Patents by Inventor Laurent Schaller

Laurent Schaller 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).

  • Spinal tissue distraction devices
    Patent number: 7967864
    Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Methods of distracting tissue layers of the human spine
    Patent number: 7963993
    Abstract: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Multiple loop tissue connector apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7963973
    Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a multiple loop fastener movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a restraining device attached to the fastener for restraining the fastener in its open configuration provides for a self-closing, multiple suture fastener. A needle may be releasably attached to the fastener. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a fastener through tissue with the fastener being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the fastener, threading the fastener through more than one stitch, and removing the restraining device from the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Nguyen, Liem Ho, Cong Thach, Laurent Schaller, Nga Doan
  • Composite Braided Guidewire
    Publication number: 20110144625
    Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use with a catheter for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni—Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. The invention includes multi-section guidewire assemblies having super-elastic alloy or stainless steel ribbon braided reinforcements along a least a portion of the core. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes a braid and a tie layer (and one or more lubricious polymers on the tie layer exterior) to enhance the guidewire's suitability for use within catheters and within the interior of vascular lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: TARGET THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Harold F. Carrison, Laurent Schaller, Erik T. Engelson
  • Methods for limiting the movement of material introduced between layers of spinal tissue
    Patent number: 7955391
    Abstract: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Multiple Bias Surgical Fastener
    Publication number: 20110126395
    Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the dip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Nguyen, Nga T. Doan, Laurent Schaller
  • Apparatus and methods for anastomosis
    Patent number: 7938840
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Golden, John Nguyen, Charles T. Maroney, Sid Gandionco, Laurent Schaller, Liem Ho
  • Surgical Connection Apparatus and Methods
    Publication number: 20110092989
    Abstract: Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to he joined before the clip is partially ejected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Liem Ho, Steve Golden, Laurent Schaller
  • Minimally invasive valve repair procedure and apparatus
    Patent number: 7914544
    Abstract: A clip of a self-closing type is used for valve repair. The clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its natural closed configuration if the constraint is removed. At least one end point is connected through a suture to a tissue-penetrating needle. A needle holder has an outer tube and an inner member which has a slit at the front and is slidable inside the outer tube. A double-arm clip assembly with each of the end points of the clip attached through a suture to a separate needle may be used for valve repair and may contain two of such clips mutually connected by a flexible connector whereby two leaflets are held together by the connector, with the two clips each anchored to a corresponding one of the leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Nguyen, Laurent Schaller, Art Hill
  • Multiple bias surgical fastener
    Patent number: 7896892
    Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the clip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Nguyen, Nga T. Doan, Laurent Schaller
  • Tissue connector apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7892255
    Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Schaller, Barry Gardiner, Art Hill, John Nguyen, Liem Ho, Isidro Matias Gandionco
  • Composite braided guidewire
    Patent number: 7883474
    Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use with a catheter for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni—Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. The invention includes multi-section guidewire assemblies having super-elastic alloy or stainless steel ribbon braided reinforcements along a least a portion of the core. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes a braid and a tie layer (and one or more lubricious polymers on the tie layer exterior) to enhance the guidewire's suitability for use within catheters and within the interior of vascular lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Target Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Mirigian, Harold E. Carrison, Laurent Schaller, Erik T. Engelson
  • Tissue Connector Apparatus and Methods
    Publication number: 20110028996
    Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Schaller, Barry Gardiner, Art Hill, John Nguyen, Liem Ho, Isidro Matias Gandionco
  • Surgical connection apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7879047
    Abstract: Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to be joined before the clip is partially ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Liem Ho, Steve Golden, Laurent Schaller
  • ANNULOPLASTY APPARATUS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20110004298
    Abstract: An annuloplasty system for repairing a valve in a patient's heart comprises a surgical implant including a member having first and second end portions. The implant member further is configured and/or adapted to form a partial ring along a portion of one of the valve annulae of a patient's heart such as the mitral or tricuspid valve annulus. The implant member is axially elastic such that it can axially expand and contract and includes first and second anchors extending from the end portions of the implant member. The anchors are adapted to anchor the implant in tissue such as the mitral or tricuspid valve annulus. The system can facilitate tissue plication (e.g., of the posterior annulus of the mitral valve or the annulus of the tricuspid valve) and reinforcement of a valve annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Lee, Norman Fung, John D. Nguyen, Nga T. Doan, Laurent Schaller
  • Spinal tissue distraction devices
    Patent number: 7785368
    Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Tissue connector apparatus and methods
    Patent number: 7763040
    Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device attached to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a clip through tissue with the clip being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the clip, and removing the restraining device from the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Schaller, Charles T. Maroney, Phillip Drews, Isidro Matias Gandionco, John Nguyen
  • Spinal Tissue Distraction Devices
    Publication number: 20100174375
    Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Devices for Limiting the Movement of Material Introduced Between Layers of Spinal Tissue
    Publication number: 20100174289
    Abstract: Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller
  • Methods for Limiting the Movement of Material Introduced Between Layers of Spinal Tissue
    Publication number: 20100174288
    Abstract: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Laurent Schaller