Devices for clearing blockages in in-situ artificial lumens

US8262645B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Actuated Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Roger B. Bagwell · Bellefonte, US
• Paul L. Frankhouser · Miami Beach, US
• Maureen L. Mulvihill · Bellefonte, US
• Josue R. Crespo · State College, US
• Brian M. Park · Bellefonte, US
• Dana B. Mallen · Yardley, US
• Gabriela Hernandez Meza · Philadelphia, US
• Debora L. Demers · State College, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 11, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/789
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.