Patents Assigned to Cardica, Inc.
  • Surgical tool for creating an incision in a tubular vessel
    Patent number: 7530987
    Abstract: A single tool penetrates a target vessel and cuts an incision of a known length in the vessel. The tool is easily held by the user in one hand and actuated with that single hand. The tool has features to allow for easy penetration of the target vessel as well as safety features integrated within the tool itself. User input features are located conveniently on the exterior of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Functional package for an anastomosis procedure
    Patent number: 7520885
    Abstract: A system for preparing a graft vessel for anastomosis includes one or more tools held within a functional package having at least one recess. An anastomosis tool or portion thereof may be held in at least one recess. An anastomosis device is connected to the anastomosis tool. At least one recess is shaped and sized to hold an amount of biocompatible fluid sufficient to immerse the anastomosis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose R. Carranza, Benjamin Sherman, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender
  • Patent Foramen Ovale Closure System
    Publication number: 20090093826
    Abstract: A tool for closing an opening in tissue may include a catheter, a clasp applicator positioned substantially at the distal end of the catheter; and at least one clasp held by the clasp applicator, where the clasp may include a plurality of tines and be plastically splayable by the clasp applicator. A patent foramen ovale in heart tissue may by closed by, for example, advancing that exemplary clasp applicator through the patient's vasculature to a location in proximity to the patent foramen ovale, anchoring the clasp applicator with respect to the patent foramen ovale, splaying the clasp, advancing the splayed clasp into contact with tissue; closing the clasp, and removing the clasp applicator from the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventor: Zachary Warder-Gabaldon
  • Intravascular Stapling Tool
    Publication number: 20090090766
    Abstract: An intravascular stapler may include a handle; a catheter attached to the handle; a stapler head attached to the catheter; and a staples held by the stapler head, wherein the stapler head is configured to sequentially deploy staples. An intravascular stapler may include a reciprocating driver within the stapler head, wherein the driver reciprocates back and forth substantially along a first axis, and wherein the staples are advanceable substantially along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An intravascular stapler may include internal anvils held by and movable within the stapler head, each internal anvil positioned in proximity to and movable in tandem with a corresponding staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Knodel
  • Surgical Stapler With Splaying Mechanism
    Publication number: 20090072006
    Abstract: One example of a surgical stapler may include a pusher, at least one generally planar staple, where the pusher holds at least one staple, and a splay arm that includes spaced-apart splay fingers extending generally distally, where at least one splay finger includes a splay tip extending therefrom, and where relative motion of said pusher and said splay fingers causes said at least one said splay tip to engage and then splay at least one said staple. Another example of a surgical stapler may include a plurality of staples positioned out of contact with one another; a pusher that engages each staple; and at least one splay tip, each splay tip configured to contact a distal surface of the distalmost staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Clauson, Bryan D. Knodel, Benjamin J. Matthias, Matthew B. Newell
  • Endocutter With Staple Feed
    Publication number: 20090065552
    Abstract: A surgical endocutter may include an end effector, at least one feeder belt that extends at least partially into the end effector; and two or more staples, where each staple has a first end frangibly connected to a corresponding feeder belt and a second, free end, and where the staples form at least one row. The endocutter may be used to treat a patient by inserting the end effector into the body of a patient through an opening such as a trocar port, engaging tissue with the end effector, stapling tissue along two staple lines with the end effector; cutting tissue between the staple lines with the end effector, releasing the tissue from the end effector, and repeating the holding, stapling and engaging on tissue at a different location within the body of the patient without removing the end effector from within the body of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Bernard A. Hausen, Luke W. Clauson
  • Vascular Closure System With Splayable Staple
    Publication number: 20090039138
    Abstract: A medical device for closing an opening in tissue may include a staple with a plurality of tines, where the staple is deformable from an initial configuration to a splayed configuration and then to a closed configuration; a cradle that includes a distal stop and a proximal stop proximal to the distal stop extending therefrom, where the cradle holds a portion of the staple between the proximal stop and the distal stop, and where the proximal stop and distal stop are spaced apart from one another a fixed distance substantially equal to the thickness of the portion of the staple held therebetween, where that portion of the staple substantially contacts both stops in the initial configuration; and a housing, where the cradle is movable relative to that housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon, Matthew B. Newell, Bemard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Surgical stapler
    Patent number: 7473258
    Abstract: A method for surgically stapling tissue may include providing staples in a first configuration, plastically deforming at least one staple to a second configuration different from the first configuration; and then plastically deforming at least one staple to a third configuration different from the first configuration and the second configuration. The deformation of a staple from the first configuration to the second configuration may be performed by splaying the staple. The staple may be splayed by a splay arm or other suitable structure or mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Clauson, Bryan D. Knodel, Benjamin J. Matthias, Matthew B. Newell
  • Trocar for use in deploying an anastomosis device and method of performing anastomosis
    Patent number: 7468066
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel may include a trocar that may create an opening in the target vessel. At least part of the trocar may be expandable to allow an anastomosis device to pass through the distal end thereof. The apparatus may include a holder configured to hold the anastomosis device, and place and deploy the anastomosis device in the opening created by the trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Vargas, Brendan M. Donohoe, Scott C. Anderson, Theodore Bender, Stephen Yencho, Bernard Hausen, Michael Hendricksen
  • Vascular closure system utilizing a staple
    Patent number: 7458978
    Abstract: A system for closing an opening in tissue may include an end effector that holds a staple, where the staple is deformed to a splayed configuration for engaging tissue, then deformed to a closed condition for closing the opening. The system may include one or more butterfly members configured to register the opening to the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon, Matthew B. Newell, Bernard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Anastomosis device having a deployable section
    Patent number: 7455677
    Abstract: An anastomosis device includes a deployable section that may be connected to a discard section. The deployable section may be configured to expand in two substantially orthogonal directions during deployment. The deployable section may include a ring that includes one or more expandable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime S. Vargas, Stephen A. Yencho, James T. Nielsen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Brian R. DuBois, Scott O. Chamness, Nathan H. White, Gregory B. Arcenio, Heather L. Klaubert, Russell C. Mead, Jr.
  • System for preparing a craft vessel for anastomosis
    Patent number: 7427261
    Abstract: A system for preparing a graft vessel for anastomosis includes one or more tools held within a functional package. The package includes a tray and tray top, either or both of which may include one or more features configured to hold the contents of the tray securely therein, and/or may include one or more registration features configured to register one or more items in a desired position in the tray. The package has multiple recesses for holding one or more tools for preparing a graft vessel for anastomosis, and can be sealed and sterilized along with its contents. One of these tools may be a poke-through tool that includes a plurality of membranes within a shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose R. Carranza, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender
  • Surgical Stapler
    Publication number: 20080217376
    Abstract: A method for surgically stapling tissue may include providing staples in a first configuration, plastically deforming at least one staple to a second configuration different from the first configuration; and then plastically deforming at least one staple to a third configuration different from the first configuration and the second configuration. The deformation of a staple from the first configuration to the second configuration may be performed by splaying the staple. The staple may be splayed by a splay arm or other suitable structure or mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: Luke W. Clauson, Bryan D. Knodel, Benjamin J. Matthias, Matthew B. Newell
  • Surgical Tool for Creating an Opening in Tissue
    Publication number: 20080140104
    Abstract: A tool for removing at least one tissue plug from the wall of at least one tubular tissue structure may include a cutter and a piercing member positioned within the cutter, where the piercing member and cutter are configured to translate together, as well as an impulse source operationally connected to the cutter and the piercing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, Brian R. DuBois, Dan M. Pomeroy, Scott O. Chamness, Brendan M. Donohoe
  • Tracheotomy procedure with integrated tool
    Patent number: 7373939
    Abstract: An integrated tool may be used to perform a tracheotomy. The integrated tool may include a trocar and a delivery mechanism, where the delivery mechanism may deploy a stoma stent. The trocar may be actuated impulsively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. DuBois, Luke W. Clauson, Douglas T. Ellison, Scott O. Chamness, Theodore M. Bender
  • Method for Closing an Opening in Tissue With a Splayable Staple
    Publication number: 20080114397
    Abstract: One method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a substantially continuous solid staple having a plurality of tines and a longitudinal centerline, plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple to a closed configuration. Another method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a staple having a plurality of tines; plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple from the splayed configuration to a closed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Bender, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon, Matthew Newell, Bernard Hausen, Brian DuBois, Bryan Knodel
  • Surgical apparatus and method for anastomosis
    Patent number: 7371243
    Abstract: A system for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel includes a tissue effector having an anvil and a staple holder movable relative to one another, with a graft affixer connected to the staple holder. A single incision may be made in an end of the graft vessel, such that the graft vessel includes a single flap for connection to the target vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Nielsen, Bernard A. Hausen, David L. Bombard
  • Heart defect closure apparatus
    Publication number: 20080093414
    Abstract: An exemplary medical apparatus insertable into the vasculature of a patient at an insertion point for treating a defect in the heart, may include an elongated, flexible driver sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the defect in the heart; and a staple frangibly attached to the distal end of the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter; a driver extending into the housing; and a staple frangibly attached to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Bender, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon, Matthew Newell, Bernard Hausen, Brian DuBois, Bryan Knodel
  • Integrated anastomosis tool with graft vessel attachment device and cutting device
    Patent number: 7357807
    Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool both creates an opening in a side wall of a target blood vessel and performs an anastomosis procedure to connect a graft vessel to a side of the target blood vessel with a single integrated tool. The integrated anastomosis tool includes a cutting device, a graft vessel attachment device, an introducer, and a tool body. In each of the embodiments of the anastomosis tool, the advancement paths of a cutting device and a graft vessel attachment device cross, intersect, or align so that both the cutting device and the graft vessel attachment device can be operated by a single tool at the same intended anastomosis site in a sequential manner. The anastomosis procedure can be performed on a pressurized vessel since there is no need to interchange tools during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Donohoe, Jaime Vargas, Stephen A. Yencho, James T. Nielsen, Theodore M. Bender, Michael Hendricksen, Scott C. Anderson
  • Method for end-to-end anastomosis
    Patent number: 7347864
    Abstract: A method for performing anastomosis connects two tissue structures, such as blood vessels, end-to-end. At least two flaps may be created at the end of each tissue structure. Each flap of one tissue structure may be brought into contact with a corresponding flap of the other tissue structure. The corresponding flaps may be connected, such as by deploying one or more connectors therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime S. Vargas