DOE Patents Database - Search Results

Patent Title	Inventor(s)	Issue Date	Patent Number
A light diffusion system for transmitting light to a target area. The light is transmitted in a direction from a proximal end to a distal end by an optical fiber. A diffusing chamber is operatively connected to the optical fiber for transmitting the light from the proximal end to the distal end and transmitting said light to said target area. A plug is operatively connected to the diffusing chamber for increasing the light that is transmitted to the target area. Light diffusing fiber optic chamber	Maitland, Duncan J.	01/01/2002	US 6418252
A flexible extension for a shape memory polymer occlusion removal device. A shape memory polymer instrument is transported through a vessel via a catheter. A flexible elongated unit is operatively connected to the distal end of the shape memory polymer instrument to enhance maneuverability through tortuous paths en route to the occlusion. Guide wire extension for shape memory polymer occlusion removal devices	Maitland, Duncan J. , Small, IV, Ward , Hartman, Jonathan	11/03/2009	7,611,524
A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject. Shape memory system with integrated actuation using embedded particles	Buckley, Patrick R. , Maitland, Duncan J.	09/22/2009	7,591,834
A system for occluding a physical anomaly. One embodiment comprises a shape memory material body wherein the shape memory material body fits within the physical anomaly occluding the physical anomaly. The shape memory material body has a primary shape for occluding the physical anomaly and a secondary shape for being positioned in the physical anomaly. Shape memory polymer foams for endovascular therapies	Wilson, Thomas S. , Maitland, Duncan J.	03/13/2012	8,133,256
A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject. Shape memory system with integrated actuation using embedded particles	Buckley, Patrick R. , Maitland, Duncan J.	05/29/2012	8,187,252
A system for diffusing light from an optical fiber wherein the optical fiber is coupled to a light source, comprising forming a polymer element adapted to be connected to the optical fiber and incorporating a scattering element with the polymer element wherein the scattering element diffuses the light from the polymer element. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a polymer element operatively connected to the optical fiber and a scattering element operatively connected with the shape polymer element that diffuses the light from the polymer element. System for diffusing light from an optical fiber or light guide	Maitland, Duncan J. , Small, IV, Ward , Wilson, Thomas S. , Benett, William J.	06/10/2008	7,386,203
A system for releasing a target material, such as an embolic coil from an SMP located at the end of a catheter utilizing an optical arrangement for releasing the material. The system includes a laser, laser driver, display panel, photodetector, fiber optics coupler, fiber optics and connectors, a catheter, and an SMP-based gripper, and includes a release sensing and feedback arrangement. The SMP-based gripper is heated via laser light through an optic fiber causing the gripper to release a target material (e.g., embolic coil for therapeutic treatment of aneurysms). Various embodiments are provided for coupling the laser light into the SMP, which includes specific positioning of the coils, removal of the fiber cladding adjacent the coil, a metal coating on the SMP, doping the SMP with a gradient absorbing dye, tapering the fiber optic end, coating the SMP with low refractive index material, and locating an insert between the fiber optic and the coil. Shape memory polymer (SMP) gripper with a release sensing system	Maitland, Duncan J. , Lee, Abraham P. , Schumann, Daniel L. , Silva, Luiz Da	01/01/2000	US 6102917
Partial or total occlusions of fluid passages within the human body are removed by positioning an array of optical fibers in the passage and directing treatment radiation pulses along the fibers, one at a time, to generate a shock wave and hydrodynamics flows that strike and emulsify the occlusions. A preferred application is the removal of blood clots (thrombin and embolic) from small cerebral vessels to reverse the effects of an ischemic stroke. The operating parameters and techniques are chosen to minimize the amount of heating of the fragile cerebral vessel walls occurring during this photo acoustic treatment. One such technique is the optical monitoring of the existence of hydrodynamics flow generating vapor bubbles when they are expected to occur and stopping the heat generating pulses propagated along an optical fiber that is not generating such bubbles. Photoacoustic removal of occlusions from blood vessels	Visuri, Steven R. , Da Silva, Luiz B. , Celliers, Peter M. , London, Richard A. , Maitland, IV, Duncan J. , Esch, Victor C.	01/01/2002	US 6428531
An actuator system is provided for acting upon a material in a vessel. The system includes an optical fiber and a shape memory polymer material operatively connected to the optical fiber. The shape memory polymer material is adapted to move from a first shape for moving through said vessel to a second shape where it can act upon said material. Shape memory polymer actuator and catheter	Maitland, Duncan J. , Lee, Abraham P. , Schumann, Daniel L. , Matthews, Dennis L. , Decker, Derek E. , Jungreis, Charles A.	11/06/2007	7,291,154
A system for removing matter from a conduit. The system includes the steps of passing a transport vehicle and a shape memory polymer material through the conduit, transmitting energy to the shape memory polymer material for moving the shape memory polymer material from a first shape to a second and different shape, and withdrawing the transport vehicle and the shape memory polymer material through the conduit carrying the matter. Shape memory polymer medical device	Maitland, Duncan , Benett, William J. , Bearinger, Jane P. , Wilson, Thomas S. , Small, IV, Ward , Schumann, Daniel L. , Jensen, Wayne A. , Ortega, Jason M. , Marion, III, John E. , Loge, Jeffrey M.	06/29/2010	7,744,604