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).

  • Patent number: 12369918
    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: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal Eigler, Erez Rozenfeld, Nir Nae, Nathan Bukhdruker, Lior Rosen, James S. Whiting, John Wardle, Werner Hafelfinger
  • Patent number: 12343287
    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: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
  • Patent number: 12336936
    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: April 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Patent number: 12296122
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Nir Nae, Neal Eigler, Lior Rosen, Erez Rozenfeld, Werner Hafelfinger, John Wardle, James S. Whiting
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11135088
    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: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: IVANTIS INC.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Patent number: 11026836
    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 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: IVANTIS, INC.
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber
  • Publication number: 20210031040
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort such as from contact lenses. The methods generally include applying spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures located in an ocular or nasal region. The electrical stimulation may elicit a reflex that activates the lacrimal gland or may directly activate the lacrimal gland or nerves innervating the lacrimal gland to produce tears. The devices may be implantable or handheld, and may be configured to deliver the spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation patterns described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Mark Jeffrey Holdbrook
  • Patent number: 10835738
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Janusz Kuzma
  • Patent number: 10799696
    Abstract: Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Amitava Gupta, John Wardle, Christopher William Stivers, Anand Doraiswamy, Marie Dvorak Christ, F. Richard Christ
  • Patent number: D907791
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, John W. Lai, Natalie Catherine Vanns