Patents by Inventor Gregory D. Nieminen

Gregory D. Nieminen 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: 10052205
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 9956076
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 9956077
    Abstract: Tissue shaping devices adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. The devices include a first anchor and a second anchor adapted to be deployed by a catheter to engage a vessel wall while the first anchor is adapted to resist the compression of a first part of the first anchor and resist the expansion of a second part of the first anchor in response to a compressive force on the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Nieminen, Carly A. Thaler
  • Patent number: 9827100
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 9827099
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 9827098
    Abstract: Methods of treating mitral valve regurgitation, including causing a distal expandable anchor to self-expand within a coronary sinus, anchoring the distal expandable anchor against movement in the coronary sinus, changing the geometry of a mitral valve annulus, causing a proximal expandable anchor to self-expand within the coronary sinus, anchoring the proximal expandable anchor against movement within the coronary sinus, and withdrawing the delivery system from the coronary sinus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Publication number: 20170296341
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. The device comprises a first anchor and a second anchor adapted to be deployed by a catheter to engage a vessel wall while the first anchor is adapted to resist the compression of a first part of the first anchor and resist the expansion of a second part of the first anchor in response to a compressive force on the first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory D. NIEMINEN, Carly A. THALER
  • Publication number: 20170079796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. The device comprises a first anchor and a second anchor adapted to be deployed by a catheter to engage a vessel wall while the first anchor is adapted to resist the compression of a first part of the first anchor and resist the expansion of a second part of the first anchor in response to a compressive force on the first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory D. NIEMINEN, Carly A. THALER
  • Publication number: 20160374807
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, David G. REUTER
  • Publication number: 20160374808
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, David G. REUTER
  • Publication number: 20160374806
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, David G. REUTER
  • Publication number: 20160338832
    Abstract: Methods of treating mitral valve regurgitation, including causing a distal expandable anchor to self-expand within a coronary sinus, anchoring the distal expandable anchor against movement in the coronary sinus, changing the geometry of a mitral valve annulus, causing a proximal expandable anchor to self-expand within the coronary sinus, anchoring the proximal expandable anchor against movement within the coronary sinus, and withdrawing the delivery system from the coronary sinus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, David G. REUTER
  • Publication number: 20160338833
    Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, David G. REUTER
  • Patent number: 9408695
    Abstract: A device affects the mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes a first anchor configured to be positioned within and anchored to the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart and a second anchor configured to be positioned within the coronary sinus of the heart proximal to the first anchor and adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart. The second anchor, when deployed, anchors against distal movement and is moveable in a proximal direction. The device further includes a connecting member having a fixed length permanently attached to the first and second anchors. As a result, when the first and second anchors are within the coronary sinus with the first anchor anchored in the coronary sinus, the second anchor may be displaced proximally to affect the geometry of the mitral valve annulus and released to maintain the effect on the mitral valve geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CARDIAC DIMENSIONS PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 7503931
    Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Kowalsky, Gregory D. Nieminen, Ryan H. Braxtan, Mark L. Mathis
  • Publication number: 20080140191
    Abstract: A device affects the mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes a first anchor configured to be positioned within and anchored to the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart and a second anchor configured to be positioned within the coronary sinus of the heart proximal to the first anchor and adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart. The second anchor, when deployed, anchors against distal movement and is moveable in a proximal direction. The device further includes a connecting member having a fixed length permanently attached to the first and second anchors. As a result, when the first and second anchors are within the coronary sinus with the first anchor anchored in the coronary sinus, the second anchor may be displaced proximally to affect the geometry of the mitral valve annulus and released to maintain the effect on the mitral valve geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 6976995
    Abstract: A device effects the mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes first and second anchors configured to be positioned within the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus of the heart and a fixed length connecting member permanently attached to the first and second anchors. With the first anchor anchored in the coronary sinus, the second anchor may be displaced proximally to effect the geometry of the mitral valve annulus and released to maintain the effect on the mitral valve geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Patent number: 6964683
    Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Kowalsky, Gregory D. Nieminen, Ryan H. Braxtan, Mark L. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6960229
    Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, David G. Reuter
  • Publication number: 20040243228
    Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Leonard Kowalsky, Gregory D. Nieminen, Ryan H. Braxtan, Mark L. Mathis