Richard C Ewers

US Patent:

6395021, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/303113

Inventors:

Charles C. Hart - Huntington Beach CA
Ralph V. Clayman - St. Louis MO
John R. Brustad - Dana Point CA
Frans Vandenbroek - Rancho Santa Margarita CA
Richard C. Ewers - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Applied Medical Resources Corporation - Rancho Santa Margarita CA

International Classification:

A61F 206

US Classification:

623 115, 623 12, 604 8

Abstract:

A stent having an elongate tubular configuration is formed of a plurality of elongate elements interwoven or braided to form a tubular configuration. The elements may be relatively strong and rigid, but movable relative to each other within the weave or braid in order to provide the stent with generally soft characteristics. The elements may be formed of different materials, such as an absorbent material permitting the stent to be doped with materials such as drugs and chemicals. Even the absorbency can be controlled and varied to provide a predetermined time-release of the absorbent.

US Patent:

6589208, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

May 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/870255

Inventors:

Richard C. Ewers - Huntington Beach CA
Boun Pravong - Corona CA
Gary R. Dulak - Newport Beach CA

Assignee:

Applied Medical Resources Corporation - Rancho Santa Margarita CA

International Classification:

A61M 2900

US Classification:

604104, 604 9001, 60410201, 604107, 604174, 60416404, 606232

Abstract:

A self-deploying catheter assembly comprises an anchoring device mounted to a tube. A distal end of the anchoring device is held in a fixed position by a releasable suture while a proximal end is freely movable between a proximal position and a distal position defined by a stop on the tube. During insertion into a body cavity, the anchor automatically maintains a low-profile state with the ends spaced apart. Once fully inserted, the anchor self converts into a high-profile state when the tube is slightly withdrawn, bringing the ends closer together. The suture is disengaged to release the distal end of the anchor in order to facilitate a low-profile state for withdrawal of the assembly.

US Patent:

6783491, Aug 31, 2004

Filed:

Jun 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/173220

Inventors:

Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA 95070
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA 92833
Eugene G. Chen - Carlsbad CA 92009

International Classification:

A61B 100

US Classification:

600114, 600139, 600127

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

US Patent:

6790173, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Jun 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/173227

Inventors:

Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA
Eugene G. Chen - Carlsbad CA

Assignee:

USGI Medical, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 104

US Classification:

600114, 600115, 600121, 600129, 600141, 600144

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

US Patent:

6837847, Jan 4, 2005

Filed:

Jun 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/173238

Inventors:

Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA, US
Eugene G. Chen - Carlsbad CA, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 104

US Classification:

600114, 600121, 600127

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

US Patent:

6939296, Sep 6, 2005

Filed:

May 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/436522

Inventors:

Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
Gary R. Dulak - Newport Beach CA, US
Nabil Hilal - Laguna Niguel CA, US

Assignee:

Applied Medical Resources Corp. - Rancho Santa Margarita CA

International Classification:

A61B001/32

US Classification:

600206, 600204, 600205, 600208, 600210, 600212, 600245, 606 1, 128849, 128850

Abstract:

An access device particularly adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery facilitates access with instruments, such as the hand of the surgeon, across a body wall and into a body cavity. The device can be formed of a gel material having properties for forming a zero seal, or an instrument seal with a wide range of instrument diameters. The gel material can be translucent facilitating illumination and visualization of the surgical site through the access device.

US Patent:

6942613, Sep 13, 2005

Filed:

Oct 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/281461

Inventors:

Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA, US
Boris Reydel - West Caldwell NJ, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B001/00

US Classification:

600114, 600121

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The sheath may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Fail-safe tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The fail-safe tensioning mechanisms reduce the risk of reconfiguration of the overtube in the event that the tension system fails, and, in one embodiment, rigidizes the overtube without substantial proximal movement of the distal region. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

US Patent:

6958037, Oct 25, 2005

Filed:

Oct 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/399209

Inventors:

Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
John R. Brustad - Dana Point CA, US
Edward D. Pingleton - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Nabil Hilal - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Payam Adlparvar - Lake Forest CA, US
Scott Taylor - Mission Viejo CA, US
Gary R. Dulak - Newport Beach CA, US
Michael J. Dunn - Santa Ana CA, US
Norman L. Morales - San Jose CA, US
Charles C. Hart - Summerville SC, US
Robert R. Bowes - Aliso Viejo CA, US

Assignee:

Applied Medical Resources Corporation - Rancho Santa Margarita CA

International Classification:

A61B017/02

US Classification:

600208

Abstract:

A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment elements at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force.