Patents Assigned to Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
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Publication number: 20240032907Abstract: A system includes a first tube, a sharp coil at a distal end of the first tube, a second tube displaceable within the first tube, and a sharp housing at a distal of the second tube for storing fasteners. The housing can be positioned at a first tissue, and the coil rotated to advance the coil into engagement with the first tissue. The first tube is retracted to retract the first tissue, and then a first fastener is deployed at the first tissue location. Then, without removing the system from the patient, the distal end of the system is moved adjacent a second tissue location, and the process is repeated for a second fastener at the second tissue location. A suture extends between the first and second fasteners, and tension is applied to the suture to draw the first and second tissues toward each other to reconfigure the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Charles Dean
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Publication number: 20240008870Abstract: An anchor and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The anchor assembly includes an anchor tip and an anchor body. The anchor tip has a blunt end that may be rounded or beaded, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The anchor body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the anchor body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The anchor tip is fixed relative to the anchor body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the anchor body and is fixed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Andrew Gant, Donald K. Jones
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Patent number: 11832808Abstract: An incisionless fully endoscopic method of reducing the capacity of the stomach is provided to surgically treat obesity. The method is directed to endoluminal tissue approximation of a portion of the stomach, including at least a portion of the greater curvature thereof. The method includes a pattern of stitching in which a portion of the stomach is closed off. One stitching pattern causes the lateral portion of the stomach to be drawn to reduce the usable volume of the stomach while maintaining a pathway from the esophagus to the pylorus. As the stitching pattern advances, the fundus is automatically drawn downward so that it may be endoscopically approached for stitching in a facilitated manner. According to another aspect of the invention, another stitching pattern extends from the antrum to the fundus between the anterior and posterior portions of the stomach.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Alonso Alvarado, Manoel Galvao, Eddie Gomez, Nicole Pena, Sohail Shaikh, Chris Thompson, Erik Wilson, Natan Zundel, Robert Lulo, Ted Stephens
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Patent number: 11819203Abstract: A system includes a first tube, a sharp coil at a distal end of the first tube, a second tube displaceable within the first tube, and a sharp housing at a distal of the second tube for storing fasteners. The housing can be positioned at a first tissue, and the coil rotated to advance the coil into engagement with the first tissue. The first tube is retracted to retract the first tissue, and then a first fastener is deployed at the first tissue location. Then, without removing the system from the patient, the distal end of the system is moved adjacent a second tissue location, and the process is repeated for a second fastener at the second tissue location. A suture extends between the first and second fasteners, and tension is applied to the suture to draw the first and second tissues toward each other to reconfigure the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Charles Dean
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Patent number: 11812951Abstract: An anchor and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The anchor assembly includes an anchor tip and an anchor body. The anchor tip has a blunt end that may be rounded or beaded, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The anchor body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the anchor body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The anchor tip is fixed relative to the anchor body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the anchor body and is fixed therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Andrew Gant, Donald K. Jones
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Publication number: 20230320716Abstract: Endoscopic tissue traction includes advancing an anchor deployment system through a working channel of an endoscope positioned within a gastrointestinal tract and using the system to apply a first anchor having a length of suture fixed thereto into a distal portion of a tissue in a first wall in the body cavity. Then, the anchor deployment system is used to apply a like second anchor into a proximal portion of the tissue in the first wall, with the length of suture coupled to and displaceable relative to the second anchor. Next, the anchor deployment system is used to apply a like third anchor into a opposite second wall, with the length of suture coupled to and displaceable relative to the second anchor. The suture can then be tensioned relative to the second and third anchors to apply traction between the second wall and the relatively proximal portion of the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2022Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Luis Amador, JR., Greg T. Prevatt, Christopher John Gostout, Thomas Neudeck
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Publication number: 20230263516Abstract: A suture needle system includes a first needle and at least one second needle. Each of the first and second needles preferably has a common needle body construct. The first needle includes an elongate suture having a length sufficient to extend at least the length of an instrument channel of an endoscope. The second needle includes an opening formed by a loop of suture at which the second needle can be advanced over the elongate suture. In use, the first needle is secured to a first tissue location using an endoscopic suturing system. A second needle is advanced at its opening over the elongate suture and secured to a second tissue location. Additional second needles may be advanced over the elongate suture to respective tissue locations. The elongate suture is pulled taut, drawing the second needles into proximity, and secured.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.Inventors: John Mims, Charles Dean, Nicole Pinto, Mitchell Gilkey, Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
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Publication number: 20230181183Abstract: A needle and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The needle assembly includes a needle tip and a needle body. The needle tip has a sharp end. The needle body is tubular and has first and second ends and flexible tab retainers adjacent the second end for retaining the needle body relative to the needle holder arm. The tab retainers elastically deform to allow the needle body to be released from the needle holder arm upon application of force therebetween. The needle body has a suture opening located between the first end and the retainers. A suture extends into the suture opening of the needle body and is fixed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
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Patent number: 11672525Abstract: A suture needle system includes a first needle and at least one second needle. Each of the first and second needles preferably has a common needle body construct. The first needle includes an elongate suture having a length sufficient to extend at least the length of an instrument channel of an endoscope. The second needle includes an opening formed by a loop of suture at which the second needle can be advanced over the elongate suture. In use, the first needle is secured to a first tissue location using an endoscopic suturing system. A second needle is advanced at its opening over the elongate suture and secured to a second tissue location. Additional second needles may be advanced over the elongate suture to respective tissue locations. The elongate suture is pulled taut, drawing the second needles into proximity, and secured.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.Inventors: John Mims, Charles Dean, Nicole Pinto, Mitchell Gilkey, Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
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Patent number: 11633207Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Brett E. Naglreiter, Donald K. Jones
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Patent number: 11564677Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: J. Landon Gilkey, Brett E. Naglreiter, Peter K. Kratsch, Donald K. Jones, Vladimir Mitelberg
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Publication number: 20220061640Abstract: An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The tissue grasper is advanced through a working channel of an endoscope, engaged relative to tissue, and retracted to pull tissue into a path of a movable needle coupled at a distal end of the endoscope so that the needle can be passed through the tissue. The needle is preferably provided with a suture so that as the needle is passed through the tissue a stitch is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Stephen West, David Miller, Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones
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Publication number: 20220031305Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. The strap may be a continuous band. In one embodiment, a distal cap apparatus includes a mount having a strap and a buckle for adjusting a size of a loop formed at least partially by the strap about the distal end of the endoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, John Mims, Ryan Gilkey, Landon Gilkey
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Publication number: 20210330320Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system includes an endoscope, a suturing device, a needle assembly movable through tissue by the suturing device, and first and second devices used in association with the suturing device. The cap assembly includes a rotatable needle arm supporting the needle assembly and actuatable by a proximal handle via a transmission assembly. First and second separate lumen extends outside the endoscope from the cap assembly to a proximal handle to advance instruments therethrough to engage the needle assembly and target the tissue. The cap assembly is retained at an end of the endoscope by a securing arm. The securing arm may be resilient or rotatable. Ancillary clips are also provided about the first and second lumen and transmission assembly to couple them to the endoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Thomas Neudeck, John Mims
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Patent number: 11141147Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. The strap may be a continuous band. In one embodiment, a distal cap apparatus includes a mount having a strap and a buckle for adjusting a size of a loop formed at least partially by the strap about the distal end of the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, John Mims, Ryan Gilkey, Landon Gilkey
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Publication number: 20210275162Abstract: A system includes a first tube, a sharp coil at a distal end of the first tube, a second tube displaceable within the first tube, and a sharp housing at a distal of the second tube for storing fasteners. The housing can be positioned at a first tissue, and the coil rotated to advance the coil into engagement with the first tissue. The first tube is retracted to retract the first tissue, and then a first fastener is deployed at the first tissue location. Then, without removing the system from the patient, the distal end of the system is moved adjacent a second tissue location, and the process is repeated for a second fastener at the second tissue location. A suture extends between the first and second fasteners, and tension is applied to the suture to draw the first and second tissues toward each other to reconfigure the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, Brian Szymczak
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Publication number: 20210275166Abstract: A deployment system includes a sheath, a shaft having a handle positioned at its proximal end, a micro motor having a motor shaft at the shafts distal end, a detachable helical first suture anchor positioned at the motor shafts distal end and an elongate suture fixedly coupled to the suture anchor. The deployment system can be positioned at a first tissue, and the motor shaft rotated to advance the helical first suture anchor into engagement with the first tissue. The motor shaft is detached from the first suture anchor thereby deploying it at the first tissue location. The deployment system can be reloaded with multiple suture anchors to deploy at multiple tissue locations. The suture extending between the anchors can then be drawn together to reconfigure the coupled tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, Brian Szymczak
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Publication number: 20210267584Abstract: A cinch deployment system includes a delivery system and a releasable cinch including an inner tubular, a compressible gripper having a suture passage, the gripper positioned within the inner tubular housing, and a resilient structure biased to compress the gripper to reduce the size of the suture passage. The resilient structure has a first configuration in which the resilient structure is constrained from applying sufficient compression to the gripper to prevent movement of the gripper on the suture, and a second configuration in which sufficient compression is applied to secure the gripper on the suture. The resilient structure is moved from the first to the second configuration by movement of the retainer moved by the deployment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, Brian Szymczak
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Patent number: 11090041Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. A tool is provided to facilitate properly seating of the strap within the mount of the cap assembly. The tool includes a window and a swing arm rotatable within the window to cause a portion of the arm to contact a free end of the strap to force the strap into a fully seated position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, John Mims
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Patent number: 11083364Abstract: An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The tissue grasper is advanced through a working channel of an endoscope, engaged relative to tissue, and retracted to pull tissue into a path of a movable needle coupled at a distal end of the endoscope so that the needle can be passed through the tissue. The needle is preferably provided with a suture so that as the needle is passed through the tissue a stitch is formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.Inventors: Stephen West, David Miller, Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones