Patents by Inventor Paul Spence

Paul Spence 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).

  • GRAFT ANCHOR DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20180368997
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices, systems and methods and in particular to devices and methods useful for anchoring graft materials to bodily structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Robert T.V. Kung, Caitlyn Hastie, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVE AND ANCHORING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20180344459
    Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, an anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. One or more arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the anchoring device into position at the native valve as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Graft anchor devices, systems and methods
    Patent number: 10143571
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices, systems and methods and in particular to devices and methods useful for anchoring graft materials to bodily structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ABIOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Robert T.V. Kung, Caitlyn Hastie, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • MITRAL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT DEVICES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20180311038
    Abstract: An implant and method for repairing and/or replacing functionality of a native mitral valve are in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate mitral regurgitation and residual mitral valve leakage. A coiled anchor with a central turn that reduces in size upon implantation is used to approximate the amount of reduction in the size and the reshaping of the native mitral annulus to reduce valve leakage. A clip can be further applied to the native valve leaflets to reduce the size of the native mitral annulus and leakage therethrough. A prosthetic heart valve can be implanted in the coiled anchor to replace and further improve functionality of the valve. In some cases, the prosthetic valve can be implanted in a clipped valve, where the clip is detached from one of the native valve leaflets to provide space for the prosthetic valve to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING A REPLACEMENT HEART VALVE
    Publication number: 20180271652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for docking a heart valve prosthesis. A system can include an anchor formed as multiple coils adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis with coil portions positioned above and below the heart valve annulus. At least one of the coil portions can normally be at a first diameter and be expandable to a second, larger diameter upon application of radial outward force from within the helical anchor. Methods can include delivering an anchor, positioning and implanting a heart valve prosthesis, and expanding the heart valve prosthesis inside the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Devices, systems and methods for delivering a prosthetic mitral valve and anchoring device
    Patent number: 10052199
    Abstract: Prosthetic mitral heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, a helical anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. Curved arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the helical anchoring device into position beneath the valve leaflets and around the mitral valve annulus as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic mitral valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Coiled anchor for supporting prosthetic heart valve, prosthetic heart valve, and deployment device
    Patent number: 10052198
    Abstract: A coiled anchor for docking a mitral valve prosthesis at a native mitral valve of a heart has a first end, a second end, and a central axis extending between the first and second ends, and defines an inner space coaxial with the central axis. The coiled anchor includes a coiled core including a bio-compatible metal or metal alloy and having a plurality of turns extending around the central axis in a first position, and a cover layer around the core, the cover layer including a bio-compatible material that is less rigid than the metal or metal alloy of the coiled core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Mark Chau, Alexander J. Siegel, Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Apparatus and methods for implanting a replacement heart valve
    Patent number: 10034749
    Abstract: Systems and methods for docking a heart valve prosthesis. A system includes a helical anchor (30) formed as multiple coils (32) adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis (10) with coil portions (32) positioned above and below the heart valve annulus (12). A seal (50) is coupled with the helical anchor (30) and includes portions extending between adjacent coils (32) for preventing blood leakage through the helical anchor (30) and past the heart valve prosthesis (10). An expansible helical anchor (30) is formed as multiple coils (32) adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis (10). At least one of the coils (32) is normally being at a first diameter, and is expandable to a second, larger diameter upon application of radial outward force from within the helical anchor (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • COUNTERPULSATION DEVICE DRIVER APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180207337
    Abstract: A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Robert T.V. Kung, Thorsten Seiss, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • Tissue fastening systems and methods utilizing magnetic guidance
    Patent number: 10028833
    Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: MITRALIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Edward I. McNamara, Mark Maguire
  • COILED ANCHOR FOR SUPPORTING PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE, PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE, AND DEPLOYMENT DEVICE
    Publication number: 20180193139
    Abstract: A system including an anchor for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can have a first end, a second end, and a central axis extending between the first and second ends, and defines an inner space coaxial with the central axis. The valve prosthesis can include a protective layer or annular ring that surrounds a bottom edge of the second frame end. The protective layer or annular ring can include two layers, and the two layers can be different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Mark Chau, Alexander J. Siegel, Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Mitral repair and replacement devices and methods
    Patent number: 10016272
    Abstract: An implant and method for repairing and/or replacing functionality of a native mitral valve are in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate mitral regurgitation and residual mitral valve leakage. A coiled anchor with a central turn that reduces in size upon implantation is used to approximate the amount of reduction in the size and the reshaping of the native mitral annulus to reduce valve leakage. A clip can be further applied to the native valve leaflets to reduce the size of the native mitral annulus and leakage therethrough. A prosthetic heart valve can be implanted in the coiled anchor to replace and further improve functionality of the valve. In some cases, the prosthetic valve can be implanted in a clipped valve, where the clip is detached from one of the native valve leaflets to provide space for the prosthetic valve to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Mitral Valve Technologies Sarl
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO IMPROVE PLACEMENT AND PREVENT HEART BLOCK WITH PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT
    Publication number: 20180153690
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods to position a prosthetic heart valve such that the prosthetic valve does not compress conduction tissue and thereby produce heart block. Guide devices promote positioning the prosthetic valve within a native aortic valve to avoid the conduction tissue and, optionally, to center the prosthetic valve within the native heart valve. Prosthetic valves include one or more cut-outs, openings or recesses configured to align with the conduction tissue so that the conduction tissue is not contacted in a way that would lead to higher incidents of complete heart block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventor: Paul A. Spence
  • Counterpulsation device driver apparatus, method and system
    Patent number: 9950102
    Abstract: A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Robert T. V. Kung, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • Devices, methods and systems for counterpulsation and blood flow conduit connection
    Patent number: 9919086
    Abstract: A blood flow conduit includes a first conduit portion defining a first portion of a lumen; and a second conduit portion defining a second portion of a lumen. At least one of the first or second conduit portions may include a tip portion and the other of the first or second conduit portions may include an enlarged area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dowling, Robert T. V. Kung, Paul Spence, Thorsten Siess, Gerd Spanier, Eric Gratz, Caitlyn Hastie
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CUTTING AN ATRIAL WALL
    Publication number: 20180028227
    Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Paul A. SPENCE, Landon TOMPKINS, Robert Acland
  • Apparatus and methods for cutting an atrial wall
    Patent number: 9808283
    Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon Tompkins, Robert Acland
  • SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING THE HEART WITH ABLATION
    Publication number: 20170265938
    Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Sean Warren, Erica J. Wells, Kurt Dierking, W., Daniel R. Bachman, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Systems and methods for introducing elements into tissue
    Patent number: 9750608
    Abstract: A system is provided for delivering respective anchors into spaced apart locations along an annulus of a mitral valve. The system includes a first catheter member having a first lumen formed therein for receiving a first guide wire and also includes a second catheter member that is configured to move between an expanded position and a collapsed position relative to the first catheter member. The second catheter member has a lumen formed therein for receiving a second guide wire when the second catheter member is in the expanded position. The second catheter member is fixedly connected to the first catheter member by a first connector (that defines first and second living hinges) which is configured to deploy under a select condition to automatically cause the second catheter member to move to the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MITRALIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Donald S. Baim, Edward I. McNamara, Hiroatsu Sugimoto, Joseph P. Lane, Christopher Lee, Jason H. Robinson, Aaron M. Call, Richard J. Morrill
  • Systems and methods for treating the heart with ablation
    Patent number: 9713495
    Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Lanark Medical Products
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Sean Warren, Erica J. Wells, Kurt Dierking, Daniel R. Bachman, Landon H. Tompkins