Patents by Inventor Robert A. VanTassel
Robert A. VanTassel 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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Patent number: 10893926Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Publication number: 20180338824Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Publication number: 20160058539Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: ATRITECH INC.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 9132000Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: ATRITECH INC.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Publication number: 20140163605Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 8685055Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A VanTassel, Robert G Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S Sutton, Thomas E Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 7727189Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A VanTassel, Robert G Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S Sutton, Thomas E Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 7252654Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: TriCardia, LLCInventors: Robert A. VanTassel, David R. Holmes, Jr., Robert S. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20050288651Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2005Publication date: December 29, 2005Inventors: Robert VanTassel, David Holmes, Robert Schwartz
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Patent number: 6949087Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Tricardia, LLCInventors: Robert A. VanTassel, David R. Holmes, Jr., Robert S. Schwartz
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Patent number: 6855132Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: TriCardia, LLCInventors: Robert A. VanTassel, David R. Holmes, Jr., Robert S. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20040220536Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, David R. Holmes, Robert S. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20040127935Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Publication number: 20040122467Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Publication number: 20040049210Abstract: A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage is disclosed. The membrane prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membrane may be permeable or impermeable with respect to blood flow. The membrane is configured to extend over the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The membrane has an outer periphery with a dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of the ostium. Securement means is provided to secure the outer periphery of the membrane in direct engagement with the atrial wall surrounding the ostium. The securement means may located between the membrane and the atrial wall, or the securement means may extend distally from the membrane through the ostium.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 6689150Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 6652555Abstract: A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage is disclosed. The membrane prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membrane may be permeable or impermeable with respect to blood flow. The membrane is configured to extend over the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The membrane has an outer periphery with a dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of the ostium. Securement means is provided to secure the outer periphery of the membrane in direct engagement with the atrial wall surrounding the ostium. The securement means may located between the membrane and the atrial wall, or the securement means may extend distally from the membrane through the ostium.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 6652556Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Atritech, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert G. Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S. Sutton, Thomas E. Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
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Patent number: 6645143Abstract: A medical monitoring apparatus designed to be implanted in the vascular system is capable of sensing and transmitting via a telemetry link to an external monitor both pressure and temperature information. An internally or externally powered microcircuit component is supported on a stent-like structure and adapted to be placed in the vascular system. Placement in the ventricular septum permits measurement of pressure and temperature in the left ventricle without introducing thrombus generating materials in the left ventricle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Tricardia, L.L.C.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert S. Schwartz, David R. Holmes
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Patent number: 6605061Abstract: A catheter for injecting medicants into the endocardium, myocardium or other portions of the cardiovascular system is presented where the catheter has apertures therein for ejection and retraction of a needle. The catheter is designed for the apertures in the catheter to press against the tissue to be injected in the heart while the heart is beating. A needle for inserting a prescribed dose of a medicant is ejected through the aperture and a plunger, pump, or diaphragm is moved to deliver a dose of the medicant to tissue adjacent the aperture. By use of the catheter gene therapy, wherein a small does of a gene are injected into the endocardium of the right or left ventricle, can be used to grow new blood vessels in the injected area of a damaged heart. The apertures in the catheter can be spaced at a prescribed distance for the dosage of medicant to form a precise pattern of injections in the area to be treated.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Tricardia, L.L.C.Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, Robert S. Schwartz, David R. Holmes