Allison M Whittaker

US Patent:

8147481, Apr 3, 2012

Filed:

Jan 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/621536

Inventors:

David R. Whittaker - Potomac MD, US
Allison M. Whittaker - Potomac MD, US
Keith E. Lauritzen - Gig Harbor WA, US
Steven Dibdin - Bloomfield NJ, US

Assignee:

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61M 25/16

US Classification:

604533, 604159, 604171, 604535, 600585

Abstract:

A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

US Patent:

8608726, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Apr 2, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/437664

Inventors:

David R. Whittaker - Potomac MD, US
Allison M. Whittaker - Potomac MD, US
Keith E. Lauritzen - Lake Oswego OR, US
Steven Dibdin - Bloomfield NJ, US

Assignee:

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61M 25/16

US Classification:

604528, 600585, 600434, 604 9505

Abstract:

A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

US Patent:

20050273020, Dec 8, 2005

Filed:

Mar 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/090589

Inventors:

David Whittaker - Etna NH, US
Keith Lauritzen - Gig Harbor WA, US
Allison Whittaker - Etna NH, US

International Classification:

A61B005/00
A61M025/00

US Classification:

600585000

Abstract:

A vascular guidewire in an embodiment of the present invention, having such features as uniform diameter, low-profile cross section over its length and a distal tip capable of deflection and variable configurations, provides a range of advantages. A variable distal tip of shape-memory alloy deflects into varied configurations when remotely actuated. Such actuation, according to an aspect of the present invention, can be by way of a side entry, easily repositioned, single-handed controller that allows both rotational control of the guidewire and control of the variable tip. In another aspect, a longitudinal element in the guidewire, such as an exterior wire wrap, can provide dual functionality, including structural support as well as an electrical path for use in energizing, and thus deflecting, the distal tip. In yet another aspect, the overall guidewire geometry having constant circumference and low profile, as well as side-access controllability, permits advantageous coaxial mounting and removal of catheters over the proximal guidewire end and facilitates insertion and removal of guidewires through catheters in vivo.

US Patent:

20050277851, Dec 15, 2005

Filed:

Mar 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/090574

Inventors:

David Whittaker - Etna NH, US
Keith Lauritzen - Gig Harbor WA, US
Allison Whittaker - Etna NH, US

International Classification:

A61M025/01
A61M025/095
A61B005/00

US Classification:

600585000, 604528000

Abstract:

A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collett or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits, among other advantages, ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

US Patent:

20050277988, Dec 15, 2005

Filed:

Mar 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/090588

Inventors:

David Whittaker - Etna NH, US
Keith Lauritzen - Gig Harbor WA, US
Allison Whittaker - Etna NH, US

International Classification:

A61N001/00
A61M025/00

US Classification:

607001000

Abstract:

An energizer for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, in one embodiment engages a proximal end of the guidewire and applies energy to be transmitted to a distal portion of the guidewire. A jack or other receptacle accommodates, in a releasably secured fashion, a proximal portion of the guidewire having a diameter that is not substantially larger than, but preferably is equal to or less than, the maximal diameter associated with the guidewire. The jack may be structured so that designated portions of the proximal end of the guidewire will be disposed in selective contact with corresponding portions of the jack in order to permit, for example, an electrical potential to be applied across such portions, thereby energizing an electrically controllable part of the guidewire, such as a steering mechanism. In this manner, the energizer permits rapid engagement and disengagement of a proximal portion of the guidewire. Equipment such as catheters may conveniently be fed coaxially over the proximal portion of the guidewire and up toward the distal end and conveniently exchanged with reduced complexity of, and disturbance to, the guidewire, its environment, and the energizing mechanism.

US Patent:

20060025705, Feb 2, 2006

Filed:

Mar 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/090512

Inventors:

David Whittaker - Etna NH, US
Keith Lauritzen - Gig Harbor WA, US
Allison Whittaker - Etna NH, US

International Classification:

A61M 25/00
A61M 25/01

US Classification:

600585000, 604528000

Abstract:

A method of use for a vascular guidewire and related equipment involves, in one embodiment, control of the guidewire from a location close to the entry point of the vasculature (or other entry point). It also permits convenient loading and unloading of coaxial equipment over the guidewire and it can accommodate doing so by removably and conveniently engaging a proximal end of the guidewire, taking into account the diameter of the proximal portion not being appreciably greater than any other portion of the guidewire.

US Patent:

20090126149, May 21, 2009

Filed:

Nov 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/986229

Inventors:

Allison M. Whittaker - Potomac MD, US

International Classification:

B65D 25/28

US Classification:

161111

Abstract:

The convertible cup holder presents a novel solution to a problem experienced by all beverage drinkers—an entire hand is required to hold a beverage container. The convertible cup holder is a convertible, disposable or reusable insulator, holder and cup-carrier that surrounds a beverage container. In its initial condition, the holder provides thermal insulation against the hot or cold temperature of the beverage. The cup holder can be used to improve the grip on the beverage or to make the beverage more comfortable to hold. If a user requires the use of the hand holding the beverage, the user is able to pull handles disposed within the holder into a deployed position, such that the user can now easily grip the beverage by using only one's finger. With handles deployed, the convertible cup holder allows the average beverage to be suspended and held by a single finger, thereby freeing up the majority of one's hand for other tasks. The beverage could also be suspended by a hook or other nearby object until the user is ready to resume consuming the beverage. The present invention enables a single individual to carry multiple beverages at the same time using only a single hand or finger.