Patents by Inventor William Berthiaume
William Berthiaume 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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Publication number: 20160228715Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Matthew D. Bonner, Thomas A. Anderson, William A. Berthiaume, Noelle C. Hurtig
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Patent number: 9339197Abstract: In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an inflatable member at its distal portion. The inflatable member is inflatable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath when inflated. The inner sheath further includes a stopper proximally located relative to the inflatable member. The inflatable member is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to retract in a proximal direction towards the stopper. The inflatable member can be retracted in a proximal direction towards the stopper and past an implantable medical device positioned within a distal portion of the outer sheath.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Erik C. Griswold, Rudolph A. Beasley, James Calvin Allan, Suruchi Anand, Martha A. Barajas-Torres, Matthew S. Poole, Arvind K. Srinivas, Steven L. Waldhauser, William Berthiaume
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Patent number: 9283382Abstract: A tool of an interventional medical systems system includes a core configured to be temporarily attached to the implantable medical device, as the tool deploys the device to expose a fixation member of the device for engagement with tissue at a target implant site; the core is then employed to verify adequate fixation of the deployed device via a tug test. An operator determines that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if a tug force that is applied to the core modifies the temporary attachment between the core and the device, to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment. A tether, which is fixedly attached to the core, may be employed to create the temporary attachment between the core and the device, or the temporary attachment may be created by a snap fit formed between the core and the attachment structure of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, Don H. Tran, Brent L. Locsin, Maria E. Valdovinos, H. Allan Steingisser, Erik Griswold
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Publication number: 20160067503Abstract: An inner subassembly of a delivery system assembly extends within a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly, and includes a flared distal end, which is preferably configured to conform to a proximal end of an implantable medical device; a distal-most portion of the outer tube is sized to contain both the flared distal end and an entirety of the medical device. The inner subassembly includes a core, an elongate pull-wire, extending along the core, and a sheath surrounding the pull-wire and the core; the sheath includes a slot opening that allows the pull-wire to pass laterally therethrough. The assembly preferably has a pre-formed curvature along a length of the sheath, and the slot opening extends along the pre-formed curvature. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner subassembly, for example, to deploy the medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin, James C. Allan
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Patent number: 9216293Abstract: An inner subassembly of a delivery system assembly extends within a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly, and includes a flared distal end, which is preferably configured to conform to a proximal end of an implantable medical device; a distal-most portion of the outer tube is sized to contain both the flared distal end and an entirety of the medical device. The inner subassembly includes a core, an elongate pull-wire, extending along the core, and a sheath surrounding the pull-wire and the core; the sheath includes a slot opening that allows the pull-wire to pass laterally therethrough. The assembly preferably has a pre-formed curvature along a length of the sheath, and the slot opening extends along the pre-formed curvature. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner subassembly, for example, to deploy the medical device.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin, James C. Allan
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Publication number: 20150273207Abstract: A tether subassembly, which may be employed by a tool that deploys an implantable medical device, includes a test segment for verification of adequate fixation of the device at an implant site. When the device is located in proximity to a distal opening of the tube, a tether first length extends through an attachment structure of the device and within an elongate tube of the tool, a tether second length extends alongside the tether first length within the tube, and the test segment is located in proximity to the distal opening. The test segment is configured so that only a tug force, applied to the tether first length, and greater than or equal to a predetermined force, can pull the test segment through an aperture, either of the delivery tool or of the device. The predetermined force corresponds to a minimum adequate fixation force for the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Don H. Tran, Brent L. Locsin, William A. Berthiaume, Maria E. Valdovinos, H. Allan Steingisser, Erik Griswold
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Publication number: 20150273212Abstract: A tool of an interventional medical systems system includes a core configured to be temporarily attached to the implantable medical device, as the tool deploys the device to expose a fixation member of the device for engagement with tissue at a target implant site; the core is then employed to verify adequate fixation of the deployed device via a tug test. An operator determines that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if a tug force that is applied to the core modifies the temporary attachment between the core and the device, to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment. A tether, which is fixedly attached to the core, may be employed to create the temporary attachment between the core and the device, or the temporary attachment may be created by a snap fit formed between the core and the attachment structure of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, Don H. Tran, Brent L. Locsin, Maria E. Valdovinos, H. Allan Steingisser, Erik Griswold
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Publication number: 20150148815Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin
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Publication number: 20150045868Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Matthew D. Bonner, Thomas A. Anderson, William A. Berthiaume, Noelle C. Hurtig
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Patent number: 8945146Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin
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Patent number: 8945145Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate inner member that extends distally through a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly; the outer tube is moveable relative to the inner member between first and second positions to deploy an implantable medical device that is held within the outer tube lumen. The inner member may include a flared distal end that abuts, and preferably conforms to, the proximal end of the device, when the device is held within the outer tube lumen. The assembly further includes a stability sheath that surrounds a limited length of the outer tube, in proximity to the handle, to provide an interface for both an operator, who handles the assembly, and for an introducer sheath that provides passage for the assembly into the venous system, so that movement of the outer tube is not hindered by either during device deployment.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Maria Valdovinos, Brent L. Locsin, Suruchi Anand
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Patent number: 8926588Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventors: William Berthiaume, Don Tran, Maria Valdovinos, Brent Locsin
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Publication number: 20140249543Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate outer tube, an elongate inner member extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and an articulation sheath surrounding the outer tube between a handle of the assembly and a distal-most portion of the outer tube. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable within the sheath; and an inner diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than that of the handle and the distal-most portion of the outer tube. Navigation of the assembly through a venous system, for deployment of an implantable medical device, is facilitated by deflection of the sheath, to orient a distal-most portion of the outer tube, within which an entirety of the medical device is contained/loaded, and by subsequent advancement of the distal-most portion, with respect to the sheath, to move the distal end of the inner member, along with the contained/loaded device into proximity with a target implant site.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin
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Patent number: 8721587Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate outer tube, an elongate inner member extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and an articulation sheath surrounding the outer tube between a handle of the assembly and a distal-most portion of the outer tube. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable within the sheath; and an inner diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than that of the handle and the distal-most portion of the outer tube. Navigation of the assembly through a venous system, for deployment of an implantable medical device, is facilitated by deflection of the sheath, to orient a distal-most portion of the outer tube, within which an entirety of the medical device is contained/loaded, and by subsequent advancement of the distal-most portion, with respect to the sheath, to move the distal end of the inner member, along with the contained/loaded device into proximity with a target implant site.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin
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Publication number: 20130253345Abstract: In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an enlarged distal portion, wherein the enlarged distal portion is configured to substantially fill the inner lumen and close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath. The enlarged distal portion is slidable relative to the outer sheath. The inner sheath further includes a tether with a helical element that is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to release the implantable medical device from a distal portion of the outer sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Erik C. Griswold, James Calvin Allan, Rudolph A. Beasley, William Berthiaume, Arvind K. Srinivas, Don H. Tran, Suruchi Anand, Martha A. Barajas-Torres, Matthew S. Poole, Steven L. Waldhauser
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Publication number: 20130253344Abstract: In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an inflatable member at its distal portion. The inflatable member is inflatable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath when inflated. The inner sheath further includes a stopper proximally located relative to the inflatable member. The inflatable member is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to retract in a proximal direction towards the stopper. The inflatable member can be retracted in a proximal direction towards the stopper and past an implantable medical device positioned within a distal portion of the outer sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Erik C. Griswold, Rudolph A. Beasley, James Calvin Allan, Suruchi Anand, Martha A. Barajas-Torres, Matthew S. Poole, Arvind K. Srinivas, Steven L. Waldhauser, William Berthiaume
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Patent number: 8504156Abstract: A holding member for an implantable cardiac device facilitates tether attachment and removal, at time of implant, and snaring, or otherwise capturing, for subsequent explant. Preferably located in proximity to a proximal end wall of a shell of the device, the holding member includes a strut portion, being spaced proximally apart from the proximal end wall, a waist portion, defining a recess, and an engagement section, extending between the strut portion and the waist portion and overhanging the recess. The waist portion may either extend between the strut portion and the proximal end wall, or be formed in the shell, distal to the proximal end wall. Alternately, the holding member includes a loop element and an engagement element coupled thereto, between first and second segments thereof. The segments are initially formed to give the loop element an opening, and have a flexibility to be compressed together.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Bonner, Thomas A. Anderson, William A. Berthiaume, Noelle C. Hurtig
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Publication number: 20130131591Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate outer tube, an elongate inner member extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and an articulation sheath surrounding the outer tube between a handle of the assembly and a distal-most portion of the outer tube. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable within the sheath; and an inner diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than that of the handle and the distal-most portion of the outer tube. Navigation of the assembly through a venous system, for deployment of an implantable medical device, is facilitated by deflection of the sheath, to orient a distal-most portion of the outer tube, within which an entirety of the medical device is contained/loaded, and by subsequent advancement of the distal-most portion, with respect to the sheath, to move the distal end of the inner member, along with the contained/loaded device into proximity with a target implant site.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin
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Publication number: 20130131693Abstract: An inner subassembly of a delivery system assembly extends within a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly, and includes a flared distal end, which is preferably configured to conform to a proximal end of an implantable medical device; a distal-most portion of the outer tube is sized to contain both the flared distal end and an entirety of the medical device. The inner subassembly includes a core, an elongate pull-wire, extending along the core, and a sheath surrounding the pull-wire and the core; the sheath includes a slot opening that allows the pull-wire to pass laterally therethrough. The assembly preferably has a pre-formed curvature along a length of the sheath, and the slot opening extends along the pre-formed curvature. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner subassembly, for example, to deploy the medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, Erik Griswold, Brent L. Locsin, James C. Allan
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Publication number: 20130103047Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin