Patents by Inventor Mark L. Mathis
Mark L. Mathis 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).
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Patent number: 12661123Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape as the devices are deployed into the tissue. This action causes the pulmonary treatment devices to corkscrew into damaged tissue, becoming sufficiently entwined to allow pulling of the tissue by retraction of the device. This in turn re-tensions the lung causing lung volume reduction.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2025Date of Patent: June 23, 2026Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz
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Patent number: 12622724Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: May 12, 2026Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Publication number: 20260108248Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape as the devices are deployed into the tissue. This action causes the pulmonary treatment devices to corkscrew into damaged tissue, becoming sufficiently entwined to allow pulling of the tissue by retraction of the device. This in turn re-tensions the lung causing lung volume reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2025Publication date: April 23, 2026Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz
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Patent number: 12558099Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of invertible pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape. In these embodiments, a portion of the device is invertible. Thus, each device is able to store energy at least in the inversion, wherein the energy is utilized to continually tension the lung as the device relaxes toward its original shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2022Date of Patent: February 24, 2026Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz, Ryan Braxtan
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Patent number: 12426916Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2025Date of Patent: September 30, 2025Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Patent number: 12419664Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2025Date of Patent: September 23, 2025Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Publication number: 20250268601Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape as the devices are deployed into the tissue. This action causes the pulmonary treatment devices to corkscrew into damaged tissue, becoming sufficiently entwined to allow pulling of the tissue by retraction of the device. This in turn re-tensions the lung causing lung volume reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2025Publication date: August 28, 2025Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz
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Publication number: 20250248734Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2025Publication date: August 7, 2025Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Publication number: 20250241674Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2025Publication date: July 31, 2025Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Publication number: 20240382309Abstract: In some instances, it is desired to restrict or block airflow to a region of the lung such as to replicate the effects of lung volume reduction surgery. This may be achieved with the use of a pulmonary treatment valve that is implanted minimally invasively without the need for surgery. In some instances, such a valve allows air to flow out of the lobe through the valve when the patient exhales but blocks air from entering the lobe during inhalation. This facilitates emptying the lobe of air over time. This has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of a population of patients suffering from emphysema. In other instances, the airflow is reduced or restricted rather than blocked. And in still other instances, the airflow is restricted upon exhalation and blocked upon inhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2022Publication date: November 21, 2024Inventors: Brennen Van Voorhees, Michael W. Lau, Mark L. Mathis, Kevin Mitz
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Publication number: 20240285307Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2024Publication date: August 29, 2024Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Publication number: 20220387046Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of invertible pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape. In these embodiments, a portion of the device is invertible. Thus, each device is able to store energy at least in the inversion, wherein the energy is utilized to continually tension the lung as the device relaxes toward its original shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz, Ryan Braxtan, Christoph Steven
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Publication number: 20220346828Abstract: Systems and methods involve abrading a patient lung airway wall to reduce mucus production therein. Exemplary techniques include rotationally and/or linearly oscillating an abrasive material against the airway wall so as to damage mucus producing tissues, for example by removing goblet cells, while destroying less than the entire airway wall. The abrasive material may be present on the surface of an expandable balloon body or another expandable device, which can be delivered to the patient treatment site via a bronchoscope. In some cases, the abrasion techniques can cause cell damage or death at a controlled or predetermined tissue depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventor: Mark L. Mathis
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Patent number: 11452603Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, Nathan Aronson, Garrett R. Beget
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Patent number: 11311380Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Cardiac Dimensions Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Gregory D. Nieminen, Nathan Aronson, Garrett R. Beget
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Publication number: 20210330460Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Mark L. MATHIS, Gregory D. NIEMINEN, Nathan ARONSON, Garrett R. BEGET
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Publication number: 20210186512Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. A variety of embodiments are provided, including pulmonary treatment devices that move portions of lung tissue around a rotational axis into a torqued configuration, anchoring such tissue in place for improved breathing mechanics.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Applicant: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz, Ryan Braxtan
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Patent number: 10786257Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. A variety of embodiments are provided, including pulmonary treatment devices that move portions of lung tissue around a rotational axis into a torqued configuration, anchoring such tissue in place for improved breathing mechanics.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Free Flow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Michael W. Lau, Kevin Mitz, Ryan Braxtan
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Publication number: 20200155165Abstract: A system for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a coil implant, wherein the coil implant is configured to increase tension of a lung having alveolar damage caused by a genetic disorder and thereby improve breathing function of the lung. The system includes a delivery system configured to deliver the coil implant into an airway of the lung, wherein the delivery system comprises a cartridge configured to retain the coil implant in a straight configuration. The coil implant is configured to recover to a non-straight, pre-determined shape upon deployment within the airway the lung of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: May 21, 2020Applicant: PneumRx, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Mathis, Kara Andersen Reiter
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Patent number: 10543053Abstract: A container for a medical device having a housing defining a cavity for receiving a device, such as a lung volume reduction coil, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the container includes a coupling zone external to the cavity, an exit aperture between the cavity and the coupling zone, and a bearing surface located within the cavity, the bearing surface, exit aperture and coupling zone defining an exit path along which the device can be moved for deployment from the container. The bearing surface is spaced from the exit aperture and arranged, together with the coupling zone, such that the exit path is substantially straight. In some embodiments, the cavity may be approximately cylindrical, and the bearing surface, the exit aperture, and the coupling zone are aligned such that the exit path extends in a direction that is substantially tangential to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: PneumRx, Inc.Inventors: David Lehrberg, Jeffrey W. Etter, Mark L. Mathis, Verna Rodriguez