Patents Assigned to W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
  • FILTER BAGS COMPRISING A POROUS MEMBRANE
    Publication number: 20210187429
    Abstract: A filter bag is disclosed that comprises a porous membrane having a strength in the transverse direction to improve durability. There is a filter assembly for filtering particulates from a gas stream comprising a support substructure and a filter bag at least partially surrounding the support substructure. The filter bag comprises a porous membrane having a upstream surface exposed to the gas stream. The porous membrane is lightweight and has a structure to collect the particulates on the upstream surface. In particular, the porous membrane has a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and has a strength in a transverse direction that is 100 N/m or more. Other filter bags disclosed comprise a laminate comprising a porous membrane having a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and a second layer that acts as a sacrificial material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca Spiegel
  • Valved conduit
    Patent number: 11039919
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a valved conduit. The valved conduit may include at least one leaflet and an interior surface that mitigates against thrombus formation within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle W. Colavito, Edwin W. Field, Colin T. Burns-Heffner
  • Geometric prosthetic heart valves
    Patent number: 11039917
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Puncturable and resealable graft
    Patent number: 11033657
    Abstract: Implantable grafts, particularly for arteriovenous access that may be punctured by an object such as a needle and, following removal of the object, will reseal the resulting hole to the extent of reducing fluid leakage through the graft at the puncture site to an amount less than would be typical for a conventional graft. More particularly, the grafts comprise three layers; an inner layer of implantable graft material such as ePTFE, a middle layer of self sealing elastomeric material such as silicone, and an outer layer of implantable graft material such as ePTFE. Following manufacture, the tubular form of the three-layer graft is everted to put substantially the entire wall thickness of the elastomeric material layer under circumferential compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Paul D. Gassler
  • Porous air permeable polytetrafluoroethylene composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties
    Patent number: 11028245
    Abstract: Porous air permeable expanded PTFE composite with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties are described. The node and fibril microstructure of expanded PTFE is coated on and within the node and fibril microstructure with a suitably chosen polymer to impart property enhancement while maintaining porosity. The coating polymer content of the composite is maintained between 3 and 25 weight percent of the composite and the areal mass of the composite is less than 75 gm/m2. Exemplary enhancement to properties may include, among others, Average Tensile Strength (ATS) (in MPa)×Z strength (in MPa) of 50 MPa2 or greater, preferably 100 MPa2 or greater, with air flow less than 500 Gurley seconds. Coating polymers with appropriate temperature resistance provides composites which further exhibit shrinkage of less than 10% at temperatures up to 300° C. with air flow of less than 500 Gurley seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Anit Dutta, Leslie N. Rikleen
  • Vascular filtration device
    Patent number: 11020212
    Abstract: Vascular filtering devices and methods for their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vascular filtering devices include an elongate member having an unsupported membrane bag portion attached thereto. The membrane may be porous in some examples. Multiple elongate extensions may also extend from the membrane, and may extend along the elongate member, such as to a proximal region of the elongate member. The unsupported membrane bag portion may be configured to inflate or otherwise radially expand away from the elongate member as a result of blood flowing through the vessel within which the vascular filtering device is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan L. Friedman
  • Prosthetic valve with expandable frame and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 11020221
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to prosthetic valves having a frame, a frame cover, and a leaflet construct. Some aspects are directed to a diametric taper for the prosthetic valve for achieving enhanced performance of the prosthetic valve under operational conditions, enhanced compressibility and delivery characteristics, and other additional or alternative advantages. Other aspects are directed toward unique assembly and attachment methods for securing leaflet constructs to support structures. Other aspects are directed toward features for interacting with transcatheter delivery systems. Still other aspects are directed to such apparatuses, systems, and methods for valve replacement, such as cardiac valve replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Arcaro, Kevin J. Derryberry, Dustin V. Dienno, Edwin W. Field, Bill R. Finney, Joshua C. Haarer, Logan R. Hagaman, Cody L. Hartman, Russell L. Jacoby, Roy Manygoats, Jr., Stephen M. Probert, Benjamin A. Smith, Andrew P. Hilton, Olga Baykova, Jason T. Alger
  • Silicone free drug delivery devices
    Patent number: 11020531
    Abstract: A pre-filled syringe having containing therein at least one therapeutic is provided. The syringe contains a silicone free barrel and an elastomeric syringe stopper that is covered with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene barrier layer. The presence of a barrier layer that is at least partially porous on the outside of the syringe stopper improves the seal between the stopper and syringe barrel and minimizes the sliding force. In some embodiments, the barrel is formed of a glass material such as a borosilicate glass, that is free of silicone or other lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar G. Ashmead, Edward C. Gunzel, Michael Moritz
  • Controlled porosity devices for tissue treatments, methods of use, and methods of manufacture
    Patent number: 11007351
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a device is provided comprising a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being the same or greater than the first pressure. In various embodiments, a method comprising fabricating a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being at or greater than the first pressure, disposing the balloon on an elongate member having a lumen, placing the lumen in fluid communication with an interior volume of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Carey V. Campbell, Edward H. Cully, Benjamin M. Trapp, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Sleeve retraction system
    Patent number: 11000395
    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: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Norris, Matthew G. Sondreaal
  • Fatigue strength of shape memory alloy tubing and medical devices made therefrom
    Patent number: 11001910
    Abstract: Wire products, such as round and flat wire, strands, cables, and tubing, are made from a shape memory material in which inherent defects within the material are isolated from the bulk material phase of the material within one or more stabilized material phases, such that the wire product demonstrates improved fatigue resistance. In one application, a method of mechanical conditioning in accordance with the present disclosure isolates inherent defects in nickel-titanium or NiTi materials in fields of a secondary material phase that are resistant to crack initiation and/or propagation, such as a martensite phase, while the remainder of the surrounding defect-free material remains in a primary or parent material phase, such as an austenite phase, whereby the overall superelastic nature of the material is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy E. Schaffer
  • Filter bags comprising a porous membrane
    Patent number: 10994237
    Abstract: A filter bag is disclosed that comprises a porous membrane having a strength in the transverse direction to improve durability. There is a filter assembly for filtering particulates from a gas stream comprising a support substructure and a filter bag at least partially surrounding the support substructure. The filter bag comprises a porous membrane having a upstream surface exposed to the gas stream. The porous membrane is lightweight and has a structure to collect the particulates on the upstream surface. In particular, the porous membrane has a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and has a strength in a transverse direction that is 100 N/m or more. Other filter bags disclosed comprise a laminate comprising a porous membrane having a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and a second layer that acts as a sacrificial material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca Spiegel
  • Elastomeric leaflet for prosthetic heart valves
    Patent number: 10993803
    Abstract: A leaflet for a prosthetic valve formed of at least one layer that includes a composite material containing at least one expanded fluoropolymer membrane having serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is provided. The fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene. In at least one embodiment, the elastic properties are present in an axial direction the leaflet. The leaflets may be single layered or multi-layered. The leaflets may be coupled to a support structure and movable between open and closed configurations relative to the support structure to form a heart valve. The elasticity within the leaflets permits, among other things, the leaflets to bend with a reduced occurrence of wrinkles as the valve opens and closes. The elastic properties of the leaflet also, among other things, improve bending properties and reduce closure stresses, thereby extending the life of the leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Charles F. White
  • Devices and methods for approximating the cross-sectional profile of vasculature having branches
    Patent number: 10987234
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to devices and related methods for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure. In various embodiments, an implantable device for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure comprises a first elongated segment, and a second elongated segment, and one or more branch segments in fluid communication with one of the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment. The elongated segments have a combined cross section that is substantially conformable to an intraluminal cross section of a body lumen into which they are implanted. A method of installing an implantable medical device into the body of a patient comprises deploying a first elongated segment, deploying a second elongated segment, and deploying one or more branch segments in a target region of a vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Robison
  • Transcatheter deployment systems and associated methods
    Patent number: 10987218
    Abstract: Various examples relate to a transcatheter delivery system including a sheath, a delivery catheter, and an implantable device (e.g., a prosthetic valve, a stent, a stent graft, occluder, or vascular filter) maintained in a collapsed configuration by the delivery catheter. The delivery catheter includes a plurality of fiber guides separated by one or more reduced profile sections each having a smaller transverse outer profile than the transverse outer profiles of the fiber guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Arcaro, Jason T. Alger, Dustin V. Dienno, Joshua C. Haarer, Edward J. Hoopingarner, Patrick M. Norris, Benjamin A. Smith, Olga Baykova, Russell L. Jacoby
  • Asymmetric polytetrafluoroethylene composite having a macro-textured surface and method for making the same
    Patent number: 10987638
    Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Donald L. Hollenbaugh, Jr., Bernadette Heller, Gopalan V. Balaji, Rebecca Buxbaum
  • Prosthetic valved conduits with mechanically coupled leaflets
    Patent number: 10980633
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a non-sewn mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin V. Dienno, Michael G. Dunham, Cody L. Hartman
  • Medical device for use with a stoma
    Patent number: 10980663
    Abstract: An device including a proximal portion adapted for placement intermediately within a hollow body cavity to capture and divert contents; the proximal portion being expandable from an initial state with an initial diameter, into an expanded state with a diameter greater than the initial diameter for engaging the proximal portion with an inner wall of the hollow body cavity; and a distal portion, connected to the proximal portion, adapted to extend through the abdominal wall or into the intestine to conduct the hollow body cavity contents out of the proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherif A. Eskaros, David C. Everson, George N. Foutrakis, John M. Herman, Matthew A. Johnson, Peter J. Lutz, Michael L. O'Hara
  • Affinity chromatography devices
    Patent number: 10974169
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to affinity chromatography devices that separate a targeted protein or antibody from an aqueous mixture containing the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may contain a stacked membrane assembly or a wound membrane assembly. The membrane assemblies include at least one polymer membrane that contains therein inorganic particles. The polymer membrane and/or the inorganic particles have an affinity ligand bonded thereto. The affinity ligand may be a protein, an antibody, or a polysaccharide that reversibly binds to the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may be repeatedly used and may be cleaned with a caustic solution between uses. The chromatography devices may have a dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of at least 30 mg/ml (or 0.07 micromol/ml) at 10% breakthrough at a residence time of 20 seconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. McManaway
  • Handle for medical delivery apparatus device
    Patent number: D919804
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Cole, Jeremy J. Odegard, Gerald A. Thoe, Elizabeth R. Volk