Patents by Inventor Keif M. Fitzgerald

Keif M. Fitzgerald 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: 20240424285
    Abstract: Sensors for catheter pumps are disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a cannula coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The cannula can have a proximal port for permitting the flow of blood therethrough. The catheter assembly can include a sensor to be disposed near the proximal port. A processing unit can be programmed to process a signal detected by the sensor. The processing unit can comprise a computer-readable set of rules to evaluate the signal to determine a position of the cannula relative to an aortic valve of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Richard L. Keenan, Veronica J. Neiman
  • Patent number: 12168120
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a motor assembly, the motor assembly comprising a chamber and a shaft-driving portion disposed in the chamber. The shaft-driving portion can be configured to impart rotation to the impeller through the shaft assembly. The chamber can be filled with a gas that at least partially surrounds the shaft-driving portion. A fluid pathway can convey fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A bypass pathway can be in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the bypass pathway configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid to bypass the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20240358997
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. A motor assembly can impart rotation on the impeller through the shaft assembly, the motor assembly comprising a motor which rotates the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a fluid pathway which conveys fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A seal can be disposed between the motor assembly and the impeller. The seal can be configured to impede or prevent the fluid from the fluid pathway from entering the motor assembly at least about an outer periphery of the shaft assembly. The seal can comprise an opening through which a portion of the shaft assembly extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20240316335
    Abstract: A method of coupling components of a catheter pump assembly includes providing an elongate polymeric tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, and also providing a metallic tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The method further includes positioning a mechanical interface having a first interface zone and a second interface zone such that the first interface zone is disposed over a portion of the elongate polymeric tubular body adjacent to the distal end thereof. The method also includes flowing the polymer into the first interface zone, whereby the elongate polymeric tubular body becomes joined with the first interface zone of the mechanical interface, and coupling the metallic tubular body with the second interface zone of the mechanical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Richard L. Keenan, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Veronica J. Neiman, Phyllis Yuen
  • Patent number: 12059559
    Abstract: Sensors for catheter pumps are disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a cannula coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The cannula can have a proximal port for permitting the flow of blood therethrough. The catheter assembly can include a sensor to be disposed near the proximal port. A processing unit can be programmed to process a signal detected by the sensor. The processing unit can comprise a computer-readable set of rules to evaluate the signal to determine a position of the cannula relative to an aortic valve of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Richard L. Keenan, Veronica J. Neiman
  • Publication number: 20240215966
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter, a recovery sheath, and an outer sheath assembly. The catheter includes an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof. The recovery sheath is disposed around a proximal section of the catheter body, and is sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein. The recovery sheath is axially movable relative to the catheter body. The outer sheath assembly includes an outer sheath disposed over the catheter body. The outer sheath includes an elongate body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, where the proximal end of the outer sheath body is positioned distally of the recovery sheath. The outer sheath includes a retention section sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein and constrain the expandable medical device in a stored configuration. The outer sheath is removable from the catheter body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Keif M. Fitzgerald, Mojan Kassayan, Ted Su
  • Publication number: 20240216652
    Abstract: A catheter pump includes a catheter body having at least one lumen therethrough and comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An expandable impeller assembly includes an expandable impeller and an expandable cannula coupled to the distal end of the catheter body and housing the expandable impeller, the expandable cannula comprising a substantially straight segment having a distal inlet and a proximal outlet, the substantially straight segment configured to straddle an aortic valve. The catheter body comprises a proximal vessel contact zone and a distal vessel contact zone that are each proximal to the substantially straight segment, the proximal vessel contact zone and distal vessel contact zone configured to provide a force against an aortic arch to stabilize the expandable impeller assembly across the aortic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Richard L. Keenan, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Veronica J. Neiman, Phyllis Yuen
  • Patent number: 12011582
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. A motor assembly can impart rotation on the impeller through the shaft assembly, the motor assembly comprising a motor which rotates the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a fluid pathway which conveys fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A seal can be disposed between the motor assembly and the impeller. The seal can be configured to impede or prevent the fluid from the fluid pathway from entering the motor assembly at least about an outer periphery of the shaft assembly. The seal can comprise an opening through which a portion of the shaft assembly extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20240181239
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. A motor assembly can impart rotation on the impeller through the shaft assembly, the motor assembly comprising a motor which rotates the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a fluid pathway which conveys fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A seal can be disposed between the motor assembly and the impeller. The seal can be configured to impede or prevent the fluid from the fluid pathway from entering the motor assembly at least about an outer periphery of the shaft assembly. The seal can comprise an opening through which a portion of the shaft assembly extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20240165396
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a motor assembly, the motor assembly comprising a chamber and a shaft-driving portion disposed in the chamber. The shaft-driving portion can be configured to impart rotation to the impeller through the shaft assembly. The chamber can be filled with a gas that at least partially surrounds the shaft-driving portion. A fluid pathway can convey fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A bypass pathway can be in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the bypass pathway configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid to bypass the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11964144
    Abstract: A method of coupling components of a catheter pump assembly includes providing an elongate polymeric tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, and also providing a metallic tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The method further includes positioning a mechanical interface having a first interface zone and a second interface zone such that the first interface zone is disposed over a portion of the elongate polymeric tubular body adjacent to the distal end thereof. The method also includes flowing the polymer into the first interface zone, whereby the elongate polymeric tubular body becomes joined with the first interface zone of the mechanical interface, and coupling the metallic tubular body with the second interface zone of the mechanical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Keenan, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Veronica J. Neiman, Phyllis Yuen
  • Patent number: 11964119
    Abstract: A catheter pump includes a catheter body having at least one lumen therethrough, and comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An expandable impeller assembly includes an expandable impeller and an expandable cannula coupled to the distal end of the catheter body and housing the expandable impeller, the expandable cannula comprising a substantially straight segment having a distal inlet and a proximal outlet, the substantially straight segment configured to straddle an aortic valve. The catheter body comprises a proximal vessel contact zone and a distal vessel contact zone that are each proximal to the substantially straight segment, the proximal vessel contact zone and distal vessel contact zone configured to provide a force against an aortic arch to stabilize the expandable impeller assembly across the aortic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Keenan, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Veronica J. Neiman, Phyllis Yuen
  • Patent number: 11963671
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter, a recovery sheath, and an outer sheath assembly. The catheter includes an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof. The recovery sheath is disposed around a proximal section of the catheter body, and is sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein. The recovery sheath is axially movable relative to the catheter body. The outer sheath assembly includes an outer sheath disposed over the catheter body. The outer sheath includes an elongate body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, where the proximal end of the outer sheath body is positioned distally of the recovery sheath. The outer sheath includes a retention section sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein and constrain the expandable medical device in a stored configuration. The outer sheath is removable from the catheter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Keif M. Fitzgerald, Mojan Kassayan, Ted Su
  • Publication number: 20240082567
    Abstract: A fluid handling system includes a console configured to connect with a first electrical interface that is configured to connect to a plurality of components of the fluid handling system, the console including a second electrical interface configured to connect with the first electrical interface, a display, and one or more hardware processors. A control system includes the one or more hardware processors and a non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the control system to: detect an electrical signal from a first component of the plurality of components of the fluid handling system responsive to a caretaker performing a first instruction; determine a system state of the fluid handling system based at least in part on the electrical signal from the first component; compare the system state with a predetermined state condition corresponding to said first instruction; and output an indication on the display of the system state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: AIan L. Schenck, Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 11925795
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. A motor assembly can impart rotation on the impeller through the shaft assembly, the motor assembly comprising a motor which rotates the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a fluid pathway which conveys fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A seal can be disposed between the motor assembly and the impeller. The seal can be configured to impede or prevent the fluid from the fluid pathway from entering the motor assembly at least about an outer periphery of the shaft assembly. The seal can comprise an opening through which a portion of the shaft assembly extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11918800
    Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a motor assembly, the motor assembly comprising a chamber and a shaft-driving portion disposed in the chamber. The shaft-driving portion can be configured to impart rotation to the impeller through the shaft assembly. The chamber can be filled with a gas that at least partially surrounds the shaft-driving portion. A fluid pathway can convey fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A bypass pathway can be in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the bypass pathway configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid to bypass the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Michael R. Butler, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11850414
    Abstract: A fluid handling system includes a console configured to connect with a first electrical interface that is configured to connect to a plurality of components of the fluid handling system, the console including a second electrical interface configured to connect with the first electrical interface, a display, and one or more hardware processors. A control system includes the one or more hardware processors and a non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the control system to: detect an electrical signal from a first component of the plurality of components of the fluid handling system responsive to a caretaker performing a first instruction; determine a system state of the fluid handling system based at least in part on the electrical signal from the first component; compare the system state with a predetermined state condition corresponding to said first instruction; and output an indication on the display of the system state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Schenck, Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20230201561
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter pump is disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include an elongated catheter body having a distal portion including an expandable cannula having an inlet and an outlet. An impeller assembly can include an impeller shaft and one or more blades. The impeller blades can draw blood into the expandable cannula when rotated. Further, an expandable support can have a mounting portion disposed on the impeller shaft distal of the impeller body. The mounting portion can have a cylindrical member disposed on the impeller shaft and can include an enlarged distal portion having an inner diameter greater than the enlarged diameter at a distal end of the impeller shaft. Further, a re-sealable member can be disposed in the enlarged distal portion of the cylindrical member and can have a path through the re-sealable member through which a guidewire can be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Michael R. Butler, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Phyllis K. Yuen, Stephen D. Pacetti
  • Publication number: 20230190250
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter, a recovery sheath, and an outer sheath assembly. The catheter includes an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof. The recovery sheath is disposed around a proximal section of the catheter body, and is sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein. The recovery sheath is axially movable relative to the catheter body. The outer sheath assembly includes an outer sheath disposed over the catheter body. The outer sheath includes an elongate body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, where the proximal end of the outer sheath body is positioned distally of the recovery sheath. The outer sheath includes a retention section sized and shaped to receive the expandable medical device therein and constrain the expandable medical device in a stored configuration. The outer sheath is removable from the catheter body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Keif M. Fitzgerald, Mojan Kassayan, Ted Su
  • Publication number: 20230173254
    Abstract: A catheter pump includes an elongate cannula with a formed mesh structure extending cylindrically between opposing ends thereof. The formed mesh structure defines a pattern configured to be stably expandable and collapsible without fracturing in a percutaneous delivery and re-sheathing in the provision of mechanical circulatory support of a patient’s heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Keif M. Fitzgerald, Richard L. Keenan, William J. Harrison