Blood Vessel Or Graft Preparation Patents (Class 600/36)
  • Publication number: 20130116500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valvulotome (1) guided by guidewire/catheter comprising a guidewire (2), a first inner tube (3) accommodating the guidewire (2), an expandable basket (5) with cutting elements (7), with said basket (5) being the distal end of a second tube (4) through which the first inner tube (3) extends, a catheter tube (8) through which the second inner tube (4) extends, said catheter tube being suited to accommodate and guide the expandable basket (5) in non-expanded state, a sleeve (6) that forms the distal end of the first tube (3) and functions as limiting element for the distal end of the basket (5) and through which the guidewire (2) has been passed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Andramed GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Kohl, Heinz Schade, Matthias Tenholt, Stefan Kennel
  • Publication number: 20130102839
    Abstract: A method for preparing a stent-graft for intraluminal delivery, including positioning an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) substrate over a support mandrel, coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding the polymer clad member in an overlapping helical manner onto a surface of the ePTFE substrate, joining and sealing adjacent overlapping regions of the polymer clad member together and to the surface of the ePTFE substrate to form a stent-graft, manipulating the stent-graft from a larger first diameter to a smaller second diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath at the smaller second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: BARD PERIPHERAL VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventor: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130085571
    Abstract: An artificial, biodegradable skin scaffold includes a biodegradable polysaccharide hydrogel composition having a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa and, preferably, includes an additional biodegradable polysaccharide hydrogel composition with the two biodegradable polysaccharide hydrogel compositions contacting one another and the additional biodegradable polysaccharide hydrogel composition preferably having a Young's modulus of less than about 10 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Anja Mueller, Robert D. Kross
  • Patent number: 8409847
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Patent number: 8399243
    Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Universitaet Zuerich, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventors: Carlijin V. C. Bouten, Anita Mol, Marcel C. M. Rutten, Simon P. Hoerstrup, Frank P. T. Baaijens
  • Publication number: 20130046134
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating relevant in vitro models of engineered innervated tissue, as well as uses of such tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Kevin Kit Parker, Adam W. Feinberg, Lauren E.M. Chin
  • Publication number: 20130018220
    Abstract: A method for making a graft layer is provided. The graft layer has at least two layers with different porosities. The two layers are applied by electrospinning. The parameters of the electrospinning may be varied when applying the first and second layers in order to achieve different porosities of the first and second layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Siddharth U. Vad, Mark A. Magnuson, Mark R. Frye, Sean D. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20130018449
    Abstract: This invention relates to prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and a single catheter device and minimally invasive techniques for percutaneous and transluminal valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: ABPS Venture One, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven R. Bailey, Christopher T. Boyle
  • Patent number: 8353814
    Abstract: A method for securing a compliant scaffold to an outer surface of a vascular graft includes positioning the scaffold radially about an elongated support tube which includes first and second radially outwardly flared end portions respectively defining first and second open ends of the support tube. The method further includes pulling the vascular graft through a lumen of the support tube, and axially deploying the scaffold over the first end portion of the support tube and into compliant contact with the outer surface of the vascular graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel A. Villafana, Eric E. Solien, Michael P. Winegar, Michael J. Urick
  • Publication number: 20130012767
    Abstract: Systems, dies, and methods are provided for processing pericardial tissue. The method includes positioning a die-cut assembly over the pericardial tissue, the die-cut assembly including a die having a plate, a die pattern, and an opening, the die pattern attached to the plate, the opening formed in the plate to provide access to the pericardial tissue, and measuring a thickness of the tissue through the opening. The die-cut assembly may be mounted for automated vertical movement, and a platen on which the tissue is placed is capable of automated horizontal movement. Different target areas on the tissue can be assessed by measuring the thickness through the die, and when an area is deemed suitable the die pattern cuts a shape therefrom. The system is useful for cutting uniform thickness heart valve leaflets, and can be automated to speed up the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Oanh H. Nguyen, Ivan Jankovic, Diane Nguyen-Thien-Nhon, Juan C. Velez, Jon Boomgarden
  • Publication number: 20120330402
    Abstract: A helical stent is provided that is wound in a zig-zag pattern along a pitch angle with respect to a plane transverse to the axis of the stent. A bisecting line extending through a bend and between two adjacent angular struts is also angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Siddharth U. Vad, Mark R. Frye, Sean D. Chambers
  • Patent number: 8337554
    Abstract: A skin substitute membrane includes a surface on one side including a groove-shaped depressed portion and a planar portion, the depressed portion having a cross section having a chamfered V-letter shape, the surface having an arithmetic mean roughness Sa of more than or equal to 10 ?m to less than or equal to 50 ?m. The depressed portion has a width of more than or equal to 50 ?m to less than or equal to 500 ?m and a depth of more than or equal to 30 ?m to less than or equal to 150 ?m. A spectral transmittance for light of more than or equal to 290 nm to less than or equal to 400 nm in wavelength is more than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Miura, Hiroko Mizuno, Masato Hatao, Motoki Ooguri, Yusuke Hara
  • Patent number: 8329450
    Abstract: An organ support apparatus includes: (a) a fluid circuit defining upstream and downstream legs adapted to be connected to an organ to be supported; (b) a circulation pump connected to the fluid circuit for circulating a process fluid through the fluid circuit and the organ; and (c) a first waveform generator connected to the fluid circuit for impressing a preselected pressure waveform on the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Biomedinnovations, LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Faulkner, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20120310041
    Abstract: A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: COLIBRI HEART VALVE LLC
    Inventors: David PANIAGUA, Eduardo INDUNI, R. David FISH
  • Patent number: 8318414
    Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Dancu, John M. Tarbell
  • Patent number: 8292799
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for implantation into a human body is made by a method that includes the steps of providing a natural animal tissue that has a substrate, crosslinking and fixing the substrate, minimizing the antigens from the substrate, tanning the substrate to improve its mechanical properties, and coupling an anticoagulant to an inner surface of the substrate to form an anticoagulant surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Grandhope Biotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guo-Feng Xu
  • Publication number: 20120259170
    Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft is provided. The method includes mounting a stent on a mandrel so that the stent is stretched when it is on the mandrel. A graft layer is then adhered to the stent while it is mounted on the mandrel. When the stent-graft is removed from the mandrel, the stent contracts and the graft layer becomes partially wrinkled when the stent is in its expanded relaxed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David G. Grewe, Keith R. Milner, Blayne A. Roeder, Steven J. Charlebois
  • Publication number: 20120221098
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive active agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Advanced Bio Prosthetic Surfaces, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Palmaz Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Boyle
  • Patent number: 8202725
    Abstract: Tissue engineering methods and biochamber apparatus are provided for making tissue grafts for implantation into a patient. The methods include applying a sustained low magnitude pressure gradient transmurally across a permeable scaffold material using a media containing cells, preferably microvascular epithelial cells, to be deposited on the scaffold for the production of tissue grafts, preferably vascular grafts, to promote accelerated adhesion and maturation of cells on the scaffold material. Biochambers for preparing tubular tissue grafts are provided which contain connectors for holding a graft substrate, proximal and distal tubing for connection to an optional perfusion system, and structure for switching between transmural flow of a cell suspension across the graft substrate and translumenal flow through the lumen of the graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Tissue Genesis Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul E. Kosnik, Christopher T. England, Robert G. Dennis, Stuart K. Williams
  • Patent number: 8192348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered blood vessels and methods of making such vessels using matrices comprising endothelial and smooth muscle cells, or cells capable of differentiating into endothelial and smooth muscle cell lineages (e.g., stem cells, or the progenitors thereof).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Robert T. Tranquillo, Jeffrey Ross, Morayma Reyes
  • Patent number: 8172746
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Narenk Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20120108891
    Abstract: A tissue illumination system and a method for harvesting a section of a blood vessel from a patient's body for further use. The tissue illumination system includes a light catheter inserted into a lumen of the blood vessel section to illuminate the vessel section and vessel side branches with an intensity which is visible to the physician from an exterior of the vessel section and also includes a viewing element insertable into the lumen and capable of viewing the illuminated vessel section. The tissue illumination system also includes at least one tool insertable into the lumen and used to harvest the vessel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: EMBRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: David R. Knighton, Vance D. Fiegel
  • Patent number: 8162815
    Abstract: A blood vessel preservation device is disclosed comprised of a vessel cannister, cannister cap, vessel alignment insert, pulsatile pump and both inlet and outlet tubing. The vessel canister is advantageously configured as a hollow tube-like structure with a central bore having one open terminus—the proximal terminus—and a closed distal terminus—similar to a large test tube—. Integrated embodiments of the device are disclosed wherein blood is provided from natural circulation and returns thereto. Non-integrated embodiments are also disclosed wherein sufficient blood is provided to the device and thereafter the device functions separate and apart from a patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Genovesi
  • Patent number: 8158407
    Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Publication number: 20120078037
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting selected vessels in the body of a patient include manual manipulation of a rigid dissecting endoscope and the reconfiguration thereof to facilitate tissue dissection and tissue dilation in the formation of an anatomical space about the vessel within which side-branch vessels may be manipulated in preparation for severance and removal of the vessel from the anatomical space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8142991
    Abstract: This invention is a novel method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: RTI Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Randal Mills, John F. Wironen, Sean Hanstke
  • Patent number: 8123672
    Abstract: A vessel preparation and preservation kit supports a blood vessel during processing for use in bypass graft surgery. The device comprises a clamshell base having first and second trays latchable in a closed condition and pivotable to an open condition. The first tray has a series of open slots on an interior surface, wherein each slot extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamshell base. A first fixture has a first plate positionable in any selected one of the slots, a first fitting for holding a first end of the blood vessel, and a fluid supply needle for inserting into the first end of the blood vessel. A second fixture has a second plate positionable in any selected one of the slots a predetermined distance from the first fixture and having a second fitting for holding a second end of the blood vessel. A liquid-retaining foam is mounted in the second tray to immerse the prepared blood vessel in liquid to preserve it by putting the trays in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Viitala, Randal James Kadykowski
  • Publication number: 20120035743
    Abstract: A construct for use in a minimally invasive surgery is described. The construct contains an allograft having at least one layer of human amnion and chorion tissues, and is adapted for insertion into a small incision or a cannula employed in the minimally invasive surgery for access to the surgical site. The allograft has a shape appropriate for covering the surgical site. Methods of preparing the construct and using it in a minimally invasive surgery are also described. The products and methods improve the performance of the minimally invasive surgery, e.g., by reducing adhesions, scar formation while also reducing inflammation and risk of post-operative infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: AFcell Medical
    Inventors: Robin R. YOUNG, Alessandro CANONACO, Richard M. JAY
  • Publication number: 20120004499
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical method may include making a first incision in a patient. The surgical method may also include receiving a gas from a source and humidifying and warming the gas received from the source. The surgical method may further include delivering the humidified and warmed gas into the first incision. The surgical method may further include separating one or more blood vessel branches from a blood vessel using at least one surgical instrument inserted through a second incision in the patient. The surgical method may further include removing a blood vessel segment from the patient through a third incision in the patient, wherein the blood vessel segment was in contact with the humidified and warmed gas delivered into the first incision prior to the removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas E. Ott
  • Patent number: 8088060
    Abstract: A medical device for implantation into vessels or luminal structures within the body is provided, which stimulates positive blood vessel remodeling. The medical device, such as a stent and a synthetic graft, is provided with a coating with a pharmaceutical composition containing a controlled-release matrix and one or more pharmaceutical substances for direct delivery of drugs to surrounding tissues. The coating on the medical device further comprises one or more barrier layers, and a ligand such as a peptide, an antibody or a small molecule for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in the blood contacting surface of the device for restoring an endothelium at the site of injury. In particular, the drug-coated stents are for use, for example, in balloon angioplasty procedures for preventing or inhibiting restenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: OrbusNeich Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert John Cottone, Jr., Margaret Yoklavich, Sherry Parker
  • Publication number: 20110288369
    Abstract: An actuator for use in a surgical instrument, the actuator includes an upper portion configured to be actuated by one or more fingers, wherein the upper portion has an upper distal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a first mode of operation, and an upper proximal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a second mode of operation, and wherein the upper distal portion and the upper proximal portion have different respective tactile configurations for informing the user of the first and second modes of operation, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Fred Ginnebaugh, Joseph N. Lamberti, Rohit Girotra
  • Patent number: 8048442
    Abstract: Systems comprising modified heparin-based coatings to form coatings on medical devices are provided. The systems improve the suitability of the heparin-based coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Syed F. A. Hossainy, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 8039246
    Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Patent number: 8034608
    Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Publication number: 20110238167
    Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Dove, Bin Tian, Ralph Schneider, Jeffrey S. Cohen, Ivan Jankovic, John F. Migliazza, Gregory A. Wright, James M. Young, Louis A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20110224483
    Abstract: A tissue illumination system and a method for harvesting a section of a blood vessel from a patient's body for further use. The tissue illumination system includes a light catheter inserted into a lumen of the blood vessel section to illuminate the vessel section and vessel side branches with an intensity which is visible to the physician from an exterior of the vessel section and also includes a viewing element insertable into the lumen and capable of viewing the illuminated vessel section. The tissue illumination system also includes at least one tool insertable into the lumen and used to harvest the vessel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: EMBRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: David R. Knighton, Vance D. Fiegel
  • Publication number: 20110190572
    Abstract: The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Colleen M. Brophy, Padmini Komalavilas, Joyce Cheung-Flynn, Kyle M. Hocking, Susan S. Eagle
  • Patent number: 7968335
    Abstract: A cell culturing method employing biomechanical stimulation loading and a system for applying, in in vitro culture, stimulation similar to vertical weight load stimulation or sideward shear stress stimulation acting on tissues in an aboveground living body as repeated biomechanical stimulation to culture cells, culture tissues or a construct including the culture cells. The system includes a mechanical stimulation loading device and a culture receptacle that are placed in a carbon dioxide incubator, and a control computer. The device includes a weight loading piston, a piston raising and lowering stage supporting piston to allow vertical movement of a piston within a designated range, and a stage lifting and lowering mechanism for vertically moving the stage. A computer drives the mechanism in a specified cycle to effect the vertical movement of the stage. When the stage is lowered, a culture in the receptacle is weighted with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Ken Nakata
  • Patent number: 7968329
    Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Patent number: 7964387
    Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Dancu
  • Patent number: 7959553
    Abstract: A tissue illumination system and a method for harvesting a section of a blood vessel from a patient's body for further use. The tissue illumination system includes a light catheter inserted into a lumen of the blood vessel section to illuminate the vessel section and vessel side branches with an intensity which is visible to the physician from an exterior of the vessel section and also includes a viewing element insertable into the lumen and capable of viewing the illuminated vessel section. The tissue illumination system also includes at least one tool insertable into the lumen and used to harvest the vessel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Embro Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Knighton, Vance D. Fiegel
  • Publication number: 20110130624
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a body section having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an inner edge circumferentially arranged around at least a portion of an open area. The apparatus also includes a tool extending from the body section into the open area for holding a graft vessel. The lower surface of the body section opposes a receiving vessel when the tool is positioned to transfer the graft vessel to the receiving vessel, such that the graft vessel is axially accessible through the open area to be attached to the receiving vessel. In more specific embodiments, the body section has first and second opposing ends defining a gap sized to permit the vessel to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Baron L. Hamman, William E. Cohn, Devin S. Dobie, Kirk S. Honour, Dana Ray Mester
  • Publication number: 20110124958
    Abstract: A device and method for extracting tubular structures are provided. An incision is made at a proximate and at a distal end of a tubular structure. An extracting device is inserted into and passed through a tubular structure until the operational head of the device extends past the distal incision. An actuator on the handle of the device is actuated, longitudinally extending the operational head of the device. The edge of a tubular structure is positioned axially in the mouth of a hook wire on the operational head. The actuator on the handle is released and the hook wire engages and captures the tubular structure. The user manually pulls the tubular structure, invaginating and removing it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Dvora Y. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7887558
    Abstract: A vessel harvesting system that is suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The system includes a vessel harvesting tool with an elongated cannula and a plurality of surgical instruments therein for separating the target vessels from the surrounding tissue and side branches. The harvesting tool includes a modular handle unit with a base attached to the elongated cannula and a sled that can adapt the base to various types of vessel severing/securing tools, such as tissue welders, bipolar scissors, and bipolar bisectors. The handle unit may be relatively rigid and integrated with the various tool movement controls to facilitate one-handed operation by a user. A severing/securing tool rotation mechanism may be incorporated within the handle and operated by a thumbwheel or other such mechanism. The vessel harvesting system may also provide distal CO2 insufflation for enhanced maintenance of the operating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Arthur M. Lin, Joseph N. Lamberti, Kenny Dang, Michael C. Stewart, Charles J. Adam, Justin N. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110009947
    Abstract: An endothelial scaffold may used to form a graft with an endothelial lining or endothelium. The scaffold allows a natural vessel or other endothelial lumen to line a channel of the scaffold to provide an endothelial layer which enhances blood flow through the channel. The channel may have a narrowed section to provide a stenosis. One or more conduits may extend from an exterior portion of the scaffold to an inner surface of the channel. Air may be withdrawn from between the natural vessel and inner surface of the channel via the conduits to cause the endothelial lumen to conform to the inner surface of the channel. A valve may be used to prevent air from reentering the conduits. The graft, including the endothelial lumen, may be implanted into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Stanley Batiste, Steven Achstein
  • Publication number: 20100331964
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo vascular remodeling methods and system by which an excised, small diameter blood vessel can be harvested and expanded to provide viable vascular grafts, as demonstrated at the physical and molecular levels, and as optimized in vivo. The tissue-engineered vessels generated by the present invention closely resemble native vessels in terms of structure, histologically, including endothelial coverage and intricate structural components such as the internal elastic lamina, viability (as measured with MTT assay and TUNEL analysis), and function (vasoactivity, mechanical and biomechanical properties). Thus, the resulting vascular grafts behave in a manner similar to native arteries in terms of mechanical integrity, and provide clinically relevant patency rates when implanted in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Valerie Clerin, Rebecca Gusic, Keith Gooch
  • Patent number: 7857748
    Abstract: Methods of manufacture of endoprostheses comprising one or more photocurable materials are disclosed. The endoprostheses may comprise regions wherein the photocurable materials are selectively disposed about the endoprosthesis and are cured according to desired parameters to achieve varying desired properties. Photolithographic masking material may be selectively disposed about an inflatable balloon and exposed to a radiation emitting catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Syne Cor, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Williams, Kevin D. Holbrook, Richard A. Glenn, Jeffrey A. Smith, Joseph M. DeSimone
  • Patent number: 7851200
    Abstract: A bioreactor and a method for growing engineered tissue provide facing surfaces in a vessel for containing cell-culture media. The facing surfaces are equidistant and define a gap therebetween while providing substrates for cell tissue growth. By maintaining conditions within the vessel conducive to cell tissue growth and moving the surfaces relative to one another within such cell culture media, tissue growing thereupon is subjected to physiological flow and shear stress, preferably through the use of oscillating motion, and engineered tissue is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Robert B. More
  • Patent number: 7846123
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Vassiliades, Ajit Yoganathan, Jorge Hernan Jimenez
  • Patent number: RE42857
    Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: 3F Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Cali, Keith E. Myers