Patents by Inventor Neil S. Zimmerman

Neil S. Zimmerman 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: 20240216136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve (i.e., mitral valve and/or tricuspid valve). For tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. There is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 11944538
    Abstract: A method of reducing regurgitation between native leaflets of an atrioventricular heart valve includes advancing a delivery catheter through a sheath, wherein the delivery catheter has a valve leaflet coaptation element mounted over a distal end portion. The coaptation element is positioned within the heart valve and is permitted to radially expand from a compressed configuration to an enlarged configuration for filling a gap between the native leaflets of the heart valve. After deployment, the position of the coaptation element is fixed relative to the heart valve, thereby reducing regurgitation between the native leaflets of the heart valve and improving heart function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20230105858
    Abstract: A system for reducing regurgitation includes a catheter and a coaptation member disposed along a distal end portion of the catheter, wherein the coaption member is sized to be advanced through a patient’s vasculature in a compressed configuration and wherein the coaptation member is expandable for deployment between leaflets of a native tricuspid valve. The coaptation member includes a frame covered with one or more panels of bioprosthetic tissue or flexible polymer to form a three-sided shape having three convex sides separated by rounded corners. An anchor is coupled to a proximal end portion of the catheter and is shaped for attachment to a vessel wall. After deployment, the anchor secures the position of the coaptation member relative to the native tricuspid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11523901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve or tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. A proximal anchoring feature fixes the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20220280291
    Abstract: A method of reducing regurgitation between native leaflets of an atrioventricular heart valve includes advancing a delivery catheter through a sheath, wherein the delivery catheter has a valve leaflet coaptation element mounted over a distal end portion. The coaptation element is positioned within the heart valve and is permitted to radially expand from a compressed configuration to an enlarged configuration for filling a gap between the native leaflets of the heart valve. After deployment, the position of the coaptation element is fixed relative to the heart valve, thereby reducing regurgitation between the native leaflets of the heart valve and improving heart function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 11344411
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10842630
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve: i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. The device includes a flexible anchor rail anchored in the tissue of the ventricle and an offset coaptation element on a catheter that rides over the anchor rail and is positionable between the valve leaflets. The proximal end of the coaptation catheter is fixed subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering over a foam interior, and is radially offset on the catheter so that the foam body projects away from the septal side of the valve to reduce or minimize deformation from contact with the septal wall of the ventricle. Markers on the coaptation element facilitate positioning in the desired rotational orientation during delivery and implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporationn
    Inventor: Neil S. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20200146819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve or tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. A proximal anchoring feature fixes the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10548727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20190240012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10285812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10206799
    Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Neil S. Zimmerman, Robert C. Taft, Eric R. Reuland, David L. Hauser
  • Publication number: 20190046319
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve: i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. The device includes a flexible anchor rail anchored in the tissue of the ventricle and an offset coaptation element on a catheter that rides over the anchor rail and is positionable between the valve leaflets. The proximal end of the coaptation catheter is fixed subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering over a foam interior, and is radially offset on the catheter so that the foam body projects away from the septal side of the valve to reduce or minimize deformation from contact with the septal wall of the ventricle. Markers on the coaptation element facilitate positioning in the desired rotational orientation during delivery and implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventor: Neil S. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10105226
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve: i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. The device includes a flexible anchor rail anchored in the tissue of the ventricle and an offset coaptation element on a catheter that rides over the anchor rail and is positionable between the valve leaflets. The proximal end of the coaptation catheter is fixed subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering over a foam interior, and is radially offset on the catheter so that the foam body projects away from the septal side of the valve to reduce or minimize deformation from contact with the septal wall of the ventricle. Markers on the coaptation element facilitate positioning in the desired rotational orientation during delivery and implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Neil S. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20180078394
    Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Neil S. Zimmerman, Robert C. Taft, Eric R. Reuland, David L. Hauser
  • Patent number: 9849011
    Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Neil S. Zimmerman, Robert C. Taft, Eric R. Reuland, David L. Hauser
  • Publication number: 20170216028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20170035561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin M. Spinner, Neil S. Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20160228246
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve: i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. The device includes a flexible anchor rail anchored in the tissue of the ventricle and an offset coaptation element on a catheter that rides over the anchor rail and is positionable between the valve leaflets. The proximal end of the coaptation catheter is fixed subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering over a foam interior, and is radially offset on the catheter so that the foam body projects away from the septal side of the valve to reduce or minimize deformation from contact with the septal wall of the ventricle. Markers on the coaptation element facilitate positioning in the desired rotational orientation during delivery and implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Neil S. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20150328026
    Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Neil S. Zimmerman, Robert C. Taft, Eric R. Reuland, David L. Hauser