Gerald Sanders

US Patent:

20050021069, Jan 27, 2005

Filed:

Jul 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/898587

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Michael Hogendijk - Mountain View CA, US
Jeff Kraus - Los Gatos CA, US
Gerald Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

International Classification:

A61M029/00

US Classification:

606192000, 606207000

Abstract:

Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising a tubular member having a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration that facilitates viewing within the body cavity. The apparatus is formed by everting a length of material upon itself to form a tube having a single circumference seam at the distal end, and includes an inflation tube that is sufficiently rigid to assist in inserting the tubular member into a body cavity in the deflated insertion configuration. The tubular member further includes a pattern of staggered contact areas that configured so as to avoid the creation of longitudinal features that preferentially bend when loaded, thereby ensuring that tubular member provides a substantially circular central lumen.

US Patent:

20050021080, Jan 27, 2005

Filed:

Nov 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/719542

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Michael Hogendijk - Palo Alto CA, US
Gerald Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

International Classification:

A61B017/28

US Classification:

606207000

Abstract:

Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising a tubular member formed by everting a length of material upon itself to form a tubular annulus. The tubular member has a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration that facilitates viewing within the body cavity. The tubular member may include proximal and distal cuffs that facilitate placement of the apparatus within a body cavity or organ, and an inflation lumen that enhances rigidity of the device in the deflated configuration, thereby assisting insertion into the body cavity.

US Patent:

20070093727, Apr 26, 2007

Filed:

Oct 25, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/259600

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSPEC LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61B 10/00

US Classification:

600564000, 600562000, 600570000

Abstract:

A cervical tissue sampling system is provided that includes a tissue cutting device and a snare. The tissue cutting device features a conical tip coupled to an elongated body and having a tapered helical cutting edge that defines a tissue receiving channel. The snare includes an elongated body, an adjustable wire loop and a stopper, the stopper arranged to lock the wire loop with a desired degree of tension around the cervix to assist in positioning the tissue cutting device.

US Patent:

20070173736, Jul 26, 2007

Filed:

Jul 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/492501

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald J. Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSPEC LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61B 10/00

US Classification:

600562, 600570, 600572, 600563

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for endometrial biopsies, wherein an applicator is disposed on the distal end of an outer tube and an injection device is connected to the proximal end of the same tube. The applicator comprises one or more ridges on its outer surface that anchor the applicator in the cervical os, and that cause the applicator to remain securely positioned and maintain the os in a dilated position during the entire procedure. The ridges may be shaped like protrusions, scalloped edges or grooves, and may be disposed in a helical or circular pattern. A method for performing endometrial biopsies is also provided. The apparatus and methods according to the present invention are configured to minimize discomfort to the patient while facilitating the operation of the clinician.

US Patent:

20080027412, Jan 31, 2008

Filed:

Jul 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/493103

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald J. Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSPEC LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61M 31/00

US Classification:

604515

Abstract:

The present invention is related to an apparatus for uterine anesthesia that comprises an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The apparatus is positioned in the cervical os of a patient and an anesthetic is dispensed through the inner tube. A stopper surrounding the inner tube prevents a drainage of the anesthetic through the interstice between the two tubes, while an applicator surrounding the outer tube prevents a loss of the anesthetic along the cervical walls and into the vaginal canal. The applicator also maintains the cervical os in a dilated position, operating as a tenaculum and providing access to the uterus by a clinician. Methods for providing uterine anesthesia are also provided.

US Patent:

20080033322, Feb 7, 2008

Filed:

Jul 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/496884

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald J. Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSUITE, LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61B 5/103

US Classification:

600588

Abstract:

Systems and methods for measuring cervical dilation are provided that include two biocompatible fasteners affixed to opposing cervical or vaginal walls, and a biocompatible string coupled to the fasteners, yet free to slide between the fasteners. The string has ends extending outside the vaginal opening of the patient, so that changes in cervical dilation can be measured by monitoring the relative movements of the string ends. The heads of the screws are preferably concave, with a loop attached thereon, so that the string can be coupled to the screws by running the string therethrough. Further, the tips of the screws are preferably blunt, to minimize loss of blood and the possible risk of HIV infections.

US Patent:

20080039864, Feb 14, 2008

Filed:

Aug 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/503369

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald J. Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSUITE, LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61B 17/42
A61M 29/00

US Classification:

606119, 606191

Abstract:

A cervical tenaculum is provided having an applicator member with a longitudinal lumen and a tubular member dimensioned to reciprocate within the lumen. The applicator and tubular members are first connected one to the other by engaging protrusions extending from the distal end of the tubular member with matching grooves inside the lumen. After positioning the applicator member in the cervical os of a patient, the protrusions are disengaged from the grooves, and the tubular member is disconnected from the applicator member and removed from the patient. The applicator member instead remains positioned in the cervical os and provides access to the uterine cavity by a clinician. In different embodiments, the applicator member is frustoconical in shape and has one or more ridges disposed on its outer surface, and a control arm is connected to the applicator member for accurate positioning into the cervical os.

US Patent:

20080077054, Mar 27, 2008

Filed:

Aug 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/511912

Inventors:

Gerald Feuer - Atlanta GA, US
Gerald J. Sanders - Sonoma CA, US

Assignee:

FEMSUITE, LLC - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

A61B 5/103

US Classification:

600591

Abstract:

In one embodiment, a cervical dilator includes a tubular member having a rounded cap disposed at the distal end, a balloon disposed on the distal portion, a lumen extending longitudinally within the tubular member, and a flexible wire attached to the wall of the lumen. The cervical dilator may be extended inside the uterus of a patient for sounding, and the tubular member will bend but not snap if excessive pressure is applied against a uterine wall, sliding away from the point of contact. The balloon is then properly positioned inside the cervical canal and gradually inflated. In other embodiments, a plurality of tubular members may be included, each reciprocating within another, and one or two applicator members may also be provided, to retain the cervix in position before and after dilation.