Patents by Inventor Duncan Maitland

Duncan Maitland 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: 20250143684
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Mark Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Patent number: 12239304
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Patent number: 12193689
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick R. Buckley, Andrea D. Muschenborn
  • Publication number: 20240416011
    Abstract: Tumor resection is commonly practiced to prevent the progression of cancer. However, there are post-surgery concerns including the formation of a void that can allow cancer cells to escape at the surgery site, which increases the risk of metastasis. To counter this challenge, an embodiment includes a polyurethane-based shape memory foam as a tissue void-filling device that can also release anti-cancer drugs. Such foams may activate at body temperature and become malleable. Such properties may enable the foam to be shaped to precisely seal the tissue void and then serve as a drug-eluting device. Based on the drug composition with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), the drug release profile from the foam may be altered depending on the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Duncan Maitland, Corey Bishop, Shreedevi Arun Kumar
  • Patent number: 12076464
    Abstract: Tumor resection is commonly practiced to prevent the progression of cancer. However, there are post-surgery concerns including the formation of a void that can allow cancer cells to escape at the surgery site, which increases the risk of metastasis. To counter this challenge, an embodiment includes a polyurethane-based shape memory foam as a tissue void-filling device that can also release anti-cancer drugs. Such foams may activate at body temperature and become malleable. Such properties may enable the foam to be shaped to precisely seal the tissue void and then serve as a drug-eluting device. Based on the drug composition with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), the drug release profile from the foam may be altered depending on the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Duncan Maitland, Corey Bishop, Shreedevi Arun Kumar
  • Publication number: 20220370086
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick R. Buckley, Andrea D. Muschenborn
  • Publication number: 20220304667
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Patent number: 11406401
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick R. Buckley, Andrea D. Muschenborn
  • Patent number: 11357488
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Publication number: 20220105249
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam with visibility under both X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. Dual modality visibility is achieved by chemically incorporating monomers with X-ray visible iodine-motifs and MRI visible monomers with gadolinium content. This material platform has the potential to be used in a variety of medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Grace Fletcher, Duncan Maitland, Landon Nash, Todd Landsman, Chung Yeh, Edward Ruppel, Meghan Reu
  • Publication number: 20210113741
    Abstract: Tumor resection is commonly practiced to prevent the progression of cancer. However, there are post-surgery concerns including the formation of a void that can allow cancer cells to escape at the surgery site, which increases the risk of metastasis. To counter this challenge, an embodiment includes a polyurethane-based shape memory foam as a tissue void-filling device that can also release anti-cancer drugs. Such foams may activate at body temperature and become malleable. Such properties may enable the foam to be shaped to precisely seal the tissue void and then serve as a drug-eluting device. Based on the drug composition with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), the drug release profile from the foam may be altered depending on the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Duncan Maitland, Corey Bishop, Shreedevi Arun Kumar
  • Publication number: 20200155131
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Publication number: 20200107841
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick R. Buckley, Andrea D. Muschenborn
  • Patent number: 10555737
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Patent number: 10499935
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick Buckley, Andrea D. Muschenborn
  • Publication number: 20180132856
    Abstract: A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Mark A. Wierzbicki, Duncan Maitland, Matthew W. Miller, Andrea D. Muschenborn, Landon Nash, Jason M. Szafron, Todd Landsman
  • Publication number: 20160317166
    Abstract: An embolectomy device comprised of an expansion unit and a support unit is disclosed. The expansion unit can be actuated in response to one or more external stimuli, and the support unit, located proximately to the expansion unit, provides a force to hold the expansion unit in place and to further induce the expansion unit's radial expansion. The radial expansion of the expansion unit causes the expansion unit to physically contact a blood clot, enabling the blood clot to be removed. In some embodiments, the expansion unit can be fabricated from a shape memory polymer foam. In some embodiments the support unit can be fabricated from any elastic material including, without limitation, shape memory alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Szafron, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Patrick Buckley, Andrea D. Müschenborn
  • Patent number: 7744604
    Abstract: A system for removing matter from a conduit. The system includes the steps of passing a transport vehicle and a shape memory polymer material through the conduit, transmitting energy to the shape memory polymer material for moving the shape memory polymer material from a first shape to a second and different shape, and withdrawing the transport vehicle and the shape memory polymer material through the conduit carrying the matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Duncan Maitland, William J. Benett, Jane P. Bearinger, Thomas S. Wilson, Ward Small, IV, Daniel L. Schumann, Wayne A. Jensen, Jason M. Ortega, John E. Marion, III, Jeffrey M. Loge
  • Publication number: 20080019657
    Abstract: A system for diffusing light from an optical fiber wherein the optical fiber is coupled to a light source, comprising forming a polymer element adapted to be connected to the optical fiber and incorporating a scattering element with the polymer element wherein the scattering element diffuses the light from the polymer element. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a polymer element operatively connected to the optical fiber and a scattering element operatively connected with the shape polymer element that diffuses the light from the polymer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, Thomas Wilson, William Benett
  • Publication number: 20070135907
    Abstract: A stent for treating a physical anomaly. The stent includes a skeletal support structure for expanding in the physical anomaly and a shape memory material coupled to the skeletal support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Wilson, Duncan Maitland, Ward Small, Patrick Buckley, William Benett, Jonathan Hartman, David Saloner