With Means To Advance Or Steer Catheter, Excluding Remotely Controlled Devices Patents (Class 604/528)
  • Publication number: 20150080859
    Abstract: A guide wire (1) for use with a catheter comprises a core wire (3) terminating in a distal portion (18) of flat ribbon-like construction having respective opposite major surfaces (29,30). A spring (24) is brazed to a distal end (27) of the distal portion (18) and to the core wire (3) at a tapering portion (14). A reinforcing member (38) extends axially along the distal portion (18) from a proximal end (26) of the distal portion (18) to a location (40) for reinforcing the distal portion (18) for in turn increasing its torsional rigidity in order to minimise axial twisting of the distal portion (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Henry William Lupton
  • Patent number: 8979822
    Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a first catheter including a wall with an inner surface at least partially defining a lumen. A second catheter is connected to the wall of the first catheter and is disposed outward of the inner surface of the wall. The second catheter is at least partially covered by a sheath portion of the first catheter. A first portion of the wall of the first catheter is made of a relatively low durometer elastomeric material and is relatively extensible. A second portion of the wall is formed of a relatively high durometer elastomeric material and is relatively inextensible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Michael A. Vogelbaum, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Michael Collinson, Robert B. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20150073391
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example medical guidewire for accessing a body lumen along a biliary and/or pancreatic tract may include an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. The guidewire may include a movable distal tip positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. The guidewire may also include an electromechanical actuator for actuating movement of the distal tip. The actuation of the electromechanical actuator actuates movement of the adjustable distal tip and facilitates cannulation of one or more of a bile duct and a pancreatic duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: John Hutchins, Robert B. DeVries, John A. Griego
  • Patent number: 8977333
    Abstract: A shape-imparting mechanism for a catheter that includes an elongate element dimensioned to fit within a lumen of an electrode sheath of a catheter. An insertion facilitating arrangement is carried at a distal end of the elongate element for facilitating insertion of the distal end of the elongate element into the lumen of the electrode sheath of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cathrx Ltd
    Inventors: Neil L. Anderson, Matthew Partlett
  • Patent number: 8968214
    Abstract: A protector which is used to cover a distal portion of a guide wire protruding from a distal opening of a tube body includes a first half body and a second half body which are movable between an open state and a closed state. Each of the first half body and the second half body includes a guide wire sandwiching and holding portion which mutually sandwich and hold the distal portion of the guide wire cooperatively in the closed state of the protector. Each of the first half body and the second half body also includes a tube body sandwiching and holding portion which mutually sandwich and hold the tube body cooperatively in the closed state of the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Numata, Toshihiko Asao, Katsuhiro Shirakawa, Tomokane Kurosawa, Satoru Kanuka
  • Patent number: 8956322
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection. In particular, the travel path of each the puller wire includes a U-turn or doubling-back around a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In one embodiment, the catheter has an elongated catheter body, a catheter tip section with first and second diametrically-opposed off-axis lumens, and a control handle which includes a steering assembly having a lever structure carrying a pair of pulleys for simultaneously drawing and releasing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Selkee
  • Publication number: 20150045776
    Abstract: A catheter is described for use in cannulating a bile duct in ERCP or sphincterotomy procedures. The catheter has a continuous compound curve that has first and second curves. The first and second curves have radii of curvature and lengths that orient the tip of the catheter selectively toward a bile duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jillian Haac, Vihar C. Surti
  • Patent number: 8945060
    Abstract: Medical device (10) for delivering therapeutic material to a patient. The device comprises an access sheath (12) having a proximal section (18) extending to a distal section (20). A working lumen (22) is formed in the proximal and distal sections. The distal section has a plurality of side ports (48) formed therethrough in fluid communication with the working lumen. The distal section has a deflection section (42) actuatable to bend at an angle for positioning the side ports in the patient. A needle assembly (14) is configured to move within the working lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In fluid communication with a central lumen is a plurality of needles (80). The needles are disposed within the access sheath in the retracted position and the needles extend through the side ports outwardly from the access sheath in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Joseph Bunch
  • Patent number: 8945146
    Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin
  • Patent number: 8939960
    Abstract: Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (? mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BioCardia, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Rosenman, Daniel Kayser, Michael Keleher, Nick Fravala, Richard Cook, Mark Tale, Frank Arko, Simon Stertzer, Peter A. Altman
  • Patent number: 8932276
    Abstract: Shapeable guide catheters and methods for manufacturing and using such shapeable guide catheters. In one embodiment, the shapeable guide catheter comprises a tubular member having a shapeable region, a malleable shaping member attached to the shapeable region such that, when the shape of the shapeable region is changed from a first shape to a second shape, the shaping member will plastically deform to thereafter substantially hold the shapeable region in the second shape, a tubular outer jacket disposed about the outer surface of the tubular member and a tubular inner jacket disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The shapeable region of the guide catheter may be manually formed into a desired shape before insertion of the guide catheter into the body. In some embodiments, the guide catheter is sized to be inserted through a nostril of a human patient and used to guide the transnasal insertion of another device (e.g., a guidewire, catheter, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Morriss, Mei Pader
  • Publication number: 20150011873
    Abstract: Catheters include a catheter tube and an echogenic structure extending from a proximal portion of the catheter tube to a distal end of the catheter tube where a portion of the echogenic structure is at least partially formed in the distal end of the catheter tube. Such catheters may exhibit improved echogenicity. Methods of forming a tool for a clinical procedure performed upon a subject utilizing ultrasound guidance include forming a catheter and forming a portion of an echogenic structure within a distal end of the catheter. Methods of ultrasound guidance for a clinical procedure performed upon a subject may include such catheters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Custom Medical Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Sandor Racz
  • Publication number: 20150011964
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a guidewire for performing medical procedures may include a central core. The central core may include a first region having a first width and a distal surface. The central core may also include a second region distal to the first region. The second region may have a second width different than the first width. The second region may also have a proximal surface. At least a portion of the distal surface of the first region may be angled relative to a portion of the proximal surface of the second region. The guidewire may also include a first covering surrounding the first region. The first covering and the first region may form a first covered region having a third width. The guidewire may also include a second covering surrounding the second region. The second covering and the second region may form a second covered region having a fourth width. The third width and the fourth width may be substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: William ABNER, Steven E. WALAK, Brian GAFFNEY, Gene T. STORBECK
  • Patent number: 8926588
    Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: William Berthiaume, Don Tran, Maria Valdovinos, Brent Locsin
  • Publication number: 20150005746
    Abstract: A guidewire includes a wire body having a first wire arranged on a distal end side and a second wire arranged on a proximal end side of the first wire. A proximal end surface of the first wire and a distal end surface of the second wire are joined to each other to form a joint portion. An outer member is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the wire body and forms a tubular shape which covers the wire body at least from a distal end portion of the first wire to the joint portion. An inner member is arranged between an outer peripheral portion of the wire body and an inner peripheral portion of the outer member and covers the joint portion. The inner member is an inner coil formed by winding a wire for the inner member into a coil shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Hideo SATO
  • Patent number: 8920369
    Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Jonah Lepak, Emma Leung, Tom Saul, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Brice Arnault De La Menardiere, Clayton Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20140378949
    Abstract: A guide wire made from a cobalt-nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy is provided. The wire provides, for example, a combination of relatively high yield strength and ductility to increase the ability of the guide wire to withstand both pre-procedural, physician-planned plastic deformation and subsequent procedural elastic deformation en route to a target lesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremy E. Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20140371723
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an injection guide for stabilizing an injection site located on an ocular structure during an intravitreal injection. The injection guide includes a first flange positioned opposite a second flange. The first and second flanges can hold portions of the ocular structure away from the injection site. The injection guide can include a handle coupled to the second flange and positioned away from the injection site to provide a substantially unobstructed view of the injection site and the ocular structure. A base plate can be positioned between and coupled to the first and second flange. The base plate includes an aperture or a notch positioned a predetermined distance from an edge of the base plate to provide 360 degree access to the injection site. The base plate can include a tamponade surface configured to tamponade the ocular structure after the intravitreal injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis P. Han, Ravi Shankar Singh
  • Patent number: 8911362
    Abstract: An endoscope including a bending operation apparatus including a bending operation mechanism section and a bending portion braking mechanism section in an operation section, the bending operation mechanism section includes a bending lever, a first bearing member transmitting a force of the lever, and a cylindrical member rotated with an operation of the lever, and the bending portion braking mechanism section includes a bending state keeping lever, a braking shaft body transmitting a force of the lever, a second bearing member pivotally supporting the braking shaft body, a rotation pressing member rotating around an axis of the second bearing member, and having inclined projection portions, a slide pressing member having inclined projection portions opposed to the projection portions, a friction member abutting on the cylindrical member, a regulation member regulating a gap where the friction member is disposed, and positioning members regulating a braking force of the friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8911382
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a length of a portion of a steering wire disposed within a bendable medical device includes an electrical contact slidably coupled with a steering wire, an electrical source configured to transmit an electrical signal through a portion of the steering wire, and a processor configured to monitor a parameter of the electrical signal at or about the electrical contact and configured to determine a length of a portion of the steering wire using the monitored parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hauck, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8906013
    Abstract: A control handle for a steerable catheter body for navigation of the catheter body through a biological lumen and manipulation at a treatment site. The control handle includes a housing assembly that houses a piston assembly and a resistance adjusting assembly. The resistance adjusting assembly can be adjusted to provide the desired frictional characteristics of the user for control of the resistance between the piston assembly and the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the piston assembly is configured to provide a frictional resistance that varies dynamically to substantially match the restorative force across the range of catheter tip deflection. Other embodiments include a vibrating member that provides tactile feedback to the operator to indicate conditions at the distal end of the catheter, such as contact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Endosense SA
    Inventor: Alexandre Romoscanu
  • Publication number: 20140358076
    Abstract: A hemostasis component for an invasive medical device has an inflatable cylinder affixed to the medical device at a location aligned with an ingress point of a patient. An inflation source is in fluid communication with the inflatable cylinder and a flow control valve that is effective to regulate the flow of fluid from the inflation source to the inflatable cylinder is provided. The flexible cylinder is located on the proximal end of a tunneling catheter, where it exits the skin. A thin tube is provided to inflate the flexible cylinder. In the event of bleeding, the flexible cylinder is inflated for as long as is needed to achieve hemostasis, without having to place sutures. Inflation is a simple procedure that can be done by the patient, as opposed to having to place a suture, which must be performed by a physician or a physician's delegate, under sterile conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SMH Device Corp.
    Inventor: Shaun M. Honig
  • Patent number: 8900216
    Abstract: A guidewire for antegrade guidance of vascular interventions of a lower limb artery via a common femoral artery into a superficial femoral artery of a human patient. When in unloaded condition, the guidewire has, at its distal end, a rounded or floppy tip (4). A curved deflection section (5) is located closely proximal of the tip (4) and extends over an angle of curvature such that the rounded tip (4) is spaced from a continuation of an axis of a section proximally neighboring the curved deflection section (5). The curved deflection section (5) has a flexibility causing the curved deflection section (5) to spring back to substantially its original shape after elastic deformation to a straightened condition. A rotation preventer, a kit and a method for facilitating insertion of a guidewire into the superficial femoral artery are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johan Willem Pieter Marsman
    Inventor: Johan Willem Pieter Marsman
  • Publication number: 20140350519
    Abstract: A catheter guidewire for facilitating introduction of a flexible catheter into the human body (e.g., into the bladder) has a proximal end having a first stiffness which is sufficient to facilitate guidance of a stiff plastic expansion sheath through the tissue. A distal end of the guide wire has a second stiffness, substantially less than the first stiffness, to avoid damage to internal walls of the bladder. Preferably, the guide wire incorporates an intermediate portion having a stiffness between the first stiffness value and the second stiffness value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: MEDIPLUS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Graham Urie
  • Publication number: 20140350463
    Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating access to the pancreaticobiliary system are disclosed. In particular, the methods include bending a device having an elongate body with a first lumen, a second lumen, and respective first and second exit openings. The methods include inserting a first guidewire through the first lumen and out of the first exit opening to cannulate a pancreatic duct, and inserting a second guidewire through the second lumen and out of the second exit opening to cannulate a biliary duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Vanessa NAHON, Lindsay MULLINS, Steve WALAK, Ralph BARRY
  • Publication number: 20140343538
    Abstract: A steerable guidewire. The steerable guidewire is fabricated includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a hub, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Lenker, Scott Louis Pool, Eugene M. Breznock
  • Publication number: 20140343527
    Abstract: A torque apparatus for facilitating manipulation of a guidewire includes a handle member dimensioned for engagement by a clinician and defining a longitudinal axis and a torque member mounted to the handle member. The torque member defines a lumen configured for reception and passage of a guidewire and is configured to rotate relative to the handle member to impart rotational movement to the guidewire. A gripper member associated with the torque member is adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the torque member and a trigger member depending from the handle member is actuable to cause the gripper member to release the guidewire to thereby permit the guidewire to be moved within the lumen of the torque member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the torque member and is movable to impart rotational movement to the torque member to thereby cause corresponding rotational movement of the guidewire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Scarpine, Lawrence Craig Burns
  • Publication number: 20140343539
    Abstract: A proximal control apparatus for providing a healthcare professional with proximal control over a guide wire and an elongated medical device, such as a catheter, installed over the catheter is disclosed. The proximal control apparatus includes a relatively short guide wire extender and a housing with a passageway for receiving the guide wire extender and a portion of an elongated medical device installed over the guide wire extender. The guide wire extender has a curvilinear configuration that corresponds to a curvilinear configuration of the passageway through the housing. These complementary configurations secure the guide wire extender within the passageway as an elongated medical instrument is installed onto and moved along the guide wire extender and a guide wire that has been coupled to a distal end of the guide wire extender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Control Medical Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Scott Liddiard, Shawn Fojtik
  • Publication number: 20140336623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data communication system (100) and a method that can particularly be applied for communicating data from a medical instrument like a catheter or a guide-wire via a high-speedlink (101). The system (100) comprises (in-vivo) a slave component (150) with a controllable slave clock (153) and a transmitter (151) for transmitting a data signal (ds) that is clocked by the slave clock signal (clk). Moreover, it comprises (ex-vivo) a master component (110) with a clock controller (114,115,116) that receives a master clock signal (ref_clk) and the data signal (ds) and that generates a clock control signal (ccs) for adjusting the slave clock (153) to the master clock (113). The slave clock (153) may thus be realized with low space and energy requirements, e.g. by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Moreover, the link (101) via which the data signal (ds) and the clock control signal (ccs) are exchanged may be realized by just two signal wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Antonia Cornelia Van Rens, Neil Francis Joye, Bout Marcelis
  • Publication number: 20140336622
    Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated wire body exhibiting flexibility, a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is made of a resin material, and a tubular member through which the wire body passes and possessing a distal portion positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer. A plurality of melted portions which are concavely deformed toward the wire body side by melting are formed in the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yutaka Tano, Yousuke NABESHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140336620
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. A medical device may include an elongate tubular member. The tubular member may include a first circumferential tube segment, a second circumferential tube segment disposed next to the first circumferential tube segment, and a third circumferential tube segment disposed next to the second circumferential tube segment. The first tube segment and the second tube segment may be separated by a first set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment and the third tube segment may be separated by a second set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may be connected to the first tube segment with a proximally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may also be connected to the third tube segment with a distally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. A ring may be defined in the second tube segment between the proximally-extending beam and the distally-extending beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: TED LAYMAN, CLAY NORTHROP
  • Patent number: 8882673
    Abstract: A procedure and kit are provided for performing an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) procedure. The patient's abdomen is scanned with an ultrasound probe to identify and mark the external oblique, internal oblique, and TAP. An introducer sheath is placed over a fluid delivery needle such that the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, the needle having echogenic properties for ultrasound imaging. The needle and sheath are ultrasonically guided into the TAP. A local anesthetic or saline/anesthetic combination is injected through the needle to create a liquid pool in the TAP. The needle is removed from the sheath while maintaining the sheath within the TAP and a catheter is subsequently advanced through the sheath and into the pooled liquid in the TAP. The sheath is withdrawn while maintaining the catheter located within the TAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Guzman
  • Publication number: 20140330242
    Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Michael P. Boutillette, James E. Windheuser, Oscar R. Carrillo, JR.
  • Patent number: 8876796
    Abstract: Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Claret Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Fifer, Randall T. Lashinski, Antony J. Fields, Michael Lee
  • Publication number: 20140324026
    Abstract: An interventional guidewire assembly with improved guidewire control includes a guidewire and a housing having a first opening that accommodates the guidewire and a second opening. The assembly further includes an actuator that passes through the second opening that is actuated by a finger in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the guidewire. The assembly further includes a clamp operably coupled to the actuator that compresses the guidewire to couple the guidewire to the housing when pressure is applied to the actuator. The assembly further includes a return spring that supplies pressure to remove the clamp from the guidewire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Freddy Dwight CHRISMAN
  • Patent number: 8870824
    Abstract: An aspiration catheter includes an aspiration tube and an aspiration lumen extending between and opening to the distal and proximal ends of the aspiration tube, and a guidewire tube bonded to the outer surface of the aspiration tube on a distal end portion of the aspiration tube, with at least a portion of the guidewire tube being parallel to the aspiration tube. A guidewire lumen extends through the guidewire tube and opens at a proximal opening located at a proximal end of the guidewire tube. The outer surface of the aspiration tube has a flat portion where the outer surface is parallel to an axial direction of the aspiration lumen, and the proximal opening of the guidewire lumen is located at the flat portion of the outer surface of the aspiration tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha, Terumo Clinical Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Kusakabe
  • Patent number: 8870854
    Abstract: A release device (100) and an insertion device (110) having such a release device (100) for detaching a medical implant from an insertion device (110), in which the implant can be released by way of a relative movement between a first and a second insertion element (52, 54), including a body (10) having a proximal end (12), which faces a user in the usage state, and a distal end (14), which is furthest away from a user in the usage state, wherein a spindle (10a) including at least two speed regions is provided between the proximal end and distal end (14), wherein the spindle (10a) is provided so as to generate a deliberate to relative movement between the first and second insertion elements (52, 54) of the insertion device (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Biotronik AG
    Inventor: Amir Fargahi
  • Patent number: 8870849
    Abstract: A catheter hub includes a distal assembly including a distal hub member adapted to be fixedly attached to an outer catheter and a proximal assembly including a proximal hub member adapted to be fixedly attached to an inner catheter disposed through the outer catheter. An elongate member connects the proximal and distal assemblies such that the proximal and distal assemblies can translate longitudinally relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: BiO2 Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Steinmetz, Joseph H. Taber
  • Publication number: 20140309624
    Abstract: An elongated medical device includes a core element, a polymer member, a closure element, and a permanent magnetic element. The core element may have a distal region including a first region with a diameter greater than a diameter of a second region, the second region distal of the first region and terminating at a core element distal end. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about an entire length of the core element and extending distal of the core element distal end. The closure element may be affixed to a distal end of the polymer member. The permanent magnetic element may be disposed along the second region proximal to the core element distal end, and may include a plurality of permanent magnetic elements spaced apart along the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bown, Mark A. Christensen, Guy Rome, Bret Hamatake
  • Patent number: 8858495
    Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
  • Publication number: 20140303600
    Abstract: A method of treating a patient includes providing a guidewire having an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body including a shapeable portion disposed proximate the proximal end, the shapeable portion being malleable so as to be shaped into a shape and remain in the shape until reshaped. The distal end of the elongate body is advanced into a vasculature of the patient. The shapeable portion of the elongate body is shaped into a first shape that prevents advancement of the guidewire further into the vasculature of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bown, David M. Butts
  • Patent number: 8852266
    Abstract: A delivery system including an inner catheter with a reinforcing element and an outer catheter having a proximal end attached to a movable member. An abutment element may be attached to a distal end of the reinforcing element, configured to engage an implantable device disposed between the inner catheter and the outer catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Brooks, Brendan Mccrea, Scott L. Randall, Donald Van-Royen
  • Publication number: 20140296828
    Abstract: Stylet assemblies include one or more securing members extending from a base portion of the stylet assembly and configured to removably attach to a portion of an associated structure. Catheter kits and catheter assemblies may include such stylet assemblies. Methods of using a catheter assembly may include inserting at least a portion of a stylet coupled to a stylet cap in a catheter associated with a catheter connection and securing a portion of the stylet cap to only a portion of the catheter connection hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sandor N. Racz, Gabor J. Racz
  • Patent number: 8845520
    Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Universita' degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”
    Inventors: Nicola Plo Belfiore, Massimillano Scaccia, Francosco Ianniello, Massimillano Presta, Luca Perfetti
  • Patent number: 8845618
    Abstract: An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: H & M Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sean Hensler, Thomas Eric Melin
  • Publication number: 20140288533
    Abstract: A guide wire has a wire body; and a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body. The guide wire has a cylindrical member that has an outer diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer, that encircles a portion of the wire body and that has a distal portion positioned proximate the proximal portion of the distal side coating layer; and a joint member that is disposed at a proximal side of the cylindrical member and joins the cylindrical member and the wire body. The joint member has a gradually decreasing outer diameter portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward a proximal side of the wire body, and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member has a surface continuous with the gradually decreasing outer diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yutaka TANO, Yousuke NABESHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140276643
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgical catheter is provided. The present disclosure provides a catheter shaft that includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion comprises a handle operably connected to the distal portion of the elongated structure. The distal portion three radially positioned polymeric layers. At least two of the layers include chemically dissimilar polymers and at least one of the three layers includes functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Guo, David P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140276393
    Abstract: In a catheter system and method for assembly thereof, one end of a catheter shaft is inserted into a connector for a handle, with the connector being generally tubular and having a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. At least a lengthwise segment of the channel is sized in transverse cross-section greater than an outer cross-section of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is inserted into the channel of the connector such that the catheter shaft is spaced from the connector within the lengthwise segment of the channel. Adhesive is directed through a port in the sidewall of the connector into the lengthwise segment of the channel to flow circumferentially about the catheter shaft within the channel. The adhesive is allowed to cure and the connector (with the catheter adhered thereto) is retained on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Gin Park, Emily Michelle Gordon, James Paul Goodman, John Francis Arnold, Bradley C. Knippel
  • Publication number: 20140276619
    Abstract: An intravenous catheter has a tip portion, an extendable portion and a proximal portion attached to a hub. The extendable portion has a refracted position and an extended position. A wire may be incorporated in the intravenous portion. The wire may have a receiver disposed in the tip portion. An extender tool is insertable and removable from the catheter. The extender is dimensioned to engage the receiver upon insertion into said catheter and lengthen the extendable portion of said catheter to said extended position when inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventor: Girish G. Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20140276646
    Abstract: A device may operate a guide wire and be operable by a single operator digit. The device may include an insertion control device for advancing the guide wire in a forward and in a reverse direction and along a longitudinal axis of the guide wire; and a rotary device for rolling a guide wire about the longitudinal axis. A robotic instrument driver may be operatively coupled to the device and configured to control axial movement of the guide wire along the longitudinal axis according to input received from the insertion control device and to control rotational movement of the guide wire according to input received from the rotary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hansen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Serena Wong, Sean Walker, June Park, Richard Henderson