Robert A Crowley

US Patent:

6343227, Jan 29, 2002

Filed:

Jan 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/478774

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Sudbury MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Natick MA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600407, 600476

Abstract:

A miniaturized spectrometer is adapted for placement within a body near tissue to be characterized. The spectrometer includes a light source and a plurality of light detectors. The light source generates light to illuminate the tissue. The detectors detect optical signals from the illuminated tissue and convert these optical signals to electrical signals. The miniaturized spectrometer can be disposed at the distal end of an interventional device. Optical conduits, such as fiber optic cables or strands, extending the length of the interventional device are not required when the miniature spectrometer is employed.

US Patent:

6364831, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Aug 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/378164

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Sudbury MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Natick MA

International Classification:

A61B 106

US Classification:

600175, 600179, 600181, 600476

Abstract:

An endofluorescence module is utilized with an interventional device insertible in a body to provide at least one fluorescence excitation source. The module can be attached to the distal end of an endoscope, cystoscope or other optical imaging device. One or more filters are utilized to enhance the fluorescence response from the tissue under examination. A light shutter controls the exposure of an optical channel during operation. The adaptability and small size of the module correspond with low cost and disposability.

US Patent:

6364840, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Sep 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/672164

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Wayland MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61B 812

US Classification:

600463

Abstract:

Acoustic imaging balloon catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer and includes an inflatable dilatation balloon. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T. V. screen. In preferred embodiments, special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multi-filar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a pre-loaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer. Numerous selectable catheter sheaths are shown including a sheath with an integral acoustically-transparent window, sheaths with end extensions that aid in positioning, a liquid injection-producing sheath, a sheath having its window section under tension employing an axially loaded bearing, a sheath carrying a dilatation or positioning balloon over the transducer, a sheath carrying a distal rotating surgical tool and a sheath used in conjunction with a side-viewing trocar.

US Patent:

6383209, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Jun 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/585188

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Sudbury MA

Assignee:

Boston Scientific Corporation - Natick MA

International Classification:

A61N 506

US Classification:

607 88, 600478, 600121, 600310

Abstract:

A sheath for use with an interventional device for tissue spectroscopy within a body includes a substantially cylindrical, flexible body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible body securely receives interventional device via an interference fit. At least the distal end of the flexible body is formed of a material substantially transmissive of at least one of ultraviolet or visible light. For example, the material can be a polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. The sheath can be disposable.

US Patent:

6394949, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Oct 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/410937

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Sudbury MA
Mark A. Hamm - Lynnfield MA

Assignee:

SciMed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61B 100

US Classification:

600127, 600104, 600175, 606 46, 606 48, 606 41

Abstract:

A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

US Patent:

6405073, Jun 11, 2002

Filed:

Oct 18, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/691554

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Sudbury MA
Mark Hamm - Lynnfield MA

Assignee:

Scimed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61B 600

US Classification:

600476

Abstract:

A miniature spectrometer can be used in situ to diagnose tissue and organs through tissue autofluorescence.

US Patent:

6585655, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

May 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/160471

Inventors:

Robert J. Crowley - Wayland MA

Assignee:

SciMed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61B 812

US Classification:

600463, 600471, 600 7

Abstract:

A medical device for creating images of tissue within a body includes a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting an elongate flexible drive shaft which carries an imaging device such as a ultrasound transducer. The device may include a trocar adapted to receive the sheath, the trocar permitting the device to be inserted into the body where no natural passageway exists, the trocar having a side-facing region adapted to maintain registry with the imaging device while the imaging device rotates. In another embodiment, the drive shaft includes an outer coil that is configured such that when the drive shaft is driven in the direction tending to decrease the diameter of the outer coil, the outer surface of the outer coil pressurizes liquid distally of the outer surface. The device optionally includes an inflatable balloon.

US Patent:

6594471, Jul 15, 2003

Filed:

Feb 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

08/604105

Inventors:

Robert J Crowley - Sudbury MA
Donald N. Halgren - Manchester MA

Assignee:

Ambit Corp - Manchester MA

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455 90, 379455

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a docking system for connecting a portable communication device to a further signal transmission line. The docking system may be arranged within a workstation such as a desk or a tray. The system may also envelope a room in a building or be located in a vehicle, to control and restrict the radiative emission from the communication device and to direct such radiation to a further remote antenna and or signal distribution system connected to the transmission line.