Patents by Inventor Zachary P. Dominguez

Zachary P. Dominguez 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: 20190008669
    Abstract: An intragastric implant for obesity treatment is disclosed. The device delays digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve, and may also slows gastric emptying by limiting flow through the pyloric sphincter. The implant includes an elongated axially-compressible duodenal sleeve having a non-tissue-piercing anchor on a proximal end sized to lodge within the duodenal bulb. The anchor may have oppositely-directed anchoring flanges to resists migration in both directions. The sleeve may also have barbed ribs to resist proximal movement back up into the stomach. A method of implant includes collapsing/compressing the device and transorally advancing it through the esophagus to be deployed within the duodenum. A dissolvable jacket may constrain the implant for delivery and naturally dissolve upon implant. Removal of the implant may occur in the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez, Christopher S. Mudd
  • Patent number: 10070980
    Abstract: An intragastric implant for obesity treatment is disclosed. The device delays digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve, and may also slows gastric emptying by limiting flow through the pyloric sphincter. The implant includes an elongated axially-compressible duodenal sleeve having a non-tissue-piercing anchor on a proximal end sized to lodge within the duodenal bulb. The anchor may have oppositely-directed anchoring flanges to resists migration in both directions. The sleeve may also have barbed ribs to resist proximal movement back up into the stomach. A method of implant includes collapsing/compressing the device and transorally advancing it through the esophagus to be deployed within the duodenum. A dissolvable jacket may constrain the implant for delivery and naturally dissolve upon implant. Removal of the implant may occur in the reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez, Christopher S. Mudd
  • Patent number: 9956105
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. The implants are formed of materials that permit the implant to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that will resist degradation over a period of at least six months within the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9895247
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, certain devices slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. A number of devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez, Justin Schwab
  • Patent number: 9801747
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, or the greater and lesser curvatures in the middle of the stomach, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices may combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Mitchell H. Babkes, Jason Metzner, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9795498
    Abstract: A transorally implanted intragastric balloon or treating obesity and for weight control including a variable size balloon with one or interconnected regions acting to exert a pressure on the stomach, to provide a stomach volume occupying effect, and/or to anchor the balloon within the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY US, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez, Joseph S. Raven, Mitchell H. Babkes, Christopher S. Mudd, Tiago Bertolote
  • Publication number: 20170258617
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, or the greater and lesser curvatures in the middle of the stomach, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices may combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Mitchell H. Babkes, Jason Metzner, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Publication number: 20170105861
    Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Tiago Bertolote, Zachary P. Dominguez, Mitchell H. Babkes, Richard Law
  • Patent number: 9610184
    Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Tiago Bertolote, Zachary P. Dominguez, Mitchell H. Babkes, Richard Law
  • Publication number: 20160331568
    Abstract: A transorally implanted intragastric balloon or treating obesity and for weight control including a variable size balloon with one or interconnected regions acting to exert a pressure on the stomach, to provide a stomach volume occupying effect, and/or to anchor the balloon within the stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez, Joseph S. Raven, Mitchell H. Babkes, Christopher S. Mudd, Tiago Bertolote
  • Publication number: 20160114101
    Abstract: An injection device enables a user to control the dilution ratio of mixed injectable fluid. In one embodiment, the injection device includes a drive unit configured to apply extrusion forces to fluids. In one embodiment, the injection device produces the mixed injectable fluid based on a selected dilution ratio. In one embodiment, the injection device produces the mixed injectable fluid based on selected injection rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Mudd, Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez, Michael J. Prichard, Martha E. Llewellyn, Shaohui Qiu, Lee F. Powers, Brett R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160030219
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9199069
    Abstract: Injection ports are disclosed for use with a gastric band for the treatment of obesity. An injection port may include a septum having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The injection port may also include a housing including a first inner side wall being tapered inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end, the tapering of the first inner side wall being used to secure the septum within the housing. The housing may further include a second inner side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second inner side wall joined to the second end of the first inner side wall, and a bottom surface joined to the second end of the second inner side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Franklin, Justin Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9149383
    Abstract: Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a novel esophageal device implantable in the patient's body and designed to replicate the restrictive and satiety mechanism associated with gastric banding systems known in the art. The device can be a compliant and tubular-shaped and fixated within the gastro-esophageal lumen using tissue anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez, Jason Hoover
  • Publication number: 20150272761
    Abstract: A transorally implanted intragastric balloon or treating obesity and for weight control including a variable size balloon with one or interconnected regions acting to exert a pressure on the stomach, to provide a stomach volume occupying effect, and/or to anchor the balloon within the stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez, Joseph S. Raven, Mitchell H. Babkes, Christopher S. Mudd, Tiago Bertolote
  • Publication number: 20150223957
    Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Tiago Bertolote, Zachary P. Dominguez, Mitchell H. Babkes, Richard Law
  • Publication number: 20150209169
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, certain devices slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. A number of devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez, Justin Schwab
  • Patent number: 9044298
    Abstract: Generally described herein are automatic, self-adjusting, gastric banding systems and improvements thereof, that are capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to a large bolus passing through the area of a patient's stomach constricted by a gastric band. Alternatively, and/or in addition in one or more embodiments, the gastric banding systems described herein may also help prevent pouch dilatation and/or erosion. The apparatus and systems described herein aid in facilitating obesity control and/or treating obesity-related diseases while generally being non-invasive once implanted. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the self-adjusting gastric banding systems disclosed herein are automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The automatic adjustments may also be made in response to other changes in the patient's esophageal-gastric junction, for example, in response to size, shape, and or location changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan Franklin, Sean Snow, Erik Torjesen, Justin J. Schwab, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Publication number: 20150142044
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, or the greater and lesser curvatures in the middle of the stomach, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices may combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Mitchell H. Babkes, Jason Metzner, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9017358
    Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin J. Schwab, Tiago Bertolote, Zachary P. Dominguez, Mitchell H. Babkes, Richard Law