Hologic, Inc.

Medtronic Ave, Inc.

Stephen Grantz

Shawn St Pierre

Joseph A Stand, Iii

John Laviola

Estefania Alvarez

Michelle Dawn Lyman

Shannon Marie Butler

Yuliya Mathis

Brian Stellmach

Lori Fontaine

Thomas E Fisk

Mark Guetersloh

Raymond E Godaire

Joseph A Iii Stand

Methods and systems providing guidance for operation of a biopsy needle based on ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasonic waves are emitted and detected by a ultrasonic transducer to generate image data. A biopsy needle is identified within the generated image data, and the biopsy needle may be in a pre-fire configuration. Based on the identification of the biopsy needle, the methods and systems may determine a predicted location of the biopsy needle based at least in part on biopsy needle properties. The predicted location of the biopsy needle may be the predicated location of the biopsy needle in its post-fire configuration. At least one indicator may be displayed indicating the determined predicted location.

Biopsy needle visualization

Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses. Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

Ultrasound localization system with advanced biopsy site markers

Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses, Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

A mold for forming an inflatable medical balloon having inverted conically shaped tapered regions, comprising: a mold body defining a mold cavity having an inner molding surface, and opposing first and second generally conical molding surfaces disposed along a longitudinal axis passing through the mold cavity, each of the first and second generally conical surfaces defining a frustum tapering inwardly from a base disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity and located away from the center of the mold cavity, to an apex disposed along the longitudinal axis towards the center of the mold cavity relative to the base; and a method of molding a balloon using the mold.

Thin cone balloons through a unique mold design

A drug or gene therapy solution delivery system including a balloon catheter having a balloon associated with a distal end of the catheter, the balloon having an exterior surface and comprising: a plurality of microencapsulated spheres containing a drug or gene therapy solution, the microencapsulated spheres being disposed about the exterior surface of the balloon so as to rupture upon application of a predetermined pressure to the balloon. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated spheres are encapsulated in a coating applied to the exterior surface of the balloon. In another embodiment, the microencapsulated spheres are extruded in the balloon. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a drug or gene therapy solution delivery system including a stent, the stent comprising: a plurality of microencapsulated spheres containing a drug or gene therapy solution delivery solution, the microencapsulated spheres being disposed about the exterior surface of the stent so as to rupture upon radial expansion of the stent by a predetermined amount.

Drug delivery and gene therapy delivery system

Growing community of inventors

Marlborough, MA, United States of America

Stephen Grantz