Patents by Inventor Gregory James Hardy
Gregory James Hardy 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: 20230285018Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
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Patent number: 11678884Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
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Patent number: 11490790Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering an agent including a plurality of particles to a target site. In example embodiments, a system suitable for delivering an agent to a target site includes a catheter having a first wall defining a lumen sized for delivery of the agent to the target site. The catheter has a distal end terminating with a primary opening of the lumen, an opposing proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end. At least one secondary opening is formed at the distal end, wherein the secondary opening is configured to allow fluid to flow through the secondary opening to create a steady flow of fluid at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and prevent the plurality of particles from flowing through the secondary opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: John Crowder Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard
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Patent number: 11439384Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Michelle Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot
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Publication number: 20220265427Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, William J. Havel, Rita Hadley, Yun Zhou
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Publication number: 20220008060Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicants: Muffin Incorporated, National Institutes of Health, an Agency of the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, JR., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Toby Rogers, Kanishka Ratnayaka, Robert L. Lederman
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Patent number: 11213392Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, William J. Havel, Rita Hadley, Yun Zhou
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Patent number: 11071535Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignees: Muffin Incorporated, National Institutes of Health, DHHSInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Toby Rogers, Kanishka Ratnayaka, Robert L. Lederman
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Publication number: 20210093452Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Rita Hadley
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Publication number: 20200178963Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
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Patent number: 10568628Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
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Publication number: 20200022565Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering an agent including a plurality of particles to a target site. In example embodiments, a system suitable for delivering an agent to a target site includes a catheter having a first wall defining a lumen sized for delivery of the agent to the target site. The catheter has a distal end terminating with a primary opening of the lumen, an opposing proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end. At least one secondary opening is formed at the distal end, wherein the secondary opening is configured to allow fluid to flow through the secondary opening to create a steady flow of fluid at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and prevent the plurality of particles from flowing through the secondary opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: John Crowder Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard
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Publication number: 20190247043Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Michelle Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot
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Publication number: 20190247035Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, JR., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot
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Publication number: 20190151092Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2018Publication date: May 23, 2019Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, William J. Havel, Rita Hadley, Yun Zhou
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Publication number: 20180338763Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
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Patent number: 10045870Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support device for a gastrointestinal implant. The support device may include a lumen configured to extend through a submucosal tunnel and a mouth located at a proximal end of the lumen and in fluid communication with the lumen. The mouth may be configured to face proximally within a gastrointestinal tract to receive GI contents, and the mouth may be configured to direct the GI contents into the lumen. The support device may further include a support structure, where the lumen extends through the support structure, and where the support structure is configured to apply an outward radial force on an inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract. An artificial tunnel may extend distally from the support structure, may form at least a portion of the lumen, and may be configured to extend through the submucosal tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: John Crowder Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Shaun D. Gittard, Tyler Evans McLawhorn, Michelle D. Martinez, Vihar C. Surti
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Publication number: 20180049731Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of closure devices and systems for closing holes in tissue such as those caused unintentionally (e.g. hernia) or intentionally (e.g. openings in the right atrial appendage to access cardiac tissue). Such devices and systems include one or more mesh elements or anchors. In particular embodiments, a closure device includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for such closure devices are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley, Danny A. Sherwinter, Vihar C. Surti, Tyler E. McLawhorn
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Publication number: 20170354500Abstract: The present disclosure provides unique medical devices for treating prolapsing valves, as well as associated methods of forming and using those devices. The present disclosure provides cardiac valve implants configured to attach to or brace against patient tissue within the atrium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Michelle Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Tyler E. McLawhorn, John C. Sigmon, JR., Shaun Davis Gittard, Jillian F. Hrnicek, Gregory James Hardy