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).

  • Tissue anchors, systems and methods, and devices
    Patent number: 9358111
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. One of the methods includes positioning at least two discrete, flat first anchor elements along a first side of a tissue of the mitral valve annulus in stacked relationship and at least two other discrete, flat first anchor elements along the second side of the tissue of the mitral valve annulus in stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MITRALIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Donald S. Baim, Edward I. McNamara, Hiroatsu Sugimoto, Joseph P. Lane, Jason H. Robinson, Aaron M. Call, Steven D. Cahalane, Mark Maguire, Kate E. Cutuli
  • MITRAL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT DEVICES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20160074165
    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: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING THE HEART WITH ABLATION
    Publication number: 20160058506
    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: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Sean Warren, Erica J. Wells, Kurt Dierking, Daniel R. Bachman, Landon H. Tompkins
  • Systems, devices and methods for treating the heart with ablation
    Patent number: 9216055
    Abstract: A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: SCR Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Sean P. Warren, Erica J. Wells, W. Kurt Dierking, Daniel R. Bachman, Landon Tompkins
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COUNTERPULSATION OF BLOOD FLOW TO AND FROM THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150306289
    Abstract: Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a blood flow conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the blood flow conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A. Spence
  • DEVICES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COUNTERPULSATION AND BLOOD FLOW CONDUIT CONNECTION
    Publication number: 20150265757
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Dowling, Bob Kung, Paul Spence, Thorsten Siess, Gerd Spanier, Eric Gratz, Caitlyn Hastie
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVE AND ANCHORING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150238313
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CUTTING AN ATRIAL WALL
    Publication number: 20150223839
    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: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. SPENCE, Landon TOMPKINS, Robert ACLAND
  • GRAFT ANCHOR DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150216685
    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: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Bob Kung, Caitlyn Hastie, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • Methods, devices and systems for counterpulsation of blood flow to and from the circulatory system
    Patent number: 9095649
    Abstract: Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a blood flow conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the blood flow conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A. Spence
  • Tissue fastening systems and methods utilizing magnetic guidance
    Publication number: 20150134055
    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: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Edward I. McNamara, Mark Maguire
  • Tissue fastening systems and methods utilizing magnetic guidance
    Patent number: 8979923
    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: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mitralign, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Ed McNamara, Mark Maguire
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRODUCING ELEMENTS INTO TISSUE
    Publication number: 20150051697
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    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
  • MITRAL VALVE DOCKING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20140379074
    Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor (72) for a prosthetic mitral valve (120). The anchor (72) may take the form of a helical anchor having multiple coils (104, 108) and/or a stent-like structure. Various methods include different levels of minimal invasive procedures for delivering the prosthetic valve anchor (72) and prosthetic valve (120), as well as tissue anchors for plication or other purposes to the mitral valve position in the heart (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: MITRAL VALVE TECHNOLOGIES SA
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon H. Tompkins
  • COUNTERPULSATION DEVICE DRIVER APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140371519
    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: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Bob Kung, Caitlyn Hastie, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • GRAFT FOR USE WITH COUNTERPULSATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140316189
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attaching a counter pulsation device (CPD) to a blood vessel in a human or animal subject, the apparatus including: an interposition graft having a first end configured to be attached to the blood vessel, a second end, and an interior passage providing fluid connection between the first end and the second end; and a pump graft having first end attached to the second end of the interposition graft, a second end configured to be attached to the CPD, and an interior passage providing fluid connection between the first end and the second end In some embodiments, the interior passage of the interposition graft includes a rough surface configured to promote biological growth on the surface, and the interior passage of the pump graft includes a smooth surface configured to inhibit biological growth on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Spence, Rob Dowling, Bob Kung, Caitlyn Hastie, Thorsten Siess, Eric Gratz, Gerd Spanier
  • Devices and methods for introducing elements into tissue
    Patent number: 8864822
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mitralign, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Donald S. Baim, Edward I. McNamara, Hiroatsu Sugimoto, Aaron M. Call, Steven D. Cahalane, Mark Maguire, Richard J. Morrill
  • Systems and methods for introducing elements into tissue
    Patent number: 8845723
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitralign, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Donald S. Baim, Edward I. McNamara, Hiroatsu Sugimoto, Joseph P. Lane, Christopher C. Lee, Jason H. Robinson, Aaron M. Call, Richard J. Morrill
  • METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR COUNTERPULSATION OF BLOOD FLOW TO AND FROM THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140221727
    Abstract: Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a blood flow conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the blood flow conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Paul A. Spence
  • ATHLETIC COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20140222121
    Abstract: Thermal pads (50) for incorporation into systems (10) and compression garments (54) may be used for various medical or other purposes. The pads (50) include thermal fluid channels and the ability to flex and elastically stretch in multiple directions for conformance to the individual user. Cooling systems (10) include recirculation of the thermal fluid for temperature control purposes. Methods include hot and cold contrast type therapy for a variety of purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SCR INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon Tompkins, Samuel C. Walling, Ryan D. Hatton, Jens Hutzenlaub, William Spence, Alex Singer