Patents by Inventor Luis A. Salazar

Luis A. Salazar 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).

  • Physiologic mitral valve implantation holding system
    Patent number: 5908450
    Abstract: A temporary holder for a physiologic mitral valve includes a structure which releasably clamps the annulus of the valve between the rim of a plate and a snap ring. The structure also includes a pair of papillary head holders which hold the papillary heads of the valve at a predetermined distance and angle from the annulus plate for optimum surgical positioning. The papillary heads are temporarily sutured to their holders and can be released by a simple scalpel stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gross, Mark C. S. Shu, Luis A. Salazar
  • Method and apparatus for testing of circumferentially compliant bioprosthetic valve
    Patent number: 5546820
    Abstract: A fixture for testing a circumferentially compliant bioprosthetic valve. The fixture comprises a silicone rubber simulated aorta which approximates the geometry of a healthy human aorta and a cradle for the aorta. The compliance characteristics of the aorta can be selected by varying the proportions of ingredients in the silicone rubber, so that simulated aortas of different compliance but identical geometries can be provided. The compliant valve is disposed inside the aorta and held in place by suturing or the like. In one embodiment, the aorta and valve are supported by means of a cylindrical cradle, with the inflow and outflow ends of the aorta being folded over cylindrical rims on the respective inflow and outflow ends of the cradle. End caps are then fitted in place over the folded-over ends of the aorta, the end caps having holes therein to allow flow through the aorta and valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol E. Eberhardt, Mark J. Capps, Luis Salazar
  • Method and apparatus for testing of circumferentially compliant bioprosthetic valve
    Patent number: 5406857
    Abstract: A fixture for testing a circumferentially compliant bioprosthetic valve. The fixture comprises a silicone rubber simulated aorta which approximates the geometry of a healthy human aorta and a cradle for the aorta. The compliance characteristics of the aorta can be selected by varying the proportions of ingredients in the silicone rubber, so that simulated aortas of different compliance but identical geometries can be provided. The compliant valve is disposed inside the aorta and held in place by suturing or the like. In one embodiment, the aorta and valve are supported by means of a cylindrical cradle, with the inflow and outflow ends of the aorta being folded over cylindrical rims on the respective inflow and outflow ends of the cradle. End caps are then fitted in place over the folded-over ends of the aorta, the end caps having holes therein to allow flow through the aorta and valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol E. Eberhardt, Mark J. Capps, Luis Salazar
  • Storage container for a heart valve
    Patent number: D345910
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Billie J. Millwee, Luis Salazar, Carol E. Eberhardt