Methods for clearing blockages in in-situ artificial lumens

US8603254B2 · 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: Aug 9, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2032

Classification

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

Abstract

A method for the in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being is described. The method includes coupling a first end of a releasably-securable flexible clearing member to a controller, inserting a second working end of the flexible clearing member into an opening in the artificial tube, energizing the controller such that said flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion, and positioning the flexible clearing member such that the second working end of the flexible clearing member comes into repetitive contact with the blockage for clearing the blockage therein. The controller remains outside of the living being and the flexible clearing member clears the blockage when positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube.