main body. A bore is also formed in the main body so that the vertical leg member may extend downward through the main body. Formed near the distal end of the main body is a pair of laterally extended wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Elizabeth Okazaki, Richard Okazaki, Paul Okazaki
  • Patent number: 6702791
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a body fluid for testing for an analyte includes a needle for penetrating a patient's skin to access the fluid within the skin. The needle has a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. An interior surface of the body defines a fluid pathway extending between the ends. The second end is positioned to deposit fluid for testing. The first end has a beveled face on a front side of the body. The beveled face terminates at a penetration tip with the beveled face having an opening in communication with the fluid pathway. The penetration tip is burnished to a rounded shape and bent to facilitate low pain and rapid fluid collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Integ, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Hilgers, Bruno J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6702790
    Abstract: A medical needle adapted for conducting fluid comprising a generally cylindrical tube having a central longitudinal axis, a first end and a second pointed end adapted for penetration into a bodily cavity of a subject, wherein the pointed end includes a plurality of prongs defined by at least one notch formed in the pointed end. Said notch between the prongs being beveled to allow for easy penetration of the needle into a blood-vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chauncey F. Ross
  • Patent number: 6689100
    Abstract: A device for withdrawing or delivering a substance through the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having a plurality of skin penetrating members, such microneedles. The body includes a bottom surface having a first inner surface area supporting the skin penetrating members and a second outer surface having an adhesive for attaching the device to the skin. In one embodiment, the firs inner surface is spaced outwardly from the second outer surface when the device is attached to the skin. The inner surface can have a textured visually wettable surface, such as an etched surface, to provide a visual indication of leakage from the interface between the skin penetrating members and the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert I. Connelly, Ronald J. Pettis
  • Patent number: 6666848
    Abstract: An injection apparatus includes components that facilitate injection of relatively viscous materials into a patient. An injection apparatus may include a transition-bore needle apparatus, which has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, in which the diameter of the proximal end is greater than the diameter of the distal end. An injection apparatus may include a hand-held injection facilitation apparatus, which may be coupled to a syringe. The hand-held injection facilitation apparatus can include a pivot arm and a body with a rod disposed within the body and coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the pivot arm results in a proximal or distal movement of the rod within the body to effectively cause material to be expelled from the syringe. An injection apparatus may include a transition-bore needle apparatus and a hand-held injection facilitation apparatus in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Artes Medical USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Corbett Stone
  • Publication number: 20030195474
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of skin penetrating devices for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin of a patient. The device has a support formed with a top and bottom end and a plurality of channels extending axially through the support. A plurality of the skin penetrating members is positioned in the channels with a tip extending from the bottom end of the support. A coupling member is attached to the support for coupling with a fluid supply and directing the fluid to the skin penetrating members. The skin penetrating members have a length of about 100 microns to about 2000 microns and are about 30 to 50 gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: James Down, Noel G. Harvey, Frank E. Martin, Ronald J. Pettis, Alexander G. Lastovich
  • Patent number: 6613015
    Abstract: A right angle safety needle has a base to which an arm is hingedly mounted at a proximal portion. The base has an opening at its distal portion wherethrough the vertical portion of the right angle needle extends. A well is formed adjacent the opening and a dam is provided on the side of the well away from the opening. To retract the needle from the opening, the horizontal portion of the needle, which may be encased in an arm, is rotated about the upright to which it is hingedly connected so that the needle is pivoted upwards and withdrawn from the opening. Once the tip of the needle clears the opening, due to the tip of the needle being offset from the body of the needle and the fact that the needle tends to flex forward, the tip of the needle is entrapped in the well adjacent to the opening. The dam forward of the well provides a backstop for any further forward movement of the tip of the needle, thereby fixedly retaining the needle within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Deltec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Sandstrom, William L. Beling, Kristin Finberg, Ronald G. Travis
  • Patent number: 6613038
    Abstract: Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bonutti 2003 Trust-A
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, James S. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6607513
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of skin penetrating devices for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin of a patient. The device has a support formed with a top and bottom end and a plurality of channels extending axially through the support. A plurality of the skin penetrating members is positioned in the channels with a tip extending from the bottom end of the support. A coupling member is attached to the support for coupling with a fluid supply and directing the fluid to the skin penetrating members. The skin penetrating members have a length of about 100 microns to about 2000 microns and are about 30 to 50 gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: James Down, Noel G. Harvey, Frank E. Martin, Ronald J. Pettis, Alexander G. Lastovich
  • Patent number: 6599276
    Abstract: Magnetic stainless steel needles are detectable in processed meat. The previous non magnetic versions, made of 304 stainless steel, aren't. Disposable hypodermic needles made from martensitic and ferritic stainless steel are easily detectable at the smallest size. Needles are conveniently made from 420 martensitic stainless steel or 430 ferritic stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Process Detectable Needles, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant S. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 6585701
    Abstract: A retractable needle cannula module for connecting to a conventional syringe has a biased spring needle cannula. The spring needle cannula is biased and locked to prevent the spring needle cannula from pulling the needle into the hub chamber. After medicament has been injected into a body, the spring needle cannula is released and trapped inside the hub chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Edward D. Dysarz
  • Patent number: 6565553
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for delivering medicament by jet injection to an injection site in a patient. The method includes inserting a needle into an insertion point, wherein the needle has a length of less than 5 mm and is operatively associated with an orifice in a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with an ampule chamber containing the medicament. The needle extends less than about 5 mm from the nozzle assembly orifice when the medicament is expelled. Next, a force generating mechanism is activated, and a pressure wall member that is operatively associated with the force generating member moves in response to the activation of the force generating mechanism at a speed sufficient to jet inject the medicament from the ampule chamber through the orifice and needle under a pressure of less than about 4000 psi to deliver a substantial portion of the medicament through the needle and past the insertion point to the injection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Antares Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Sadowski, David M. DeBoer, Claude L. Berman, Paul R. Lesch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6533750
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle includes a body having an aspiration lumen therethrough along with a hub disposed at a proximal end of the needle body for engaging an ultrasonic handpiece in order to couple ultrasonic energy into a needle body. A tip is provided at a distal end of the needle body for penetrating tissue to be emulsified and a conical ultrasonic surface disposed at the tip is provided for focusing ultrasound in tissue beyond an end of the tip in order to promote cavitation in tissue beyond the tip end. The conical ultrasonic radiation surface extends from the lumen to the end of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics
    Inventors: Thomas B. Sutton, Kenneth E. Kadziauskas
  • Patent number: 6517521
    Abstract: An improved hypodermic needle that greatly reduces the pain associated with injection through the skin that includes a translucent hub for quick observation of flashback, a regular-wall needle with multiple strategically-placed lateral perforations ending with a blade-like honed edge orifice which the remainder of the injection fluid escapes. The increase in localized surface area through which fluid leaves the needle decreases the mechanical distortion of the surrounding tissue thereby lessening pain receptor stimulation and reducing the perception of pain during the injection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Keith K. Ly
  • Patent number: 6514238
    Abstract: A method of transplanting a graft in the subretinal area of a host eye comprises preparing the graft by harvesting from the donor tissue a population of cells in a manner that maintains the population of cells in the same organization and cellular polarity as is present in normal tissue of that type. The population of cells are of a sheet-like form and are assembled with a relatively thin flexible pliable carrier composed of a non-toxic flexible composition which substantially dissolves at body temperature to form a graft. The graft is sufficiently flexible and pliable to be coiled to form a volute without disturbing the organization and polarity of the cells. The method further comprises coiling the graft to form a volute with the convolutions of the volute free of one another for subsequent uncoiling of the graft substantially to its original sheet-like form. An incision is made in the host eye for insertion of the volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Photogenesis, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6506181
    Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Clement Wan Chye Meng, Cheng Kiat Jin, Tom M. Miner
  • Patent number: 6443928
    Abstract: A vein scope comprising a monitor assembly that includes an image viewing surface and an image receiving surface. The monitor assembly is formed with a first thickness. A support assembly includes a bracket portion and an arm receiving portion. The bracket portion has a central opening forming an enclosure for the receipt and secure containment of the monitor assembly. A needle handling assembly includes spaced parallel guide rails coupled to the bracket portion. The needle handling assembly also includes a slide member with laterally spaced apertures for being slidably received on the rails and with a central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond Francis
  • Patent number: 6440118
    Abstract: In a hypodermic needle having an end that attaches to a syringe, an elongated hollow shaft for passing fluid terminated at a sharpened point; the improvement comprising an electrically insulating layer positioned on the shaft and at least one electrically conductive area positioned on the insulating layer. The electrically conductive area being adapted to be connected to an electrical source. A method of determining when a hypodermic needle penetrates into tissue, vein, or lumen by providing an electrical source; connecting the electrical source electrically to a hypodermic needle designed to provide two electrically conducting portions, spaced apart from each other, and near a point on the hypodermic needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Burr, Kenneth N. Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6436076
    Abstract: A needle holder positioning structure for a safety syringe includes a syringe with a neck portion having a top end forming a positioning projecting ring, an inner edge of a lower end of the neck portion upwardly and integrally formed with a forked elastic sleeve, with a terminus inwardly forming hook members, a bottom end of a needle holder for receiving a needle being inwardly provided with a flared hole having a distal end forming an enlarged opening, the bottom end of the needle holder being outwardly provided with a guide face, and an outer side formed with depressions corresponding to the hook members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Fu-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6428528
    Abstract: A needle assisted jet injector and method for jet injecting medicament are disclosed. In one embodiment of the injector, the needle is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the energy source, a portion of the needle extends past the nozzle assembly and penetrates the outer layer of skin to deliver the medicament via jet injection to a deeper region. After activation, the needle retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the needle is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments, the length of the portion of the needle that penetrates the skin is less than 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Antares Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Sadowski, David M. DcBoer, Claude L. Berman, Paul R. Lesch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020082565
    Abstract: An implant device comprises a tubular member having a bore, a charging end and a pointed elongated annular concavely beveled implanting end. A rod is removably insertable within the bore for delivery of an implant dosage form charged within the bore. A stop member for hindering movement of the rod sufficiently to prevent unintentional delivery of the implant dosage form but not sufficient to prevent same when delivery is intended is mounted on the tubular member. A truncated cylindrical solid shaped implant dosage form having an ellipsoidal face is positioned in the bore at the implanting end in alignment with same so that a substantially continuous elipsoidal surface is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Frank M. Bardani
  • Patent number: 6391014
    Abstract: A device that converts a diaphragm prior to its first penetration for clinical use, to be more readily penetrable by a needle or cannula after conversion, by creating a prehole or preslit in the surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: David G. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20020010440
    Abstract: Provided is a high performance cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the diameter of the lumen of the cannula can be varied to take into account differences in the diameter of access and target vessels during cannulation. The cannula is characterized by a narrow diameter at the point of insertion that does not adversely impact the flow rate of fluids through the cannula. The cannulas according to this invention produce a small access aperture and are characterized by flow rates that are at least as effective as those of conventional cannulas that produce larger access apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Ludwig K. von Segesser
  • Patent number: 6338730
    Abstract: Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, James S. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20010039402
    Abstract: A syringe assembly including a needle cannula having a five-beveled point and a needle shield formed of a styrene block poly(ethylene/butylene) thermoplastic elastomer which significantly reduces needle penetration force and may reduce the cycle time for gas sterilization. The multi-beveled needle cannula point includes a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective tip bevel, wherein the angles of rotation of the primary bevel and the intermediate bevels are substantially equal resulting in reduced heights of intercepts between the bevels, thereby reducing needle penetration force. The needle shield maintains the sharpness of the needle cannula during application, sterilization and removal of the shield and it is believed that the needle shield will also reduce the cycle time of gas sterilization as compared to rubber needle shields and vulcanizate thermoplastic elastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: A. Wesley Prais, Judith L. Doyle, Steven L. Koziol, Frederic Perot
  • Patent number: 6309374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using the apparatus for injecting an agent into a tissue, particularly into thin tissues such as the sclera of the eye. The invention provides an apparatus and method for effectively imbedding a needle into a tissue at a predetermined penetration approach angle and penetration distance thereby reducing the risk of penetrating the full thickness of the tissue. The invention includes a support element and a needle guide platform disposed on the support element with an external support surface and a channel extending therethrough and terminating in an aperture at the support surface. A needle disposed in the channel is axially movable along an axis of injection through the channel. The needle is movable from a first retracted position to an extended position corresponding to the penetration distance, along the axis of injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Insite Vision Incorporated
    Inventors: Karl I. Hecker, Leslie A. Clark, James F. Pfeiffer, Lyle M. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20010014792
    Abstract: A pen needle magazine dispenser for holding and dispensing a novel pen needle assembly. The pen needle magazine dispenser includes a number of threaded sleeves within cavities that interact with threads on each pen needle assembly to attach the pen needle to a special adapter on a conventional medication delivery pen. The magazine dispenser includes a sterility barrier and a cap to cover the pen needles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: ROBERT E. WEST, TUAN V. NGUYEN, MICHAEL A. DIBIASI, AMIR ALI SHARIFI-MEHR, TODD M. CHELAK, JEFFREY R. MCMURRAY, RAYMOND MICHAEL LAYTON, DONALD D. TAUBENHEIM, ROGER W. HOECK
  • Publication number: 20010011170
    Abstract: A method of performing a surgical procedure on a body includes providing a cannula having a tubular structure with first and second tubular portions defining first and second passages for receiving surgical instruments. The second tubular portion is inserted inside the body and the first tubular portion is inserted so that the first tubular portion extends from an exterior of the body to inside the body. The second tubular portion expands to increase the cross-sectional area of the second passage in the second tubular portion while the second tubular portion is inside the body. The cross-sectional area of the first passage in the first tubular portion is maintained. The first tubular portion has a first thickness and the second tubular portion has a second thickness different than the first thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas W. Davison, Timothy E. Taylor, Adam Sher
  • Patent number: 6258067
    Abstract: A middle ear fluid aspirator comprised of a syringe assembly that provides suction through the creation of negative pressure therein and a needle having an angled region that permits the operation of the aspirator while maintaining visual contact with the tympanic membrane and a needle safety assembly whereby the penetrating portion of the needle is not capable of damaging the ossicular structures of the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank C Hill
  • Patent number: 6247928
    Abstract: An intraosseous delivery apparatus having a drill coupling member and a drilling needle member. The drill coupling member includes a shaft, an open housing provided at one end of the shaft, a connecting portion provided at an opposite end of the shaft for establishing a connection to a conventional dental drill, and an anticlog needle extending from the shaft through the open housing. The drilling needle member includes a drilling needle housing and a hollow drilling needle shaft extending therefrom. The drilling needle member is adapted to be removably engaged with the drill coupling member such that the drilling needle housing of the drilling needle member is inserted into the open housing of the drill coupling member and such that the anticlog needle of the drill coupling member is inserted into the hollow drilling needle shaft of the drilling needle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Moshe Meller, Michael Feldman
  • Patent number: 6231540
    Abstract: An injection member for a jet spray injection device through which device a dose of medicine is administered for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection has a jet nozzle designed as a skin-penetrating member having a length of 0.05-0.3 mm enabling it just to penetrate the stratum corneum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen K. Smedegaard
  • Patent number: 6224566
    Abstract: Devices and methods for effective administration of therapeutic drugs or gene therapy to the myocardium is achieved by creating a trap or pocket within the myocardium for confining the injected therapeutic. The pocket can be created using mechanical and light energy, or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Cardiodyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin P. Loeb
  • Patent number: 6221056
    Abstract: A needle has a blunted tip and a recessed orifice to avoid unintentional needle sticks and user contact with inoculum contained in the needle. A diaphragm is designed for use with the relatively blunt tip needle so that the needle easily penetrates the diaphragm at a force substantially lower than the force required to puncture skin, preferably at most 50% of the force required to puncture skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: David G. Silverman
  • Patent number: 6200302
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the percutaneous administration of a composition to a desired in vivo location. The composition comprises a biologically active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is preferably non-solid and a polymer, which is preferably capable of being transformed into a gel, thus allowing timed-released delivery of the substance. A preferred use for this invention is to provide local delivery of biologically active substances for the prevention of restenosis following angioplasty or other blood vessel injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6168432
    Abstract: A hollow jointless needle formed from a single piece of conductive metal for injecting thermoplastic material into a dental cavity includes a flange for securing the needle to an injection device. The flange extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle. A first needle portion having a first diameter extends from the flange along the longitudinal axis. A second needle portion extending along the longitudinal axis is connected to the first needle portion by a first transition region. The second needle portion has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter of the first needle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jay Marlin
  • Patent number: 6042572
    Abstract: A hygiene device for cleaning body passageways formed between two openings by piercing. The device includes a syringe assembly and a disposable cleaning tip assembly including a thin, hollow needle shaft that is inserted into the piercing that terminates in a semi-spherical shaft end provided with multiple cleaning orifices. A semi-spherical shaft end is proved to prevent punctures to the walls defining the body passageway. The cleaning method includes the step of simultaneously inserting the semi-spherical shaft end into one of the two openings of the artificial body passageway to be cleaned while depressing the syringe plunger to force cleaning solution out into the artificial body passageway through the multiple cleaning orifices of the semi-spherical shaft end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Glenda H. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6024726
    Abstract: A middle ear fluid aspirator comprised of a syringe assembly that provides suction through the creation of negative pressure therein and a needle having an angled region that permits the operation of the aspirator while maintaining visual contact with the tympanic membrane and a needle safety assembly whereby the penetrating portion of the needle is not capable of damaging the ossicular structures of the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Frank C Hill
  • Patent number: 6004302
    Abstract: A cannula has a shank and a tip which is elliptical in cross-section having radially extending crescent-shaped fins for engaging the tissue lining the tunnel of an incision. The cannula is thus retained in position and is not forced out with fluid pressure or by traction on attached tubing with eye movements or inadvertently hooking instruments. The cannula is rotated to disengage the fins from the incision by stretching the incision with the major axis of the elliptical tip. The cannula of the present invention is suitable for penetration of organs or vessels under fluid pressure for surgical procedures, in particular for ophthalmic surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Brierley
  • Patent number: 4822909
    Abstract: 7-Fluoroprostaglandins represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## In the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen atoms or the same or different protective groups, respectively, and R.sup.5 is a straight chained, branched or cyclic alkyl group having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Asashi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuda Arata, Kato Masao, Yamabe Masaaki, Uchida Keiichi