Patents Assigned to Paul A. Spence
  • Publication number: 20050113632
    Abstract: Heart support and assist devices for supporting and assisting the pumping action of the heart. Various embodiments include mesh support devices, devices using straps, spiral-shaped devices, catheter-based devices and related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Applicant: Paul A. Spence
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Paul Spence
  • Publication number: 20040088047
    Abstract: Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Paul A. Spence
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Mark Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20030083742
    Abstract: Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Paul A. Spence
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Mark Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20020173841
    Abstract: Devices for repairing and replacing a heart valve in various embodiments, the devices include at least first and second support rings connected together in a coiled configuration to abut opposite sides of a valve annulus. A replacement valve may be secured to the coil-shaped device. Various alternative fastening systems include suture fastening systems, mechanical fastening systems, shape memory alloy fastening systems and other fastening systems relying only on the resilience between adjacent coils. A method generally includes inserting a first end of the coil-shaped member through a valve annulus, rotating a first ring of the coil-shaped member into position on one side of the valve annulus and positioning at least a second ring of the coil-shaped member on an opposite side of the valve annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Paul A. Spence
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Randy Whedon, Paul A. Spence