Patents by Inventor Michael Walter Kirk
Michael Walter Kirk 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).
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Publication number: 20240041470Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk, William Ragheb, Eric Petersen, Carlos Rivera, Vincent Turturro
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Publication number: 20230338140Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can comprise a stent frame radially movable between a contracted configuration and a maximum expanded configuration. The stent assembly can comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending jack strut assemblies, wherein each jack strut assembly comprises a proximal jack strut comprising a distal surface, a distal jack strut comprising a proximal surface, and a jack screw connecting the proximal jack strut and the distal jack strut. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut does not contact the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the contracted configuration. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut contacts the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the maximum expanded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
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Publication number: 20230338042Abstract: A surgical clip delivery device end effector that is configured to implant a clip having a pair of opposing clip struts each having a proximal end and a distal end includes a clevis, a pair of jaws connected to the clevis, and a pair of clip-connecting ends configured to removably connect respectively to the pair of clip struts, at least one of the pair of clip-connecting ends connected to at least one of the pair of jaws with two angular degrees of freedom such that, responsive to connection of the clip struts of the clip to the clip-connecting ends, a movement of the jaws in an initial opening action separates the proximal ends of the clip struts before separating the distal ends of the clip struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: William T. Bales, Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Michael Walter Kirk, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer
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Patent number: 11793524Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk, William Ragheb, Eric Petersen, Carlos Rivera, Vincent Turturro
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Patent number: 11712249Abstract: An LAA exclusion system includes a clip comprising first and second separate clip struts, and a bias device comprising spring portions, and a delivery device having clip-contacting ends. The first clip strut has a first proximal end. The second clip strut has a second proximal end adjacent the first proximal end. The clip struts together define a first exterior surface and an opposing second exterior surface. The first spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the first exterior surface and the second spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the second exterior surface. The spring portions define therebetween a strut-securing area at the first and second proximal ends. The clip-contacting ends are configured to removably connect to the proximal ends of the clip struts through the strut-securing area.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: William T. Bales, Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Michael Walter Kirk, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., M. Sean McBrayer
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Patent number: 11707356Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLCInventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
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Publication number: 20220071619Abstract: A multiple-firing clip device includes a hollow shaft defining a lateral opening communicating with an environment and a distal shaft portion between the lateral opening and a distal end opening. A shuttle longitudinally moves on the shaft and comprises a shuttle body defining a lumen surrounding the shaft, a snare, and a snare-extender slide defining a snare track to form a snare travel path in which the snare is disposed from the body and through the track and a portion of the body. The slide moves along a given extent defining a slide distance and a distal end and movement of the slide to the distal end shortens the snare travel path to extend the snare portion through the lateral opening, through the distal shaft portion, and distally out from a distal side of the body longer than the given extent to secure a suture with the snare.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Korey Kline, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Richard George Cartledge, Max Pierre Mendez, Kevin K. Dang, Bryan A. Janish, Manouchehr A. Miraki
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Patent number: 11191547Abstract: An external LAA exclusion clip comprises a clipping assembly comprising first and second opposing clip struts each of the clip struts having a tissue-contacting surface and first and second bias surfaces, a bias assembly connecting the first clip strut to the second clip strut to align the first and second clip struts in a strut plane passing through the tissue-contacting surface. The bias assembly comprises at least one first bias spring connected to the first bias surface of the first clip strut and to the first bias surface of the second clip strut and at least one second bias spring connected to the second bias surface of the first clip strut and the second bias surface of the second clip strut. The first bias spring and the second bias spring are configured to permit movement of the first and second clip struts in the strut plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., M. Sean McBrayer, Eric Petersen, Tyler Bond, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk
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Patent number: 11172924Abstract: A multiple-firing clip device includes a hollow shaft defining a lateral opening communicating with an environment and a distal shaft portion between the lateral opening and a distal end opening. A shuttle longitudinally moves on the shaft and comprises a shuttle body defining a lumen surrounding the shaft, a snare, and a snare-extender slide defining a snare track to form a snare travel path in which the snare is disposed from the body and through the track and a portion of the body. The slide moves along a given extent defining a slide distance and a distal end and movement of the slide to the distal end shortens the snare travel path to extend the snare portion through the lateral opening, through the distal shaft portion, and distally out from a distal side of the body longer than the given extent to secure a suture with the snare.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences AGInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Korey Kline, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Richard George Cartledge, Max Pierre Mendez, Kevin K. Dang, Bryan A. Janish, Manouchehr A. Miraki
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Publication number: 20210205079Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLCInventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
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Publication number: 20210169489Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk, William Ragheb, Eric Petersen, Carlos Rivera, Vincent Turturro
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Patent number: 10980650Abstract: A delivery apparatus can include a handle portion and at least one rotatable drive shaft. The handle portion has an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a motor and one or more actuators. The rotatable drive shaft has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is coupled to the motor, and the distal end portion is configured to be releasably coupled to a prosthetic heart valve. The actuation mechanism is configured to control and monitor expansion of the prosthetic heart valve. The handle is configured for actuating the actuation mechanism, tracking a response of native tissue when the prosthetic heart valve is in contact with the native tissue, and stopping expansion of the prosthetic heart valve once a rate of change of expansion of the prosthetic heart valve declines below a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLCInventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
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Patent number: 10925615Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk, William Ragheb, Eric Petersen, Carlos Rivera, Vincent Turturro
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Patent number: 10918392Abstract: An LAA exclusion clip includes first and second clip struts and a bias device. The clip struts together define a heart-proximate side, a heart-distal side, bias and open clip ends, each strut having a tissue-contacting surface disposed opposite one another. The bias device includes a first biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-proximate side of the clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-proximate side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end. The bias device includes a second biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk
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Publication number: 20210038226Abstract: An LAA exclusion system includes a clip comprising first and second separate clip struts, and a bias device comprising spring portions, and a delivery device having clip-contacting ends. The first clip strut has a first proximal end. The second clip strut has a second proximal end adjacent the first proximal end. The clip struts together define a first exterior surface and an opposing second exterior surface. The first spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the first exterior surface and the second spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the second exterior surface. The spring portions define therebetween a strut-securing area at the first and second proximal ends. The clip-contacting ends are configured to removably connect to the proximal ends of the clip struts through the strut-securing area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: William T. Bales, Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Michael Walter Kirk, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer
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Patent number: 10874508Abstract: An assembly includes a prosthetic heart valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of pivotably connected struts and one or more adjustable elements rotatably coupled to the struts. Rotating the adjustable elements in a first direction relative to the struts radially expands the prosthetic heart valve. Rotating the adjustable elements in a second direction relative to the struts radially contracts the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery apparatus includes one or more motors, one or more drive wires coupled to the motors, and a memory. The drive wires are coupled to the adjustable elements of the prosthetic heart valve. The motors are configured to rotate the drive wires and the adjustable elements to expand and contract the prosthetic heart valve. The memory is configured for storing one or more characteristics of the motors, the drive wires, or the prosthetic heart valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLCInventors: Richard Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, Sean McBrayer
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Publication number: 20200345375Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk, William Ragheb, Eric Petersen, Carlos Rivera, Vincent Turturro
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Publication number: 20200197014Abstract: An LAA exclusion clip includes first and second clip struts and a bias device. The clip struts together define a heart-proximate side, a heart-distal side, bias and open clip ends, each strut having a tissue-contacting surface disposed opposite one another. The bias device includes a first biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-proximate side of the clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-proximate side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end. The bias device includes a second biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Syntheon 2.0, LLCInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Matthew A. Palmer, Richard Cartledge, Thomas O. Bales, JR., M. Sean McBrayer, William T. Bales, Michael Walter Kirk
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Patent number: 10624630Abstract: A multiple-fire securing device includes a hollow outer shaft, a reloader, a reloader movement assembly, a rail, and securing structures each defining an inner securing orifice. The reloader longitudinally moves within the outer shaft and has a distal end shaped to temporarily contact one of the securing structures. The rail is disposed within the reloader and has an installing location. The securing structures are disposed on the rail. The reloader movement assembly moves the reloader longitudinally in a distal direction to deliver a first securing structure to the installing location from a first proximal position and moves the reloader proximally away from the installing location without the first securing structure to a position in which the distal end of the reloader temporarily contacts a second one of the securing structures. The second and successive securing structures are moved one at a time to the installing location.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences AGInventors: Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Korey Kline, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Richard Cartledge, Max Pierre Mendez, Kevin K. Dang, Bryan A. Janish, Manouchehr A. Miraki
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Publication number: 20200008797Abstract: A multiple-firing clip device includes a hollow shaft defining a lateral opening communicating with an environment and a distal shaft portion between the lateral opening and a distal end opening. A shuttle longitudinally moves on the shaft and comprises a shuttle body defining a lumen surrounding the shaft, a snare, and a snare-extender slide defining a snare track to form a snare travel path in which the snare is disposed from the body and through the track and a portion of the body. The slide moves along a given extent defining a slide distance and a distal end and movement of the slide to the distal end shortens the snare travel path to extend the snare portion through the lateral opening, through the distal shaft portion, and distally out from a distal side of the body longer than the given extent to secure a suture with the snare.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Korey Kline, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Richard George Cartledge, Max Pierre Mendez, Kevin K. Dang, Bryan A. Janish, Manouchehr A. Miraki