Patents by Inventor Rick A. Soss

Rick A. Soss 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: 9861475
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve annulus. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets during systole, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation. The implant improves function to the valve, without surgically cinching, resecting, and/or fixing in position large portions of a dilated annulus, or without the surgical fixation of ring-like structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MVRX INC.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Patent number: 9610161
    Abstract: An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a heart with the struts engaging tissue at or near the leaflet commissures of a heart valve annulus, to reshape the annulus for leaflet coaptation. The implant further provides a neoleaflet element coupled to the scaffold within pseudo-annulus, to provide a one-way valve function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: MVRX, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, David A. Rahdert, Timothy R. Machold, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20120185040
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: MVRx, iNC.
    Inventors: DAVID A. RAHDERT, John A. Macoviak, Timothy R. Machold, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Patent number: 8142494
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: MVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Timothy R. Machold, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20110319990
    Abstract: An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a heart with the struts engaging tissue at or near the leaflet commissures of a heart valve annulus, to reshape the annulus for leaflet coaptation. The implant further provides a neoleaflet element coupled to the scaffold within pseudo-annulus, to provide a one-way valve function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: MVRx, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, David A. Rahdert, Timothy R. Machold, Rick A. Soss
  • Patent number: 8016882
    Abstract: An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a heart with the struts engaging tissue at or near the leaflet commissures of a heart valve annulus, to reshape the annulus for leaflet coaptation. The implant further provides a neoleaflet element coupled to the scaffold within pseudo-annulus, to provide a one-way valve function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: MVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, David A. Rahdert, Timothy R. Machold, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20090306622
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve annulus. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets during systole, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation. The implant improves function to the valve, without surgically cinching, resecting, and/or fixing in position large portions of a dilated annulus, or without the surgical fixation of ring-like structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20090228099
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Timothy R. Machold, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Patent number: 7527646
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Timothy R. Machold, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20080140190
    Abstract: An implant is sized and configured to be positioned in a left atrium above the plane of a native mitral heart valve annulus having leaflets. The implant, when deployed, engages a wall of the left atrium above the plane of the native mitral valve annulus to interact with movement of the leaflets of the mitral heart valve to affect mitral heart valve function. The implant is deployed into the left atrium through an intravascular access path that extends from a right atrium through a septum and into a left atrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Timothy R. MacHold, David A. Rahdert, Rick A. Soss
  • Patent number: 7381220
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods supplement, repair, or replace a native heart valve. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, extends adjacent a valve annulus. The implant includes a mobile neoleaflet element that occupies the space of at least a portion of one native valve leaflet. The implant mimics the one-way valve function of a native leaflet, to resist or prevent retrograde flow. The implant restores normal coaptation of the leaflets to resist retrograde flow, thereby resisting eversion and/or prolapse, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, David A. Rahdert, Timothy R. Machold, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20080065204
    Abstract: An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a heart with the struts engaging tissue at or near the leaflet commissures of a heart valve annulus, to reshape the annulus for leaflet coaptation. The implant further provides a neoleaflet element coupled to the scaffold within pseudo-annulus, to provide a one-way valve function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Macoviak, Robert Chang, David Rahdert, Timothy Machold, Rick Soss
  • Patent number: 7291168
    Abstract: The present invention is a group of medical devices designed to improve heart valve function. The medical devices may be used individually, or in combination to supplement damaged valves, replace damaged valves, or improve damaged valves function. The medical devices include leaflet retainers, a neo-annulus, neo-leaflet, and a framework. In addition, the present invention is novel methods for surgically treating heart valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Timothy R. Machold, David A. Rahdert, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20060106456
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve annulus. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets, which, in turn, reduces retrograde flow or regurgitation. The implant improves function to the valve, without surgically cinching, resecting, and/or fixing in position large portions of a dilated annulus, or without the surgical fixation of ring-like structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Machold, David Rahdert, John Macoviak, Robert Chang, Rick Soss
  • Publication number: 20060069430
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: David Rahdert, John Macoviak, Timothy Machold, Robert Chang, Rick Soss
  • Publication number: 20050267573
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods supplement, repair, or replace a native heart valve. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, extends adjacent a valve annulus. The implant includes a mobile neoleaflet element that occupies the space of at least a portion of one native valve leaflet. The implant mimics the one-way valve function of a native leaflet, to resist or prevent retrograde flow. The implant restores normal coaptation of the leaflets to resist retrograde flow, thereby resisting eversion and/or prolapse, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: John Macoviak, Robert Chang, David Rahdert, Timothy Machold, Rick Soss
  • Publication number: 20050010287
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods supplement, repair, or replace a native heart valve. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, extends adjacent a valve annulus. The implant includes a mobile neoleaflet element that occupies the space of at least a portion of one native valve leaflet. The implant mimics the one-way valve function of a native leaflet, to resist or prevent retrograde flow. The implant restores normal coaptation of the leaflets to resist retrograde flow, thereby resisting eversion and/or prolapse, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: John Macoviak, Robert Chang, David Rahdert, Timothy Machold, Rick Soss
  • Publication number: 20040138745
    Abstract: The present invention is a group of medical devices designed to improve heart valve function. The medical devices may be used individually, or in combination to supplement damaged valves, replace damaged valves, or improve damaged valves function. The medical devices include leaflet retainers, a neo-annulus, neo-leaflet, and a framework. In addition, the present invention is novel methods for surgically treating heart valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Timothy R. Machold, David A. Rahdert, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20040127981
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Timothy R. Machold, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss
  • Publication number: 20040127982
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve annulus. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets, which, in turn, reduces retrograde flow or regurgitation. The implant improves function to the valve, without surgically cinching, resecting, and/or fixing in position large portions of a dilated annulus, or without the surgical fixation of ring-like structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Ample Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, David A. Rahdert, John A. Macoviak, Robert T. Chang, Rick A. Soss