Patents by Inventor Erik Bulman
Erik Bulman 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).
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Publication number: 20240123182Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a spiral configuration such that a plurality of protrusions is disposed in an overlapping portion of the sheath. The disclosed sheath is configured to expand from a predetermined rest diameter dr to an expanded diameter de during application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Erik Bulman, David Maimon, Sonny Tran, Ilan Tamir, Jeong Soo Lee, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Nasser William Saleh, Sovanpheap Mak, Tien Thi Nguyen
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Publication number: 20240099843Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a helical scroll slidable configuration. The disclosed sheath is configured to expand from a predetermined rest diameter dr to an expanded diameter de during the application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: David Maimon, Erik Bulman, Sonny Tran, Ilan Tamir, Jeong Soo Lee, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Nasser William Saleh, Sovanpheap Mak, Tien Thi Nguyen
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Publication number: 20240100297Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are described herein pertaining to expandable sheaths. Sheath aspects are described that include a flexible sheath tip that is expandable and bendable. In some aspects, the sheath includes a radially expandable proximal end and a radially expandable distal end. In some aspects, the sheath tip includes a plurality of layers that expand to accept a medical device traveling axially and bi-directionally therethrough with minimal deformation of the sheath tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Sonny Tran, Ilan Tamir, Jeong Soo Lee, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Nasser William Saleh, Sovanpheap Mak, Tien Thi Nguyen, Erik Bulman, David Maimon
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Publication number: 20240099842Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a spiral configuration at least a portion of the outer surface of the sheet comprises a plurality of bonding sites that are at least partially embedded within the sheet and disposed such that the outer surface of the sheet in the overlapping portion is substantially free of the plurality of bonding sites.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Erik Bulman, David Maimon, Sonny Tran, Ilan Tamir, Jeong Soo Lee, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Nasser William Saleh, Sovanpheap Mak, Tien Thi Nguyen
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Publication number: 20230414900Abstract: Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath to accommodate passage of a delivery system for a cardiovascular device, then return to a non-expanded state after the passage of the device. The sheath includes an elongated annular member through which the cardiovascular device and its delivery system pass. In an embodiment, the annular inner member can be formed by coextruding a first and second material. The first material includes a fold, and the second material radially spaces the different parts of the fold from each other during fabrication and provides support for maintaining the tubular structure. The second material is removed once the coextrusion process is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATIONInventors: Erik Bulman, Duy Nguyen, Kim D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 11786695Abstract: Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath to accommodate passage of a delivery system for a cardiovascular device, then return to a non-expanded state after the passage of the device. The sheath includes an elongated annular member through which the cardiovascular device and its delivery system pass. In an embodiment, the annular inner member can be formed by coextruding a first and second material. The first material includes a fold, and the second material radially spaces the different parts of the fold from each other during fabrication and provides support for maintaining the tubular structure. The second material is removed once the coextrusion process is complete.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATIONInventors: Erik Bulman, Duy Nguyen, Kim D. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20230321407Abstract: An expandable delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer. The inner tubular layer include a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The thin wall portion can include longitudinal reinforcing members/rods that facilitate unfolding during the passage of the implant, thus decreasing the push force and increasing the consistency of the push force. The inner tubular layer can have a non-expanded or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the non-expanded condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian
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Patent number: 11707605Abstract: An expandable delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer. The inner tubular layer include a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The thin wall portion can include longitudinal reinforcing members/rods that facilitate unfolding during the passage of the implant, thus decreasing the push force and increasing the consistency of the push force. The inner tubular layer can have a non-expanded or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the non-expanded condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATIONInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian
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Publication number: 20230172715Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include various configurations of the sheath that comprise an elongated tube having a disclosed composition that can form an outer jacket or a strain relief jacket or can be used as the outer layer of the sheath. Aspects of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel and reduce the push force needed for passage of the medical device, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2023Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Jeong Soo Lee, Leah Paige Gaffney, Judy Kim, David Mora, Elizabeth Anne Anderson, Sonny Tran, Nasser William Saleh, Ilan Tamir, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Duy Nguyen, Kim D. Nguyen, Thanh V. Nguyen, Erik Bulman
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Publication number: 20230149166Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed herein promote temporal control of balloon inflation patterns. The devices include a covering for a portion of the balloon that compresses the balloon portion during the inflation process. This enables the distal portion of a balloon to be inflated prior to the proximal portion of a balloon, creating a tapered shape at lower inflation pressures. This is especially useful during transvascular implantation procedures, as it prevents dislodgement of an implant mounted on the balloon. As inflation continues, pressure exerted on the balloon by the covering is overcome such that the proximal region of the balloon inflates, forming a shape with generally straighter sides than the tapered shape, thereby expanding the cardiovascular device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian
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Publication number: 20230069245Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a variable diameter inner liner wound in a spiral slidable configuration and an outer layer. The disclosed sheath is configured to expand from a predetermined rest diameter dr to an expanded diameter de during application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Sonny Tran, Jeong Soo Lee, Nasser William Saleh, Ilan Tamir, Daniel J. Scherb, Maxwell Harrison Fine, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Tri D. Tran, Neal H. Avery, Sarah Ghanbari, Uy D. Trinh, Sovanpheap Mak, Erik Bulman, Raymond Mercado
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Publication number: 20230056245Abstract: Examples of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such examples can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some examples can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some examples include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Examples of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Maxwell Harrison Fine, Ilan Tamir, Jeong Soo Lee, Sonny Tran, Leah Paige Gaffney, Erik Bulman, Nasser William Saleh
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Publication number: 20230049079Abstract: Disclosed herein are delivery systems and delivery assemblies comprising a co-extruded elongated polymeric sleeve comprising an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer, which form two lumens having a different diameter, wherein the inner polymer layer comprises a fluoropolymer; and wherein the outer polymer layer comprises a polyamide, or a polyether block amide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventor: Erik Bulman
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Publication number: 20230017997Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Sam Sok, Pu Zhou
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Patent number: 11547561Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed herein promote temporal control of balloon inflation patterns. The devices include a covering for a portion of the balloon that compresses the balloon portion during the inflation process. This enables the distal portion of a balloon to be inflated prior to the proximal portion of a balloon, creating a tapered shape at lower inflation pressures. This is especially useful during transvascular implantation procedures, as it prevents dislodgement of an implant mounted on the balloon. As inflation continues, pressure exerted on the balloon by the covering is overcome such that the proximal region of the balloon inflates, forming a shape with generally straighter sides than the tapered shape, thereby expanding the cardiovascular device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian
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Publication number: 20220401216Abstract: The expandable sheaths disclosed herein include an elastic outer tubular layer and a multisegmented inner tubular layer that includes at least two coextruded segments having different durometers and different coefficients of friction. The inner tubular layer further includes a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The thin wall portion has a lower durometer than the thick wall portion. The thick wall portion has a first and second longitudinally extending end, and the thin wall portion extends between the first and second longitudinally extending ends. The elastic outer tubular layer and the inner tubular layer are radially movable between a non-expanded state, where the elastic outer tubular layer urges the first longitudinally extending end under the second longitudinally extending end, and an expanded state, where the first and second longitudinally extending ends of the inner tubular layer expand apart with the thin wall portion extending therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Baigui Bian, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser
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Publication number: 20220379094Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Yong Gao, David Delon Williams
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Patent number: 11458015Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Yidong M. Zhu, Erik Bulman, Baigui Bian, Sam Sok, Pu Zhou
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Patent number: 11420026Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Yong Gao, David Delon Williams
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Patent number: 11406796Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Pu Zhou, Erik Bulman, Timothy A. Geiser, Michael G. Valdez, Yidong M. Zhu, Baigui Bian, Sonny Tran, Richard D. White, Thanh Huy Le, Tung T. Le, Alpana Kiran Gowdar, Yong Gao, David Delon Williams