Patents by Inventor Jeffrey LaPlante

Jeffrey LaPlante 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).

  • Splint assembly for improving cardiac function in hearts, and method for implanting the splint assembly
    Publication number: 20060149123
    Abstract: A splint assembly for placement transverse a heart chamber to reduce the heart chamber radius and improve cardiac function has a tension member formed of a braided cable with a covering. A fixed anchor assembly is attached to one end of the tension member and a leader for penetrating a heart wall and guiding the tension member through the heart is attached to the other end. An adjustable anchor assembly can be secured onto the tension member opposite to the side on which the fixed pad assembly is attached. The adjustable anchor assembly can be positioned along the tension member so as to adjust the length of the tension member extending between the fixed and adjustable anchor assemblies. The pad assemblies engage with the outside of the heart wall to hold the tension member in place transverse the heart chamber. A probe and marker delivery device is used to identify locations on the heart wall to place the splint assembly such that it will not interfere with internal heart structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Thomas Paulson, Todd Mortier, Cyril Schweich, Jeffrey LaPlante, David Kusz, Richard Schroeder
  • Splint assembly for improving cardiac function in hearts, and method for implanting the splint assembly
    Patent number: 7044905
    Abstract: A splint assembly for placement transverse a heart chamber to reduce the heart chamber radius and improve cardiac function has a tension member formed of a braided cable with a covering. A fixed anchor assembly is attached to one end of the tension member and a leader for penetrating a heart wall and guiding the tension member through the heart is attached to the other end. An adjustable anchor assembly can be secured onto the tension member opposite to the side on which the fixed pad assembly is attached. The adjustable anchor assembly can be positioned along the tension member so as to adjust the length of the tension member extending between the fixed and adjustable anchor assemblies. The pad assemblies engage with the outside of the heart wall to hold the tension member in place transverse the heart chamber. A probe and marker delivery device is used to identify locations on the heart wall to place the splint assembly such that it will not interfere with internal heart structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Myocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Vidlund, Thomas Paulson, Todd Mortier, Cyril Schweich, Jr., Jeffrey LaPlante, David Kusz, Richard Schroeder