Patents by Inventor Steven W. Opolski

Steven W. Opolski 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: 9463006
    Abstract: The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Sean T. Forde, Steven W. Opolski
  • Patent number: 9084603
    Abstract: Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, modifying and maintaining a configuration of a PFO occluder made from a polymer tube. The proximal portion of a catch member may be provided with one or more protrusions, or arms, or bump or other raised element for securing the occluder in a partial or fully deployed configuration, either temporarily or permanently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Sean T. Forde, Stephanie M. Kladakis, David J. Callaghan
  • Patent number: 8882745
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol A. Devellian, Steven W. Opolski
  • Patent number: 8870913
    Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. In certain embodiments, the occluder includes a catch system that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile. The catch system includes a locking funnel cap. In some embodiments, the locking funnel cap forces the proximal ends of the occluder in a radially inward position to lock the catch member in place and prevent the occluder from moving from its deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Stephanie M. Kladakis, Ryan Cahill
  • Publication number: 20140222058
    Abstract: Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, modifying and maintaining a configuration of a PFO occluder made from a polymer tube. The proximal portion of a catch member may be provided with one or more protrusions, or arms, or bump or other raised element for securing the occluder in a partial or fully deployed configuration, either temporarily or permanently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Sean T. Forde, Stephanie M. Kladakis, David J. Callaghan
  • Publication number: 20140094894
    Abstract: The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean T. Forde, Steven W. Opolski
  • Publication number: 20130296928
    Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Todd A. Peavey
  • Patent number: 8491627
    Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Todd A. Peavey
  • Patent number: 8398694
    Abstract: The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean T. Forde, Steven W. Opolski
  • Patent number: 8372113
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Opolski
  • Publication number: 20120289940
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Carol A. Devellian, Steven W. Opolski
  • Patent number: 8231604
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol A. Devellian, Steven W. Opolski
  • Patent number: 8109946
    Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and techniques relate to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a substantially cylindrical form. An occluder having a distal side and a proximal side, with a catch system for securing the deployed configuration, is introduced into the treatment site by a delivery sheath. In one aspect, the occluder has an adjustable length center joint that allows the device to fit a particular septal defect. In some embodiments, the occluder includes a catch member that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile configuration. In one aspect, the catch member also has an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Cahill, John Ahern, Timothy J. Fallon, Steven W. Opolski, David J. Callaghan
  • Patent number: 7842069
    Abstract: An implant for occluding a septal defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and methods of delivering the implant are described. The implant includes a scaffold, at least one channel, and an injection port in fluid communication with the channels for inflating the scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Widomski, Steven W. Opolski, Andrzej J. Chanduszko, Carol A. Devellian
  • Patent number: 7618435
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment device is provided for use in a transcatheter delivery system. The system may be useful for delivering, repositioning, and removal of an implant, such as a septal occluder, in or out of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Opolski
  • Publication number: 20080154302
    Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Todd A. Peavey
  • Patent number: 7344553
    Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Opolski, Todd A. Peavey
  • Patent number: 7220265
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for closing two overlapping layers of tissue in a mammalian heart, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices may take a number of different forms and may be retrievable. In some embodiments, the closure devices may be delivered with a catheter capable of puncturing mammalian tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrzej J. Chanduszko, Steven W. Opolski, Carol A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6936058
    Abstract: The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean T. Forde, Steven W. Opolski
  • Publication number: 20040176788
    Abstract: A medical device comprising a flexible, elongated member sized and shaped to fit within a vessel and defining a first lumen. A distal end of the flexible, elongated member including a port for connection to a vacuum source. A wire is slideably positionable within the first lumen and is movable between a first position and a second position. A cutting instrument is attached to a distal end of the wire and is retracted within the distal end of the lumen when the wire is at the first position and extending outside the distal end of the lumen when the wire is at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: NMT Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Opolski