With Shape Retaining Memory Patents (Class 604/530)
  • Publication number: 20030100831
    Abstract: Si material, which has been considered to be very brittle, and hard to bend, is heated to at least its brittle-ductile transition temperature. A bending moment is applied to a heated portion of the Si material so that a slip deformation is generated. Whereby it is possible to perform bending, and to greatly improve a degree of freedom for machining the Si material. The Si material has a brittle-ductile transition temperature which transfers from a brittle to a ductile state at its brittle-ductile transition temperature. At the transition temperature or more, the Si material is in a state that a slip can to be generated between its crystals in response to a bending torque applied thereto. Thus, when a bending moment is applied to the heated portion of the Si material which is heated to the transition temperature or more, a slip is generated between lattices or between crystal grains in the heated portion, so that the Si material is deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuriyama, Takayuki Furukoshi
  • Publication number: 20030055374
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for the dialysis of blood, a method for fabricating the same, and an improved method for the dialysis of blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Harold M. Martins, Brian K. Estabrook, Frank R. Prosl, Paul J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030055332
    Abstract: MRI compatible device for the guiding of catheters in human or animal vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Daum, Axel Winkel, Guido Pantel
  • Patent number: 6533752
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a flexible, elongated tubular member and is comprised of a tube of superlastic metal which in response to changing temperatures resists to a greater or less degree the bending moment imposed by a biasing element, thereby altering the shape of the tubular member as a function of temperature and producing a broad range of shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas C Waram, John D. Unsworth
  • Publication number: 20020156452
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for curving a catheter include a resilient fiber core with a preformed curve shape and a catheter having a lumen. The resilient fiber core is inserted into the lumen to create a desired curve shape in the catheter. The lumen in which the fiber core is inserted can be the primary lumen of the catheter, a secondary lumen, or a channel in the wall of the catheter. The catheter can be formed of a soft polymer material. The fiber core can be inserted into the catheter before or after the catheter is introduced into a body. The method can be used with a catheter having a varying hardness over its length, including a soft portion that conforms to the curve shape of the fiber core. A positive or negative pressure can be applied to a channel in the catheter to selectively straighten or curve the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Matt D. Pursley, Joe E. Brown
  • Patent number: 6461453
    Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Abrams, Sepehr Fariabi
  • Publication number: 20020120238
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising a housing, an elongated member extending from the housing, and a plurality of tines positioned in the housing. Each of the tines has a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion. An actuator is operatively associated with the tines and actuable to a first position to move the plurality of tines from a retracted position substantially within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending from the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of tines from the first position to a second deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Rex Medical
    Inventors: James F. McGuckin, Stephan A. DeFonzo
  • Publication number: 20020103474
    Abstract: A torqueable, three-dimensionally preformed guide or diagnostic catheter to selectively engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a human includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a human body in which the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior interior surface of the ascending aorta of the human body. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two angles which provide smoother transition than a single sharp angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Jan K. Voda
  • Publication number: 20020095137
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for performing angioplasty or vascular intervention procedures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a catheter apparatus comprised of a superelastic hollow guidewire, a balloon member and a flexible tip. The superelastic hollow guidewire of the invention is preferably a hypotube of nitinol alloy. The use of nitinol alloy as hollow guidewire provides a catheter apparatus having high flexibility and torqueability as well as small cross sectional diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Ketan P. Muni, Celso J. Bagaoisan
  • Publication number: 20020082585
    Abstract: Deflection mechanisms are disclosed that are positionable to deflecting portions of a flexible body, such as a catheter, in more than one direction in a single plane, as well as in more than one plane. The invention allows a distal portion of a catheter to be deflected more than 360 degrees to provide a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Sean Carroll, Domenic Santoianni, Benoit Thibault, Dan Wittenberger, Mathieu-Philippe Aubert, Marc-Andre Marcotte
  • Patent number: 6402859
    Abstract: The diamter of &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is reduced by cold wire-drawing and the &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment comprises the first aging process for precipitation strengthening and the second aging process for removing processing strain. &bgr;-titanium alloy wire is heat-treated under the supply of tension at the second aging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Terumo Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Ishii, Takashi Kaneko, Shin Sumimoto, Hideki Yamamoto, Ichiro Nagao
  • Patent number: 6375628
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for performing angioplasty or vascular intervention procedures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a catheter apparatus comprised of a superelastic hollow guidewire, a balloon member and a flexible tip. The superelastic hollow guidewire of the invention is preferably a hypotube of nitinol alloy. The use of nitinol alloy as hollow guidewire provides a catheter apparatus having high flexibility and torqueability as well as small cross sectional diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic PercuSurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Ketan P. Muni, Celso J. Bagaoisan
  • Publication number: 20020026155
    Abstract: A cannula system having an internally slidable elongate tubular member frictionally anchored within a trocar, and optionally including a flange which acts as a positive stop against the trocar, that can be deployed for various treatments, including aortic cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass, for example during CABG surgery. The tubular member has a proximal end, a lumen, and a flexible distal end which carries a preformed angled configuration relative to its proximal region and is bendable to a substantially linear configuration. The rigid trocar maintains the cannula in a substantially linear configuration. When the cannula is advanced through the lumen beyond the distal end of the trocar, the tubular member regains its angled configuration. Methods for using the devices herein are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Lorraine Mangosong
  • Publication number: 20020007174
    Abstract: An improved incontinence device that includes a preferably curved lumen which conforms the urethra to its original anatomical position to control urinary incontinence. The lumen is inserted substantially straight into the urethra via a relatively rigid obturator which causes the lumen to straighten along its entire length. Removal of the obturator causes the lumen to return to its pre formed curved shape allowing the urethra to also conform to the curved shape. The lumen may have a flange integral with its proximal end that acts as a stop and effectively prevents the lumen from migrating into the urethra. Removal of the lumen is accomplished by grasping the flange and pulling the lumen out of the urethra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: RICKEY D. HART
  • Publication number: 20010052345
    Abstract: A double catheter includes an outer, resilient catheter having shape memory and a hook-shaped distal end, an inner, pliable catheter slidably disposed in the outer catheter and of greater length than the outer catheter so that a distal end portion of the inner catheter can be extended or retracted from a distal end opening of the outer catheter to vary the overall length of the double catheter, the inner catheter preferably having an internal lumen suitable for the introduction of contrast media, and a mechanism operable from the proximal end of the outer catheter for changing the curvature of the hook shaped distal end of the outer catheter. Such a catheter of the invention can cannulate the coronary sinus without significant manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Imran K. Niazi
  • Publication number: 20010053890
    Abstract: An elastically deformable indwelling catheter formed as a hollow spring having a coiled portion positioned between a first and a second substantially straight portion. The catheter may be straightened for insertion into a patient, wherein the catheter is allowed to resume its coiled shape. A flexible connector extending at least partially through the catheter is used to lock” the catheter into its coiled shape. The flexible connector extends through the first substantially straight portion and the coiled portion and penetrates through the wall of the second substantially straight portion. The flexible connector is anchored in the first substantially straight portion and extends through the helically coiled portion, penetrates through the catheter wall of the second substantially straight portion and returns to the exterior of the first substantially straight portion. The flexible connector may be secured relative the catheter to prevent further elastic deformation of the spring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas A. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6319244
    Abstract: A catheter (10, 38, 40, 50, 80, 90) having both a flexible (30) and a rigid reinforcement section (36). The catheter body (12) is comprised of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, having a resilient coil or spring member (30) within a fluid delivery lumen (20) along the proximal portion (14) thereof. The catheter is provided with a more rigid malleable reinforcement member (36) at the distal portion (16) thereof, also extending within the fluid delivery lumen (20) and positioned proximal the coil member (30) within the fluid delivery lumen (20). The rigid reinforced distal portion (16) of the catheter body helps the surgeon to hold the tip of the catheter more firmly, and makes insertion of the catheter tip into the body vessel easier. The more flexible support portion (30) at the proximal portion (14) of the elastomeric catheter body reinforces the catheter to prevent kinking, yet allows flexibility to facilitate the surgeon to move the proximal portion (14) of the catheter out of the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chase Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: Mitta Suresh, Albert Davis
  • Publication number: 20010041870
    Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable guide for access to a treatment site. The implantable guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a guide body defining a lumen, and can optionally comprise a stable positioning element for stably positioning a drug delivery device within the guide. The guide can be provided in connection with a drug delivery device. In use, the guide is implanted within a subject so as to provide a conduit through which a drug delivery device can be retrievably introduced to facilitate delivery of drug to a treatment site within a subject at a site distal to an accessible implantation site. The drug delivery device is then positioned within the guide lumen to provide for delivery of drug from the drug delivery to the desired treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: EDWARD M. GILLIS, FELIX THEEUWES
  • Publication number: 20010039413
    Abstract: A wire housed within a sheath is formed of a shape-retentive and resilient material having a curved shape at its distal-end region resulting in the catheter sheath having the curved shape. The catheter sheath also has an axially oriented tendon for causing deflection of the distal-end region. A movable outer sleeve surrounds the sheath and conforms the portion of the wire positioned within the outer sleeve to the shape of the outer sleeve. Upon relative displacement of the sheath and the outer sleeve a portion of the sheath extends beyond the outer sleeve and resumes its preformed curved distal shape thereby forcing the catheter distal-end region into the same curved shape. The operator may adjust the relative positions of the sheath and outer sleeve to changes the shape of the distal-end region. The operator may also axially move the tendon to adjust the radius or curvature of the distal-end region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Wade A. Bowe
  • Patent number: 6280434
    Abstract: An angiographic catheter has exhibits elasticity as a whole and has at a distal end portion thereof a deformed portion that is curved into a desired shape when no external force is applied thereto. The deformed portion has at a distal end thereof a distal end opening. A plurality of minute side apertures are formed in a portion that is located toward a proximal end of the catheter from the deformed portion. These side apertures are arranged such that a reaction force generated by injection of a contrast medium (liquid) fed through a lumen of the catheter from the distal end opening is counterbalanced to the greatest possible extent by the contrast medium (liquid) injected from the respective side apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Kinoshita, Makoto Takamiya
  • Patent number: 6281262
    Abstract: Shape-memory biodegradable and absorbable materials which make it possible to easily treat vital tissues by suture, anastomosis, ligation, fixation, reconstitution, prosthesis, etc. without causing burn. These materials never induce halation in MRI or CT and never remain in vivo. Such a shape-memory biodegradable and absorbable material is a material made of a molded article of lactic acid-based polymer and can be recovered to the original shape without applying any external force thereto but heating to a definite temperature or above. It is obtained by deforming a molded article (a primary molded article) made of a lactic acid-based polymer and having a definite shape into another molded article (a secondary molded article) having another shape at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature thereof but lower than the crystallization temperature thereof (or 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Takiron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Shikinami
  • Publication number: 20010009987
    Abstract: A cannula has a distal portion which is angled relative to a proximal portion. The distal portion is straightened during introduction with a stiffening element. After introduction, the stiffening element is removed so that the distal portion angulates relative to the proximal portion so that the cannula can be moved out of the surgical field. The cannula preferably includes a stabilizing ring having suture holders. The stabilizing ring is also preferably angled relative to the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Meir H. Moshe, Jan Komtebedde, Robert K. Deckman
  • Publication number: 20010005785
    Abstract: The inventive probe has a probe tube and a guide stylet. The probe tube has a flexible, easily deformable wall and a tip which produces an opaque shadow, with one or several conduits for the flow-through of the X-ray contrast medium. The probe tube is introduced either through the esophagus into the stomach. Once the tip has arrived there, the physician attempts to find the pylorus with the probe tip by means of X-ray control and insert the probe therein. The invention features an elastic-walled probe tube with a soft tip area, such that it substantially adapts itself to the curvature of the tip area of the guide stylet and is not capable of counteracting the curvature of the tip area or straightening it. The tip of this guide stylet is sufficiently rigid that, when inserted into the probe tube as far as the tip of the latter, it forces its own shape on the probe tip, which makes it easier for the physician to find the way into and through the pylorus with this curved tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Hans Sachse
  • Patent number: 6217567
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for performing angioplasty or vascular intervention procedures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a catheter apparatus comprised of a superelastic hollow guidewire, a balloon member and a flexible tip. The superelastic hollow guidewire of the invention is preferably a hypotube of nitinol alloy. The use of nitinol alloy as hollow guidewire provides a catheter apparatus having high flexibility and torqueability as well as small cross sectional diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: PercuSurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Ketan P. Muni, Celso J. Bagaoisan
  • Publication number: 20010000040
    Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: March 15, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald Adams, Michael Banik, Charles Pugsley
  • Patent number: 6200306
    Abstract: A pusher-rotator for installing a heart valve prosthesis including a handle and a flexible shaft extending from the handle. A valve holder is attached to a terminal end of the shaft. A bendable member is formed of a material which is bendable to hold a fixed shape. The bendable member includes multiple contact points for supporting the flexible shaft at spaced apart support points and maintaining the flexible shaft rotatable in a flexed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sulzer Carbomedics Inc.
    Inventors: Tammi E. Klostermeyer, Christopher Heinrich
  • Patent number: 6159187
    Abstract: This is a section of a catheter which self-forms a selected shape upon application of a modest amount of heat and retains that shape upon cooling and, indeed, upon any reheating. The catheter section includes in its wall a forming member which typically comprises a super-elastic alloy oven braid or at least one coil. The forming member may include other materials and components in addition to the super-elastic element of the forming member. The forming member is typically covered by at least an outer polymeric covering which holds the forming member in a first shape prior to the heating step. Upon softening of the outer layer during that heating step, the forming member self-forms into the desired second shape. The catheter section may be used either in its first shape or its second shape or in any transitional shape between the two. Often the inner lumen of the forming member may contain a second polymeric tubing member. The inner polymeric tubing member is often lubricious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Park, Henry Nita
  • Patent number: 6146381
    Abstract: A catheter having a preformed distal shape for positioning a plurality of electrodes at a selected biological site includes a sheath having a preformed bend in the distal end region to distribute axial forces applied, in the distal direction, to the distal end region over a surface area of the distal end region proximal the distal tip. Also included in the catheter sheath is a stylet formed of a material capable of retaining a shape with the distal end of the stylet shaped in the preformed bend. Preferably, the preformed bend is approximately 45 degrees. Axial forces applied to the catheter are deflected to cause bowing of the catheter so that a larger surface area of the catheter contacts the tissue, rather than the smaller surface area of the distal tip. In other aspects, the portion of the sheath coincident with the preformed bend has a lower durometer, the stylet is more flexible by having a reduced diameter and the electrodes are located proximal to the preformed bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade A. Bowe, Robert C. Hayzelden, John A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6142975
    Abstract: An intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method of making same that has an elongate inner core element with an outer layer of material disposed about the core element. The layer of material can be applied as a braid, strand or smooth layer of material, and is preferably a metal. If the layer of material is applied as a braid or strand, it may be subsequently cold drawn so as to create a smooth layer from the braid or strand. The inner core element may be homogeneous, or may consist of drawn filled tubing with at least two layers of material, preferably biocompatible metals. In this way, the multiple layer distal section of the elongate core can be shaped or ground so as to achieve the desired mechanical properties and provide surfaces for attachment of components that are readily bonded or soldered to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Mehrzad Jalisi, Mark Richardson, David M. Anderson, Wayne E. Cornish
  • Patent number: 6139536
    Abstract: A stent system and method for use in the prostate gland. The stent is made of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol, and has a low temperature martensite state, with a martensite transition temperature below body temperature, and a high temperature austenite state, with an austenite transition temperature at or above body temperature, and a memorized shape in the high temperature austenite state which is a helical coil of diameter large enough to hold the prostatic urethra open. The stent is used to heat the prostate and is left in the prostatic urethra while the prostate heals. After the prostate is substantially healed, the stent is cooled to its martensite state and is easily removed from the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Endocare, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mikus, William Moseley
  • Patent number: 6136025
    Abstract: Methods for using blood pumps to treat heart failure are disclosed. The pump is mounted on an interior of a stent, does not occupy the entire lumen, and the stent is releasably mounted on a distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery and advanced to position the stent at a region of interest within the descending aorta, the ascending aorta, or the left ventricle. The stent and the pump are released from the catheter, and the pump is activated to increase blood flow downstream of the pump. The pump can also be positioned in the vena cava or used to treat right-sided heart failure following the insertion of an LVAD, or to improve venous return in patients with varicose veins. Non-stent pumps are described for insertion between the pulmonary vein and aorta, and between the vena cava and pulmonary artery designed for use during cardiac surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Denise R. Barbut, Russell H. Patterson, Mark-Hein Heinemann
  • Patent number: 6132417
    Abstract: A right coronary artery catheter including a hub, a linear flexible tubular body stock extending from the hub and a curved flexible tubular stem extending from the body stock. The stem includes a distal end, a primary curved section and a secondary curved section. The primary curved section is positioned between the distal ends of the stem and body stock. The secondary curved section is positioned between the primary curved section and the distal end of the body stock, and extends in a direction generally opposite the direction of the primary curved section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Scheider/Namic
    Inventor: R. Stefan Kiesz
  • Patent number: 6120495
    Abstract: A catheter having an elongate body including a central lumen adapted to slidably receive a therapeutic catheter. The catheter includes a soft tip adapted to lodge in the ostium of the right coronary artery. The elongate body is formed near the distal end to impinge against the wall of the aorta opposite the ostium of the coronary artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Jan Voda
  • Patent number: 6110164
    Abstract: A catheter includes a segment having a longitudinal axis. The segment includes a polymeric tube having interior and exterior surfaces separated by a wall thickness. The interior surface defines a catheter lumen which extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The exterior surface is sized for the tube to be passed through a patient's vasculature system. The segment further includes a substantially straight, flexible guide member disposed within the tube's wall thickness. The guide member has a longitudinal dimension extending parallel to and radially spaced from the segment's axis. The guide member is plastically deformable when bent around a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension beyond a bending limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Intratherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Vidlund
  • Patent number: 6083216
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a cardiac lead is provided that includes a connector for coupling to a cardiac stimulator that has a first rotatable member, and a tubular insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. A tip assembly is coupled to the second end. The tip assembly has a second rotatable member. A coiled wire is coupled between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The coiled wire is composed of a shape-memory material and is operable to transmit torque between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. Where the lead is provided with a bend, the shape-memory coiled wire retains a straight set, enabling smooth rotation of a fixation corkscrew without precession of the lead tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Intermedics Inc.
    Inventor: Elmar R. Fischer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6080140
    Abstract: A system and method for percutaneous access to a blood vessel is disclosed. The system according to the present invention includes a flexible guide wire for guiding the system to a desired position in a blood vessel; a tubular member having a lumen sized to slidingly receive the guide wire; an introducer having a lumen sized to slidingly receive the tubular member and a distal section including a S-shaped curve for assisting in positioning the system in the blood vessel; and a sheath having a lumen sized to slidingly receive the introducer, wherein the sheath provides access to the blood vessel after the system has been advanced to the desired position in the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Iowa-India Investments Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: M. J. Swaminathan, Atul Mathur
  • Patent number: 6074378
    Abstract: In a self-retaining catheter in which a leading end of the catheter can be fixed to an inner wall of a tubular organ such as a blood vessel, a wire with higher stiffness than a catheter body and in a winding shape greater than an outside diameter of the catheter body is mounted inside a leading end of the catheter body or in a projecting state from the leading end of the catheter body. An aperture of a slit shape is formed in a peripheral wall of the catheter body, in order to allow a medical fluid to flow out therethrough. A self-retaining catheter inserting apparatus includes the above-stated self-retaining catheter, a core wire arranged to be inserted into and withdrawn from the self-retaining catheter, a master catheter through which the self-retaining catheter can pass, and a sheath necessary for the master catheter to be inserted into a tubular organ, and preferably, the apparatus further includes a medical fluid injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Mouri, Nobuhiko Tanaka, Yukihisa Kurebayashi
  • Patent number: 6068623
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for performing angioplasty or vascular intervention procedures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a catheter apparatus comprised of a superelastic hollow guidewire, a balloon member and a flexible tip. The superelastic hollow guidewire of the invention is preferably a hypotube of nitinol alloy. The use of nitinol alloy as hollow guidewire provides a catheter apparatus having high flexibility and torqueability as well as small cross sectional diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Percusurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Ketan P. Muni, Celso J. Bagaoisan
  • Patent number: 6066132
    Abstract: An intrauterine ablation device having a catheter, a handle, and a distensible bladder. The catheter contains a joint such that the catheter may be articulated to facilitate access into the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Chen, E. Richard Skula
  • Patent number: 6053900
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering diagnostic and therapeutic agents intravascularly in which the apparatus has a shape defined by a preset shape of a resilient fiber core. The resilient fiber core is covered by a soft polymer tubing or other polymer material to form a delivery apparatus that takes the shape of the resilient fiber core. Various shapes and structures are disclosed that infuse diagnostic and therapeutic agents through a lumen of the polymer tubing, that deliver the agents in the form of a soluble coating, and that circulate or contain a preloaded charge of radioactive material for intravascular radiotherapy. The resilient fiber core and soft polymer material permit the construction of a very small apparatus that can be removed easily following treatment. Various deployment systems are disclosed for deploying the delivery apparatuses into a vessel and for protecting against radiation exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Matt D. Pursley
  • Patent number: 6045530
    Abstract: A catheter is provided which is disposed for insertion into a fluid-containing cavity of a patient, such as a ventricle of the patient's brain, to drain CSF therefrom. The catheter includes an elongated body provided with a cross-section having an outer surface which is smooth and free of projections, angles or the like which could damage adjacent brain tissue. The elongated body is further provided with proximal and distal ends, a first lumen disposed to serve as a fluid flow passage, and a second lumen extending past a given position located on the elongated body. A titanium wire element is inserted into the second lumen for enabling a neurosurgeon to readily select and adjust the angular orientation between first and second catheter segments, wherein the first and second segments comprise the portions of the elongated body extending between the given position and the proximal and distal ends, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Heyer-Schulte NeuroCare Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Krueger, Terry N. Layton, Demetrio Velez-Torres
  • Patent number: 6024764
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve is provided for enabling a physician to impart a preselected shape in an implantable tubular device, such as a cardiac lead, a catheter, or some other tubular structure. The sleeve may be deformed by the surgeon before or at the time of implantation to customize the shape of the tubular device to the particular anatomical structures to be encountered by the device. To retain the deformation imparted by the physician, the sleeve may be composed of a heat-sensitive shape-memory material or an elastomeric material provided with a plastically deformable rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Schroeppel
  • Patent number: 5993424
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a guidewire for navigating through body vessels. The guidewire has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The guidewire includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, wherein the distal end of the tube is a flexible distal tip having a smooth closed distal end. The guidewire further includes a core wire having distal and proximal ends. The core wire distal end is elastic and will return to a preformed shape upon the removal of any stress applied thereto. The core wire can slide longitudinally within the tube between a retracted position, where the core wire distal end is proximal to the flexible distal tip. In the retracted position the tube applies sufficient stress to deform the core wire distal end. The core wire also slides to an extended position, wherein said core wire distal end is within and substantially surrounded by the flexible distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Juan A. Lorenzo, Carol Barbre
  • Patent number: 5964744
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices with incorporated shape memory systems that allow a polymeric medical device to be inserted in a first conformation or configuration and revert to a second conformation or configuration. The invention is useful in allowing the easy insertion or implantation of a device followed by expansion of the device in order to be retained without expulsion from a body cavity, for example. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a medical device, such as a ureteral stent, that includes comprising an elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion joined by a body portion. The elongated member has an initial outer diameter. A retention construction serves for retaining the member within a bodily cavity. The member is formulated of a physiologically acceptable polymer capable of hydrating and expanding from the initial member outer diameter to form a final member outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Menlo Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Balbierz, Jack M. Walker, Joseph R. Thomas, Robert S. Bley, Kevin Van Bladel
  • Patent number: 5928217
    Abstract: A stent system and method for use in the prostate gland. The stent is made of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol, and has a low temperature martensite state, with a martensite transition temperature below body temperature, and a high temperature austenite state, with an austenite transition temperature at or above body temperature, and a memorized shape in the high temperature austenite state which is a helical coil of diameter large enough to hold the prostatic urethra open. The stent is used to heat the prostate and is left in the prostatic urethra while the prostate heals. After the prostate is substantially healed, the stent is cooled to its martensite state and is easily removed from the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Endocare, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mikus, William Moseley
  • Patent number: 5919183
    Abstract: An introducer, such as for an endotracheal tube, comprises a solid rod made of an aliphatic polyurethane containing about 20% barium sulphate. The hardness of the material is about 60 Shore D so that the introducer is resilient within a range of deformation and beyond this range it is bendable into a set shape that only resumes its original shape at a slower rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Stephen James Field
  • Patent number: RE36628
    Abstract: A catheter guide wire is provided for guiding a catheter into a body cavity such as a blood vessel. The base material constituting the wire is made of an elastic alloy wire and subjected to a heat treatment such that its flexibility is sequentially increased from its proximal to distal end portions. A thermoplastic resin or/and a coil spring can be applied to at least the distal end portion of the wire base material. A method of manufacturing the catheter guide wire is also provided. The method is characterized in that the leading end side of the base material is divided into a plurality of areas and subjected to a heat treatment by changing the heat treatment temperature and the time conditions in units of the areas so that the flexibility of the base material is sequentially increased from the proximal to distal end portions of the leading end side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyuta Sagae, Yoshiaki Sugiyama