Patents by Inventor John Wardle

John Wardle 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: 20240390184
    Abstract: A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Patent number: 12076273
    Abstract: A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20240269000
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20240269462
    Abstract: A system and methods and disclosed for extending a previously implanted lead for connecting to an internal pulse generator (IPG), or for extending the lead to a new tissue target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Manfred FRANKE, John WARDLE, Stephan NIEUWOUDT, Emily SZABO, Shaher AHMAD
  • Publication number: 20240245432
    Abstract: A system for minimally invasive removal of small implanted devices, without surgery or open cut down, by blunt separation from tissue. An introducer tool penetrates tissue and a removal needle with rounded elements attaches the implant without cutting. Force limiting and smoothing also prevents implant from shearing during removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Amelia HOWE, John WARDLE, Stephan NIEUWOUDT, Manfred FRANKE, Morgan MCGAUGHEY, Shaher AHMAD, Jacob CONARD
  • Publication number: 20240216172
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Patent number: 11992437
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Patent number: 11918514
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20230191093
    Abstract: Devices are provided with an internal dimension that can be reduced and increased in vivo. In one example, an interatrial shunt for placement at an atrial septum of a patient’s heart includes a body. The body includes first and second regions coupled in fluid communication by a neck region. The body includes a shape-memory material. The body defines a passageway through the neck region for blood to flow between a first atrium and a second atrium. The first and second regions are superelastic at body temperature, and the neck region is malleable at body temperature. A flow area of the passageway through the neck region may be adjusted in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: V-Wave Ltd
    Inventors: Nir NAE, Nathan BUKHDRUKER, John WARDLE, James S. WHITING, Lior ROSEN, Erez ROZENFELD, Werner HAFELFINGER, Neal EIGLER
  • Publication number: 20230165711
    Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm’s canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm’s canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm’s canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm’s canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm’s canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew Thomas Schieber, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Publication number: 20230107345
    Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 11596546
    Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Patent number: 11504275
    Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 11464675
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20220151784
    Abstract: Interatrial shunts having incorporated physiologic sensors are provided for monitoring and treating cardiovascular syndromes, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, in which the one or more sensors are affixed to the shunt to measure a physiologic parameter within the interatrial shunt. The shunt may include an anchor having a first flared region, a second flared region, and a neck region disposed between the first flared region and the second flared region, and a biocompatible covering disposed on the anchor to form a lumen. The one or more sensors may be pivotally coupled to the first flared region such that the one or more sensors may transition between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration where the sensing surface of the one or more sensors is in fluid communication with the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal EIGLER, Erez ROZENFELD, Nir NAE, Lior ROSEN, James S. WHITING, John WARDLE, Werner HAFELFINGER, James D. LOUDIN, Brian M. MANN
  • Publication number: 20220151618
    Abstract: Interatrial shunts having incorporated physiologic sensors are provided for monitoring and treating cardiovascular syndromes, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, in which the one or more sensors are affixed to the shunt to measure a physiologic parameter within the interatrial shunt. The one or more sensors may be directly affixed to or within a lumenal surface of the shunt or may be disposed on a support structure in a spaced relation to the shunt lumen, the one or more sensors disposed at locations subject to little or no pannus formation or cardiac wall motion artifact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal EIGLER, Erez ROZENFELD, Nir NAE, Nathan BUKHDRUKER, Lior ROSEN, James S. WHITING, John WARDLE, Werner HAFELFINGER
  • Publication number: 20220096271
    Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Patent number: 11234702
    Abstract: Interatrial shunts having incorporated physiologic sensors are provided for monitoring and treating cardiovascular syndromes, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, in which the one or more sensors are affixed to the shunt to measure a physiologic parameter within the interatrial shunt. The one or more sensors may be directly affixed to or within a lumenal surface of the shunt or may be disposed on a support structure in a spaced relation to the shunt lumen, the one or more sensors disposed at locations subject to little or no pannus formation or cardiac wall motion artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal Eigler, Erez Rozenfeld, Nir Nae, Nathan Bukhdruker, Lior Rosen, James S. Whiting, John Wardle, Werner Hafelfinger
  • Publication number: 20210361479
    Abstract: A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of an eye. The method includes the steps of inserting a distal end of a cannula through a cornea of the eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, the cannula having a distal opening extending from the distal end and through a side wall; placing the distal opening of the cannula into fluid communication with Schlemm's canal; advancing the ocular implant distally through the cannula with a delivery tool engaged with the ocular implant, a proximal portion of the ocular implant engaging the delivery tool proximal to a distal portion of the delivery tool; and disengaging the ocular implant and the delivery tool when the proximal portion of the ocular implant reaches the cannula distal opening. The invention also includes a system for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER
  • Publication number: 20210330499
    Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: John WARDLE, Andrew T. SCHIEBER