Patents by Inventor Michael J. Girard

Michael J. Girard 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: 8468667
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for compressing a stent or a stent with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto, as well as a method for loading a stent into a medical delivery system. The device may comprise a compressing mechanism designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent accommodated within the compressing mechanism such that the cross-section of the stent is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The device may further comprise a manipulating mechanism moveable relative to the compressing mechanism for moving at least one clamping means in the radial direction in order to adjust the internal cross-sectional diameter of the compressing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: JenaValve Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Arnulf Mayer, Michael J. Girard, Randy Lane, Amir Miller
  • Patent number: 8465540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: JenaValve Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Michael J. Girard, Arnulf Mayer
  • Patent number: 8398704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: JenaValve Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Michael J. Girard, Arnulf Mayer
  • Publication number: 20120136201
    Abstract: A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Mardil, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Girard, J. Edward Shapland, Donald F. Palme, II
  • Publication number: 20120071905
    Abstract: In general, the present invention contemplates an implantable device for treating excessive bleeding in a body cavity. The device comprises a biocompatible material, for example polyethylene teraphathalate (PET), which is deliverable into the body cavity. The biocompatible material contains an attribute(s) that promotes tissue reaction or growth that results in a tissue response and/or adhesion formation within the body cavity to reduce or stop the excessive bleeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. GIRARD, Paul Danielson, James Elliott Coad, James Presthus, Karen Elizabeth Peterson, Douglas J. Duchon
  • Patent number: 8109868
    Abstract: A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mardil, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Girard, James Edward Shapland, Donald F. Palme, II
  • Patent number: 8100821
    Abstract: A delivery device for efficiently delivering a cardiac support device of the type having a jacket. The device includes a body, a deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The deployment mechanism is for releasable connection to a cardiac support device and movable within the jacket between retracted and extended states to drive the jacket between collapsed and open configurations. At least portions of the deployment mechanism within the jacket have a lubricious surface to substantially reduce friction between the jacket and a heart onto which the jacket is being positioned. The actuating mechanism moves the deployment mechanism between the retracted and extended states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mardil, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Hjelle, Louis Labrousse, Robert G. Walsh, Paul Andrew Pignato, Michael J. Girard
  • Publication number: 20110295363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve (100) for an endoprosthesis (1) used in the treatment of a stenotic cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. The prosthetic heart valve (100) comprises of a plurality of leaflets (102), which consist of a natural and/or synthetic material and have a first opened position for opening the heart chamber and a second closed position for closing the heart chamber, the leaflets (102) being able to switch between their first and second position in response to the blood flow through the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Girard, Randy Lane, Arnulf Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110208290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Michael J. Girard, Arnulf Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110166413
    Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Mardil, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton A. ALFERNESS, Donald G. ROHRBAUGH, James Edward SHAPLAND, Michael J. GIRARD, Donald F. PALME, II, James E. COX
  • Publication number: 20100292780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1a-1d) for compressing a stent (100) or a stent (100) with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto. The invention further relates to a system as well as a method for loading a stent (100) into a medical delivery system. The device (1a-1d) according to the invention comprises a compressing mechanism (10a-10d), within which a stent (100) to be compressed can be at least partly accommodated, wherein the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) comprises externally-manipulatable clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.n) and is designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent (100) accommodated within the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) such that the cross-section of the stent (100) is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The inventive device (1a-1d) further comprises a manipulating mechanism (40a-40d) for manipulating the at least one clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Arnulf Mayer, Michael J. Girard, Randy Lane, Amir Miller
  • Publication number: 20100274075
    Abstract: A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ACORN CARDIOVASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. GIRARD, J. Edward SHAPLAND, Donald F. PALME, II
  • Publication number: 20100249923
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into a patient. The valve re-expands to operating size at the implant site in the patient. A frame structure of the valve includes restraining structure that can help to push one or more of the patient's native heart valve leaflets radially outwardly so that this native leaflet tissue does not interfere with the operation or service life of the prosthetic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Yousef F. Alkhatib, Michael J. Girard
  • Publication number: 20100185050
    Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ACORN CARDIOVASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Clifton A. ALFERNESS, Donald G. ROHRBAUGH, J. Edward SHAPLAND, Michael J. GIRARD, Donald F. PALME, II, James E. COX
  • Publication number: 20090131743
    Abstract: A delivery device for efficiently delivering a cardiac support device of the type having a jacket. The device includes a body, a deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The deployment mechanism is for releasable connection to a cardiac support device and movable within the jacket between retracted and extended states to drive the jacket between collapsed and open configurations. At least portions of the deployment mechanism within the jacket have a lubricious surface to substantially reduce friction between the jacket and a heart onto which the jacket is being positioned. The actuating mechanism moves the deployment mechanism between the retracted and extended states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. HJELLE, Louis Labrousse, Robert G. Walsh, Paul Andrew Pignato, Michael J. Girard
  • Patent number: 7326174
    Abstract: A device for treating cardiac disease of a heart having an upper portion and a lower portion divided by an A-V groove, the device including a jacket adapted to be secured to the heart, and a non-adherent material in association with the jacket. The jacket is fabricated from a flexible material defining a volume between an upper and a lower end, the jacket being adapted to be adjusted on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and permit substantially unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. As a result of the flexible material, the jacket allows unimpeded diastolic filling of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cox, Michael J. Girard, Donald F. Palme, II, Donald G. Rohrbaugh, Hani N. Sabbah, J. Edward Shapland, II, Robert G. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20080004488
    Abstract: A delivery device for efficiently delivering a cardiac support device of the type having a jacket. The device includes a body, a deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The deployment mechanism is for releasable connection to a cardiac support device and movable within the jacket between retracted and extended states to drive the jacket between collapsed and open configurations. At least portions of the deployment mechanism within the jacket have a lubricious surface to substantially reduce friction between the jacket and a heart onto which the jacket is being positioned. The actuating mechanism moves the deployment mechanism between the retracted and extended states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Hjelle, Louis Labrousse, Robert G. Walsh, Paul Andrew Pignato, Michael J. Girard
  • Patent number: 6951534
    Abstract: A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Girard, J. Edward Shapland, Donald F. Palme, II
  • Patent number: 6902524
    Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Donald G. Rohrbaugh, J. Edward Shapland, Michael J. Girard, Donald F. Palme, II, James E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20040102679
    Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Donald G. Rohrbaugh, J. Edward Shapland, Michael J. Girard, Donald F. Palme, James E. Cox