Patents by Inventor Brian E. MERRITT

Brian E. MERRITT 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).

  • Publication number: 20260198932
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient’s vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2025
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Applicant: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 12521120
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient's vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20250275852
    Abstract: Single and dual frame prosthetic venous valve assemblies, and catheter delivery systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative dual frame venous valve assembly includes an outer valve frame having a lumen and a frame and venous valve assembly arranged within the lumen. The frame and venous valve assembly, which also may be a stand-alone prosthetic venous valve assembly, includes an inner valve frame having a frame matrix forming lateral valve supports and valve commissure supports; a polymeric frame coating encapsulating the frame matrix; and a one or more polymeric leaflets integrally formed with or coupled to the polymeric frame coating, with each leaflet moveable between an open or partially open state and a closed or partially closed state. A delivery catheter includes keys or slots for insertion of locking tabs of the outer valve frame, and a deployment control handle for controlling deployment of the venous valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2025
    Publication date: September 4, 2025
    Inventors: Philippe Marchand, John Coleman Thress, Brian E. Merritt, Marek Lhotak, Payam Saffari, Benjamin James Smith, Michael J. Girard
  • Publication number: 20250186049
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a plurality of elongate filaments secured in a hub at a proximal end of the permeable implant. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 12318091
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a plurality of elongate filaments secured in a hub at a proximal end of the permeable implant. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20250152177
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature may include a self-expanding permeable implant having a plurality of elongate filaments forming a tubular braided structure secured in a hub at a proximal end of the permeable implant. At least some filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 25% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20250143709
    Abstract: Methods for treating a cerebral aneurysm may include advancing a resilient self-expanding implant coupled to a pusher within a microcatheter to the cerebral aneurysm within the patient's vasculature. The implant may include a permeable shell, a coil extending from a distal end of the permeable shell, and a bioactive agent. The implant may be deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, where the coil and the permeable shell each assume an expanded deployed configuration. In an expanded deployed configuration, the coil has at least one loop having a secondary diameter and the permeable shell has an axially shortened configuration relative to a radially constrained elongated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Patent number: 12226102
    Abstract: Devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm may include proximal and distal self-expanding resilient permeable shells each including a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure. The distal permeable shell may include a first plurality of filaments gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The proximal permeable shell may include a second plurality of filaments are gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The expanded state of the distal permeable shell may have a convex shape at the distal end of the distal permeable shell and the expanded state of the proximal permeable shell may have a generally convex shape at the proximal end of the proximal permeable shell. The expanded states of the distal and proximal permeable shells may also define a toroidal cavity through which an elongate support member extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Publication number: 20240065701
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient's vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 11806020
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient's vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20230338035
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a plurality of elongate filaments secured in a hub at a proximal end of the permeable implant. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20230270441
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The device may include proximal and distal self-expanding resilient permeable shells each including a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure. The distal permeable shell may include a first plurality of filaments gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The proximal permeable shell may include a second plurality of filaments are gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The expanded state of the distal permeable shell may have a convex shape at the distal end of the distal permeable shell and the expanded state of the proximal permeable shell may have a generally convex shape at the proximal end of the proximal permeable shell. The expanded states of the distal and proximal permeable shells may also define a toroidal cavity through which an elongate support member extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Patent number: 11723667
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen and an expanded state with a longitudinally shortened configuration, and a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a highly radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 11678886
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm utilize a device that includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell made from elongate resilient filaments. At least some of the filaments have a distal region that extends beyond the distal end of the permeable shell and form an extension having a generally circular shape when expanded. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell has a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments. The distal regions of the plurality of filaments that form the extension may be braided, partially braided, or unraveled. Once deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, the extension may be positioned near a dome of the cerebral aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Publication number: 20210169499
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient's vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20210106337
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen and an expanded state with a longitudinally shortened configuration, and a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a highly radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10881413
    Abstract: A device for treatment of a vascular defect within a patient's vasculature includes a self-expanding permeable shell having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, the shell comprising a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure, wherein the filaments are secured at at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the permeable shell, wherein the permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, the permeable shell having a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments, wherein the permeable shell in its expanded state comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Merritt, Todd J. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10813645
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen and an expanded state with a longitudinally shortened configuration, and a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a highly radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SEQUENT MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20190223881
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The device may include a self-expanding resilient permeable shell made from elongate resilient filaments. At least some of the filaments have a distal region that extends beyond the distal end of the permeable shell and form an extension having a generally circular shape when expanded. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell has a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments. The distal regions of the plurality of filaments that form the extension may be braided, partially braided, or unraveled. Once deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, the extension is positioned near a dome of the cerebral aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: SEQUENT MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: TODD HEWITT, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Publication number: 20190192166
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a resilient self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen and an expanded state with a longitudinally shortened configuration, and a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together. Each of the plurality of elongate filaments may have a diameter between about 0.0005 and about 0.005 inches. The implant includes at least some filaments consisting of nitinol and at least some composite filaments that are drawn filled tube wires comprising an external nitinol tube and a highly radiopaque material concentrically disposed within the external tube. The implant has at least about 40% composite filaments relative to a total number of filaments, and wherein a total number of filaments is about 10 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson