Patents by Inventor Felino V. Cortez, Jr.
Felino V. Cortez, Jr. 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: 20220249232Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for implanting grafts to leaflets for cardiac procedures that are performed minimally-invasively while the heart is beating. The graft elongates, reinforces, and patches the leaflet. In certain disclosed examples, the graft is secured to the atrium or ventricle side of the leaflet with an artificial cord implanted on an edge of the graft to improve coaptation. In some disclosed examples, the graft is secured to both leaflets to enable an edge-to-edge procedure similar to the Alfieri technique. Some examples of the disclosed methods including introducing the graft into the ventricle and guiding it into place using artificial cords previously implanted in the leaflet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Stephen Cournane, Felino V. Cortez, JR., Stephen Epstein, Luke Anthony Zanetti, Julie Manie Etheridge
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Publication number: 20220218328Abstract: A method of suturing a tissue opening can comprise placing a tissue-facing surface of a first pad, a second pad and a third pad over respective tissue areas adjacent to the tissue opening. The second pad can be positioned on a first side of the first pad and the third pad can be positioned on a second side of the first pad. The first and second pads can be coupled to a suture, the suture forming a stitch over the upper surface of each of the respective pads. The suture can be stitched through an area of tissue between the first pad and the second pad, between the second pad and the third pad, and between the third pad and the first pad. A first distal portion and a second distal portion of the suture can be coupled to the third pad for forming the purse-string suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Stephen Epstein, John Richard Carpenter, Felino V. Cortez, JR., Stephen Cournane
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Patent number: 11364358Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for nasal cannulas allowing simultaneous flow of humidified breathing gas and aerosolized medicament for use in respiratory therapy. Utilizing separate flow paths and separate cannula outlets for the heated and humidified breathing gas and for the aerosolized medicament, these systems, methods, and devices reduce condensation of the aerosolized medicament by delaying mixing of the flow of aerosolized medicament and the flow of heated and humidified breathing gas until the flows exit the cannula.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Charles Busey, George C. Dungan, II
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Patent number: 11291789Abstract: A nasal cannula is described herein for respiratory therapy which includes a first gas supply tub with a distal end terminating in a first connector, and a nasal cannula body which includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first connector, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a first nasal prong in fluid communication with the first gas supply tube. The first nasal prong is rotatable relative to the first gas supply tube about the longitudinal axis of the nasal cannula body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., George C. Dungan, II, Mark Kolnsberg, Charles Busey, Randolph Brian Kirkland, Karen Goldwalker, Meghan H. Kate
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Publication number: 20220054790Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, JR.
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Publication number: 20220054791Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated and humidified mixture of oxygen and air are provided. The apparatus includes an air compressor and oxygen concentrator enclosed in the housing of a vapor transfer system. The air compressor supplies air at a first pressure to a gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator provides oxygen at a second pressure to the gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator and the air compressor are in fluid communication and are configured such that the first pressure of the compressed air and the second pressure of the oxygen are about equal. The apparatus includes a vapor transfer system having a gas passage, a liquid passage having heated liquid and vapor, and a membrane that separates the gas passage and liquid passage. The membrane is positioned to transfer vapor from the liquid passage to the gas passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, JR., Charles Busey, George C. Dungan, II
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Publication number: 20210338429Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for approximating targeted tissue using locking sutures. The locking sutures can be configured to receive suture ends that are interweaved through portions of the locking sutures. In a pre-deployment configuration, a locking suture can slide along suture tails and can be positioned at a target location within a target region. Once a desired position and/or tension is achieved, the locking suture can be transitioned to a post-deployment configuration where the locking suture constricts around the suture tails to inhibit relative movement between the suture tails and the locking suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, JR., James S. Gammie, Peter Wilson, Luke Anthony Zanetti, Julie Marie Etheridge, Stephen Cournane
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Patent number: 11103670Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
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Patent number: 11077279Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated and humidified mixture of oxygen and air are provided. The apparatus includes an air compressor and oxygen concentrator enclosed in the housing of a vapor transfer system. The air compressor supplies air at a first pressure to a gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator provides oxygen at a second pressure to the gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator and the air compressor are in fluid communication and are configured such that the first pressure of the compressed air and the second pressure of the oxygen are about equal. The apparatus includes a vapor transfer system having a gas passage, a liquid passage having heated liquid and vapor, and a membrane that separates the gas passage and liquid passage. The membrane is positioned to transfer vapor from the liquid passage to the gas passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Charles Busey, George C. Dungan, II
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Patent number: 11065120Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for approximating targeted tissue using locking sutures. The locking sutures can be configured to receive suture ends that are interweaved through portions of the locking sutures. In a pre-deployment configuration, a locking suture can slide along suture tails and can be positioned at a target location within a target region. Once a desired position and/or tension is achieved, the locking suture can be transitioned to a post-deployment configuration where the locking suture constricts around the suture tails to inhibit relative movement between the suture tails and the locking suture.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignees: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Harpoon Medical, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., James S. Gammie, Peter Wilson, Luke Anthony Zanetti, Julie Marie Etheridge, Stephen Cournane
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Patent number: 11026672Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for approximating targeted tissue by intertwining two or more sutures together. The sutures are attached to the targeted tissue and routed to a twister device. The twister device secures end portions of the sutures and twists them to intertwine the sutures. Controlling the number of twists provides control over the forces applied to the targeted tissue. In conjunction with visualization feedback, real-time adjustments can be made to achieved targeted results, such as elimination of mitral regurgitation when the disclosed methods and apparatus are applied to mitral valve repair.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignees: Harpoon Medical, Inc., University of Maryland, BaltimoreInventors: William Niland, Felino V. Cortez, Jr., James S. Gammie, Michael Nicholas D'ambra, Peter Wilson, Stephen Cournane
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Publication number: 20210138182Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, JR., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
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Publication number: 20210106783Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, JR., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
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Patent number: 10974013Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient a provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received, by the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, Jr.
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Patent number: 10974016Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
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Patent number: 10974014Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210069452Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient a provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received, by the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, JR.
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Publication number: 20210069453Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, JR.
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Patent number: 10933212Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: VAPOTHERM, INC.Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, Jr.
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Patent number: 10918822Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: VAPOTHERM, INC.Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd