Patents by Inventor David A. Kusz

David A. Kusz 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).

  • Patent number: 8998794
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for repairing a heart include a delivery catheter and implant. The method includes gaining access to the patient's heart and identifying implantation points for the implant. The method may include marking those locations and delivering implant, which may be a tension member. Anchors for the implant may also be delivered. The length of the tension member may be measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. Pads may be secured to the tension member and the tension member trimmed to length. The pads may be secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Publication number: 20140100420
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for repairing a heart include a delivery catheter and implant. The method includes gaining access to the patient's heart and identifying implantation points for the implant. The method may include marking those locations and delivering implant, which may be a tension member. Anchors for the implant may also be delivered. The length of the tension member may be measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. Pads may be secured to the tension member and the tension member trimmed to length. The pads may be secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Patent number: 8579798
    Abstract: An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Patent number: 8540620
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Patent number: 8506624
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • Publication number: 20120078358
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • Patent number: 8070805
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • Publication number: 20110271967
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Patent number: 7981020
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Publication number: 20100185276
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • Patent number: 7722523
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Patent number: 7678145
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr., Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080319256
    Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Publication number: 20080312493
    Abstract: An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, JR., Robert M. Vidlund, Peter T. Keith, Thomas M. Paulson, David A. Kusz
  • Publication number: 20080195200
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Jason E. Kalgreen, Todd J. Mortier, Cyril J. Schweich, Richard Schroeder, 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: 20070050022
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Jason Kalgreen, Todd Mortier, Cyril Schweich, Richard Schroeder, David Kusz
  • 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
  • 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