Sean S Plunkett

US Patent:

6547753, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Dec 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/215617

Inventors:

Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Brooklyn Park MN

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604 611, 604 401, 604507, 623 316, 623 326

Abstract:

Pulsatile blood flow in a heart-lung machine is accomplished by pumping blood into a bladder at a constant rate, and cyclically emptying the bladder into aortic line of the heart-lung machine either by means of the bladders own elasticity or by a mechanical compression mechanism which can be programmed to simulate the human heartbeat.

US Patent:

57414246, Apr 21, 1998

Filed:

Apr 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/643146

Inventors:

Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 114
A61M 116
B01D 6100

US Classification:

210644

Abstract:

Oxygen transfer to blood plasma in a blood oxygenator using a microporous membrane exposed to blood on one side and to oxygen on the other is facilitated by bonding an oxygen-carrying chemical such as hematin or a perfluorocarbon to at least the blood-contacting surface of the membrane.

US Patent:

58766677, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Jan 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/584275

Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA
Gary D. Reeder - Morrison CO
Peter Z. Kubisa - Littleton CO
Peter J. Hier - Castle Rock CO

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 136

US Classification:

422 44

Abstract:

Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface between the open ends. The inner surface is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another ampiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers may have a shape and size that without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material, wherein micro-conduit fibers are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other. The wrapping material is wrapped about an elongated spindle to provide a generally cylindrical heat exchange core. Opposing first and second seals are created by applying potting compound between fibers proximate the spindle's first end and proximate the spindle's second end.

US Patent:

59161914, Jun 29, 1999

Filed:

Apr 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/643123

Inventors:

Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604 4

Abstract:

Pulsatile blood flow in a heart-lung machine is accomplished by pumping blood into a bladder at a constant rate, and cyclically emptying the bladder into aortic line of the heart-lung machine either by means of the bladder's own elasticity or by a mechanical compression mechanism which can be programmed to simulate the human heartbeat.

US Patent:

58823255, Mar 16, 1999

Filed:

Jul 28, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/901392

Inventors:

Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604 4

Abstract:

In a heart-lung machine, blood is defoamed without the use of defoaming chemicals by passing blood between parallel insulated electrodes whose electric field orients the blood protein molecules to break up the foam bubbles. The blood then passes into the venous reservoir through a bubble screen which traps any remaining bubbles.

US Patent:

58793178, Mar 9, 1999

Filed:

May 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/865218

Inventors:

Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 3700

US Classification:

604 4

Abstract:

In a heart-lung machine, blood is defoamed without the use of defoaming chemicals by passing blood between parallel insulated electrodes whose electric field orients the blood protein molecules to break up the foam bubbles. The blood then passes into the venous reservoir through a bubble screen which traps any remaining bubbles.

US Patent:

53106482, May 10, 1994

Filed:

Feb 1, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/649470

Inventors:

Frances H. Arnold - Pasadena CA
Pradeep Dhal - Pasadena CA
Deborah Shnek - Pomona CA
Sean Plunkett - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

A01N 102
C12Q 170
C12Q 104
C12N 500

US Classification:

435 5

Abstract:

The invention provides an imprinted matrix which exhibits selective binding interactions through metal chelates with a predetermined molecule or biological particle. Also provided is a preformed, fluid-imprinted matrix having sufficient rigidity to maintain selective binding interaction with a predetermined molecule or biological particle through interactive moieties. Methods for producing such matrices are additionally provided.