Patents by Inventor Clifton Alferness
Clifton Alferness 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).
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Publication number: 20040181124Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040181123Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Jai Shankar Raman, John Melmouth Power
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Patent number: 6790172Abstract: A resection device and method permits safe and efficient encapsulation, isolation and resection of body tissue. The device includes a sheath of flexible and severable material configured to receive the body tissue to be resectioned as it is drawn therein. The sheath may be expandable and held in an expanded condition as the body tissue to be resectioned is drawn into the sheath. Thereafter, the sheath is permitted to collapse about the body tissue to contain and constrict the body tissue. Once the body tissue to be resectioned is disposed in the sheath, the sheath is severed to resection the body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Spiration, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Hugo X. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20040171908Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Jai Shankar Raman, John Melmouth Power
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Publication number: 20040171909Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Acron Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040171907Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Jai Shankar Raman, John Melmouth Power
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Publication number: 20040111006Abstract: A blood pressure control system regulates blood pressure of a patient. The system includes a pressure sensor that senses blood pressure of a patient, a processor that determines if the blood pressure sensed by the pressure sensor is above a target pressure, and a blood flow regulator that reduces venous return blood flow in response to the processor determining that the sensed blood pressure is above the target pattern. The system may alternatively be employed for acutely reducing blood pressure in response to detected congestive heart failure episodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Scout Medical Technologies, LLCInventors: Clifton A. Alferness, John M. Adams
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Publication number: 20040102679Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Donald G. Rohrbaugh, J. Edward Shapland, Michael J. Girard, Donald F. Palme, James E. Cox
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Publication number: 20040059189Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040059188Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascula, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040059182Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040059187Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20040059181Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Patent number: 6682476Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Donald G. Rohrbaugh, J. Edward Shapland, Michael J. Girard, Donald F. Palme, II, James E. Cox
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Publication number: 20040010305Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, John M. Adams, Mark L. Mathis, David G. Reuter, Cruz Beeson, Leonard Kowalsky
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Publication number: 20030229380Abstract: The heart rate of a patient with conditions such as chronic heart failure, ischemia, or acute myocardial infarction is reduced by electrically stimulating the right vagus nerve of the patient. A lead is implanted with electrodes in electrical communication with tissue proximate to the vagus nerve. A stimulator in electrical communication with the electrodes delivers electrical energy that stimulates the release of acetylcholine from the vagus nerve. The amount of energy may be determined in accordance with a difference between the patient's actual heart rate and a maximum target heart rate for the patient. Delivery of energy to the lead electrodes is preferably synchronized with the detection of a P-wave. Automatic adjustment of the target heart rate may be based on current day and/or time of day information, and patient physical activity. The voltage, pulse width, or number of pulses in the stimulation may be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: John M. Adams, Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20030212412Abstract: An obstructive device prevents air from being inhaled into a lung portion to collapse the lung portion while providing mucus transport from the lung portion. When placed in an air passageway serving the lung portion, the obstructing member defines a pathway for mucus transport between the obstructing member and the air passageway. The device may include a tubular-shaped anchor to retain the device in the air passageway. A pathway for mucus transport is provided between a portion of the anchor and a portion of the obstructing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Spiration, Inc.Inventors: David H. Dillard, Clifton A. Alferness, Lauri J. DeVore, Hugo X. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20030181922Abstract: An intra-bronchial device may be placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and an anchor that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may piercingly engage the air passageway wall. The anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the obstructing member. The anchor may be releasable by collapsing a portion of the obstructing member, or by drawing the obstructing member toward the larynx. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Spiration, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness
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Publication number: 20030181843Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for use in endovascular and intraoperative procedures providing arterial blood flow for perfusion of ischemic myocardium. Aspects of the present invention provide a conduit between a non-coronary sinus of the aorta and a coronary vein. The conduit traverses a portion of the right atrium and the coronary sinus, and is located entirely within the heart and aorta. Arterial blood flows from the aorta through the conduit and into the coronary venous circulation towards the ischemic region of the heart. All procedures described herein may be performed endovascularly, and further may be performed while the patient's heart is beating.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Scout Medical Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard Van Bibber, Scott Wolf, Clifton A. Alferness, John M. Adams
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Publication number: 20030149333Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.Inventor: Clifton A. Alferness