American Medical Systems, Inc.

Other

Ams Research Corporation

Mark Gregory Polyak

Sidney F Hauschild

Robert C Grant

Stephen L Bolea

Johann J Neisz

Robert W Pugh, Jr

Robert L Rykhus

Bradford G Staehle

George Michael Huepenbecker

Patricia M Derus

W Scott Andrus

Jeffrey A Lechner-Riehle

Ross Ethan Novell

Thomas J Flint

Michael Jon Lawler

Kevin Anthony Stofan

A system for analysis and geospatial visualization includes a database of human geography data, a social media data engine, a network of information concerning disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and a database of research, software code and academic publications. The system also includes an analysis engine using the data generated by the database of human geography data, the social media data engine, the network of information concerning disaster relief and humanitarian assistance and the database of research, software code and academic publications to identify information. A graphical user interface displays the information identified by the analysis engine, the graphical user interface providing a mapping centric focus applying the information identified by the analysis engine within the context of a geospatial environment.

System for analysis and geospatial visualization

A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Retrievable stent and method of use thereof

A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Foreign body retrieval device and method

A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patent which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

Device for alleviating urinary incontinence

A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.

Switch based spontaneous inflation inhibitor in a pump for an inflation prosthesis

A design and method of manufacture are disclosed for a female continence augmentor device used to alleviate urinary incontinence. The female continence augmentor includes a mount formed of a resilient material, an intralumenal part carried on the mount and a resilient portion carried on the intralumenal part of device. The mount adheres to the female body about the urethral exit to support the female augmentor into position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. The intralumenal part of the device extends from the mount into the urethral lumen at least to the mid-urethra. In particular, the resilient portion of the intralumenal part extends into the urethra and is adapted to at least urge the dorsal urethral wall in the dorsal direction to stretch and/or reshape the mid-urethral lumen to have a more arcuate shape. Thus, the mid-urethral lumen in cross-section would preferably exhibit a crescent shape of smaller radius. As such, the female continence augmentor enables a patient to void voluntarily with normal muscle control and without requiring conscious action to operate the device. Following voiding, the continence augmentation function of the device resumes automatically thereby increasing urethral resistance to opening and preventing inadvertent urine loss.

Urinary continence device and methods for urinary control

A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patient which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

A female continence augmentor stops involuntary urine loss due to transient increases in bladder pressure but allows urine flow when automatically opened by transmitted bladder pressure during voluntary voiding. The augmentor improves coaptation and increases midurethral resistance to opening with a resilient mount releasably adhered adhesively to the body in position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. An intralumenal part on the mount has a resilient portion extending into the urethra for urging the dorsal midurethral wall in a dorsal direction for stretching and/or reshaping the midurethral lumen to an arc. The portion has a member located to engage the midurethral wall. A coaptation improver on the member engages with the adjacent midurethra. The improver carries biocompatible hydrophilic material adapted to coact with mucus and mucosa within the urethra. A coated biocompatible hydrophilic membrane can be the member with opposed generally rectangular major surfaces and is circumscribed by an edge. The hydrophilic membrane is bowed along the edge transverse between sides thereof for bearing against the inside of the midurethral walls. The membrane has a mesh of flexible polymer and an arc shape between the sides so the opposed major surfaces are concave and convex. Two struts can extend from the sides to the portion. A method of making the augmentor has the steps of forming the mount of resilient material. The resilient material adheres to the body to support the augmentor in position to prevent inadvertent urine loss through the midurethral lumen. The part on the mount extends into the urethra. Connecting the part to the mount and locating the member on the portion for placement relative to the mount intralumenally is a step. The method step of forming includes molding the mount of a polymer. The step of locating the member uses at least one or two struts. The method has the step of adding an adhesive to the mount and increasing coaptation of the portion with a material. A method of using the augmentor has the steps of inserting the part into the urethra so that the member is within the midurethral lumen and placing the mount adjacent to the urethral exit to retain the member therein. Applying resistance inside the urethra with the member by the portion is a step of using. Urging the dorsal midurethral wall in a dorsal direction and engaging the urethral wall, especially the midurethral wall to remove laxity therein are steps of using.

Continence augmentor and methods for urinary control

An apparatus for delivering laser energy to a target through a radiation-transmitting waveguide having a distal end terminating in a tip which is in contact with the target during delivery, while protecting the tip from heat damage, which apparatus comprises a waveguide for transmitting laser radiation and having a distal end terminating in a tip adapted to be placed in contact with the target to deliver laser energy directly to the target at the site of contact, and means for delivering a controlled small amount of liquid to the target adjacent to the tip, which small amount is just sufficient to limit the temperature at the target to not more than the failure temperature of the tip. An apparatus assembly for performing ILC incorporating a waveguide and a method for protecting the tip of a waveguide from damage is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for interstitial laser treatment

An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, preferably the urethra, enables the body passageway to be opened and closed in sequence due to the action of a lifting and lowering device which is adapted to be in integral contact with or disposed about the body passageway. An actuating device is operably connected to the lifting and lowering device, and a pump capable of being volitionally operated is in fluid communication with the actuating device to provide a pressurized flow of fluid into the actuating device.

Implantable sphincter system utilizing lifting means

A mechanical penile prosthesis which comprises an elongated, tubular, prestretched, elastic outer sheath having a distal tip, a proximal tip and an intermediate portion defining a hollow tubular chamber having positioned therein a central core anchored at each of its ends to a tip, and an articulated member positioned about the flexible core, which articulated member comprises a plurality of alternating rings and discs, each of the rings being defined by a toroid having a curved surface, a substantially circular cross-section and an outer circumference, each of the discs being defined by a toroid having a flattened upper surface and a flattened lower surface, each surface having a peripheral portion which has a tapered or convex profile which contacts the curved surface of the adjacent rings.

Mechanical penile prosthesis

A penile prosthesis for alleviating erectile impotency includes a generally tubular enclosure which is implantable within the corpus cavernosum. The tubular enclosure includes a generally non-distensible pressurizable chamber which when filled with fluid substantially to capacity will transform the prosthesis from the flaccid to an erect state, and a unique inflation valve assembly comprising two valves in longitudinally sequential relationship which will open or close under sequentially applied pressure differential conditions. The prosthesis includes a pump implantable in the body apart from the tubular enclosure, preferably in the scrotum, and a deflation valve.

Implantable penile prosthesis

A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a flow path, which valve comprises a housing defining a flow path and having two indented portions about the flow path, a poppet mounted within each indented portion such that the internal end of each indented portion defines a seat which provides a fluid tight seal when the associated poppet head is held against the seat, a spring associated with each poppet for holding each poppet against each seat, a rigid moveable member associated with each poppet and adapted to alter the orientation of the associated poppet relative to its seat and thereby seal or unseal the flow path around the poppet, and an actuator for moving each movable member; and inflator apparatus incorporating at least one valve.

Fluid flow check valve

A penile prosthesis implantable within the corpus cavernosum of the penis in order to alleviate erectile impotency includes a unique deflation valve mechanism for returning the prosthesis from the erect to the flaccid state. In its preferred embodiment the prosthesis is of a unitary type comprising a distal portion including a pump, a medial portion defining a pressurizable chamber comprising an internal, tubular, substantially non-distensible portion and a concentric tubular sleeve, and a proximal portion including a fluid reservoir, the latter being in fluid communication with the pump. The deflation valve mechanism is activated in accordance with pressure differential conditions within the valve and a movable or distensible partition capable of exerting an internal force within the valve to place the valve in an open mode, thereby effecting the deflation of the prosthesis or hydraulic system in which the valve mechanism is present. Apparatus for extending the length of the prosthesis are also provided.

An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, which system includes occlusion means, pump means, and the unique feature of a fluid capacitor disposed on a control assembly for the system, which is capable of increasing volume under fluid pressure. The fluid capacitor is connected with the occlusion means in such fashion that said occlusion means will remain substantially inflated during short, but significant, pressure increases, but will at least partially deflate upon the advent of prolonged but moderate pressure increases on the body passageway. While in its preferred embodiment no other fluid containing component is needed, if desired a volume compensator can also be included in the system. A valve preferably of the magnetic type can also be included for activating or deactivating the system.

Growing community of inventors

Fairfax Station, VA, United States of America

Mark Gregory Polyak