James A Devries

US Patent:

6656109, Dec 2, 2003

Filed:

Apr 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/837270

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI
Steven R. Gundry - Redlands CA
Brian S. Beals - East Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61F 0202

US Classification:

600 37, 128897, 128898, 606201

Abstract:

A suction retractor that provides support to and positions an organ for surgery is provided. This retractor includes a support surface, a plurality of suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one leash operatively attached to the support surface; and at least one suction tube operatively connected with the suction elements. A method for using the retractor to manipulate an organ during surgery is also provided.

US Patent:

45479232, Oct 22, 1985

Filed:

Mar 15, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/591397

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI
John H. Dufek - Birmingham AL

Assignee:

DLP Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47L 2500

US Classification:

15104R

Abstract:

A surgical knife cleaner and, more particularly, a cleaner for a cautery knife used to clean and cauterize incisions and wounds. A readily attachable base has a cradle to retain a closely coiled strand on an axis parallel to the base. The cradle has edges to limit the introduction of the knife in the direction transverse to the axis of the coil and to clean the edge of the knife.

US Patent:

60425768, Mar 28, 2000

Filed:

Nov 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/965991

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 2500

US Classification:

604523

Abstract:

A two-staged venous cannula is disclosed having an angled bend near the distal end. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is a right angle. The angle bend allows the cannulation to take place near the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium instead of higher in the right atrium. The cannula has a drainage hole at the apex of the angled bend to act as a blood collection port and a drainage hole at the distal end of the cannula to drain the inferior vena cava. The two-stage venous cannula is made of a rigid material at its distal end so that the distal end of the cannula may be easily inserted into the patient's heart through the right atrium. The disclosed cannula keeps the cannula away from the aorta, allows the cannula to exit the superior vena cava at an angle more perpendicular to the axis of the superior vena cave and allows the cannula to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures where size and access restrictions often make it difficult to place and maintain such devices.

US Patent:

54434483, Aug 22, 1995

Filed:

May 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/251093

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

DLP, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A61M 2500

US Classification:

604 96

Abstract:

A removable stylet for use in the introduction of cannulae into a vessel or chamber of a body for medical procedures, and a retrograde coronary sinus perfusion cannula using such stylet. The stylet is used to guide the cannula during insertion, and includes a proximal relatively stiff end that can be manually manipulated by the attending physician to guide the stylet. On the distal end of the stylet is a relatively flexible portion that can be shaped into various curves and which is form-retaining while retaining flexibility.

US Patent:

47966262, Jan 10, 1989

Filed:

Apr 15, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/038721

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

DLP Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A61B 1704

US Classification:

128334R

Abstract:

A suture lumen for securing sutures in surgical procedures which includes a lumen with a head portion at one end of said lumen having a side projection about which suture ends may be wound to secure the ends. A notch or notches in the head portion adjacent the projection are provided to receive the free ends of the suture to prevent release until surgery is completed.

US Patent:

54237696, Jun 13, 1995

Filed:

Feb 9, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/015212

Inventors:

Kenneth R. Jonkman - Grand Rapids MI
James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

DLP, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A61M 514

US Classification:

604250

Abstract:

A cardioplegia management system comprises an inlet tube adapted for connection to a source of cardioplegic fluid, and at least two supply tubes extending from the inlet tube and in communication therewith, whereby fluid passing through the inlet will be directed to the supply tubes. The system also includes a base, and clamps associated with the supply tubes. Each of the clamps is mounted on the base in a position to selectively clamp and unclamp its respective supply tube, thereby selectively blocking or allowing flow of fluid through the supply tubes.

US Patent:

47597500, Jul 26, 1988

Filed:

Dec 22, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/944193

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI
Richard J. VanPopering - Newaygo MI

Assignee:

DLP Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A61M 518

US Classification:

604121

Abstract:

A syringe for providing a tactile signal to a person who is directing a fluid to a vein of a patient, for local anesthesia administration where a specific infusion pressure should not be exceeded, and other uses where delivery pressure is critical. A biased pressure sensitive piston is interposed between the syringe plunger and an actuating thumb pressure element. When a preset pressure is reached in the syringe body, a projection reaches the thumb to alert the administering person that the preset pressure has been reached.

US Patent:

D3439003, Feb 1, 1994

Filed:

Mar 25, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/857305

Inventors:

James H. DeVries - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

DLP, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

US Classification:

D24133