Patents by Inventor Craig A. Ekvall

Craig A. Ekvall 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: 20140358224
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self-expanding wire frame for a pre-configured compressible transcatheter prosthetic cardiovascular valve, a combined inner valve-outer collar component system, and methods for deploying such a valve for treatment of a patient in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: TENDYNE HOLDLINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary J. TEGELS, Craig A. EKVALL, Robert M. VIDLUND
  • Publication number: 20140296975
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pre-configured compressible transcatheter prosthetic cardiovascular valve having an improved anterior leaflet sealing component comprising an inflatable annular sealing device made of a shell of elastomeric material, stabilized tissue or synthetic material, attached to the stent, and wherein during deployment of the valve the shell is filled to form a subvalvular seal. The invention also relates to methods for deploying such a valve for treatment of a patient in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TENDYNE HOLDLINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary J. TEGELS, Craig A. EKVALL, Robert M. VIDLUND
  • Publication number: 20140296969
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pre-configured compressible transcatheter prosthetic cardiovascular valve having an improved anterior leaflet clip device. The invention also relates to methods for deploying such a valve for treatment of a patient in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TENDYNE HOLDLINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary J. TEGELS, Craig A. EKVALL, Robert M. VIDLUND
  • Publication number: 20140296970
    Abstract: This invention relates to a positioning device for delivery of a transcatheter prosthetic heart valve that comprises a ratchet rod with reference scale for accurate positioning a valve during deployment, and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Ekvall, Robert M. Vidlund
  • Patent number: 8734475
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the use of floating magnetic elements in medical implants. The magnetic elements within the medical implant are allowed to rotate freely to align with a strong external magnetic field, such as that of an MRI scanner, and align to attract each other during the normal functioning of the medical implant in the absence of a strong external magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Torax Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Ekvall, Eric Whitbrook
  • Publication number: 20130053874
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the use of floating magnetic elements in medical implants. The magnetic elements within the medical implant are allowed to rotate freely to align with a strong external magnetic field, such as that of an MRI scanner, and align to attract each other during the normal functioning of the medical implant in the absence of a strong external magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: TORAX MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Craig A. Ekvall, Eric Whitbrook
  • Publication number: 20110098731
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implanting in a patient may include an elongated, laterally flexible structure having first and second end portions that are spaced from one another along a length of the elongated structure. First and second magnetic structures may be respectively secured to the first and second end portions. The first and second magnetic structures may magnetically attract one another when brought into proximity with one another. This magnetic attraction can facilitate achieving desired final relative positioning and/or alignment of the magnetic structures. Thereafter, this magnetic attraction can keep (or help to keep) the end portions of the prosthesis proximate to one another, thereby forming the prosthesis into a desired closed ring shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Whitbrook, Craig A. Ekvall, Jon St. Germain, Alex Peterson
  • Patent number: 7666224
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Todd J. Mortier, Richard Schroeder, Craig Ekvall, Jason Kalgreen, Edward Matthees, David Kusz
  • Patent number: 7247134
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Myocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Craig Ekvall, David Kusz, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20060247491
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Craig Ekvall, Jeffrey Santer, David Kusz, Cyril Schweich
  • Publication number: 20060247672
    Abstract: Devices and methods for establishing pericardial access to facilitate therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. Pericardial access is facilitated, in part, by a tissue grasping device that reliably holds pericardial tissue, even in the presence of fatty deposits. The tissue grasping portion may include a tissue penetrating tip, a tissue dilating distal section, a tissue retention neck, and a tissue stop. When advanced into the pericardium, the tip may serve to create an opening (e.g., pierce, cut, etc.) in the pericardium, the distal section may serve to dilate the opening, the neck may serve to hold the tissue upon recoil of the dilated opening, and the stop may serve to limit further penetration once tissue is retained in the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Jeffrey Santer, Craig Ekvall, Cyril Schweich
  • Patent number: 7112219
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Myocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Todd J. Mortier, Richard Schroeder, Craig Ekvall, Jason Kalgreen, Edward Matthees, David Kusz
  • Publication number: 20060100699
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Craig Ekvall, David Kusz, Cyril Schweich
  • Publication number: 20060036317
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Cyril Schweich, Todd Mortier, Richard Schroeder, Craig Ekvall, Jason Kalgreen, Edward Matthees, David Kusz
  • Publication number: 20040148019
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Cyril J. Schweich, Todd J. Mortier, Richard Schroeder, Craig Ekvall, Jason Kalgreen, Edward Matthees, David Kusz
  • Publication number: 20040148020
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Craig Ekvall, David Kusz, Cyril J. Schweich
  • Publication number: 20030233022
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for improving the function of a valve of a heart by implanting the device adjacent the valve such that the device indirectly applies a force to the valve and increases coaptation of the leaflets, or otherwise improves valve function. The device may be implanted in a position that does not directly contact the valve structures. The force may be applied to a wall of the heart, and the force may be an inward force applied to two walls of the heart, such as the left ventricular free wall and the ventricular septum, or the left ventricular free wall and the right ventricular free wall, to improve mitral valve function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Cyril J. Schweich, Todd J. Mortier, Craig A. Ekvall, Jason E. Kalgreen, Richard Schroeder, Jeffrey P. LaPlante
  • Patent number: 6622730
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an alignment device for marking and aligning selected positions on a heart's surface is provided. The device includes a handle assembly having upper and lower handle portions which are detachable from one another. Each handle portion is connected to a tissue engaging member which may be secured to the surface of the heart via a vacuum. The tissue engaging members are articulatable with respect to the handle portions, such that movement of the handle portions after the tissue engaging members are secured to the heart's surface will not dislodge or displace the tissue engaging members. The tissue engaging members may be permanently or detachably connected to the handle portions. The tissue engaging members may also be used to locate and mark desired positions on the heart. In use, after the tissue engaging members are secured to the surface of the heart, the handle portions are manipulated to connect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Myocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Ekvall, Robert M. Vidlund, Todd J. Mortier, Jeffrey P. LaPlante, Edward J. Matthees, Julie M. Bulver
  • Publication number: 20020139377
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an alignment device for marking and aligning selected positions on a heart's surface is provided. The device includes a handle assembly having upper and lower handle portions which are detachable from one another. Each handle portion is connected to a tissue engaging member which may be secured to the surface of the heart via a vacuum. The tissue engaging members are articulatable with respect to the handle portions, such that movement of the handle portions after the tissue engaging members are secured to the heart's surface will not dislodge or displace the tissue engaging members. The tissue engaging members may be permanently or detachably connected to the handle portions. The tissue engaging members may also be used to locate and mark desired positions on the heart. In use, after the tissue engaging members are secured to the surface of the heart, the handle portions are manipulated to connect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Craig A. Ekvall, Robert M. Vidlund, Todd J. Mortier, Jeffrey P. LaPlante, Edward J. Matthees, Julie M. Bulver