Patents by Inventor J. Brent Ratz

J. Brent Ratz 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).

  • Publication number: 20230157814
    Abstract: A replacement mitral valve prosthesis includes a support structure and a valve body having three flexible leaflets. The support structure preferably includes an internal valve frame and an external sealing frame. The valve frame supports the flexible leaflets. The sealing frame is adapted to conform to the shape of the native mitral valve annulus. The sealing frame may be coupled to an inlet end of the valve frame, an outlet end of the valve frame, or both. A plurality of anchors is coupled to the outlet end of the valve frame. The anchors extend radially outwardly for placement behind native leaflets. The prosthesis preferably includes a skirt disposed along an exterior of the external sealing frame. The prosthesis is collapsible for delivery into the heart via a delivery catheter. The prosthesis is configured to self-expand for deployment in the heart when released from the delivery catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Travis Zenyo Oba, Matthew A. Peterson, Glen T. Rabito, Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, J. Brent Ratz, Seung-Beom Yi
  • Publication number: 20230120337
    Abstract: Methods are described herein for delivering a replacement valve to a native valve location. In one method, ventricular anchors of the replacement valve are released and allowed to reverse orientation while positioned in the atrium of a human heart. After reversing orientation, the ventricular anchors extend in a generally proximal direction. The ventricular anchors can then be advanced through the annulus into the ventricle and then moved back toward the atrium to capture native valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors of the replacement valve. In one modification, the ventricular anchors are allowed to reverse orientation at a level adjacent the annulus. The implantation methods described herein are preferably performed via a transseptal delivery approach or a transapical delivery approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Glen T. Rabito
  • Patent number: 11602433
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to prosthetic valves and methods and systems for deploying, positioning, and recapturing the same. A prosthetic valve includes one or more support structures. At least one of the one or more support structures defines an elongate central passageway of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve can also include a plurality of leaflet elements attached to at least one of the one or more support structures and disposed within the elongate central passageway for control of fluid flow through the elongate central passageway. At least one of the one or more support structures is configured to biodynamically fix the prosthetic valve within a native valve such as, for example, a native tricuspid valve of a heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: inQB8 Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri
  • Patent number: 11589983
    Abstract: A heart valve includes a valve body made of a flexible material such as pericardium. The valve body is made of two layers of material, an outer layer, and an inner layer that defines a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets of the inner layer are attached to the outer layer. In some embodiments the valve body is made by cutting a single piece of flat source tissue, folding the cut tissue and forming it into a tubular pattern having the inner and outer layers. The multi-layer valve body can be mounted on a stent for delivery within a patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Publication number: 20230046495
    Abstract: A replacement mitral valve prosthesis includes a support structure and a valve body having three flexible leaflets. The support structure preferably includes an internal valve frame and an external sealing frame. The valve frame supports the flexible leaflets. The sealing frame is adapted to conform to the shape of the native mitral valve annulus. The sealing frame may be coupled to an inlet end of the valve frame, an outlet end of the valve frame, or both. A plurality of anchors is coupled to the outlet end of the valve frame. The anchors extend radially outwardly for placement behind native leaflets. The prosthesis preferably includes a skirt disposed along an exterior of the external sealing frame. The prosthesis is collapsible for delivery into the heart via a delivery catheter. The prosthesis is configured to self-expand for deployment in the heart when released from the delivery catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Travis Zenyo Oba, Matthew A. Peterson, Glen T. Rabito, Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, J. Brent Ratz, Seung-Beom Yi
  • Publication number: 20230036909
    Abstract: A system or device for isolating pulmonary pressure from left atrial pressure and/or improving cardiac output. The device may be an implantable cardiac device comprising an intravascular shield. The system may comprise an intravascular shield and a trans-septal delivery sheath. The intravascular shield can be sized and configured to be positioned in a pulmonary vein or a left atrium to restrict fluid flow from the left atrium through one or more pulmonary veins to the lungs while allowing fluid flow from the lungs through the one or more pulmonary veins to the left atrium. The trans-septal delivery sheath can be configured to contain the intravascular shield in a collapsed configuration and deliver the intravascular shield to the left atrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Christopher William Stivers
  • Publication number: 20230014100
    Abstract: A replacement heart valve includes an expandable frame for engaging a native valve annulus and a valve body positioned within the expandable frame. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end. The replacement heart valve also includes an elongate upstream portion having an inflow diameter, a transition portion that flares outwardly, and a downstream portion configured to engage a native valve annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Patent number: 11510778
    Abstract: Methods are described herein for delivering a replacement valve to a native valve location. In one method, ventricular anchors of the replacement valve are released and allowed to reverse orientation while positioned in the atrium of a human heart. After reversing orientation, the ventricular anchors extend in a generally proximal direction. The ventricular anchors can then be advanced through the annulus into the ventricle and then moved back toward the atrium to capture native valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors of the replacement valve. In one modification, the ventricular anchors are allowed to reverse orientation at a level adjacent the annulus. The implantation methods described herein are preferably performed via a transseptal delivery approach or a transapical delivery approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Glen T. Rabito
  • Patent number: 11504229
    Abstract: A replacement mitral valve prosthesis includes a support structure and a valve body having three flexible leaflets. The support structure preferably includes an internal valve frame and an external sealing frame. The valve frame supports the flexible leaflets. The sealing frame is adapted to conform to the shape of the native mitral valve annulus. The sealing frame may be coupled to an inlet end of the valve frame, an outlet end of the valve frame, or both. A plurality of anchors is coupled to the outlet end of the valve frame. The anchors extend radially outwardly for placement behind native leaflets. The prosthesis preferably includes a skirt disposed along an exterior of the external sealing frame. The prosthesis is collapsible for delivery into the heart via a delivery catheter. The prosthesis is configured to self-expand for deployment in the heart when released from the delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Zenyo Oba, Matthew A. Peterson, Glen T. Rabito, Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, J. Brent Ratz, Seung-Beom Yi
  • Publication number: 20220331102
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery systems for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components, including a flexible nose cone, multi-layer sheath, and pre-compressed shaft, which can be moveable relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Yen Liao, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Alexander H. Cooper, Glen T. Rabito, Siddharth Vad, Luca Pesce, Kevin M. Stewart, David Robert Landon
  • Publication number: 20220323207
    Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Patent number: 11452597
    Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Publication number: 20220249225
    Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the frame can have a larger cross-sectional dimension in a middle portion of the frame and a smaller cross-sectional dimension in a proximal portion and a distal portion of the frame, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal and distal portions. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends, the entire anchor may loop out from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Luca Pesce
  • Patent number: 11389292
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery systems for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components, including a flexible nose cone, multi-layer sheath, and pre-compressed shaft, which can be moveable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Yen Liao, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Alexander H. Cooper, Glen T. Rabito, Siddharth Vad, Luca Pesce, Kevin M. Stewart, David Robert Landon
  • Patent number: 11376119
    Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Publication number: 20220151782
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. A delivery component can have a plurality of slots that provide for desired bending of the delivery component, particularly compound bending of the delivery component that can facilitate steering of the delivery component in three dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Glen T. Rabito, J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Kevin M. Stewart, Patrick Chow
  • Patent number: 11324591
    Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the frame can have a larger cross-sectional dimension in a middle portion of the frame and a smaller cross-sectional dimension in a proximal portion and a distal portion of the frame, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal and distal portions. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends, the entire anchor may loop out from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Luca Pesce
  • Patent number: 11324594
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to prosthetic valves and methods and systems for deploying, positioning, and recapturing the same. A prosthetic valve includes one or more support structures. At least one of the one or more support structures defines an elongate central passageway of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve can also include a plurality of leaflet elements attached to at least one of the one or more support structures and disposed within the elongate central passageway for control of fluid flow through the elongate central passageway. At least one of the one or more support structures is configured to biodynamically fix the prosthetic valve within a native valve such as, for example, a native tricuspid valve of a heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: inQB8 Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri
  • Publication number: 20220087816
    Abstract: Described herein are prosthetic heart valves and methods for improving the functionality of native heart valves. An exemplary prosthetic heart valve may include one or more support structures, in which at least one support structure defines an elongate central passageway having a longitudinal. The prosthetic heart valve may include a plurality of leaflet elements attached to the at least one support structure and disposed within the elongate central passageway for control of blood flow through the elongate central passageway. The at least one support structure may be configured to biodynamically fix the prosthetic heart valve to native leaflets of a native heart valve of a heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: inQB8 Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Christopher Stivers
  • Patent number: 11253364
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. A delivery component can have a plurality of slots that provide for desired bending of the delivery component, particularly compound bending of the delivery component that can facilitate steering of the delivery component in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Glen T. Rabito, J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Kevin M. Stewart, Patrick Chow