Patents by Inventor Michael J. Drews

Michael J. Drews 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: 20200113647
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, David B. WILLIS, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, James B. STUBBS
  • Patent number: 10595991
    Abstract: A heart valve assembly comprises a first prosthesis configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state at which the first annular prosthesis contacts native tissue of a body lumen. The heart valve assembly also comprises a second prosthesis comprising a valve, and a connection adapter that secures the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis, the connection adapter having a multi-lobed circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, Neil Holmgren, D. Bruce Modesitt
  • Patent number: 10524875
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 10500014
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Publication number: 20190358468
    Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has an imageable shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and may contain permanent metallic elements to aid in its imaging. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it can cause the cavity to conform substantially to a known imageable shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its attenuation properties being different from those of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: James B. STUBBS, George D. HERMANN, Gail S. LEBOVIC, Michael J. DREWS
  • Publication number: 20190336277
    Abstract: A heart valve assembly comprises a first prosthesis configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state at which the first annular prosthesis contacts native tissue of a body lumen. The heart valve assembly also comprises a second prosthesis comprising a valve, and a connection adapter that secures the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis, the connection adapter having a multi-lobed circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, Neil Holmgren, D. Bruce Modesitt
  • Patent number: 10413381
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 10226331
    Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Lane, Michael J. Drews, Donnell W. Gurskis
  • Publication number: 20190029773
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20190029772
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20190021812
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20180200020
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, David B. WILLIS, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, James B. STUBBS
  • Publication number: 20180116646
    Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: James Hong, Michael J. Drews
  • Patent number: 9913651
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil D. Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Publication number: 20180049804
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Drews, Leslie Oley, Vahid Saadat, Bryan Wylie
  • Patent number: 9848860
    Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Solinas Medical Inc.
    Inventors: James Hong, Michael J. Drews
  • Patent number: 9814522
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Drews, Bryan Wylie, Leslie Oley, Vahid Saadat
  • Publication number: 20170296294
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Patent number: 9615912
    Abstract: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. The method of attaching a second implant, such as a vascular graft, to the intravascular implant is also disclosed. The implant can be made from an anchor, a connector and a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, Neil B. Holmgren, D. Bruce Modesitt
  • Patent number: 9561037
    Abstract: Space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple elements connected to a flexible leader. The devices can be coated by a binding agent. The devices can also be fillable. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil Bruce Holmgren, David B. Willis