Gas Injected Into Body Canal Or Cavity Patents (Class 604/26)
  • Publication number: 20110112470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe (1) having a syringe body (2) which has an interior space (3) and a tip (4) connected to the interior space (3). A plunger rod (5) is guided in the interior space (3) in a longitudinally displaceable manner. A syringe attachment filter (6) can be fixed on the tip (4), and a sealing stopper (7) can be secured on the syringe attachment filter (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: FLUORON GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Lingenfelder, Benjamin Knopp
  • Patent number: 7938793
    Abstract: A mixed-gas insufflation system for mixing insufflation gases includes a gas supply providing at least two sources of insufflation gas and a mixer system. The mixer system includes a chamber having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. The at least two inlets of the chamber are in fluid communication with the gas supply. The mixer system mixes the at least two sources of insufflation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Northgate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Publication number: 20110087159
    Abstract: A trocar assembly including a sleeve assembly having a cannula connected to a housing and an obturator assembly including a handle connected to an obturator, wherein the obturator assembly is receivable in the sleeve assembly to define a gripping portion that includes the housing and the handle, the gripping portion having an axial length and a maximum width, and wherein a ratio of the axial length to the maximum width ranges from about 2.5 to about 3.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Haresh Patil, Michael D. Cronin, Michael S. Cropper, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Daniel H. Duke, Gregory W. Johnson, Carl J. Shurtleff, Andrew T. Beckman, Wells Daniel Haberstich
  • Publication number: 20110087160
    Abstract: A warming gas flows through a jacket to heat an insufflation gas flowing in a separate tube, thereby reducing cost and disposable waste. The heated warming gas may be filtered to sterilize or maintain sterility and released to atmosphere after heating the flowing insufflation gas. Alternatively the warming gas may be reheated and recirculated through the jacket, with an additional tube being used within the jacket so that the warming gas flows in both directions lengthwise. The insufflation gas may be carbon dioxide and the warming gas may be room air. The heating element and sensors may be separate from the disposable unit of a heated insufflation set, and need not be re-sterilized prior to or after use in surgery. The heat is constantly maintained, thereby eliminating “cold spots” caused by the natural cycling of the resistance heaters due to the nature of the operation being preformed on the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: John Temple
  • Publication number: 20110082416
    Abstract: An insufflator device is provided that connects to a disposable tube set for providing gas to fill an abdominal cavity of a patient to enable surgical procedures. The insufflator tube set includes a warming sheath, a double lumen design, or a heating strip for providing warmth to the insufflation gas being conveyed through the tube set. A method of heating insufflation gases is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Pajhand Iranitalab, Xiaodong Xiang
  • Patent number: 7918816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal. Also shown, for use with, or without, the chamber, is an agent chamber adapted to be coupled to at least one structure defining at least one fluid flow path extending at least a portion of the distance between an insufflation device and the body cavity, body space or body surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Ott, Patrick R. Spearman, Robert I. Gray, Duane E. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20110071463
    Abstract: A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with multiple instruments passing through the surgical access device and through a single incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access pad. The access pad comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer, an oil, and a foaming agent. The access pad is adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access pad has an external flange and an internal flange integrally formed with the access pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Gary R. Dulak, Payam Adlparvar, Robert R. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20110071462
    Abstract: A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with at least one instrument passing through the surgical access device and through an incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access seal. The access seal comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall in an operative position. The material of the access seal is adapted to form a seal to generally maintain insufflation pressure within the abdominal cavity. At least one opening is formed through the material of the access seal between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Gary R. Dulak, Payam Adlparvar, Robert R. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20110060272
    Abstract: An insufflation device connects to a disposable tube set for providing gas to fill an abdominal cavity of a patient to enable surgical procedures. The insufflation device has an ultraviolet light source to provide ultraviolet light for sterilizing a flow control valve system therein. A filter provided with the insufflation device enables additional surgical procedures for the insufflation device without cleaning of the flow control valve systems or necessarily replacement of the filter. Tube sets connected to the insufflation device do not necessarily require a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Pajhand Iranitalab
  • Publication number: 20110046546
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. RASOR, Julia S. Rasor
  • Publication number: 20110040240
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned S. RASOR, Julia S. Rasor
  • Publication number: 20110034862
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media (such as an insufflating gas) from a distending media source to an endoscopic device so as to prevent the excess venting and/or waste of distending media. More specifically, the present invention provides for the detection of a pressure level within a lumen of an endoscopic device and adjusts a supply parameter of the distending media based at least in part on the detected pressure level, and in some cases, on the relationship between the detected pressure level and a user-defined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, JR., Peter M. Kurzyna, Kenneth E. Wolcott, Jeffrey B. Cushner
  • Publication number: 20110030678
    Abstract: An aerosol generator 200 is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar 201. The trocar has an entry port 203 for insufflation gas 208. Aerosol 207 generated by a vibrating element 205 is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture 209 is delivered through the trocar 201. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar 201 may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolised medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolised medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove a camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolising unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: AEROSURGICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Power, Trevor Stephen Fahy, Laurence Cormac Ryan, Kieran Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110028891
    Abstract: A laparoscopic port device includes a compliant port body having a distal and proximal end having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen has a filtering agent configured to retain or treat particulate contaminates present in insufflation gases. The laparoscopic port device further includes a valve operatively connected with the lumen to selectively regulate flow of the insufflation gases therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory G. Okoniewski
  • Publication number: 20110028890
    Abstract: An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insufflation gas within the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, John R. Brustad, Zoran Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20110021977
    Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventor: Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20100331767
    Abstract: A system for intracorporeal gas exchange includes a flexible, rotatable shaft; a plurality of axially spaced agitation mechanisms positioned on the rotatable shaft, such that the rotatable shaft can flex between the axially spaced agitation mechanisms; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between intracorporeal fluid and an interior of the hollow fibers. The plurality of hollow fibers is positioned radially outward from the agitation mechanisms. A blood contacting medical system includes at least one seal, and a purge system via which a flushing fluid is introduced under pressure over a blood-side face of the seal and caused to flow through a space on the blood side of the seal. The system can further include a rotatable member. The space on the blood side of the seal can be in fluid connection with an annular space adjacent to a rotating element operatively connected to the rotatable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Brian J. Frankowski, William J. Federspiel, Kevin M. Mihelc, Samuel C. Lieber
  • Patent number: 7854724
    Abstract: A trocar for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an elongated body, nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The elongated body has a generally tubular configuration with coaxially arranged inner and outer walls and longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions, with the inner wall defining a lumen to accommodate passage of an instrument therethrough. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the inner wall of the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region extending from a location adjacent a distal end portion of the lumen to a location adjacent a proximal end portion of the lumen, to form a fluid seal around an instrument passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Jack B. Stubbs
  • Publication number: 20100318021
    Abstract: A high-flow luer lock connector is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector comprises a connector body defining an interior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumen is defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passageway comprises a first and second end and passes through the connector body and the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extended passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Publication number: 20100312066
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for accessing a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided and includes an elongate member having a proximal support member configured to rest against an external tissue surface, a flexible elongate central portion extending distally from the proximal support member and configured to extend through tissue, and an inflatable distal portion coupled to a distal end of the central portion. The distal portion is movable between an initial configuration, in which the distal portion is configured to be passed through an incision in tissue, and an inflated configuration in which the distal portion is expanded such that the central portion forms a working channel through the tissue for access to a body cavity. The distal portion can include an opening such that gas delivered to the distal portion can flow through the opening to insufflate a body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Gregory W. Johnson, Kevin L. Houser, William Bruce Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Hess, Denzel Z. Herrera-Davis, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20100280489
    Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste management system may include a securement device for maintaining the position of the waste transport device following insertion. The waste transport device may include a modular medication delivery apparatus with a disposable delivery device for delivering medication to the patient following insertion of the waste transport device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Vasu Nishtala, Jeffrey Francis Kline, Ronald L. Bracken
  • Publication number: 20100280437
    Abstract: A multi-channel trocar developed for use in ‘minimal-access surgery/single incision laparoscopic surgery. The trocar permits surgical access of two or more articulating laparoscopic instruments or scopes through one skin incision using a dividing membrane to separate the working channels. This allows maximal use of robotic technology and permits more degrees of freedom at the operative site. The trocar is inserted through one single skin incision, in the usual manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventor: Michael M. Murr
  • Publication number: 20100268154
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in administering a rectal contrast enema to a patient to prepare the patient for a medical procedure. A rectal catheter may be provided to facilitate administration of the enema preparation to the patient. The rectal catheter may include a retention balloon. A delivery mechanism may be provided to urge the enema preparation into the patient. A vacuum may be provided to remove waste from the patient. A gas insufflator may be provided to insufflate the patient's colon for a medical procedure such as a scan, and more specifically, a virtual colonoscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
    Inventor: David J. Vining
  • Patent number: 7811253
    Abstract: An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insulation gas within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, John R. Brustad, Zoran Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20100256714
    Abstract: A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Steven C. Springmeyer
  • Patent number: 7806850
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media (such as an insufflating gas) from a distending media source to an endoscopic device so as to prevent the excess venting and/or waste of distending media. More specifically the present invention provides for the detection of a pressure level within a lumen of an endoscopic device and adjusts a supply parameter of the distending media based at least in part on the detected pressure level, and in some cases on the relationship between the detected pressure level and a user-defined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Jr., Peter M. Kurzyna, Kenneth E. Wolcott, Jeffrey B. Cushner
  • Publication number: 20100249695
    Abstract: A trocar assembly that comprises a trocar valve body defining a cavity, the valve body for communicating insufflation fluid therethrough. The assembly also comprises a selectively rotatable valve handle for controlling a flow of said insufflation fluid through the valve body. The rotatable valve handle is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is sized and configured to be rotatably maintained within the cavity and the second end extends outwardly so as to be actuatable by a user. The rotatable valve handle defines a bore therethrough which extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end. The valve body defines an outlet that communicates with the cavity. The rotatable valve handle is rotatable from an open position, in which the bore of the valve is at least partially aligned with the outlet so as permit fluid to pass through the bore, and a closed position, in which the bore of the valve is not aligned with the outlet so as prevent fluid to pass through the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Rockrohr
  • Publication number: 20100249694
    Abstract: Provided is a trocar for a single port surgery installed on a skin puncture site of a patient to provide a pathway for insertion of a plurality of surgical instruments. The trocar includes an upper part; a plurality of inserting holes configured to be positioned on the upper part, the plurality of the surgical instruments being inserted thereto; and a lower part configured to be formed in a tubular shape to connect to the upper part, the lower part being formed in an elastic material so that the lower part is bent when being inserted into the skin puncture site and is straightened after being introduced into the skin puncture site, wherein the trocar provides an open interior space in which the inserting holes are connected with one another so that changing locations of the plurality of the surgical instruments is possible after the surgical instruments are inserted into the plurality of the inserting holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Seung Wook CHOI, Jong Seok Won, Bae Sang Jang
  • Publication number: 20100241061
    Abstract: A gas conditioning trocar having a chamber for heating and hydrating an unconditioned insufflation gas prior to injecting a conditioned insufflation gas into a body cavity during a medical procedure and a port through which surgical instruments can pass into a body cavity without inhibiting the flow of insufflation gas during the medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas E. Ott, Duane Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20100210998
    Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is formed of a translucent or transparent material such as polycarbonate to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and the abdominal region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, John R. Brustad, Scott V. Taylor, Gary M. Johnson, Nabil Hilal
  • Patent number: 7776032
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel surgical device well suited to use in laparoscopic or other (e.g. open surgical) procedures. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a surgical probe, including a handle comprising at least one channel passing through the handle; and at least one conduit passing through the handle, where wherein at least one effector element is inserted into or through the channel, which effector element effects one or more surgical functions; and where the conduit comprises a distal conduit port that directs gas out of the conduit to substantially remove debris and/or fluid from a surface disposed proximal to the effector and/or from the effector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Marshall L. Stoller, Maxwell V. Meng
  • Publication number: 20100204548
    Abstract: An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Bonadio, Trevor Vaugh, Ronan B. McManus, Shane J. MacNally, John Butler
  • Patent number: 7766858
    Abstract: A hand-held device (10) for creating a pressure change in a person's ear canal. It has an interior space forming an air chamber (50), a plunger (58) and a valve means (52) frictionally engaged with said plunger (58), a tube (14) with an earpiece (48), and a finger-actuated diaphragm (60) in an external wall of the air chamber (50). The diaphragm (60) moves the plunger (58) from a resting position, and in a first direction. A spring (56) returns the diaphragm (60) to its undepressed position. Initial movement of the plunger (58) in said first direction from said resting position displaces the valve (52) from a first position to a second position at which the valve means (52) is stopped from further movement in said first direction. Further movement of the plunger (58) in said first direction causes the plunger (58) to slide relative to the valve (52). The device (10) is intended for treatment of Mënière's disease and ear pain from other causes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Burkhard Franz Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Burkhard Franz, Richard Michael Stephens, Christopher Leslie Peters
  • Publication number: 20100185139
    Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7753871
    Abstract: Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising an injection unit sending pulses of cold water into a handpiece, a handpiece temporarily attached to an injection unit within which there is a metal tube, of external diameter between 200 ?m and 1,000 ?m and internal diameter between 100 ?m and 500 ?m, the metal tube having its distal end coiled to form a spiral, the tube being sheathed with a material of resistivity such that only the spiral heats to a temperature transforming water from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, a means of distributing the steam into the vessel intended to be connected in a reversible manner to the distal end of the handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Centre d'Affaires International
    Inventor: Henri Mehier
  • Publication number: 20100145261
    Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas E. Ott
  • Patent number: 7731704
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal. Also shown, for use with, or without, the chamber, is an agent chamber adapted to be coupled to at least one structure defining at least one fluid flow path extending at least a portion of the distance between an insufflation device and the body cavity, body space or body surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Ott, Patrick R. Spearman, Robert I. Gray, Duane E. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20100130917
    Abstract: A medical gas insufflation device comprising at least a gas outlet circuit, a connector for connecting a pressurized vessel in which the gas is packaged, an expander placed between the connector and the gas outlet circuit, a high-pressure sensor placed between the connector and the expander, a flow meter placed at the outlet from the expander, and a microprocessor connected at least to the sensor to receive signals representative of the pressure observed at the connector and to the flow meter to receive signals representative of the flow rate at the outlet from the expander, wherein the microprocessor includes evaluation means for evaluating the remaining volume of gas after expansion as a function of the signals received from the sensor and the flow meter during a gas expansion operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Alain Sezeur, Fabien Dromigny, Jean-Rémi Sandraz, Améziane Aoussat
  • Patent number: 7722559
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a specimen and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the specimen. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities so that the first and second pressures reach predetermined first and second pressure settings, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takefumi Uesugi, Daisuke Sano, Atsuhiko Kasahi, Kenji Noda
  • Patent number: 7722558
    Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas E. Ott
  • Publication number: 20100106080
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a patient and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the patient. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takefumi UESUGI, Masashi UMEMURA, Daisuke SANO, Kenji NODA, Atsuhiko KASAHI
  • Patent number: 7704223
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a medicated atmosphere in an organ, or body cavity is disclosed. The system includes a flexible aerosolization catheter, a device for introducing of the aerosolization catheter, a medication delivery apparatus configured to control delivery of a medication to the catheter, a gas delivery apparatus in communication with the catheter, a gas pressure relief apparatus configured to relieve pressure in the organ or body cavity, and a central controller in communication with the medication delivery apparatus, gas delivery apparatus, and gas pressure relief apparatus. The method includes providing insufflation gas and an aerosol of medication to an organ or body cavity while controlling overall pressure in the organ or cavity. The method may also include re-entering a patient through at least one port to apply gas and an aerosolized medicament, in either a post-operative procedure or in a chemotherapy context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Northgate Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Publication number: 20100094200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved smoke evacuation device for use in laparoscopic surgeries. One improvement is a hydrophilic wick positioned within the inlet system of the smoke device for absorbing moisture and trapping surgical waste entering the smoke evacuation device. The second improvement is a multi-outlet valve inserted into the outlet system of the smoke evacuation device to enable quick depressurization of the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTEK DEVICES, INC. D/B/A BUFFALO FILTER
    Inventors: Robert O. Dean, Jay T. Kajdas
  • Patent number: 7697257
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for generating, dispersing and delivering chemical compounds utilizing desorption electrospray ionization. Embodiments include an airflow channel into which an airflow is directed, a solvent reservoir containing a volume of solvent, at least one charged droplet source for producing a plurality of charged liquid droplets in the channel, and at least one grounded counter electrode positioned within the channel with the electrodes having at least one surface containing one or more chemical compounds that include releasable ions. In operation, the charged droplets are directed onto the surface or surfaces so that the impact of the charged particles on said surface produces gaseous ions of at least one chemical compound on said surface, after which the gaseous ions are dispersed into the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sentor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Tepper, Royal Kessick, Dmitry Pestov
  • Publication number: 20100087776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for filling a syringe with a small amount of a more precisely mixed medical gas mixture, the system comprising two or more sources for gas, a device for mixing the gases, a means for connecting the gas sources to the device for mixing the gases, a filter system and a syringe. The present invention further provides for a process for filling a syringe with a small quantity of a thoroughly mixed medical gas mixture comprising at least a first gas and a second gas. The process comprises the steps of providing at least a first gas and a second gas, injecting the gases into a device for mixing to form a thoroughly mixed medical gas mixture, filtering the medical gas mixture, and filling a syringe with the required amount of medical gas mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Air Liquide Healthcare America Corporation
    Inventor: Tim J. Warren
  • Publication number: 20100081988
    Abstract: A surgical access system comprises a trocar, an insufflating optical obturator slidably insertable into the trocar, and a laparoscope slidably insertable into the obturator. A distal end of the obturator comprises a tip, at least a portion of which comprises a wall with a generally uniform thickness comprising a transparent material. At least one vent hole disposed at the obturator tip is fluidly connected to a gas flow channel defined by an interior surface of the obturator and the laparoscope, which is fluidly connected to an insufflation gas inlet disposed at a proximal end of the trocar. Improved optical characteristics of the trocar system permit precise and accurate visual placement thereof into a body cavity. Accordingly the access system is suitable as a first entry surgical access system. Embodiments of the trocar access are also useful for drug delivery, and/or for fluid and/or tissue aspiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Applies Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Kahle, Arkadiusz Strokosz, Scott V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100056987
    Abstract: Pneumoperitoneum needles for providing and/or insufflating a corporal and/or abdominal cavity are provided. The pneumoperitoneum needle can include a housing, an elongate tubular body extending from a distal surface of the housing, and an elongate hollow tubular rod slidably received within the tubular body. The tubular body preferably includes a passage formed therethrough for connection to a gas administration system. The tubular rod preferably includes a blunt distal end defining an opening, and a proximal end portion defining an opening formed therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7654975
    Abstract: A mixed-gas insufflation system for mixing insufflation gases includes a gas supply providing at least two sources of insufflation gas and a mixer system. The mixer system includes a chamber having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. The at least two inlets of the chamber are in fluid communication with the gas supply. The mixer system mixes the at least two sources of insufflation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Northgate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Publication number: 20100004587
    Abstract: This relates to a method to generate a mixture of Hydrogen Peroxide gas and a Carrier gas by passing dry Carrier gas through Hydrogen Peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Gil G. Moreno, Gil Moreno
  • Patent number: 7641853
    Abstract: An intravenous oxygenator for enriching blood with oxygen, said oxygenator having a bundle of fibers, said fibers being each connected to a gas supply means through a first connection and to a gas evacuation means through a second connection, with the fiber bundle being twisted during operation by relative rotation of the first connections of the fibers relative to the second connections of the fibers about a longitudinal axis of the oxygenator. Further, an intravenous oxygenator for insertion into a vein, the connections being respectively connected to a first and to a second fiber holder and being displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the oxygenator, with the fiber holders being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the oxygenator. Such a constellation permits particularly efficient gas exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: novalung GmbH
    Inventors: Gjorgio Cattaneo, Helmut Reul, Sylvia Ruth Reul-Freudenstein, legal representative, Rüdiger Autschbach