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: 20140039591
    Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Drasler, Michael J. Pikus, Roger Hastings, Scott R. Smith, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Douglas R. Saholt, Graig L. Kveen, Martin R. Willard
  • Patent number: 8644934
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac tissue excitation system includes an implantable pacing controller unit with a pulse generation circuit. The system also includes a lead with a lead body extending between a proximal lead end attachable to the pacing controller unit and a distal lead end configured to be implanted within a heart. A lead conductor extends within the lead body. The system also includes a transmitter assembly located near the distal lead end that is electrically connected to the pulse generation circuit through the lead conductor to wirelessly transmit pacing control information and pacing energy. The system also includes a leadless electrode assembly configured to be implanted within the heart that includes a receiver to receive the wireless transmission, a charge storage unit to store the charge energy, and an electrical stimulation circuit to deliver an electrical stimulus to cardiac tissue using the pacing control information and the charge energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. Hastings, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Michael J. Pikus, Martin R. Willard
  • Publication number: 20140012344
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Anupama Sadasiva, Scott R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8617149
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter can include assembling an inner balloon within a separate outer balloon. The inner and outer balloons can each be open on opposing longitudinal ends and have a central radially expandable portion, and proximal and distal reduced diameter portions on opposite longitudinal end portions of the balloon. The method can further include bonding a portion of an inner surface of the outer balloon proximal reduced diameter portion to a portion of an outer surface of the inner balloon proximal reduced diameter portion and bonding a distal end portion of an elongate catheter shaft to a proximal portion of the bonded inner and outer balloons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Lafontaine, Gary L. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8585689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20130238064
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: DANIEL M. LAFONTAINE
  • Patent number: 8512399
    Abstract: A cardiac valve with a first anchor frame and a cover on the first anchor frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8478408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. Hastings, William J. Drassler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Scott R. Smith, Anupama Sadasiva
  • Patent number: 8469994
    Abstract: A device for closing wounds such as openings in blood vessels as well as a method of doing so are disclosed. The device employs a fabric wrapped around an expandable frame both of which are inserted into a blood vessel through a introducer sheath. Once inserted, the expandable frame expands thereby expanding the fabric therewith. The fabric is made from a bioabsorbable material and includes a plurality of microhooks extending therefrom. One suitable material is polylactic acid fiber. Upon retraction of the device, the microhooks engage the adventitia surrounding the blood vessel causing the fabric to remain in position sealing the opening even after the expandable member is retracted and removed as well as the introducer sheath. As the fabric is made from a bioabsorbable material, the device can remain in place even after hemostasis is reached and eventually dissolve within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 8409266
    Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. 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, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8398677
    Abstract: A closure device closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device includes a plurality of fibrous tissue engaging members coupled to a proximally extending elongate member, a closure sheath sized to receive the elongate member and slidable over the elongate member to move the fibrous tissue engaging members from an expanded position to a collapsed position, a delivery sheath sized to receive the closure sheath and having a distal end sized to engage the fibrous tissue engaging members in the expanded position, and a closure member having an aperture sized to receive the closure sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Lafontaine, Mark T. Ungs, William J. Drasler, Sheng-Ping (Samuel) Zhong
  • Patent number: 8332036
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. Hastings, William J. Drassler, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Scott R. Smith, Anupama Sadasiva
  • Patent number: 8241315
    Abstract: Occluded vasculature such as occluded arterial vasculature can be recanalized using a device that is configured to penetrate an occlusion, while limiting a distance that said penetration structure can extend in order to limit inadvertent vascular damage. The device can include an elongate sheath and a stylet disposed within the elongate sheath. The elongate sheath and the stylet can include, in combination, an engagement section that is configured to limit relative axial movement between the elongate sheath and the stylet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenson, William J. Drasler, Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8235976
    Abstract: Devices and methods for cold-treating lesions within the body. A temperature monitoring device for use with a cryo therapy apparatus may include a cryo therapy apparatus, one or more tubular members coupled to the cryo therapy apparatus, and a temperature monitoring member coupled to the tubular member. The temperature monitoring member may comprise a retractable needle, an infrared sensor, an ultrasound transmitter, or a stent having a plurality of spikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8204605
    Abstract: An apparatus and method can receive wireless energy using a wireless electrostimulation electrode assembly. In certain examples, at least some of the received wireless energy can be delivered as an electrostimulation to a heart. In certain examples, the wireless electrostimulation electrode can be mechanically supported at least partially using a ring formed by an annulus of a mitral valve of the heart. In certain examples, the wireless electrostimulation electrode assembly can be configured to be intravascularly delivered to an implant location within a chamber of the heart at the annulus of the mitral valve of the heart, and can fit entirely within the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, Daniel M. Lafontaine, John A. Becker, Michael J. Pikus, Kevin D. Edmunds, Martin R. Willard
  • Patent number: 8142457
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing intravascular endarterectomy. Methods includes intravascularly advancing a catheter having a carbon dioxide delivering distal end past a plaque-occluded vessel site, passing the distal end between the plaque and vessel wall. Other methods include intravascularly advancing paddles between plaque and vessel walls, including ultrasonic imaging paddles, ultrasonic vibrating paddles, and mechanically vibrating paddles. Some methods include providing intravascular devices having radially expandable jaws or paddles, and advancing those jaws or paddles along vessel walls to separate plaque from vessel walls. Still other methods include providing an anchoring guide catheter adapted to establish a suction grip around the left coronary artery ostium, and to use the anchored guide catheter to support intravascularly introduced endarterectomy devices operating on plaque in the left main coronary artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8123741
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for treating tissue internal to a body, such as heart tissue. For example, the system may be used to ablate tissue as a treatment for atrial fibrillation. In certain embodiments, the system is capable of causing scar tissue to form in ostial areas of the atrium rather than inside the pulmonary vein. In such embodiments, the system may include a tissue treatment member that is operable to form an annular area of ablated tissue along the outer portion of the ostium in an area known as the antrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Nassir Marrouche, Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20120022513
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: DANIEL M. LAFONTAINE
  • Patent number: 8088125
    Abstract: A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 8080006
    Abstract: A method for performing cryotherapy on a target tissue region in a body includes positioning a first cooling element in a first location in a body adjacent a target tissue region, positioning a second cooling element in a second location in the body adjacent the target tissue region, and cooling the respective first and second cooling elements so as to cool the target tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific SCIMED, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Lafontaine, Boaz Avitall