Patents Represented by Attorney James H. Ackley

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  • Porous synthetic vascular grafts with oriented ingrowth channels
    Patent number: 7727274
    Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a structure having interconnected, helically oriented channel-porosity to allow oriented ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can have a small internal diameter of 6 mm or less. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a fiber winding and extraction technique, a melt extrusion technique, and a particle and fiber extraction technique using either a layered method or a continuous method. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Zilla, Deon Bezuidenhout
  • Implantable medical device with enhanced biocompatibility and biostability
    Patent number: 7658727
    Abstract: An implantable medical device comprising a drug-loaded polymer overlaid with a fabric that promotes tissue ingrowth is useful in a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. The invention includes, for example, prosthetic heart valves, annuloplasty rings, and grafts, having enhanced biocompatibility and biostability. Methods of making and using the implantable medical devices of the invention are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Brian C. A. Fernandes, Maura G. Donovan, Randall V. Sparer, Jesus W. Casas-Bejar, Mark W. Torrianni
  • Foam-type vascular prosthesis with well-defined angio-permissive open porosity
    Patent number: 7632306
    Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a well-defined pore structure to allow uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a vacuum impregnation technique, a paste molding technique, a paste extrusion technique, a dip coating technique, and a melt extrusion technique. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Paul Zilla, Deon Bezuidenhout
  • Modification of thermoplastic polymers
    Patent number: 7538163
    Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer involving reacting at least one backbone carbamate (and/or optional urea) nitrogen of a thermoplastic polymer with a modification agent to form a modified polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Deon Bezuidenhout, Jacobus P. Theron, Lawrence J. Higham, Peter P. Zilla
  • Compounds containing silicon-containing groups, medical devices, and methods
    Patent number: 7365134
    Abstract: Compounds that include silicon-containing groups, and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Michael Eric Benz, Christopher M. Hobot, David L. Miller, David A. Pearson, Mark A. Tapsak, Edward DiDomenico, Randall V. Sparer