Patents by Inventor Alicia F. Heck

Alicia F. Heck has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8267987
    Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Liann M Johnson, Paul S Sherburne, Alicia F. Heck, Ricci D. Smelser, Eric K Mangiardi
  • Publication number: 20100004732
    Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Liann M. Johnson, Paul S. Sherburne, Alicia F. Heck, Ricci D. Smelser, Eric K. Mangiardi
  • Patent number: 7608099
    Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising excellent safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus in accordance with the present invention can facilitate the precise delivery of stents in a safe and repeatable fashion. In particular, a preferred deployment apparatus allows the physician to concentrate on correct placement without having to estimate extent of deployment by providing a physical safety mechanism that limits deployment to the critical deployment point. Moreover, to exceed this threshold, an audible and/or tactile indicator informs the physician that she can no longer retract the stent beyond this point. The stent deployment apparatus guidewire may also be extended rather than retracting the outer catheter to deliver the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Liann M Johnson, Paul S Sherburne, Alicia F. Heck, Ricci D. Smelser, Eric K Mangiardi
  • Publication number: 20040093056
    Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising excellent safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus in accordance with the present invention can facilitate the precise delivery of stents in a safe and repeatable fashion. In particular, a preferred deployment apparatus allows the physician to concentrate on correct placement without having to estimate extent of deployment by providing a physical safety mechanism that limits deployment to the critical deployment point. Moreover, to exceed this threshold, an audible and/or tactile indicator informs the physician that she can no longer retract the stent beyond this point. The stent deployment apparatus guidewire may also be extended rather than retracting the outer catheter to deliver the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Lianw M. Johnson, Paul S. Sherburne, Alicia F. Heck, Ricci D. Smelser, Eric K. Mangiardi
  • Patent number: 6142981
    Abstract: A one-piece hemostasis valve located within a longitudinally extended housing, with the valve comprising an extended sealing neck having a passageway therethrough, communicating with a sealing chamber having opposing sealing exit lips and preferably support shoulders on the outside of the valve adjacent to the sealing neck to provide support for the valve. The passageway of the extended sealing neck contains narrowed and broadened portions to prevent blood loss when receiving a guidewire and catheter inserted through the passageway of the sealing neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Alicia F. Heck, Mark D. Krueger