Patents by Inventor Edwin J. Hlavka

Edwin J. Hlavka 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: 9511100
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method may include a method of treating an infection. The method may comprise administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with an infection. The microbiota restoration therapy composition may comprise a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: REBIOTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Lee A. Jones, Courtney R. Jones, Edwin J. Hlavka, Ryan D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9463041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that comprises a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka, Vahid Saadat, David J. Miller, James R. Yurchenco
  • Patent number: 9463208
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, receiving a plurality of donor fecal samples from a plurality of donors and storing and indexing each respective donor fecal samples using at least one characteristic of the respective donor fecal sample. In an example, the donor fecal sample can be screened and processed for subsequent use in fecal bacteriotherapy to displace pathogenic or undesired organisms in the digestive track of a patient with healthy or desirable gut micriobiota.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: REBIOTIX, INC.
    Inventor: Edwin J. Hlavka
  • Patent number: 9433651
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: REBIOTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Lee A. Jones, Courtney R. Jones, Edwin J. Hlavka, Ryan D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9433784
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: CIBIEM, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Lynn S. Elliott
  • Patent number: 9345491
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for modifying tissue in a spine of a patient to treat or alleviate spinal stenosis. In one embodiment, a method may include: advancing at least a distal portion of an elongate tissue modification device into an epidural space and between target tissue and non-target tissue in the spine; positioning the tissue modification device so that at least one abrasive surface of the device faces target tissue and at least one non-abrasive surface faces non-target tissue; applying tensioning force at or near separate distal and proximal portions of the tissue modification device; and translating the tissue modification device back and forth while maintaining at least some tensioning force to abrade at least a portion of the target tissue with the at least one abrasive surface. Unwanted damage to the non-target tissue may be prevented via the at least one non-abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka
  • Publication number: 20160135834
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that comprises a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka, Vahid Saadat, David J. Miller, James R. Yurchenco
  • Publication number: 20160058804
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Lee A. Jones, Courtney R. Jones, Edwin J. Hlavka, Ryan D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9247952
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that includes a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka, Vahid Saadat, David J. Miller, James R. Yurchenco
  • Publication number: 20150366603
    Abstract: A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Lynn Elliott
  • Publication number: 20150335381
    Abstract: A device and method that provides a minimally-invasive approach to performing treatments on soft tissue, such as that found in the bladder. The device is useful for manipulating tissue such that treatment tools can be inserted into the tissue at a controlled depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Thomas V. Ressemann, Eric Whitbrook, John Christian Knudson
  • Publication number: 20150328452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin J. HLAVKA, Lynn S. ELLIOTT
  • Patent number: 9125643
    Abstract: A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Holaira, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Lynn Elliott
  • Publication number: 20150216917
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: LEE A. JONES, COURTNEY R. JONES, EDWIN J. HLAVKA, RYAN D. GORDON
  • Publication number: 20150216532
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating conditions, such as overactive bladder, caused by afferent nerve signals involving the creation of dissection planes that interrupt the afferent nerve signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Eric Whitbrook, Peter T. Keith, Thomas V. Ressemann
  • Patent number: 9095351
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to concentrate energy delivery in non-superficial target tissue within a trigone region of a human bladder wall to modulate bladder function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Amphora Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Sachs, Edwin J. Hlavka
  • Patent number: 9089700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CIBIEM, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Lynn S. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20150050246
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method may include a method of treating an infection. The method may comprise administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with an infection. The microbiota restoration therapy composition may comprise a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Lee A. Jones, Courtney R. Jones, Edwin J. Hlavka, Ryan D. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20150044173
    Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lee A. Jones, Courtney R. Jones, Edwin J. Hlavka, Ryan D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8926603
    Abstract: A method for modifying a geometry of a collagenous tissue mass includes heating the collagenous tissue mass to a temperature sufficient to cause denaturation, and introducing a biocompatible fixative, such as genepin, into the collagenous tissue mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hlavka, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Daniel T. Wallace