Patents by Inventor Daniel M. LaFontaine
Daniel M. LaFontaine 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: 20160228174Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Patent number: 9393405Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, John A. Becker, Michael J. Pikus, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Kevin D. Edmunds
-
Publication number: 20160175599Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.Inventors: Roger Hastings, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Anupama Sadasiva, Scott R. Smith
-
Patent number: 9339322Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Publication number: 20150238244Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventor: DANIEL M. LAFONTAINE
-
Patent number: 9072911Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Anupama Sadasiva, Scott R. Smith
-
Patent number: 9042979Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to combination heart assist systems, methods, and devices that include both an electrical therapy device and a mechanical heart assist device. Various operational modes can be implemented using these embodiments, including a synchronized pacing mode, an internal CPR mode, and an internal workout mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Sunshine Heart Company Pty LimitedInventors: William S. Peters, Rodney G. Parkin, David Rosa, Daniel M. Lafontaine, William T. Abraham, Benjamin Sun
-
Publication number: 20150142102Abstract: A filter system, comprising an elongate filter body defining a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. A valve can be provided defining a lumen and having a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a fluid through the lumen. The valve can be adjoined proximal the distal end of the elongate filter body, wherein the elongate filter body filters the unidirectional flow of the fluid passing through the lumen of the valve and the lumen of the elongate filter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Daniel M. Lafontaine, Mark L. Jenson, William J. Drasler
-
Patent number: 9033967Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Publication number: 20150088252Abstract: A cardiac valve with a support frame having a first end member and a second end member opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, and a cover extending over the support frame to allow for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC.Inventors: Mark L. Jenson, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Publication number: 20150018904Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Patent number: 8932349Abstract: A cardiac valve with a support frame having a first end member and a second end member opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, and a cover extending over the support frame to allow for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Jenson, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Patent number: 8845707Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Publication number: 20140236172Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, John A. Becker, Michael J. Pikus, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Kevin D. Edmunds
-
Publication number: 20140155950Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Anupama Sadasiva, Scott R. Smith
-
Publication number: 20140148639Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to combination heart assist systems, methods, and devices that include both an electrical therapy device and a mechanical heart assist device. Various operational modes can be implemented using these embodiments, including a synchronized pacing mode, an internal CPR mode, and an internal workout mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Sunshine Heart Company PTY LTDInventors: William S. Peters, Rodney G. Parkin, David Rosa, Daniel M. Lafontaine, William T. Abraham, Benjamin Sun
-
Patent number: 8738147Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, John A. Becker, Michael J. Pikus, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Kevin D. Edmunds
-
Publication number: 20140135865Abstract: A seed assembly for delivery to an interior of a heart includes an electrical stimulation circuit for delivering an electrical stimulus to cardiac tissue. A first electrode assembly is mechanically and electrically coupled to the seed assembly via a micro lead the first electrode assembly configured to deliver the electrical stimulus generated by the electrical stimulation circuit to the cardiac tissue. The seed assembly and the first electrode assembly are sized and shaped to fit entirely within the heart.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Roger Hastings, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Michael J. Pikus, Martin R. Willard
-
Patent number: 8709038Abstract: A hemostatic insert is provided for closing a puncture site in a blood vessel wall. The insert includes an expandable hemostatic member comprising a biocompatible water soluble gel configured to expand from a compressed state when exposed to body fluid and seal the puncture site in the blood vessel wall. A control layer surrounds the hemostatic member and delays expansion of the hemostatic member.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Sheng-Ping Zhong, Michael N. Helmus, Mark T. Ungs, Daniel M. Lafontaine
-
Publication number: 20140066914Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventor: DANIEL M. LAFONTAINE