Patents by Inventor Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson 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: 9339381
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve having four separate flexible leaflets. The heart valve includes a support frame that may be non-circular, for example elliptical or “D-shaped”. The support frame may have an undulating outflow edge defined by four inflow cusps and four outflow commissures to which each of the flexible leaflets attaches. The support frame may comprise an undulating wireform and a surrounding stent defining a structure having four cantilevered posts projecting in the outflow direction to support the four leaflets. The heart valve is designed to be secured in the annulus and function as a standalone unit without papillary muscle connections to the leaflets. The four leaflets may be arranged in two opposed pairs, one pair being smaller than the other pair. The larger pair of leaflets may be identical, or differently sized. Existing sizes of heart valve leaflets may be utilized with the smaller leaflets being at least two leaflet sizes smaller than the larger leaflets in odd millimeter increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150366664
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and for post-implant expansion and having a valve-type indicator thereon visible from outside the body post-implant. The indicator communicates information about the valve, such as the size or orifice diameter of the valve, and/or that the valve has the capacity for post-implant expansion. The indicator can be an alphanumeric symbol or other symbol or combination of symbols that represent information about the characteristics of the valve such as the valve size. The capacity for post-implant expansion facilitates a valve-in-valve procedure, where the valve-type indicator conveys information to the surgeon about whether the implanted valve is suitable for the procedure and informs the choice of the secondary valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jessica Guttenberg, Da-Yu Chang, Derrick Johnson, Brian S. Conklin, Qinggang Zeng, Myron Howanec, JR., Grace M. Kim
  • Publication number: 20150088250
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implant in a human. The valve includes a wireform with undulating inflow cusps and outflow commissure posts to which flexible leaflets attach and coapt in a flow area. Each leaflet may drape over the top of the wireform in the cusp area, but have tabs that each extend underneath the wireform at the commissure posts to be secured along with a tab of an adjacent leaflet. The prosthetic heart valve may also be a dual-wire wireform, with the leaflets sandwiched therebetween. One wireform may be larger than the other, with the leaflets extending over the smaller wireform. The smaller wireform may have commissures that bend radially outward from the larger wireform to provide structure to which the leaflet tabs attach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Qinggang Zeng, Derrick Johnson, Van Le Huynh
  • Publication number: 20150005671
    Abstract: A heart valve sizer and sizer cover are provided for determining the size of a heart valve annulus. The valve sizer can include a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, a sizing element coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the sizing element being movable between a first retracted position and a second expanded position, and a sizer cover. The sizer cover can be formed from a continuous sheet of material configured to surround at least a portion of the sizing element of the heart valve sizer so as to guard against entanglement of the sizing element with structures of a human heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Gerald B. Gollinger, William A. Maywald, Derrick Johnson, Brian S. Conklin, Ankita Bordoloi, Da-Yu Chang
  • Publication number: 20140188221
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein is disclosed, together with methods of using same. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Visith Chung, Da-Yu Chang, Brian S. Conklin, Grace M. Kim, Louis A. Campbell, Donald E. Bobo, Jr., Myron Howanec, David S. Lin, Peng Norasing, Francis M. Tran, Mark Van Nest, Thomas Y. Chien, Harvey H. Chen, Isidro L. Guerrero, Derrick Johnson, Paul A. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140188219
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a prosthetic heart valve, and associated methods therefore, configured to replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The prosthetic heart valve is configured to have an expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian S. Conklin, Louis A. Campbell, Donald E. Bobo, Jr., Steven M. Ford, Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 8544114
    Abstract: An exercise suit which includes a resilient band extending through a guide pocket in a first direction along a pant leg or sleeve of the suit. The band engages a direction changing means near the end of the leg or sleeve and at least a portion of the band extends there beyond in a second direction. A free end of the band is releasably engaged with a tension adjustment mechanism provided on the exterior of the leg or sleeve a distance away from the direction changing means. The wearer adjusts the tension in the band by moving a length of the band through the direction changing means and repositioning the free end on the tension adjustment mechanism. A cover is removably disposed over the tension adjustment mechanism to prevent accidental dislodgement of the free end of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Dexter Williams, Derrick Johnson, Gregory Moore
  • Patent number: 8506625
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 8366769
    Abstract: A sewing ring for prosthetic heart valves that is connected and configured to pivot outward. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least a portion of the sewing ring, and the ring may be exclusively connected to a stent with the fabric. The sewing ring may be generally planar and of uniform thickness, or may be of varying thickness. The fabric may be used to encompass both the stent and the sewing ring, and may be a single piece. A seam may be provided in the fabric as a discrete pivoting line. The sewing ring may be convertible between bi-stable positions. The ring may extend outward in a frusto-conical shape so as to enable inversion between a position facing the inflow end of the valve and a position facing the outflow end of the valve. The sewing ring may have a compliant insert having a celled construction defined by outer walls and inner ribs. A method of implantation, and a method of assembly of the heart valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Van Le Huynh, Michael J. Scott, Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110209264
    Abstract: An exercise suit which includes a resilient band extending through a guide pocket in a first direction along a pant leg or sleeve of the suit. The band engages a direction changing means near the end of the leg or sleeve and at least a portion of the band extends there beyond in a second direction. A free end of the band is releasably engaged with a tension adjustment mechanism provided on the exterior of the leg or sleeve a distance away from the direction changing means. The wearer adjusts the tension in the band by moving a length of the band through the direction changing means and repositioning the free end on the tension adjustment mechanism. A cover is removably disposed over the tension adjustment mechanism to prevent accidental dislodgement of the free end of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Dexter Williams, Derrick Johnson, Gregory Moore
  • Publication number: 20110054598
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 7776084
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 7682391
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090313143
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to computer systems for facilitating payment for an item that is sent from a consignor to a consignee. In particular embodiments, the computer system facilitates an automatic, electronic transfer of payment for the item at a designated time that, for example, may be defined in relation to the delivery of the item to the consignee. For example, payment for the item may be electronically transferred to the consignor's bank account via a clearinghouse server at a designated time after delivery of the item, by a common carrier, to the consignee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney Darensbourg, Derrick Johnson, Thomas Turney
  • Publication number: 20090054973
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve having four separate flexible leaflets. The heart valve includes a support frame that may be non-circular, for example elliptical or “D-shaped”. The support frame may have an undulating outflow edge defined by four inflow cusps and four outflow commissures to which each of the flexible leaflets attaches. The support frame may comprise an undulating wireform and a surrounding stent defining a structure having four cantilevered posts projecting in the outflow direction to support the four leaflets. The heart valve is designed to be secured in the annulus and function as a standalone unit without papillary muscle connections to the leaflets. The four leaflets may be arranged in two opposed pairs, one pair being smaller than the other pair. The larger pair of leaflets may be identical, or differently sized. Existing sizes of heart valve leaflets may be utilized with the smaller leaflets being at least two leaflet sizes smaller than the larger leaflets in odd millimeter increments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 7455689
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve having four separate flexible leaflets. The heart valve includes a support frame that may be non-circular, for example elliptical or “D-shaped”. The support frame may have an undulating outflow edge defined by four inflow cusps and four outflow commissures to which each of the flexible leaflets attaches. The support frame may comprise an undulating wireform and a surrounding stent defining a structure having four cantilevered posts projecting in the outflow direction to support the four leaflets. The heart valve is designed to be secured in the annulus and function as a standalone unit without papillary muscle connections to the leaflets. The four leaflets may be arranged in two opposed pairs, one pair being smaller than the other pair. The larger pair of leaflets may be identical, or differently sized. Existing sizes of heart valve leaflets may be utilized with the smaller leaflets being at least two leaflet sizes smaller than the larger leaflets in odd millimeter increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Edwards lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080262610
    Abstract: Provided herein are intracorneal inlays for correcting vision impairments by altering the shape of the anterior corneal surface. The physical design of the inlay to induce the desired change of the anterior corneal surface includes consideration of the biomechanical response of the corneal tissue to the physical shape of the inlay. This biomechanical response can differ depending on the thickness, diameter, and profile of the inlay. In one embodiment, inlays having diameters smaller than the pupil are provided for correcting presbyopia. To provide near vision, an inlay is implanted centrally in the cornea to induce an “effect” zone on the anterior corneal surface, within which diopter power is increased. Distance vision is provided by a region of the cornea peripheral to the “effect” zone. In another embodiment, small diameter inlays are provided that induce “effect” zones on the anterior corneal surface that are much larger in diameter than the inlays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Lang, Troy Miller, Ned Schneider, Alexander Vatz, Tonya Brooke Icenogle, Sylvia Franz, Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070050021
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve having four separate flexible leaflets. The heart valve includes a support frame that may be non-circular, for example elliptical or “D-shaped”. The support frame may have an undulating outflow edge defined by four inflow cusps and four outflow commissures to which each of the flexible leaflets attaches. The support frame may comprise an undulating wireform and a surrounding stent defining a structure having four cantilevered posts projecting in the outflow direction to support the four leaflets. The heart valve is designed to be secured in the annulus and function as a standalone unit without papillary muscle connections to the leaflets. The four leaflets may be arranged in two opposed pairs, one pair being smaller than the other pair. The larger pair of leaflets may be identical, or differently sized. Existing sizes of heart valve leaflets may be utilized with the smaller leaflets being at least two leaflet sizes smaller than the larger leaflets in odd millimeter increments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070016289
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070016291
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Derrick Johnson