Patents Assigned to W.L. Gore and Associates Inc.
  • Eluting medical devices
    Patent number: 9415193
    Abstract: The invention is directed to eluting medical devices that enable consistent “on-demand” delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel. The medical device of the current invention comprises an expandable member, a hydrophilic coating comprising at least one therapeutic agent about the expandable member or structural layer and an outer sheath with a variably permeable microstructure. The design and methods disclosed herein ensures that therapeutic agent delivery occurs essentially only during expansion of the expandable member, minimizing coating and/or therapeutic agent loss to the bloodstream and providing controlled delivery to the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, Robert L. Cleek, Daniel L. Crandall, James F. Davidson, Paul D. Drumheller, Cody L. Hartman, Theresa A. Holland, Thane L. Kranzler, Mei Li, Gregory LoStracco, Bruce M. Steinhaus, Benjamin M. Trapp, Thomas G. Triebes
  • Deployment sleeve shortening mechanism
    Patent number: 9414944
    Abstract: A medical device constraint includes an elastic element having proximal and distal ends, a continuous lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular elastic element; and a medical device disposed at least partially within the continuous lumen, wherein the generally tubular element has a first state in which the tubular element is longitudinally held in tension to conceal a gap between the medical device and a distal tip and a second state in which the tubular element is longitudinally relaxed and spaced apart from the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle R. Buckley
  • Device for deploying an implantable medical device
    Patent number: 9408736
    Abstract: Device useful for implanting an implantable device within the vasculature of a patient. The device includes a deployment line, a control component for actuating the deployment line, and an actuation mechanism for translating constant-rate actuation of the control component into variable rate retraction of the deployment line from a remotely deployable implantable device. Suitable implantable devices include, for example, stents and stent grafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: John L. Loewen
  • Immobilised biological entities
    Patent number: 9408950
    Abstract: There is described inter alia a device having a surface comprising a layered coating wherein the outer coating layer comprises a plurality of cationic hyperbranched polymer molecules characterized by having (i) a core moiety of molecular weight 14-1,000 Da (ii) a total molecular weight of 1,500 to 1,000,000 Da (iii) a ratio of total molecular weight to core moiety molecular weight of at least 80:1 and (iv) functional end groups, whereby one or more of said functional end groups have an anti-coagulant entity covalently attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Karin Leontein, Per Antoni, Daniel Nyström, Paul Begovac, Krzysztof Pietrzak
  • Method of increasing film tear strength
    Patent number: 9403329
    Abstract: A method of increasing the tensile strength of polymer films is provided. The creation of the load distribution elements in polymer films necessary to achieve this result is described. Application of the present invention to increase suture retention in a surgical polymer film is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Towler
  • Sleeve retraction system
    Patent number: 9402755
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems for endoluminal devices utilizing a sleeve for constraining an expandable device toward a constrained configuration suitable for endoluminal delivery to a treatment site along vasculature; and a mechanism for retracting at least a portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Norris, Matthew G. Sondreaal
  • Devices and methods for treatment of the aortic arch
    Patent number: 9402751
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis comprising a descending stent-graft, an ascending stent-graft, and/or a side-branch stent-graft. In various embodiments, an ascending stent-graft is capable of being coupled to a descending stent-graft, and/or a descending stent-graft can comprise a fenestration capable of being coupled to a side-branch stent-graft. In addition, in various embodiments, a descending and/or ascending stent-graft can comprise a reduced diameter portion that, when implanted within an aortic arch, recedes from a luminal surface of the aortic arch to allow a side-branch stent-graft to be maneuvered within the aortic arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Stanislaw L. Zukowski
  • Systems and methods for percutaneous occlusion crossing
    Patent number: 9402649
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for crossing or bypassing total or near total occlusions of vessels through the use of elongate members and specialized catheters that include a piercing catheter, a reentry catheter, a multi-lumen, reentry catheter, and combinations thereof. A piercing catheter comprises a distal tip used to pierce an occlusion in a crossing procedure and can be configured to microdissect the occlusion or provide support for an elongate member. A reentry catheter comprises a distal side port and ramp to facilitate the reentry or perforation of a vessel wall. A multi-lumen, reentry catheter comprises a tearable lumen divider and a distal side port and ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Boland, II, Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Paul D. Goodman
  • Planar zone in prosthetic heart valve leaflet
    Patent number: 9398952
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets of a particular shape that improves bending character without requiring a long length valve. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve comprises a leaflet frame, a plurality of leaflets coupled to the leaflet frame, where each leaflet has a free edge and a base. Each leaflet has a planar zone in a central portion, wherein the planar zone is substantially planar. The planar zone defines a shape having an area, wherein the area is larger nearer the base than the free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Immobilized biologically active entities containing heparin having high biological activity following mechanical manipulation
    Patent number: 9399085
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following mechanical manipulation of a substrate material to which the entities are immobilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cleek, Michael D. Daly, Krzysztof R. Pietrzak
  • Vessel compression devices and methods
    Patent number: 9393026
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise compression devices and methods for applying intermittent and localized vessel compression. The compression devices and methods as described herein can improve fistula circuit maturity rates by promoting vein dilation. An aspect of the present disclosure is directed toward depressor designs actuated using actuator wire(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Edward H. Cully
  • Aortic dissection septal cutting tool
    Patent number: 9387039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using medical cutting tools for treating aortic septal dissections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Bliss, Edward H. Cully, Michael D. Dake, Joel M. Greene, Joshua J. Lovekamp, Michael C. Nilson, Himanshu J. Patel, David M. Williams, William P. Witort
  • Sleeves for expandable medical devices and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 9387105
    Abstract: Various aspects describe treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is surrounded and constrained by one or more constraining sleeves. One or more of these sleeves may include an end profile with a desired shape, and constrain the expandable implant in a configuration having a diameter less than the diameter of an unconstrained diameter of the expandable implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC
    Inventors: Murray F. B. Andress, Patrick M. Norris
  • Implant assembly with tactile indicator
    Patent number: 9387097
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an assembly comprising an expandable device, a restraining member wrapped circumferentially around the device, a coupling member releasably securing the restraining member, and at least one tactile indicator located on the assembly at a desired point of partial deployment, along with a method for partially deploying the expandable device in a patient. During partial deployment of the expandable device, the coupling member is tensioned and displaced from outside the patient by a clinician, and upon reaching the tactile indicator, a change in tension on the coupling member is felt my the clinician performing the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio E. Eblacas, Linda N. Elkins, William P. Witort
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene film capacitor
    Patent number: 9384895
    Abstract: A capacitor having a first electrode, a second electrode, a dielectric layer of a PTFE film having a dielectric strength greater than about 500 V/um, a tensile strength of greater than about 10,000 psi (or, alternatively, a tensile yield strength of greater than about 2,000 psi), and a thickness less than about 20 microns disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark N. Donhowe, Jeffrey M. Lawler
  • Sealing device and delivery system
    Patent number: 9381006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Masters
  • Device for rapid repair of body conduits
    Patent number: 9381018
    Abstract: A self-expanding stent-graft provided in a diametrically compacted state for implantation and retained preferably by a constraining sheath, useful for the temporary or permanent repair of injured, partially or entirely transected body conduits including blood vessels. It may be used under direct visualization to quickly stop or substantially reduce loss of blood from such damaged vessels and to quickly re-establish perfusion distal to the injury site. The device would typically be implanted under emergency room conditions but also be used in field situations by trained medical technicians. After an end of the device is inserted into a blood vessel through the injury access, deployment preferably initiates from the device end in a direction moving toward the middle of the length of the device by directionally releasing the constraining sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Keith M. Flury, Paul D. Goodman, Wayne D. House, Vrad W. Levering, Philip P. Off, Daniel M. O'Shea, Michael J. Vonesh, Jason M. Wiersdorf
  • Vascular occlusion and drug delivery devices, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 9381326
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise occlusion and drug delivery devices and methods. One aspect of the disclosure comprises a drug delivery device comprising an inner expansion member and an outer drug delivery component. Another aspect of the disclosure comprises bioabsorbable, lumen-occluding implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Douglas S. Paget, Rachel Radspinner, Edward E. Shaw, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Mist elimination and pollutant removal device and method
    Patent number: 9381459
    Abstract: An integrated device for removal of both liquid-containing droplets and pollutants from a gas stream includes a plurality of passageways and a plurality of exposed surface portions, different ones of the surface portions disposed along different ones of the plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways include an inlet and an outlet for the flow of a gas stream therethrough, wherein each passageway includes at least one segment configured to perturb the flow of at least a portion of the gas stream between the inlet and the outlet. Such gas perturbation enhances gas stream contact with the exposed surfaces. Portions of the exposed surfaces comprise a sorbent-polymer-composite material adapted for adsorption of elemental and oxidized mercury vapor. The exposed surfaces are disposed to enhance the removal of liquid-containing droplets and elemental and oxidized mercury vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
  • External steerable fiber for use in endoluminal deployment of expandable devices
    Patent number: 9375308
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery diameter for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant can be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate diameter. The sleeves can be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant can comprise a steering line or lines which facilitate bending and steering of the expandable implant through the vasculature of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Norris