Patents by Inventor Tom A. Saul

Tom A. Saul 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).

  • Publication number: 20120029627
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable anchor supporting a replacement valve, the anchor and replacement valve being adapted for percutaneous delivery and deployment to replace the patient's heart valve, the anchor having a braid having atraumatic grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the patient's heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SADRA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Daniel Hildebrand, Tom Saul
  • Publication number: 20120022642
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SADRA MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Amr Salahieh, Dwight P. Morejohn
  • Publication number: 20120016469
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SADRA MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Daniel Hildebrand, Brian D. Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Claudio Argento, Tom Saul, Ulrich R. Haug
  • Patent number: 8075614
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn
  • Patent number: 8062357
    Abstract: A method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve including the following steps: endovascularly delivering an anchor and a replacement valve supported within the anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in a collapsed delivery configuration, the anchor having grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor, thereby rotating the grasping elements; and grasping the tissue with the rotating grasping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Daniel Hildebrand, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 8052749
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable anchor supporting a replacement valve, the anchor and replacement valve being adapted for percutaneous delivery and deployment to replace the patient's heart valve, the anchor having a braid having atraumatic grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the patient's heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Daniel Hildebrand, Tom Saul
  • Publication number: 20110257735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted to engage a plurality of second elements in a first configuration to capture the implant within the delivery system, and wherein the plurality of first actuatable element are adapted to engage the plurality of second elements in a second configuration and to release the implant from the delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SADRA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Hans F. Valencia, Brian D. Brandt, Claudio Argento, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Daniel Hildebrand, Dwight P. Morejohn, Tom Saul
  • Publication number: 20110257622
    Abstract: Disrupting tissue and devices and systems for disrupting tissue. The disclosure describes ways to deliver moieties to a target tissue, where the target tissue in general is not at the point of introduction, in such a way that minimal damage is produced in the tissue at the point of introduction. In some embodiments this is accomplished by jetting fluid at high velocity into the target tissue. The disclosure further describes novel agents deliverable in such systems for use in remodeling tissues. Some of these agents comprise a liquid while others do not. Additionally, although not specifically described in detail much of the disclosure may additionally be used in the delivery of therapeutic drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Alan Schaer, Jeff Krolik, John Spiridigliozzi, Suresh Pai, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 7988724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted to engage a plurality of second elements in a first configuration to capture the implant within the delivery system, and wherein the plurality of first actuatable element are adapted to engage the plurality of second elements in a second configuration and to release the implant from the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Hans F. Valencia, Brian D. Brandt, Claudio Argento, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Daniel Hildebrand, Dwight P. Morejohn, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 7959666
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Daniel Hildebrand, Brian D Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Claudio Argento, Tom Saul, Ulrich R. Haug
  • Publication number: 20100331776
    Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Jonah Lepak, Emma Leung, Tom Saul, Jean-Pierre Dueri
  • Patent number: 7824443
    Abstract: An apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a replacement heart valve implant comprising a valve and an expandable anchor; and a deployment tool adapted to endovascularly deliver the replacement heart valve implant to an implant site within the patient, the deployment tool comprising an actuator adapted to exert an axially directed force on the anchor. The invention also provides a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement heart valve implant having a valve and an anchor to an implant site within the patient; and applying an axially directed force from an actuator outside of the patient to the anchor. In invention also provides deployment tools for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Dwight Morejohn, Ulrich R. Haug, Brian Brandt, Hans Valencia, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 7824442
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor in an unexpanded configuration within a sheath to a vicinity of the heart valve; deploying the anchor from the sheath; expanding the anchor with a deployment tool comprising a plurality of actuation elements to contact tissue at an anchor site; and retrieving the anchor into the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Hans F. Valencia, Brian D. Brandt, Claudio Argento, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Daniel Hildebrand, Dwight P. Morejohn, Tom Saul
  • Publication number: 20100219092
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Tom Saul, Robert Geshlider, Andrea Johnson, Dwight Morejohn, Daniel Hildebrand, Jean-Pierre Dueri
  • Patent number: 7780725
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Amr Salahieh, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Patent number: 7748389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve. The leaflet engagement elements can be used to prevent distal migration and insure proper positioning of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Brian D. Brandt, Robert A. Gleshlider, Dwight P. Morejohn, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 7712606
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Tom Saul, Robert Geshlider, Andrea Johnson, Dwight Morejohn, Daniel Hildebrand, Jean-Pierre Dueri
  • Publication number: 20090264997
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20090259182
    Abstract: A low profile wearable infusion device comprises a generally cylindrical reservoir having a diameter greater than its height and a drive that causes a piston to move an incremental distance within the reservoir to cause the device to dispense a dose of medicament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Calibra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett CROSS, Brett J. CARTER, John M. ADAMS, John R. McKENZIE, Tom A. SAUL
  • Publication number: 20090088682
    Abstract: A wearable infusion device comprises a component that causes a piston to move an incremental distance to cause the device to dispense a dose of medicament from a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Brett Cross, Brett J. Carter, John M. Adams, John R. McKenzie, Tom A. Saul