Patents Assigned to Evalve, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8187299
    Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Mark E. Deem, Kent D. Dell, Martin S. Dieck, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Brian B. Martin, Ferolyn T. Powell, Frederick G. St. Goar
  • Publication number: 20120065464
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin Ellis, Kent D. Dell
  • Patent number: 8123703
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by an access sheath which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the access sheath may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. In addition, the access sheath has a locking feature to hold the sheath in place and maintain the desired configuration. Interventional devices may then be passed through the sheath to the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian B. Martin, Amy R. Raatikka, Troy L. Thornton, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Patent number: 8057493
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jr., Jaime E. Sarabia, Sylvia Wen Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Patent number: 8052592
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for stabilizing and grasping tissues such as valve leaflets, assessing the grasp of these tissues, approximating and fixating the tissues, and assessing the fixation of the tissues to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Troy L. Thornton, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jaime E. Sarabia, John P. Maddan, Ferolyn Powell, Brian B. Martin, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Jan Komtebedde, Yen C. Liao
  • Patent number: 8029518
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Kent D. Dell, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Brian B. Martin, Ferolyn T. Powell, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Troy L. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20110238165
    Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques SEGUIN
  • Patent number: 7998151
    Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. St. Goar, James I-Lin Fann, Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Martin S. Dieck
  • Patent number: 7981139
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses, systems, methods and kits for fastening sutures or similar devices used in medical surgical procedures. In particular, the present invention is suitable for use with percutaneous or minimally invasive procedures in which sutures are placed with catheter-based devices wherein the tying of knots is particularly challenging. Suture fasteners of the present invention provide for fastening the sutures together in a fixed position at any location along the suture strands. In addition, the fasteners are adjustable to allow repositioning of the fastener after placement to a new desired location along the suture strands. Similarly, such fasteners may be used to hold a single suture strand for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc
    Inventors: Brian B. Martin, Troy L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7981123
    Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Séguin
  • Publication number: 20110004227
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites, particularly in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations. Fixation devices are provided to fix tissue in approximation with the use of distal elements. In some embodiments, the fixation devices have at least two distal elements and an actuatable feature wherein actuation of the feature varies a dimension of the at least two distal elements. In other embodiments, the fixation devices have at least two pairs of distal elements wherein the pairs of distal elements are moveable to engage tissue between opposed pairs of distal elements. Systems are also provided having fixation devices and accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jaime E. Sarabia, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn Powell
  • Patent number: 7811296
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites, particularly in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations. Fixation devices are provided to fix tissue in approximation with the use of distal elements. In some embodiments, the fixation devices have at least two distal elements and an actuatable feature wherein actuation of the feature varies a dimension of the at least two distal elements. In other embodiments, the fixation devices have at least two pairs of distal elements wherein the pairs of distal elements are moveable to engage tissue between opposed pairs of distal elements. Systems are also provided having fixation devices and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jaime E. Sarabia, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn Powell
  • Publication number: 20100217283
    Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Evalve,Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. St. Goar, James I-Lin Fann, Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Martin S. Dieck, Brian B. Martin, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Eric A. Goldfarb, Kent D. Dell, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Publication number: 20100191256
    Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Séguin
  • Patent number: 7753923
    Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. St. Goar, James I-Lin Fann, Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Martin S. Dieck, Brian B. Martin, Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan, Eric A. Goldfarb, Kent D. Dell, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Patent number: 7736388
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jr., Jaime E. Sarabia, Sylvia Wen Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Publication number: 20100130924
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by an access sheath which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the access sheath may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. In addition, the access sheath has a locking feature to hold the sheath in place and maintain the desired configuration. Interventional devices may then be passed through the sheath to the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian B. Martin, Amy R. Raatikka, Troy L. Thornton, Feroyln T. Powell
  • Patent number: 7704269
    Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. St. Goar, James I-Lin Fann, Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III
  • Publication number: 20100100108
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, JR., Jaime E. Sarabia, Sylvia Wen Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Publication number: 20100094317
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Evalve, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, JR., Jaime E. Sarabia, Syliva Wen Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn T. Powell