Patents by Inventor Wesley D. Sterman
Wesley D. Sterman 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).
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Patent number: 5855210Abstract: A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools. The method of the present invention will be particularly suitable for forming coronary artery bypass grafts, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques, and the arterial source is connected to a target location within a coronary artery while the patient is under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Lawrence C. Siegel, Patricia E. Curtis, John H. Stevens, Timothy R. Machold
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Patent number: 5855590Abstract: A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient. The clamp includes a flexible cable housed within a sheath. The cable and sheath extend between a clamp and a handle. The cable actuator. The cable extends through a sheath which is anchored at the clamp and the actuator for actuating jaws from a proximal end of the clamp. A malleable positioner is provided for positioning the clamp about the body structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: William W. Malecki, Wesley D. Sterman, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Scott H. Miller
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Patent number: 5824039Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alec A. Piplani, Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman
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Patent number: 5814097Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Michi E. Garrison, Hanson S. Gifford, III, John H. Stevens
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Patent number: 5800518Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alec A. Piplani, Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman
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Patent number: 5792094Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a fist inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: John H. Stevens, Wesley D. Sterman, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Philip C. Evard, Timothy R. Machold
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Patent number: 5769812Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: John H. Stevens, Wesley D. Sterman, Hanson S. Gifford, III
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Patent number: 5735290Abstract: A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools. The method of the present invention will be particularly suitable for forming coronary artery bypass grafts, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques, and the arterial source is connected to a target location within a coronary artery while the patient is under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1994Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Lawrence C. Siegel, Patricia E. Curtis, John H. Stevens, Timothy R. MacHold
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Patent number: 5718725Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Michi E. Garrison, Hanson S. Gifford, III, John H. Stevens
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Patent number: 5702368Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: John H. Stevens, Wesley D. Sterman, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Timothy R. Machold
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Patent number: 5682906Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Michi E. Garrison, Hanson S. Gifford, III, John H. Stevens
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Patent number: 5653697Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman, Ronald G. Williams, David C. Dillow, Steven G. Baker
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Patent number: 5626607Abstract: A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient. The clamp includes a flexible cable housed within a sheath. The cable and sheath extend between a clamp and a handle. The cable actuator. The cable extends through a sheath which is anchored at the clamp and the actuator for actuating jaws from a proximal end of the clamp. A malleable positioner is provided for positioning the clamp about the body structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1996Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: William W. Malecki, Wesley D. Sterman, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Scott H. Miller
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Patent number: 5609625Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alec A. Piplani, Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman
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Patent number: 5571215Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Wesley D. Sterman, Michi E. Garrison, Hanson S. Gifford, III, John H. Stevens
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Patent number: 5562728Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Inventors: Harrison M. Lazarus, Ronald G. Williams, Wesley D. Sterman, Alec A. Piplani
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Patent number: 5536251Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for thoracoscopically arresting the heart and establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, thus facilitating a variety of less-invasive surgical procedures on and within the heart and great vessels of the thorax. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thoracoscopic system for arresting a patient's heart including a clamp configured for introduction into the patient's thoracic cavity through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest. The clamp is positionable about the patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is coupled to the distal end of an elongated handle means for manipulating the clamp from a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. A means for actuating the clamp is coupled to the proximal end of the handle means. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Philip C. Evard, Timothy R. MacHold, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Alex T. Roth, Wesley D. Sterman, Lawrence C. Siegel
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Patent number: 5489295Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alec A. Piplani, Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman
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Patent number: 5484418Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman, Ronald G. Williams, David C. Dillow, Steven G. Baker
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Patent number: 5458574Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an occlusion catheter with a first expandable member or balloon in a distal extremity of the catheter which when expanded within the patient's ascending aorta separates the heart and coronary blood vessels from the rest of the patient's arterial system, and a second expandable member, distal to the first, which when expanded will be seated within the left ventricle. A cardiopulmonary bypass system is connected to a major vein, e.g. femoral, to withdraw blood, remove carbon dioxide, oxygenate the withdrawn blood and then return the oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system through a major artery. Preferably, the heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the antegrade and/or retrograde delivery of a liquid containing cardioplegic material to the myocardium through patient's coronary arteries or coronary sinus. The cardiac accessing system is suitable for a wide variety of cardiac procedures including opened and closed chest procedures.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Heartport, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, Wesley D. Sterman