Rance A Winkler

US Patent:

6413204, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Apr 15, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/293524

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA
Timothy J. Patrick - Alpharetta GA
James Stubbs - Alpharetta GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus for delivering radioactive emissions to an internal body location includes a catheter body member having a proximal end and distal end, an inner spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter body member, an outer spatial volume defined by an expandable surface element disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member in a surrounding relation to the inner spatial volume, and a radiation source disposed in the inner spatial volume.

US Patent:

6482142, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Dec 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/464727

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA
Timothy J. Patrick - Alpharetta GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus of the invention delivers radioactive emissions in an asymmetric fashion to target tissue surrounding a surgical extraction site. The apparatus includes an expandable outer surface element defining an apparatus spatial volume, a radiation source disposed within the apparatus volume, and a means for providing predetermined asymmetric isodose curves within the target tissue. In one configuration, asymmetric isodose curves are created in the target tissue by shaping or locating the radiation source so as to be asymmetrically placed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. In other configurations, asymmetric radiopaque shielding is provided between the radiation source and the target tissue. A surgical procedure using the apparatus is also described.

US Patent:

6537194, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Nov 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/724121

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

Drug delivery vehicles and catheter systems are disclosed for controlled release of therapeutic agents employing a permeable hydrogel membranes a reservoir for an inflation fluid carrying a therapeutic agent. The membrane devices of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a catheter or similar instrument having an elongated hollow body member and a lumen extending therethrough to permit fluid communication between a proximal infusion port and a permeable membrane disposed at the distal end of the catheter body. The membrane preferably comprises an expandable, hydrophilic polymer having a predetermined permeability with respect to an inflation fluid. One preferred hydrophilic polymer is a hydrogel capable of imbibing an aqueous solution to reach a state in which it comprises between 50% and 98% water by weight in equilibrium. In this state, the hydrogel membrane serves to control the rate of medicament delivery.

US Patent:

6589158, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Jan 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/761790

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 5, 604198, 604187, 128919

Abstract:

An infuser for transferring hazardous treatment fluids to and from a medical application includes a spill containing housing having a medical application connecting element and a syringe seat. The syringe seat of the infuser leads to a syringe connecting element that provides a fluid coupling between the syringe and a fluid passage leading to the medical application connecting element. The interior of the housing can be sealed against leaks, for example, by providing the housing in two portions with a gasket provided between the portions. A fluid tight coupling between the syringe and the interior of the housing may be created by integrally forming a septum with the gasket and coupling the syringe with the syringe connecting element through the septum. The infuser can also be provided with two syringe seats so that two different fluids can be transferred. In one embodiment, a second syringe connecting element is provided in fluid-tight communication with a second fluid passage.

US Patent:

6673006, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Jun 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/882506

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 1, 600 3, 600 7, 600 8

Abstract:

A spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patients body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.

US Patent:

6695760, Feb 24, 2004

Filed:

Oct 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/269555

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA
Timothy J. Patrick - Alpharetta GA
Carribeth B. Ramey - Suwanee GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 7, 623 1716, 606192

Abstract:

A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patients body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein. The system further includes a radiation source disposable within the internal space of the structural support through the lumen in the catheter for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding the interstitial space.

US Patent:

6749555, Jun 15, 2004

Filed:

Feb 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/365977

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA
Timothy J. Patrick - Alpharetta GA
Carribeth B. Ramey - Suwanee GA

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N 500

US Classification:

600 3

Abstract:

A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patients spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patients spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements. The first and second anchoring elements are preferably adapted to be positioned between a spinous process and transverse process of at least one vertebral body, and to extend along a length of a patients spinal column, such that the first and second anchoring elements, when expanded, engage and anchor the first and second branch members between the spinous process and transverse process of at least one vertebral body.

US Patent:

6976949, Dec 20, 2005

Filed:

Feb 20, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/784083

Inventors:

Rance A. Winkler - Atlanta GA, US
Timothy J. Patrick - Alpharetta GA, US
Carribeth B. Ramey - Suwanee GA, US

Assignee:

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

A61N005/00
A61F002/44
A61M029/00

US Classification:

600 7, 623 1716, 606192

Abstract:

A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein. The system further includes a radiation source disposable within the internal space of the structural support through the lumen in the catheter for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding the interstitial space.