Patents Assigned to W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
  • Process for the production of a thermally conductive article
    Patent number: 10113097
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the production of a thermally conductive article that includes (1) pleating a thermally anisotropic sheet having a thermal conductivity in a first plane that is higher than the thermal conductivity in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane and (2) compacting the pleated structure. An article obtained by the process, the use of the thermally conductive article for production of a device, and the device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignees: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Holger Zoudlik, Michael Wendlandt, Michael Adam Hall
  • Intralumenal stent graft fixation
    Patent number: 10111741
    Abstract: This document describes intralumenal stent graft devices with integrated anchor members that are selectively deployable in situ. The deployment of the anchor members is also reversible, to thereby facilitate retrieval of the stent graft device. These stent graft devices are well-suited for sealing and repairing defects in a body lumen wall. Such defects can include, but are not limited to, aneurysms and lumen wall openings. In some embodiments, the intralumenal stent graft devices provided herein are well-suited for use in the GI tract including the colon. That is the case because the integrated anchor members provide the stent graft devices with a high level of migration resistance, whereby the stent grafts can remain resiliently located in a desired position within the GI tract despite the peristaltic movements of the GI tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Michalak
  • Introducer sheath assembly having a locking dilator
    Patent number: 10112030
    Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Holm, Shane P. Rogers
  • Recanalization device
    Patent number: 10105159
    Abstract: Catheters for the removal of occlusions in a patient's vasculature. Exemplary catheters use a flexible distal end tube which is capable of coiling irregularly within the occlusion and securing it for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: W.L. Gore Associates, Inc
    Inventors: Mark C. Bates, Edward H. Cully, David M. Williams
  • Vibro acoustic cover using expanded PTFE composite
    Patent number: 10110981
    Abstract: An acoustically reactive composite can include an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane formed of a highly fibrillated ePTFE microstructure with an elastomer fully impregnated within the ePTFE membrane. The composite can have an acoustic loss of less than 7 dB at 1 kHz and a water entry pressure (WEP) of at least 20 PSI. A layered assembly for protecting an acoustic device can include an acoustically reactive composite as described above and an adhesive layer arranged to define an acoustic cavity. An acoustic device can incorporate an acoustically reactive composite or layered assembly as described above, with the acoustically reactive composite or layered assembly arranged to span an acoustic cavity proximate to a transducer of the acoustic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Kenaley, Valerie Regina Binetti, Anit Dutta
  • Devices and systems for thrombus treatment
    Patent number: 10105158
    Abstract: A thrombus treatment device includes a support wire, a body frame portion that is disposed about an axis defined by the support wire, one or more tethers that each have a first end and a second end, and a filter element extending from the body frame portion. Each of the one or more tethers is attached at its first end to the body frame portion, and at its second end to a collar that couples the second end of each of the multiple tethers to the support wire. When the collar is positioned substantially within a region interior of the body frame portion, a rotational actuation of the support wire causes a swiveling motion of the one or more tethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: W.L. Gore Associates, Inc
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Nathan L. Friedman, Eric H. Zacharias
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene co-polymer emulsions
    Patent number: 10092653
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a class of fluorinated copolymers, such as PTFE copolymers, that can be dissolved in low toxicity solvents, such as Class III Solvents, and that enable the creation of stable water-in-solvent emulsions comprising the fluorinated copolymers dissolved in a low toxicity solvents and a hydrophilic agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) dissolved in an aqueous solvent, such as water or saline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cleek, Edward H. Cully, Paul D. Drumheller, Theresa A. Holland
  • Stented vascular graft
    Patent number: 10080643
    Abstract: A vascular graft incorporating a stent into a portion of its length. While various materials may be used for the vascular graft, the graft is preferably an ePTFE graft. The stent is preferably a self-expanding stent, although it may alternatively be a balloon expandable stent. The vascular graft preferably has a continuous inner tubular liner that extends between the opposing ends of the graft and provides a continuous luminal surface for blood contact that is uninterrupted by seams or joints. The length portion of the graft that does not include the stent has a greater wall thickness than does the portion including the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Deenu Kanjickal, Bret J. Kilgrow, Larry J. Kovach, Timothy T. Stringer
  • Conformable balloon devices
    Patent number: 10076642
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a semi-compliant to non-compliant, conformable balloon useful in medical applications. Conformable balloons of the present disclosure exhibit a low or insignificant straightening force when in a curved configuration and at inflation pressures greater than 4 atm. Balloons of the present disclosure are constructed of material that can compress along an inner length when the balloon is in a curved configuration. In further embodiments, balloons of the present disclosure can be constructed of material that sufficiently elongates along an outer arc when the balloon is in a curved configuration. As a result, medical balloons, in accordance with the present disclosure, when inflated in a curved configuration, exhibit kink-free configurations and do not cause a significant degree of vessel straightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, Matthew E. Maulding, Benjamin M. Trapp
  • Endoprosthesis delivery system
    Patent number: 10058442
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheters for delivering medical devices to a human patient's vasculature. A catheter comprises a sock which covers the medical device at the end of the catheter, and an introducer sheath which is reduced in diameter. This reduced diameter introducer sheath minimizes the crossing of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Holm, Shane P. Rogers, Aniceto Trujillo
  • Atraumatic vascular graft removal sheath
    Patent number: 10045868
    Abstract: The present invention comprises articles and methods for atraumatic removal of a chronically implanted medical device, such as a vascular graft. Specifically, the invention comprises a thin, lubricious and durable tubular cover that aids in protecting the indwelling implant during implantation while also acting as an atraumatic removal aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan
  • Method for imparting improved fatigue strength to wire made of shape memory alloys, and medical devices made from such wire
    Patent number: 10041151
    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: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy E. Schaffer
  • Space-filling device
    Patent number: 10039660
    Abstract: A medical device includes a vessel member, a port that couples a compartment interior of the vessel member to a region exterior of the vessel member, and a tubular member that defines a lumen. A distal end of the tubular member is attached to an internal surface of the vessel member within the compartment so that a portion of the internal surface of the vessel member provides a seal at a distal end of the lumen. The tubular member passes through the port, and the proximal end of the tubular member is configured to remain exterior of the compartment. A delivery of a sufficient amount of a filling material into the lumen of the tubular member causes a length of the tubular member to pass through the port and into the vessel compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Geometric prosthetic heart valves
    Patent number: 10039638
    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: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Drug eluting composite
    Patent number: 10039863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to materials having therapeutic compositions releasably contained within the materials. The materials are configured to release therapeutic compositions at a desired rate. The present invention also relates to devices incorporating the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cleek, Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Theresa A. Holland, Thomas R. McDaniel, Christine M. Scotti
  • Implantable medical device deployment system
    Patent number: 10039536
    Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes an implantable medical device and a delivery device. The implantable medical device includes at least one attachment feature having an elastomeric element. The delivery device includes a catheter and an elongate element. The catheter is arranged to contact the elastomeric element, and the elongate element is arranged to releasably couple with the elastomeric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Masters, Thomas R. McDaniel
  • Single site access aortic aneurysm repair method
    Patent number: 10034785
    Abstract: A single access method of repairing an aneurysm in a bifurcated vascular lumen is described. A primary graft portion is configured in the bifurcated vascular lumen before a guide wire is configured through the primary graft portion and into a contralateral vessel of the bifurcated vascular lumen from the access opening. The guide wire may be a directed into the contralateral vessel and around the bifurcation in the primary graft portion by steerable sheath, a directional sleeve or a sheath having an aperture and secured to the primary graft portion by a balloon. The contralateral limb is then advanced through the access opening in the ipsilateral vessel, around the bifurcation and into the contralateral vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio J Schonholz, Joshua D Adams
  • Leaflet support devices and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 10022223
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet support devices having a frame and one or more support leaflets coupled to the frame forming a hinge where coupled. The described support leaflets have one or more stiffer regions that facilitate the function of a support leaflet to decrease or prevent prolapse of a native valve leaflet. Methods of making and using such valve devices are also described amongst others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Bruchman
  • Durable multi-layer high strength polymer composite suitable for implant and articles produced therefrom
    Patent number: 10022219
    Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer and an elastomer present in the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Paul D. Gassler, Cody L. Hartman, Peter J. Walsh
  • Controllable inflation profile balloon cover apparatus
    Patent number: 10016579
    Abstract: Embodiments are presented of a balloon assembly operable to provide a balloon diameter vs. balloon pressure profile generally depicting a balloon inflation sequence providing at least one intermediate inflated diameter and a final inflated diameter of a balloon such that the balloon attains the at least one intermediate diameter at a predetermined pressure, and attains the final diameter at a final predetermined pressure that is lower than a predetermined pressure of a last intermediate pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, James L. Goepfrich, Brandon C. Hedberg, Benjamin M. Trapp