Patent US4424618A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5643252A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5643252A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser perforator
Assignee: Transmedica International Inc USA
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Filing: 1993-09-24
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Granted: 1997-07-01
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Expires: 2013-09-24
Abstract
Abstract This invention provides a device and method for perforation of skin for the purpose of drawing blood or administering pharmaceuticals. The device incorporates a laser which produces a laser beam at an appropriate wavelength which is specifically focused to perforate the skin of a patient. Optionally a container can be incorporated in the device for collecion of blood from the perforated tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Milton Waner
- 👤 Stephen T. Flock
- 👤 Charles H. Vestal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/41; A61B5/411; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B5/15; A61B5/150007; A61B5/150015; A61B5/150022; A61B5/150053; A61B5/150061; A61B5/150076; A61B5/150343; A61B5/150755; A61B5/151; A61B5/15134; A61B5/15136; A61B5/15138; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3476; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00747; A61B2017/00765; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/007; A61B2218/008; A61B5/72; A61B5/7203; A61B5/7217; A61M; A61M37/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; and f) a focusing means which focuses the beam from said lasing element to at least one beam shaped as an ellipse at the focal point of the beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; and f) a focusing means which focuses the beam from said lasing element to at least one beam shaped as an ellipse at the focal point of the beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the lasing element emits a wavelength that is strongly absorbed by tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the lasing element is selected from the group consisting of Er:YAG, pulsed CO 2 , Ho:YAG, Er:YAP, Er/Cr:YSGG, Ho:YSGG, Er:GGSG, Er:YLF, Tm:YAG, Ho/Nd:YAlO 3 , cobalt:MgF 2 , HF chemical, DF chemical, carbon monoxide, deep UV lasers, diode lasers, and frequency tripled Nd:YAG.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the laser wavelength is between 2 and 7 microns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the lasing element is an Er:YAG laser rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the focusing means focuses the beam from said lasing element at a distance at least 10 mm from the lasing element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising an applicator positioned along the path of the beam between the laser cavity and the tissue to be perforated so that the focal point of the beam is within or at one end of the applicator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 7 wherein the applicator includes a beam dump.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 7 wherein the applicator includes a fingertip access port.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 7 further comprising an interlock between the high voltage pulse-forming network and the power source wherein the laser is not dischargeable unless the interlock is defeated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the interlock is a spring-loaded interlock which is activated by depressing the applicator.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the applicator and spring are placed so that the applicator is positioned to defeat the interlock upon compression of the spring, and the focal point of the beam is located within about 5 mm of the distal end of the applicator when the interlock is defeated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 7 wherein the applicator is positioned so that the beam is completely enclosed at the time of perforation by the housing, the applicator and the tissue to be perforated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 7 further comprising a means for heating the applicator wherein the means for heating the applicator is adjacent to the applicator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 14 wherein the means for heating the applicator comprises a thermoelectric heater.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the power source is a battery pack.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 16 wherein the battery pack is a rechargeable battery pack.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means for exciting the lasing material is selected from a flashlamp and a diode laser.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the diode laser is anterior to the lasing material, and the laser beam from the diode laser is focused on the lasing material through a collimating lens.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a container unit, positioned between the lasing element and the tissue, for the collection of biological or other matter released by perforation of the tissue, through which the laser beam passes and wherein the container is closed except at the end proximal to the tissue.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container collects bodily fluids.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container collects ablated tissue.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container comprises a vacuum.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container further comprises a plug that conforms to the contours of the perforation site and is proximal to the perforation site.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 24 wherein the plug maintains a vacuum in the container.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 24 wherein the plug is constructed of a material that is impermeable to gas transfer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 24 wherein the plug is constructed of rubber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 24 wherein the plug includes a plug perforation center.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 28 wherein the plug perforation center is constructed of rubber with a thickness in the range of approximately 100 to 500 microns.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container includes an entry for the laser beam.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 30 wherein the entry for the laser beam is a window positioned in the pathway of the laser beam, wherein the window is transparent to the laser beam.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 31 wherein the window comprises an infrared transmitting material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 30 wherein the window is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of quartz, rock salt, germanium, and polyethylene.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 30 wherein the entry for the laser beam is a hole positioned in the pathway of the laser beam.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container is coated with an anticoagulating chemical.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 35 wherein the anticoagulating chemical is selected from sodium heparin and sodium citrate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container is coated with a preservative.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 37 wherein the preservative is selected from Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and sodium benzoate.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the container unit comprises a main receptacle, comprising a) a rim against which the tissue is pressed; b) a lens, at least partially transparent, through which the beam passes; and c) a wall extending from the perimeter of the lens to the rim, enclosing the region between the tissue and the lens.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 39 wherein the container unit further comprises a base.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 40 wherein the base further comprises a means for activating the laser perforator device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 41 wherein the base further comprises a means for disengaging a safety mechanism on the laser perforator device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 39 wherein the container unit further comprises a vessel for the collection of liquid and/or particulate matter released by the perforation of the tissue.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 43 wherein the vessel has an open end and the vessel further comprises a stop to be placed into the open end to keep contaminants out of the vessel.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the focusing means focuses the beam from said lasing element in an elliptical shape capable of creating a slit in a patient's tissue with a width between about 0.05 and about 0.5 mm and a length of equal to or less than about 2.5 mm.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 45 wherein the width of the slit is about 0.2 mm and the length of the slit is about 1.0 mm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at the focal point one axis of the beam measures between about 0.05 and about 0.5 mm and the other axis of the beam measures less than or equal to about 2.5 mm.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
74 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; f) a beam splitter positioned to create multiple beams emanating from the device; and g) a focusing means which focuses each beam to an ellipse.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
74 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; f) a beam splitter positioned to create multiple beams emanating from the device; and g) a focusing means which focuses each beam to an ellipse.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 48 wherein the beam splitter is selected from a series of partially silvered mirrors, a series of dichroic mirrors, and a series of beam splitting prisms.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
91 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; f) a focusing means which focuses the beam from said lasing element to an ellipse; and an acousto-optic modulator outside the laser cavity wherein the modulator consecutively deflects the beam at different angles to create different sites of perforation on the skin.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
91 words
A laser perforator device for perforating skin comprising a) a lasing element which emits a pulsed beam; b) a power source; c) a high voltage pulse-forming network linked to the power source; d) a means for exciting the lasing element, linked to the pulse-forming network; e) a laser cavity; f) a focusing means which focuses the beam from said lasing element to an ellipse; and an acousto-optic modulator outside the laser cavity wherein the modulator consecutively deflects the beam at different angles to create different sites of perforation on the skin.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-30 | 2000-12-30 | 2001-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-12-30 | 2005-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-30 | 2008-12-30 | 2009-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |