Richard Ewers

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:

6960162, Nov 1, 2005

Filed:

Oct 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/281426

Inventors:

Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA, US
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B001/00

US Classification:

600114

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:

7041052, May 9, 2006

Filed:

Jul 8, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/888531

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

USGI Medical Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 1/00

US Classification:

600114, 600146

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:

7128708, Oct 31, 2006

Filed:

Jun 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/173203

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

USGI Medical Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 1/00

US Classification:

600114, 600127, 600129

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:

7347863, Mar 25, 2008

Filed:

Sep 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/955245

Inventors:

Chris Rothe - San Jose CA, US
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
Cang C. Lam - Irvine CA, US
Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA, US
Kenneth J. Michlitsch - Livermore CA, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 17/10
A61B 17/00
A61B 17/08

US Classification:

606139, 606153, 606205

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

US Patent:

7621925, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

Sep 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/955243

Inventors:

Vahid Saadat - Saratoga CA, US
Chris Rothe - San Jose CA, US
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 17/03

US Classification:

606139, 606232

Abstract:

Needle assemblies for tissue manipulation are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. A needle deployment assembly is deployable through the tissue manipulation assembly via a handle assembly, through the tubular member, and into or through tissue. An elongate pusher is translationally disposed within a sheath of the needle deployment assembly and can be urged distally for deploying an anchor assembly from the sheath distal end. The anchor assembly is positioned distally of the pusher within the sheath.

US Patent:

7637905, Dec 29, 2009

Filed:

Jan 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/346709

Inventors:

Vahid Saadat - Atherton CA, US
Richard C. Ewers - Fullerton CA, US
Eugene G. Chen - Carlsbad CA, US
David Miller - Cupertino CA, US

Assignee:

USGI Medical, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 17/00
A61B 1/00

US Classification:

606 1, 600104, 600142

Abstract:

Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough and at least one steerable tool arm which extends from the distal end of the main body. In preferred embodiments, the system includes two tool arms, each arm steerable to form a curve laterally outward which then bends laterally inward so that the arms form an angular shape. In addition, end effectors extend from the distal ends of each tool arm for use in manipulation of tissue. The angular shape brings the end effectors together in view of the scope for cooperative movements which are continuously visible by the surgeon. In addition, the tool arms may be steerable in any additional direction and may be rotatable to allow grasping, elevation and more complex manipulation of tissue.