Patents by Inventor Neil Zimmerman

Neil 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).

  • Patent number: 11883291
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with coaptation members and multiple clip mechanisms and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an optional fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve, a coaptation member depending from the fixation member, and a plurality of clip mechanisms extending from a downstream portion of the coaptation member. The coaptation member can be positioned between the native leaflets and at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. A first clip mechanism can engage a first portion of one of the native leaflets, and a second clip mechanism can engage another portion of the same native leaflet or an opposing native leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Half Moon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ben F. Brian, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman, James I. Fann, Katherine Miyashiro
  • Publication number: 20230329865
    Abstract: Coaptation assist device for repairing cardiac valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A coaptation assist device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a fixation member configured to press against cardiac tissue proximate to a native valve annulus, and a stationary coaptation structure extending away from the fixation member. The coaptation structure can include an anterior surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and a posterior surface configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The device also includes at least one sensor configured to detect parameters associated with at least one of cardiac function and device functionality. The sensors can be pressure sensors configured to detect left atrial pressure and/or left ventricular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Arie Pieter Kappetein, James I. Fann, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230132907
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a coaptation member and an atrial-fixation member. The coaptation member can comprise an inner portion having a coaptation surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and an outer portion configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The atrial-fixation member can comprise a plurality of interconnected struts having a circumferential U-like shape about a flow axis of the cardiac valve and defining a brim portion and a pair of connection portions. The connection portions can be coupled to the coaptation member, and the brim portion can be configured to press against cardiac tissue above the first native leaflet proximate to a native valve annulus of the cardiac valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew McLean, Jose Gonzalez, Guarav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman, Robert O'Grady, Hanson S. Gifford, III
  • Patent number: 11633281
    Abstract: Coaptation assist device for repairing cardiac valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A coaptation assist device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a fixation member configured to press against cardiac tissue proximate to a native valve annulus, and a stationary coaptation structure extending away from the fixation member. The coaptation structure can include an anterior surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and a posterior surface configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The device also includes at least one sensor configured to detect parameters associated with at least one of cardiac function and device functionality. The sensors can be pressure sensors configured to detect left atrial pressure and/or left ventricular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignees: Half Moon Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Arie Pieter Kappetein, James I. Fann, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230040083
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with annuloplasty features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an atrial fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve and a spring mechanism coupled to an inferior edge portion of the atrial fixation member. The spring mechanism has an extended state with a first length corresponding to a dimension of the atrial fixation member in a deployed state and a relaxed state with a shorter length corresponding to a desired dimension of the native valve annulus. When implanted, the spring mechanism contracts the atrial fixation member such that the native mitral annulus anchored to the atrial fixation member reduces in a cross-sectional dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11504237
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with annuloplasty features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an atrial fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve and a spring mechanism coupled to an inferior edge portion of the atrial fixation member. The spring mechanism has an extended state with a first length corresponding to a dimension of the atrial fixation member in a deployed state and a relaxed state with a shorter length corresponding to a desired dimension of the native valve annulus. When implanted, the spring mechanism contracts the atrial fixation member such that the native mitral annulus anchored to the atrial fixation member reduces in a cross-sectional dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Half Moon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220192822
    Abstract: Delivery systems for placing an implantable cardiac device at a native comprising a delivery catheter and an attachment assembly. The delivery catheter can include a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the attachment assembly can be at the distal portion of the delivery catheter. The attachment assembly can include arm pairs in which individual arm pairs include a first arm with connector and a second arm with a retainer. Each first arm extends along a corresponding second arm, and the first arm and/or the second arm in each arm pair moves relative to the other from a locked position to a released position. In the locked position, the retainer interfaces with the connector to maintain engagement between the implantable device and the connector. In the released position, the retainer is positioned relative to the connector such that the implantable device can disengage the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220160508
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a coaptation member configured to be positioned between one or more native leaflets of the cardiac valve to at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. The cardiac valve repair device can further include one or more fixation mechanisms for securing the coaptation member in position between the leaflets. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology can include an atrial member and a ventricular member configured to sandwich one or more the native leaflets therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Katherine Miyashiro, Hanson S. Gifford, III, James I. Fann, Ben F. Brian, III, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Jose Gonzalez, Paul Gunning, Matthew McLean, Neil Zimmerman, Robert O'Grady, Douglas S. Sutton, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Ryan Helmuth, Marine De Gouy
  • Publication number: 20220160499
    Abstract: Tricuspid valve repair devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A tricuspid valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a coaptation member configured to be positioned between one or more native leaflets of the tricuspid valve to at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. The tricuspid valve repair device can further include one or more fixation mechanisms for securing the coaptation member in position between the leaflets. The fixation mechanisms can include clip mechanisms, lock mechanisms, stabilization members, anchors, and/or other structures configured to engage cardiac anatomy local to or remote from the tricuspid valve, such as the native leaflets, the tricuspid valve annulus, the right ventricular outflow tract, the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Katherine Miyashiro, Hanson S. Gifford, III, James I. Fann, Ben F. Brian, III, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Jose Gonzalez, Paul Gunning, Matthew McLean, Neil Zimmerman, Robert O'Grady, Douglas S. Sutton, Steven K. Stringer
  • Publication number: 20220079755
    Abstract: Delivery systems for implanting cardiac valve repair devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a delivery system includes a delivery catheter, a hub shaft extending through the delivery catheter, and a core shaft extending through the hub shaft. The delivery catheter is configured to hold a valve repair device in a compressed configuration. The hub shaft includes a hub configured to releasably engage a first portion of the valve repair device, and the core shaft includes a plug configured to releasably engage a second portion of the valve repair device. When the valve repair device is unsheathed from the delivery catheter, the hub shaft and the core shaft are independently movable to axially elongate/compress the valve repair device. When the valve repair device is properly positioned, the hub can be actuated to release the first portion of the valve repair device, and the plug can be actuated to release the second portion of the valve repair device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Neil Zimmerman, III, Jeffrey Martin, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Erik Thai, Andrew Johnston, Douglas Sutton, Cassandra Orth, Robert O'Grady, Jose Gonzalez, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20220079753
    Abstract: Delivery systems for implanting cardiac valve repair devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a delivery system includes a delivery catheter, a hub shaft extending through the delivery catheter, and a core shaft extending through the hub shaft. The delivery catheter is configured to hold a valve repair device in a compressed configuration. The hub shaft includes a hub configured to releasably engage a first portion of the valve repair device, and the core shaft includes a plug configured to releasably engage a second portion of the valve repair device. When the valve repair device is unsheathed from the delivery catheter, the hub shaft and the core shaft are independently movable to axially elongate/compress the valve repair device. When the valve repair device is properly positioned, the hub can be actuated to release the first portion of the valve repair device, and the plug can be actuated to release the second portion of the valve repair device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Neil Zimmerman, Jeffrey Martin, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Erik Thai, Andrew Johnston, Douglas Sutton, Cassandra Orth, Robert O'Grady, Jose Gonzalez, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20210338419
    Abstract: The present technology relates to modular valve replacement systems for treating valve-related cardiac disorders. In select embodiments, the modular valve replacement system includes a fixation device and a permanent valve assembly. The fixation device and the permanent valve assembly are delivered separately, enabling use of smaller delivery systems and facilitating less-invasive implant techniques. The fixation device is implanted first and provides a mounting fixture for the subsequently delivered permanent valve assembly. In some embodiments, the permanent valve assembly is at least partially mechanically isolated from the fixation device after the permanent valve assembly is attached to the fixation device. In some embodiments, the fixation device includes a temporary valve assembly that prevents regurgitation until the permanent valve assembly is implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, James I. Fann, Matthew McClean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Vrad Levering, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20210085462
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with coaptation members and multiple clip mechanisms and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an optional fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve, a coaptation member depending from the fixation member, and a plurality of clip mechanisms extending from a downstream portion of the coaptation member. The coaptation member can be positioned between the native leaflets and at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. A first clip mechanism can engage a first portion of one of the native leaflets, and a second clip mechanism can engage another portion of the same native leaflet or an opposing native leaflet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ben F. Brian, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman, James I. Fann, Katie Miyashiro
  • Publication number: 20200289265
    Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with annuloplasty features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an atrial fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve and a spring mechanism coupled to an inferior edge portion of the atrial fixation member. The spring mechanism has an extended state with a first length corresponding to a dimension of the atrial fixation member in a deployed state and a relaxed state with a shorter length corresponding to a desired dimension of the native valve annulus. When implanted, the spring mechanism contracts the atrial fixation member such that the native mitral annulus anchored to the atrial fixation member reduces in a cross-sectional dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matt McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20200222185
    Abstract: Coaptation assist device for repairing cardiac valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A coaptation assist device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a fixation member configured to press against cardiac tissue proximate to a native valve annulus, and a stationary coaptation structure extending away from the fixation member. The coaptation structure can include an anterior surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and a posterior surface configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The device also includes at least one sensor configured to detect parameters associated with at least one of cardiac function and device functionality. The sensors can be pressure sensors configured to detect left atrial pressure and/or left ventricular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Arie Pieter Kappetein, James I. Fann, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Matthew McLean, Gaurav Krishnamurthy, Neil Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9636223
    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: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Vivian Khalil, Erin Spinner, Neil Zimmerman, Alexander Siegel, Son V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9474605
    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: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin Spinner, Neil Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20130338763
    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: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Robert Schwartz, Robert Van Tassel, Vivian Khalil, Erin Spinner, Neil Zimmerman, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: D728632
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mark Klassen, Larry Wilson, Thomas Chlystek, Phetsamone Siriphong, Michael Bunnell, Carl Fletcher, John Schrepferman, Neil Zimmerman
  • Patent number: D728633
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mark Klassen, Larry Wilson, Thomas Chlystek, Phetsamone Siriphong, Michael Bunnell, Carl Fletcher, John Schrepferman, Neil Zimmerman