Alan Irving West

US Patent:

6500119, Dec 31, 2002

Filed:

Dec 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/452913

Inventors:

Alan I. West - Hopkinton MA
David Krag - Shelburne VT
Joel B. Weinstein - Framingham MA
Navin Dewagan - Milford MA

Assignee:

Medical Tactile, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

A61B 800

US Classification:

600437, 600443, 600587

Abstract:

An apparatus obtains image data for a structure through bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an imaging sensor that contacts the bodily tissue to obtain image data for a first image of the structure. A pressure sensor is oriented in substantially a same direction as the imaging sensor and contacts the bodily tissue to obtain data for a second image of the structure. The second image is a different perspective of the structure than the first image.

US Patent:

20120191027, Jul 26, 2012

Filed:

Jan 25, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/357835

Inventors:

Phil Campbell - Cranberry Township PA, US
Lee Weiss - Pittsburgh PA, US
Alan West - Pittsburgh PA, US
Jason Smith - Pittsburgh PA, US

International Classification:

A61F 13/00
B29C 43/18

US Classification:

602 43, 602 48, 264259

Abstract:

The invention pertains to bioresorbable barbs and spikes designed to affix biologically-active blood plasma-derived plastics adjacent to injured tissue for wound coverings, patient implantation devices, or in other medical applications where such affixation is required.

US Patent:

59891998, Nov 23, 1999

Filed:

Nov 27, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/757466

Inventors:

Michael A. Cundari - Hingham MA
Alan I. West - Hopkinton MA
Richard H. Theriault - Lincoln MA
Brian D. Noble - Weymouth MA
David R. Widder - Newton MA

Assignee:

Assurance Medical, Inc. - Hopkinton MA

International Classification:

A61B 5103

US Classification:

600587

Abstract:

A tissue examination device includes a plurality of sensors, each of which produces a signal in response to pressure imposed on the sensor in accordance with the properties of different types of underlying tissue structures as the sensor is pressed against the tissue. A plurality of processing tests are performed on the signals, and the different types of the underlying tissue structures are discriminated from each other based on the results of the tests.

US Patent:

60630310, May 16, 2000

Filed:

Oct 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/950167

Inventors:

Michael Anthony Cundari - Hingham MA
Alan Irving West - Hopkinton MA
Troy William Roberts - Pepperell MA
David Raymond Widder - Newton MA

Assignee:

Assurance Medical, Inc. - Hopkinton MA

International Classification:

A61B 800

US Classification:

600439

Abstract:

A device is provided for diagnosis and treatment of tissue with instruments, specifically locating a tissue structure and positioning an instrument relative to that tissue structure. The device which includes a plurality of sensors for generating signals in response to pressure imposed on the sensors as the sensors are pressed against the tissue. The device which includes a member which is configured to be pressed against tissue and the sensors are disposed on the member, for detection of an underlying tissue structure in the tissue. The device also includes a locating device, arranged at a selected position with respect to the sensors, for indicating a location of the underlying tissue structure. An image based on the sensors may be displayed. The method of using the device includes positioning the locating device, which may be an instrument guide, over an underlying tissue structure based on the image.

US Patent:

54193109, May 30, 1995

Filed:

Nov 3, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/970719

Inventors:

James J. Frassica - Chelmsford MA
Robert E. Ailinger - Norwood MA
Mary L. DeBaryshe - Bedford MA
Robert Herrington - Holland MA
James S. Surette - North Reading MA
Alan I. West - Hopkinton MA

Assignee:

Vision Sciences, Inc. - Natick MA

International Classification:

A61B 100

US Classification:

128 4

Abstract:

A partially elastic protective sheath surrounding the insertion tube of an endoscope. The sheath is partially inflated while being installed on the endoscope and remains partially inflated during endoscopy. The sheath has an end cap with a gasket shaped to provide a seal around the insertion tube during installation and endoscopy. The sheath is provided with a window near its distal end positioned in front of the viewing window of the endoscope. The sheath may have one or more channels extending along its length to accommodate one or more biopsy or fluid tubes of the endoscope. The sheath may be used with either end-viewing endoscopes or side-viewing endoscopes.

US Patent:

61797901, Jan 30, 2001

Filed:

Oct 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/954454

Inventors:

Michael Anthony Cundari - Hingham MA
Alan Irving West - Hopkinton MA
Troy William Roberts - Pepperell MA

Assignee:

Assurance Medical, Inc. - Hopkinton MA

International Classification:

A61B 5103

US Classification:

600587

Abstract:

A layer of material is provided for covering a plurality of sensors when using those sensors to examine tissue. The layer material is used with a tissue examination device that has a plurality of pressure sensors that produce signals in response to pressure imposed on the sensor as the sensors are pressed against tissue. The device also has a processor for processing those signals to detect whether an underlying tissue structure is present in the tissue being examined. The layer of material is configured to be disposed over the sensors and to distribute the imposed pressure in a selected manner. The processor can also process the signals to generate an image representative of the underlying tissue structure and a display then can display that image.

US Patent:

60919817, Jul 18, 2000

Filed:

Sep 16, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/931573

Inventors:

Michael Anthony Cundari - Hingham MA
Alan Irving West - Hopkinton MA
Brian David Noble - Weymouth MA
Troy William Roberts - Pepperell MA
David Raymond Widder - Newton MA

Assignee:

Assurance Medical Inc. - Hopkinton MA

International Classification:

A61B 505

US Classification:

600407

Abstract:

This invention concerns performing clinical tissue examination with a device that includes sensors which produces signals in response to pressure imposed on the sensors as the sensors are pressed against the tissue. The sensors generate signals in response to pressure imposed on the sensors when pressed against a selected region of tissue. That pressure varies in accordance with properties of underlying tissue structures. An image of the region of tissue is generated based on the signals generated by the sensors. The image is then displayed. The image represents the pressure imposed on the sensors. The image that is displayed may be a three dimensional image of the region of tissue. The signals produced by the sensors can also be processed to detect an underlying tissue structure in the region of tissue. A location or a map of the detected underlying tissue structure relative to a reference point is generated and displayed.