Patents by Inventor David A. Melanson

David A. Melanson 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: 20170042549
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A foam implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and anchored using an internal locking system of the implant. The locking system includes deployable anchors that can be deployed after deployment of the foam implant from the delivery catheter and expansion of the foam within the LAA. The implant location can thus be verified before deploying the anchors to secure the implant. The locking system can be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron V. Kaplan, David Melanson, Carol Devellian, Andy H. Levine, Andres Chamorro
  • Publication number: 20160135976
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar, John C. Meade
  • Publication number: 20160113800
    Abstract: An endoscope hood device for moving a gastrointestinal implant device within a natural lumen of a gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope hood device comprises an atraumatic flared retrieval hood configured to attach to and fit over a distal end of an endoscope. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a length configured to cover a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the gastrointestinal implant device, the plurality of protrusions comprising both proximal facing protrusions and distal facing protrusions of the gastrointestinal implant device. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a diameter configured to fit within a human esophagus without damage to the esophagus, and comprises a material of a bend radius configured to move slidably against the esophagus without damage to the esophagus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Andres Chamorro, III, David A. Melanson, Barry Maxwell, Ian K. Parker
  • Publication number: 20160089257
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar
  • Patent number: 9278020
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar, John C. Meade
  • Publication number: 20160058544
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve. When implanted within the intestine, the sleeve can limit the absorption of nutrients, delay the mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes, altering hormonal triggers, providing negative feedback, and combinations thereof. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, John F. Cvinar, David A. Melanson, John C. Meade
  • Patent number: 9265596
    Abstract: An implant (100) includes a protrusion (110) with an open or rounded loop (112) (or open head) connected to a collapsible anchor. The protrusion may include a straight length of wire (114) or a helical length wire, with one or more wire loops (112) at the end of the length forming the loop. Upon deployment within the gastrointestinal tract, the protrusion expands from a collapsed state, alongside the anchor, to a relaxed state, in which the protrusion extends outward from the anchor. As the protrusion expands to its relaxed state, it pushes the loop into the wall of the duodenum, causing the loop to penetrate the duodenal wall. A pocket of scar tissue forms about the head and possibly through an opening in the head, securing the anchor within the duodenum. The implant may also include a thin-walled sleeve that is coupled to the anchor and extended from the anchor into the intestine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Shank, David A. Melanson, Barry Maxwell, Sean K. Holmes, James Loper, Ian K. Parker, Andy H. Levine
  • Patent number: 9237944
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar
  • Patent number: 9155609
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve. When implanted within the intestine, the sleeve can limit the absorption of nutrients, delay the mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes, altering hormonal triggers, providing negative feedback, and combinations thereof. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, John F. Cvinar, David A. Melanson, John C. Meade
  • Publication number: 20150238305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar
  • Patent number: 9095416
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device includes a flexible, floppy sleeve, open at both ends, that extends into the duodenum. The device further includes a collapsible anchor coupled to the proximal portion of the sleeve. The device further includes a drawstring that is threaded through a proximal end of the anchor, and barbs that extend from the exterior surface of the anchor. The collapsible anchor can be a wave anchor. The drawstring can be used to collapse at least a proximal portion of the implant device. This is useful in removing or repositioning the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, Ronald B. Lamport, John F. Cvinar
  • Patent number: 9084669
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar
  • Publication number: 20150190259
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Andres Chamorro, III, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, Barry Maxwell, Richard A. Gambale
  • Publication number: 20150112241
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson
  • Patent number: 8920358
    Abstract: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, Ronald B. Lamport, David A. Melanson, Stuart A. Randle
  • Publication number: 20140358063
    Abstract: An implant includes a collapsible anchor to be deployed within a lumen and a protrusion coupled to the anchor. The protrusion, in a constrained state, extends a distance from an exterior surface of the anchor and, in an unconstrained state, extends further from the exterior surface of the anchor. Also included is a biodegradable constraint, such as a biodegradable tube or suture, configured to maintain the protrusion in the constrained state until the constraint releases. The implant may include additional biodegradable constraints, each constraint configured to maintain the protrusion in a different constrained state and to degrade over a different predetermined period after the implant has been deployed within the lumen. The protrusion may include a bi-directional barb or an open loop. The protrusion may be configured to penetrate a wall of the lumen and to allow tissue to grow about the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: David A. Melanson, Christopher Nutting, Barry Maxwell, Peter Shank, John Panek
  • Patent number: 8882698
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John C. Meade
  • Patent number: 8870806
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GI Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20140303543
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, John F. Cvinar
  • Publication number: 20140296768
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device includes a flexible, floppy sleeve, open at both ends, that extends into the duodenum. The device further includes a collapsible anchor coupled to the proximal portion of the sleeve. The device further includes a drawstring that is threaded through a proximal end of the anchor, and barbs that extend from the exterior surface of the anchor. The collapsible anchor can be a wave anchor. The drawstring can be used to collapse at least a proximal portion of the implant device. This is useful in removing or repositioning the implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Andy H. Levine, David A. Melanson, Ronald B. Lamport, John F. Cvinar