Patents by Inventor Michael F. Wolf

Michael F. Wolf 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: 20220354632
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for tissue engineered grafts. The systems and methods can be used to make tissue engineered vascular grafts. The systems and methods use bioink deposited on a material having specified properties and matured under specified conditions to create the tissue engineered grafts having biomechanical properties tailored to a particular tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus W Reiterer, Kimberly A. Chaffin, Michael F. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20220354992
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tissue engineered synthetic support structures, such as grafts and patches are provided. The systems and methods can be used to make tissue engineered planar sheathes or meshes that can be fashioned into substantially planar or non-planar 3D tissue/organ structures adaptable to structure and organs within a human or mammalian body. The systems and methods can use bioink deposited on a material having specified properties and matured under specified conditions to create the tissue engineered planar sheathes or meshes having biomechanical and biological properties tailored to a particular tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicants: Medtronic Inc., Sofradim Production
    Inventors: Markus W. Reiterer, Kimberly A. Chaffin, Darlene P. Nebinger, Angela M. Throm Quinlan, Michael F. Wolf, Yves Bayon
  • Publication number: 20220126012
    Abstract: A method of establishing an anastomosis utilizing a harvested blood vessel includes connecting the blood vessel to an artery, thereby forming an anastomosis therebetween. The method further includes wrapping an outer surface of the blood vessel with a tubular support. The tubular support exerts a radially-inward force on the blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Michael F. Wolf, Kenenth J. Collier, Evan D. Epstein
  • Patent number: 10595868
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: VASCULAR GRAFT COLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20190239879
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Peter P. ZILLA, Nasser RAFIEE, Deon BEZUIDENHOUT, Thomas FRANZ, Mark YEOMAN, Hellmut C. BOWLES, Nareak DOUK, Michael F. WOLF, Paul HUMAN
  • Patent number: 10092293
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neograft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20170296192
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Peter P. ZILLA, Nasser RAFIEE, Deon BEZUIDENHOUT, Thomas FRANZ, Mark YEOMAN, Hellmut C. BOWLES, Nareak DOUK, Michael F. WOLF, Paul HUMAN
  • Patent number: 9517069
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Neograft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 9517121
    Abstract: A graft includes a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a blood vessel segment, carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Neograft Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140379010
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8906082
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20140039352
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8382814
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20120116495
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8172746
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Narenk Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20110295157
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8057537
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7998188
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Paul Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 7759120
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kps Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wolf, Laurie A. Yunker, Paul V. Trescony
  • Patent number: 7759099
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wolf, Laurie A. Yunker, Paul V. Trescony