Patents by Inventor Aaron M. Fortson

Aaron M. Fortson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130325058
    Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a foot portion having one or more feet slidably mounted relative thereto. The feet are movable between a deployed position and a delivery position. The feet include cuffs removably mounted therein, with sutures connected between the cuffs. When the feet are in the deployed position and the needles are advanced, the needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Wouter E. Roorda, Douglas H. Mehl, Rizza Garcia, Timothy C. Reynolds, Dinorah Merrill, Dawn Ma, David J. Milazzo, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20130310853
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for percutaneous repair of an affected area in a blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Margaret J. Zaugg, Laveille Kao Voss, Aaron M. Fortson, Marc Gianotti, David J. Milazzo
  • Publication number: 20130267967
    Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated member that has a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage and multiple needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The flexible elongated member further includes an elongated subsection spanning from the end of the needle lumens in the elongated member to a barrel portion that includes corresponding needle lumens on the proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated subsection provides sufficient space between the needles and the barrel portion to allow transapical insertion of the elongated member into a body lumen. The apparatus further includes needles disposed within and advancable from the needle lumens. The apparatus also includes a handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongated member. The handle is operable to retract the needles through the needle lumens toward the handle at the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Fortson, Douglas H. Mehl, Dinorah Merrill, David J. Milazzo
  • Publication number: 20130267966
    Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated member that has a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage and multiple needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The flexible elongated member further includes an elongated subsection spanning from the end of the needle lumens in the elongated member to a barrel portion that includes corresponding needle lumens on the proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated subsection provides sufficient space between the needles and the barrel portion to allow transapical insertion of the elongated member into a body lumen. The apparatus further includes needles disposed within and advanceable from the needle lumens. The apparatus also includes a handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongated member. The handle is operable to retract the needles through the needle lumens toward the handle at the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Fortson, Douglas H. Mehl, Dinorah Merrill, David J. Milazzo
  • Publication number: 20130231701
    Abstract: A suture securing system is provided for use in closing a vessel puncture site while eliminating the need for sutures to be manually tied in knots. The system may include an elongate body comprising a shaft and a barrel slidably mounted on the shaft. A knot replacement element may include an outer surface and an inner lumen configured to receive suture lengths. The knot replacement element may be at least partially positioned within the distal end of the barrel adjacent to the distal portion of the shaft and may be configured to selectively fasten the suture lengths together over the vessel repair site. The system may also include a snare configured to draw the suture lengths through the knot replacement element and at least a portion of the elongate body. A trimmer member may be configured to selectively trim the suture lengths extending from the knot replacement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Laveille Kao Voss, Aaron M. Fortson, Douglas H. Mehl, Rizza Garcia, Wouter E. Roorda
  • Publication number: 20130110164
    Abstract: A suture clip having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An aperture extends completely through the clip between the top and bottom surfaces to form a slot. The slot extends into the clip from a mouth at a periphery on a first end of the clip to divide the clip into first and second lateral portions that are separated at the first end but connected at a second end of the clip. The slot is bounded by opposing inner sidewalls of the first and second lateral portions extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the clip. The clip has a sufficient resilient force to allow a suture to be slid into the slot and has a sufficient clamping force to retain the suture in place within the slot once a desired positioned of the suture has been attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Milazzo, Aaron M. Fortson, Douglas H. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20130060269
    Abstract: A device for penetrating occlusive material in a body lumen is provided that may include an outer tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube. At least a portion of the intermediate tube may be moveably disposed within the outer tube. At least a portion of the inner tube may be moveably disposed within the intermediate tube. A first dynamic member may be operably connected to the intermediate tube and the inner tube. The first dynamic member may be configured to penetrate the occlusive material and to anchor the first dynamic member within the occlusive material. A second dynamic member may be operably connected to the outer tube and the intermediate tube. The second dynamic member may be configured to penetrate the occlusive material and to anchor the second dynamic member within the occlusive material and to support movement of the first dynamic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Wouter E. Roorda, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20120296347
    Abstract: A suture applying device includes a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to draw the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured by a needle receiver and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied or otherwise secured to close the puncture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Wouter E. Roorda, Laveille Kao Voss, David J. Milazzo, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Patent number: 8303624
    Abstract: In one example implementation, a device for closing an opening in tissue includes a proximal end and a distal end. The device further includes a port that extends from the proximal end of the device towards the distal end of the device. In addition to extending from the proximal end of the device towards the distal end of the device, the port includes a restriction zone and a storage region. The device further includes a blocking element that is configured to move between a neutral position, located in the storage region of the port, and a blocking position, located in the restriction zone of the port. When the blocking element is in the blocking position, the blocking element cooperates with the restriction zone in the port to assist in blocking fluid flow through the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20120109189
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing hemostasis relative to a puncture in a lumen wall. A closure device includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion or distal portion rotates during deployment to either close a puncture or plug a puncture to establish hemostasis. A method includes positioning a closure device in a deployment device, positioning the closure device in the tissue tract, and actuating the deployment device to establish relative rotation between the distal portion and the proximal portion of the closure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Laveille Kao Voss, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20120053600
    Abstract: A surgical device for suturing body lumen is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device can include a body having a shaft and a foot for insertion into an opening in a body lumen. The body can include tissue ports between the shaft and the foot configured to receive tissue of the body lumen surrounding the opening. The foot can include a suture secured to needle capture devices. Needle can be advanced within the shaft, through tissue within the tissue ports, and into the needle capture devices. The needle capture devices cuffs can then be withdrawn, thereby harvesting the suture, which can then be used to close the opening in the body lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20120029555
    Abstract: An apparatus for occluding a venous or arterial puncture site is disclosed including a plug insertable within, or adjacent to, a puncture site in a wall of a body lumen. An insert is forced into an aperture within the plug to cause expansion thereof. The insert may be drawn into the aperture by applying tension to a line passing therethrough and secured to the insert. Barbs may secure to the plug to engage the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue tract. Elongate members passing through the wall of the plug may be forced outwardly into the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue as the insert is forced into the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Fortson, Jill A. McCoy, John M. Ziobro, Laveille Kao Voss, Kelly J. McCrystle
  • Publication number: 20110288563
    Abstract: A vessel closure device is provided that may include a guide member, one or more needle guides disposed at least partially within the guide member, and an angle adjustment member movably attached to the guide member. The needle guides may be configured to move between a first position wherein the needle guides are substantially straightened at least partially within the guide member and a second position wherein the needle guides at least partially extend radially and distally away from the guide member. The angle adjustment member may be configured to move between a first position and a second position wherein the angle adjustment member can selectively deflect the needle guides radially toward the guide member when the needle guides are in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Marc G. Gianotti, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20110224719
    Abstract: In one example implementation, a device for closing an opening in tissue includes a proximal end and a distal end. The device further includes a port that extends from the proximal end of the device towards the distal end of the device. In addition to extending from the proximal end of the device towards the distal end of the device, the port includes a restriction zone and a storage region. The device further includes a blocking element that is configured to move between a neutral position, located in the storage region of the port, and a blocking position, located in the restriction zone of the port. When the blocking element is in the blocking position, the blocking element cooperates with the restriction zone in the port to assist in blocking fluid flow through the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20110224713
    Abstract: An introducer needle for accessing a body lumen includes an annular-shaped body having a distal end and a proximal end, a leading edge formed on the distal end, and a slot defined in the leading edge and extending proximally from the distal end. In at least one example, the slot can be include a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge each extending proximally from the leading edge and being separated by a central angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 360 degrees. The first end and the second edge are in continuous communication with the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20100185234
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes vessel closure devices, systems, and methods. A closure device configured to close an opening in a body lumen may include an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end. An anchor member may be disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end of the elongate member. A cap member may also be disposed on the elongate member a distance from the distal end of the elongate member. The anchor member and the cap member cooperate to close the opening in the body lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ABBOTT VASCULAR INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Fortson, Wouter E. Roorda
  • Publication number: 20100179572
    Abstract: A closure system is provided that may include a plurality of needle carriers each having a distal end and a proximal end and a plurality of detachable needles in which at least one of the detachable needles is detachably coupled to the distal end of one of the needle carriers. The detachable needle may be configured to resist proximal movement when deployed in a vessel wall. The closure system may further include at least one suture secured to each of the detachable needles and a guide member having a plurality of first lumens defined therein that extend distally from a proximal end of the guide member toward a distal end of the guide member in which each of the first lumens is sized to receive one of the needle carriers and one of the detachable needles coupled to the needle carrier. The first lumens may be further configured to direct the needle carrier and the detachable needle radially outward and distally away from the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ABBOTT VASCULAR INC.
    Inventors: Laveille K. Voss, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20100179590
    Abstract: A closure device configured for closing an opening in a body lumen. The closure device may include a delivery sheath, a cleat, and one or more anchors. The cleat may be disposed within and move longitudinally with respect to the delivery sheath. The one or more anchors may be configured to engage tissue surrounding the body lumen opening and selectively couple to the cleat to obstruct and/or close the body lumen opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ABBOTT VASCULAR INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Fortson, John M. Ziobro