Patents by Inventor Neal E. Fearnot

Neal E. Fearnot 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: 12121631
    Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignees: Muffin Incorporated, Cook Myosite Incorporated, Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Chad E. Johnson, Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas Payne, Ronald Jankowski
  • Patent number: 12011151
    Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignees: Muffin Incorporated, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Toby Rogers, Kanishka Ratnayaka, Robert L. Lederman
  • Publication number: 20230285018
    Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
  • Patent number: 11678884
    Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory James Hardy, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., William J. Havel, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, Rita Hadley
  • Publication number: 20220296351
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a multilaminate or multiple layer implantable surgical graft with an illustrative graft comprising a remodelable collagenous sheet material, the graft including one or more interweaving members to stitch together the graft to help prevent the layers from delaminating or separating during handling and the initial stages of remodeling. The interweaving members may comprise lines of suture, thread, individual stitches, strips of material, etc. that are woven through the layers of biomaterial in a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the interweaving members comprise a pharmacologically active substance, such as a drug, growth factors, etc. to elicit a desired biological response in the host tissue. In another embodiment, the graft further comprises a reinforcing material, such as a synthetic mesh, within the layers of remodelable biomaterial and stitched together by one or more interweaving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Umesh H. Patel, Jeffrey Miller, Neal E. Fearnot, Mark W. Bleyer
  • Patent number: 11439384
    Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Michelle Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot
  • Publication number: 20220280696
    Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicants: Muffin Incorporated, Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Chad E. Johnson, Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas Payne, Ronald Jankowski
  • Publication number: 20220265427
    Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, William J. Havel, Rita Hadley, Yun Zhou
  • Patent number: 11351021
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a multilaminate or multiple layer implantable surgical graft with an illustrative graft comprising a remodelable collagenous sheet material, the graft including one or more interweaving members to stitch together the graft to help prevent the layers from delaminating or separating during handling and the initial stages of remodeling. The interweaving members may comprise lines of suture, thread, individual stitches, strips of material, etc. that are woven through the layers of biomaterial in a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the interweaving members comprise a pharmacologically active substance, such as a drug, growth factors, etc. to elicit a desired biological response in the host tissue. In another embodiment, the graft further comprises a reinforcing material, such as a synthetic mesh, within the layers of remodelable biomaterial and stitched together by one or more interweaving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Umesh H. Patel, Jeffrey Miller, Neal E. Fearnot, Mark W. Bleyer
  • Patent number: 11317892
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable about the wire guide channel and the transducer is driven by a cable or other device that is connected to a motor which is located outside the catheter. In one form, a torque cable connects the transducer to the motor. In other embodiments, a pusher piece having a plurality of lumens is positioned in the catheter. Each of the lumens is sized to receive a cable, wire, and/or flushing fluid. The lumens maintain the orientation and separation of the cables, wires, and/or to flushing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Sarah Robbins, Yun Zhou, Peter S. McKinnis, Marc C. Buhrmester
  • Patent number: 11261423
    Abstract: Described are medical products, methods, and cryogenic bags or other containers suitable for storing and/or transporting and/or processing cellular compositions and other related materials. In certain aspects, the contents of such cryogenic bags may be warmed, mixed, and applied to a patient. Medical products described herein find particular use in treating diseased and/or damaged tissue such as in wound repair and/or bone repair. Related methods of manufacture are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventor: Neal E. Fearnot
  • Publication number: 20220008060
    Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicants: Muffin Incorporated, National Institutes of Health, an Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, JR., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Toby Rogers, Kanishka Ratnayaka, Robert L. Lederman
  • Patent number: 11213392
    Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Gregory James Hardy, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Neal E. Fearnot, William J. Havel, Rita Hadley, Yun Zhou
  • Patent number: 11173231
    Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: Muffin Incorporated, Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Chad E. Johnson, Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas Payne, Ronald Jankowski
  • Patent number: 11077231
    Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Chad E. Johnson, Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas Payne, Ronald Jankowski
  • Patent number: 11071535
    Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: Muffin Incorporated, National Institutes of Health, DHHS
    Inventors: Shaun Davis Gittard, Gregory James Hardy, John C. Sigmon, Jr., Jeremy T. Newkirk, William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Toby Rogers, Kanishka Ratnayaka, Robert L. Lederman
  • Patent number: 11071521
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Sarah Robbins, Peter S. McKinnis, Yun Zhou, Neal E. Fearnot
  • Publication number: 20210093452
    Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Neal E. Fearnot, Jeremy T. Newkirk, Shaun Davis Gittard, John C. Sigmon, JR., Gregory James Hardy, Rita Hadley
  • Patent number: 10945825
    Abstract: Intravascular devices and systems useful for blocking the opening of an aneurysm or a vessel branch are disclosed. In some aspects, the disclosure provides arrangements that align a covering material of a stent graft with an opening in the vessel wall before, during, and/or after expansion of the stent graft within the vasculature of a patient. In some instances, systems and devices include a sheath with a side aperture arranged to align a portion of the sheath and/or a portion of a stent graft contained within the sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Similarly, the present disclosure also provides embodiments in which the stent graft comprises an aligning member arranged to align the stent graft and/or a sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Neal E. Fearnot, Palle Munk Hansen
  • Patent number: 10807743
    Abstract: A filling and sealing system is provided for efficiently filling a series of individual vials with therapeutic liquids. In particular embodiments, the system includes a filling zone or station, a sealing zone or station, an unloading zone or station, and electronic controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard B. Sisken, James Thomas Jones, Charles Leland Baxter, Marc C. Buhrmester, William J. Havel, James D. Purdy, Neal E. Fearnot, Kyle D. Amick