Patents by Inventor F. Nicholas Franano
F. Nicholas Franano 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: 20140012307Abstract: A medical device comprising a compressed, inflatable, detachable single-lobed metal balloon attached to a catheter and methods of use for occluding blood vessels or treating vascular aneurysms are disclosed. The balloon can be made with ductile metals such as gold, platinum, or silver so that the balloon will conform to the shape of the void space during inflation and so that the balloon can be subsequently shaped by the application of an external force. The balloon can be configured such that it can be detached from the catheter by physical means or by electrolysis. The surface of the balloon can be configured to promote the growth of tissue into the wall of the balloon and to release drugs or pharmacologically active molecules, so that vessel occlusion or the sealing of an aneurysm will be maintained over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Novita Therapeutics, LLCInventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Katherine J. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20140012363Abstract: What is disclosed are medical devices comprising a rounded, thin-walled, expandable metal structure (“ballstent”) and a flexible, elongated delivery device (“delivery catheter”) and systems and methods of use for treating saccular vascular aneurysms with the medical devices. Ballstents comprised of gold, platinum, or silver that can be compressed, positioned in the lumen of an aneurysm, and expanded to conform to the shape of the aneurysm are disclosed. The external surface of ballstents can be configured to promote local thrombosis and to promote the growth of tissue into and around the wall of the ballstent in order to seal the aneurysm and fix the ballstent in place in the aneurysm. The wall of the ballstent can also be configured to release drugs or pharmacologically active molecules, such as those that promote thrombosis, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and tissue growth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Novita Therapeutics, LLCInventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Katherine J. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20140004098Abstract: The invention provides methods to for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: PROTEON THERAPEUTICS, INC.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20130336956Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Kimberly S. Bland, Marco D. Wong, Bee C. Ding
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Publication number: 20130338559Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary blood pump with a double pivot contact bearing system with an operating range between about 50 mL/min and about 1500 mL/min is described, wherein the force on the upper bearing is less than 3N during operating speeds up to 6000 rpm. The invention also relates to a method of using a blood pump system for persistently increasing the overall diameter and lumen diameter of peripheral veins and arteries by persistently increasing the speed of blood and the wall shear stress in a peripheral vein or artery for period of time sufficient to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vessel is provided. The blood pump system may also be used to reduce venous hypertension in a lower extremity and increasing the rate of healing of lower extremity venous ulcers in patients is provided. The blood pump system includes a blood pump, blood conduit(s), a control system with optional sensors, and a power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: NOVITA THERAPEUTICS, LLCInventors: F. NICHOLAS FRANANO, Howard M. Loree, II, Geoff Tansley, Steve Woodard, Barrett Hutto
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Patent number: 8568716Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Patent number: 8562983Abstract: The invention provides systems for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Patent number: 8524226Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation. The invention further includes methods for prolonging patency of hemodialysis access.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Patent number: 8501449Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Kimberly S. Bland, Marco D. Wong, Bee C. Ding
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Patent number: 8337836Abstract: Methods are described for dilating biological conduits by removing elastin and remodeling collagens in the wall of the conduit. Methods include the use of agents that increase the release of endogenous elastase and collagenase in the wall of the conduit, either by cells that are normally present in the wall of the conduit or by inflammatory cells that are attracted to the conduit, thereby providing additional conduit dilation. Methods also include the use of agents that increase conduit wall permeability and expose elastin and collagen fibers. Methods also include removing components of the extracellular matrix of arteries and veins leading to an inhibition of intimal hyperplasia in the wall of the vessels by decreasing biomechanical stimuli directed toward the cells in the wall of the vessel. Methods further include the use of agent that degrade microfibers, in addition to elastin, in order to decrease the resynthesis of elastin.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20110201990Abstract: A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: NOVITA THERAPEUTICS, LLCInventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20110182876Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20110160682Abstract: A medical device for the delivery of fluids into or through the wall of a biological space or conduit is described. The medical device comprises one or more actuators, which may exist in a constrained configuration which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device or an unconstrained configuration in which at least a portion of the one or more actuators is oriented substantially non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. The device further comprises tissue penetrators, which may be attached to the actuators or contained within the actuators. Upon positioning of the device at the target treatment site within a biological space or conduit, the operator may release the actuators from their constrained position, allowing the actuators to adopt their unconstrained position and make contact with an adjacent wall of a biological space or conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Daniel Philip Gottlieb
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Publication number: 20110081705Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: F. NICHOLAS FRANANO, KIMBERLY S. BLAND, MARCO D. WONG, BEE C. DING
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Patent number: 7883699Abstract: The invention provides methods to for treating a an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20110008315Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Kimberly Bland, Marco D. Wong, Bee C. Ding
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Publication number: 20100203034Abstract: Methods are described for dilating biological conduits by removing elastin and remodeling collagens in the wall of the conduit. Methods include the use of agents that increase the release of endogenous elastase and collagenase in the wall of the conduit, either by cells that are normally present in the wall of the conduit or by inflammatory cells that are attracted to the conduit, thereby providing additional conduit dilation. Methods also include the use of agents that increase conduit wall permeability and expose elastin and collagen fibers. Methods also include removing components of the extracellular matrix of arteries and veins leading to an inhibition of intimal hyperplasia in the wall of the vessels by decreasing biomechanical stimuli directed toward the cells in the wall of the vessel. Methods further include the use of agent that degrade microfibers, in addition to elastin, in order to decrease the resynthesis of elastin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Charies P. Romano
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Patent number: 7632494Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Proteon Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20090196865Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing disease in biological conduits are provided herein. In certain embodiments, the methods relate to reducing or preventing vasospasm in blood vessel walls. In other embodiments, the methods described herein relate to reducing the accumulation of intimal hyperplasia in blood vessel walls after vascular procedures, including surgery. The methods encompass the use of agents that are useful for dilating biological conduits, but in dosages lower than are effective to achieve dilation of biological conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2005Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: PROTEON THERAPEUTICS, INC.Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
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Publication number: 20090162343Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacture, purification, formulation, and use of biologically active recombinant elastase proteins. Described are recombinant methods for producing therapeutically useful elastase proteins, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said elastase proteins. Novel recombinant elastase proteins and protein preparations are also disclosed. Methods are described for treating and preventing diseases of biological conduits using pharmaceutical compositions containing the elastase proteins of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Kimberly S. Bland, Marco D. Wong, Bee C. Ding