Patents by Inventor Yidong M. Zhu
Yidong M. Zhu 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: 10722693Abstract: Inflatable devices are disclosed including a surface which has a network of polymer chains and is configured to be inflatable into a therapeutically or diagnostically useful shape, and at least one ultrashort laser pulse-formed modification in the surface. The network can, for example, include a network morphology that is substantially unchanged by modification with the ultrashort pulse laser. Ultrashort laser pulses can be laser pulses equal to or less than 1000 picoseconds in duration. Advantageously, the etching process uses a relatively low-heat laser to avoid significant heating of surrounding polymers while modifying the surface (and other structures) of the device. The process is configured so that the polymer chain morphology adjacent the modification is substantially unaffected by the low-heat laser. The resulting inflatable device has customized surface features while still retaining substantially homogenous polymer network morphology.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Inventors: Pu Zhou, Bin Tian, Yidong M. Zhu
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Patent number: 10716919Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20200179116Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Sam Sok, Pu Zhou
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Publication number: 20200108231Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Yong Gao, David Delon Williams
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Patent number: 10561496Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Sam Sok, Pu Zhou
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Patent number: 10537431Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for passage of implant delivery catheters, such as catheters for delivery of prosthetic heart valves. The expandable sheath balances the amounts, shapes and positions of various stiff and elastic structures in the sheath to selectively program the expandability and buckling stiffness of the sheath. The expandable sheath can include, for example, an expandable tubular layer that includes alternating stiff and elastic wall portions of a single radial thickness. The combination of stiff and elastic wall portions allow for torque and push strength to advance the expandable sheath while at the same time accommodating temporary expansion. The expandable sheath can also be reinforced with a tubular layer of braided fibers or a stent structure for additional strength. Other embodiments include selective use of slots or gaps at the distal end of a stiff wall portion to enhance expandability and distribute strain.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Yong Gao, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Yidong M. Zhu, David D. Williams, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar
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Publication number: 20190381284Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Yong Gao, David Delon Williams
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Patent number: 10500377Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20190321175Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for passage of implant delivery catheters, such as catheters for delivery of prosthetic heart valves. The expandable sheath balances the amounts, shapes and positions of various stiff and elastic structures in the sheath to selectively program the expandability and buckling stiffness of the sheath. The expandable sheath can include, for example, an expandable tubular layer that includes alternating stiff and elastic wall portions of a single radial thickness. The combination of stiff and elastic wall portions allow for torque and push strength to advance the expandable sheath while at the same time accommodating temporary expansion. The expandable sheath can also be reinforced with a tubular layer of braided fibers or a stent structure for additional strength. Other embodiments include selective use of slots or gaps at the distal end of a stiff wall portion to enhance expandability and distribute strain.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Yong Gao, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Yidong M. Zhu, David Delon Williams
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Publication number: 20190290426Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged recons to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: David Maimon, Michael R. Bialas, Mindy Lee Ann Black, Tamir S. Levi, Linda Thai, Yidong M. Zhu
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Patent number: 10391281Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Patent number: 10391279Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Patent number: 10391280Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Patent number: 10327896Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for passage of implant delivery catheters, such as catheters for delivery of prosthetic heart valves. The expandable sheath balances the amounts, shapes and positions of various stiff and elastic structures in the sheath to selectively program the expandability and buckling stiffness of the sheath. The expandable sheath can include, for example, an expandable tubular layer that includes alternating stiff and elastic wall portions of a single radial thickness. The combination of stiff and elastic wall portions allow for torque and push strength to advance the expandable sheath while at the same time accommodating temporary expansion. The expandable sheath can also be reinforced with a tubular layer of braided fibers or a stent structure for additional strength. Other embodiments include selective use of slots or gaps at the distal end of a stiff wall portion to enhance expandability and distribute strain.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Yong Gao, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Yidong M. Zhu, David D. Williams
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Patent number: 10314703Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged regions to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: David Maimon, Michael R. Bialas, Mindy Lee Ann Black, Tamir S. Levi, Linda Thai, Yidong M. Zhu
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Publication number: 20190030296Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20190030295Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20190030299Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20190029820Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for passage of implant delivery catheters, such as catheters for delivery of prosthetic heart valves. The expandable sheath balances the amounts, shapes and positions of various stiff and elastic structures in the sheath to selectively program the expandability and buckling stiffness of the sheath. The expandable sheath can include, for example, an expandable tubular layer that includes alternating stiff and elastic wall portions of a single radial thickness. The combination of stiff and elastic wall portions allow for torque and push strength to advance the expandable sheath while at the same time accommodating temporary expansion. The expandable sheath can also be reinforced with a tubular layer of braided fibers or a stent structure for additional strength. Other embodiments include selective use of slots or gaps at the distal end of a stiff wall portion to enhance expandability and distribute strain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Pu ZHOU, Yong GAO, Erik BULMAN, Baigui BIAN, Yidong M. ZHU, David D. WILLIAMS, Timothy A. GEISER, Michael G. VALDEZ, Sonny TRAN, Richard D. WHITE, Thanh Huy LE, Tung T. LE, Alpana K. GOWDAR
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Publication number: 20190030298Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana K. Gowdar, Yong Gao, David D. Williams