Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Michlitsch
Kenneth J. Michlitsch 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: 11484405Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 10420606Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20180104005Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20180104055Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9827041Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20170319336Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9757193Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9744035Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20170189176Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Amr Salahieh, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9591879Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting the external ear from the elements, heat, cold, wind, rain and/or snow. In some embodiments, an ear protector comprises a conforming anchor with an opening through which the external ear may be passed. The ear protector further comprises an insulating outer covering that, in combination with the anchor, forms the ear protector with a chamber positioned between the outer covering and the anchor. During use, the chamber is configured to receive the external ear, with the anchor's opening conformably positioned in proximity to at least a portion of the ear's root. The perimeter of the conforming anchor's opening resiliently deforms during passage of the external ear through the opening and into the chamber, and then conforms to the geometry of at least a portion of the ear root in order to securely and comfortably maintain the ear protector in position over the external ear without additional external support.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventors: Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Jane P. Bearinger
-
Patent number: 9510817Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably dispose through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Laduca, Robert A. Vaughan, Chris Rothe, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20160331448Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9469871Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fully integrated, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostic instrument that optionally may be used in a multiplexed fashion to detect multiple target nucleic acid sequences of interest and that optionally may be configured for disposal after one-time use. The instrument preferable utilizes an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to reduce the instrumentation requirements associated with nucleic acid amplification. Detection of target amplification may be achieved, for example, via detection of a color shift or fluorescence in a dye added to the amplification reaction. Such detection may be performed visually by an operator or may be achieved utilizing an imaging technique, e.g., spectrophotometric imaging.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: CORPOROS INC.Inventors: Jane P. Bearinger, Scott Castanon, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Patent number: 9456829Abstract: A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow it to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues; at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shaft and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Amendia, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Jeffery L. Bleich, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, John E. Ashley
-
Publication number: 20160095659Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
-
Publication number: 20160095654Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
-
Publication number: 20160095655Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
-
Publication number: 20160068896Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fully integrated, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostic instrument that optionally may be used in a multiplexed fashion to detect multiple target nucleic acid sequences of interest and that optionally may be configured for disposal after one-time use. The instrument preferable utilizes an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to reduce the instrumentation requirements associated with nucleic acid amplification. Detection of target amplification may be achieved, for example, via detection of a color shift or fluorescence in a dye added to the amplification reaction. Such detection may be performed visually by an operator or may be achieved utilizing an imaging technique, e.g., spectrophotometric imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Jane P. BEARINGER, Scott CASTANON, Kenneth J. MICHLITSCH
-
Publication number: 20160022418Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
-
Publication number: 20160000498Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch