With Flow Control Means (e.g., Check Valves, Hydrocephalus Pumps, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/9)
  • Patent number: 11338124
    Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: AIS GmbH Aachen Innovative Solutions
    Inventors: Joachim-Georg Pfeffer, Thomas Schmitz-Rode, Rolf W. Günther
  • Patent number: 11266501
    Abstract: A differential pressure regulating device is provided for controlling in-vivo pressure in a body, and in particularly in a heart. The device may include a shunt being positioned between two or more lumens in a body, to enable fluids to flow between the lumens, and an adjustable flow regulation mechanism being configured to selectively cover an opening of the shunt, to regulate the flow of fluid through the shunt in relation to a pressure difference between the body lumens. In some embodiments a control mechanism coupled to the adjustable flow regulation mechanism may be provided, to remotely activate the adjustable flow regulation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: V-Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Rottenberg, Ori J. Braun, Avraham Aba Zakay, Ascher Shmulewitz, Yoram Rozy, Gad Keren
  • Patent number: 11253685
    Abstract: The present technology relates to interatrial shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes interatrial shunting systems that include a shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to fluidly couple the left atrium and the right atrium when the shunting element is implanted in a patient. The system can also include an energy receiving component for receiving energy from an energy source positioned external to the body, an energy storage component for storing the received energy, and/or a flow control mechanism for adjusting a geometry of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Fahey, Peter Andriola, William Jason Fox
  • Patent number: 11247030
    Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Samuel R. Browd, Barry R. Lutz
  • Patent number: 11246753
    Abstract: An implanted intraocular shunt can be manually manipulated, without surgical intervention, to modify the flow resistance of the shunt, thereby providing relief from high intraocular pressure while avoiding hypotony. For example, through application of pressure along a surface of the eye, a portion of the shunt can be displaced or separated relative to the shunt, thereby decreasing a flow resistance of the shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: AQUESYS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Horvath, Laszlo O. Romoda, Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 11197954
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for an insertion mechanism for an administering device, having a base and a guide track. A slider of the drive mechanism provided on the base in a rotationally fixed manner can be slid along or in the guide track between end positions. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the base. A drive track is connected to the slider and has a plurality of drive sections, and an energy source, by means of which the drive wheel can be set into rotation. Upon rotation of the drive wheel, the slider moves along the guide track in the distal direction to a distal end of the guide track and slider is moved along or in the guide track in the proximal direction. The energy source can be coupled to the drive wheel by means of a one-piece or multi-piece transmission element and of an introduction wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TecMed AG
    Inventors: Seline Staub, Ursina Streit
  • Patent number: 11197983
    Abstract: A device and associated method for adjusting the opening pressure of an implantable valve. The valve has a rotor of rotation axis, whose angular position determines the opening pressure. The rotor has a rotor micro-magnet movable between positions of locking and unlocking, in which positions the micro-magnet respectively prohibits and permits the rotation of the rotor. The method includes: arranging a locator to align an axis of a locator receptacle with the rotation axis and to orient the locator in an angular position; determining the angular position of the rotor about its rotation axis with respect to the locator; inserting an actuator into the locator receptacle as far as a first insertion depth; partially withdrawing the actuator from the locator receptacle as far as a second insertion depth less than the first insertion depth; rotating the actuator starting from the second insertion depth; separating the actuator from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SOPHYSA
    Inventor: Philippe Negre
  • Patent number: 11166848
    Abstract: Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an adjustable flow shunt can include an outflow drainage tube having a proximal inflow region and a distal outflow region. The proximal inflow region can include aperture(s) defining a fluid inlet area positioned to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The shunt further comprises an inflow control assembly at the proximal inflow region. The inflow control assembly can include a control element configured to slidably engage the proximal inflow region and a spring element. The spring element is configured to be activated by non-invasive energy and, upon activation, slidably move the control element along the proximal inflow region such that (a) the one or more apertures are accessible and have a first fluid flow cross-section or (b) the one or more apertures are at least partially covered by the control element and have a second, different fluid-flow cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Colin Mixter, Claudio Argento, Andrew Backus, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 11166849
    Abstract: Systems and devices for facilitating the flow of fluid between a first body region and a second body region are disclosed herein. The devices generally include a drainage and/or shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough for draining or otherwise shunting fluid between the first and second body regions. Further, devices configured in accordance with the present technology may be selectively adjustable to control the amount of fluid flowing between the first and second body regions. In some embodiments, for example, the devices comprise an actuation assembly that drives movement of a flow control element to modulate flow resistance through the lumen, thereby increasing or decreasing the relative drainage rate of fluid between the first body region and the second body region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Colin Mixter, Claudio Argento, Andrew Backus, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 11163967
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a chipless patterned conductor, comprising one or more glyphs. Each glyph comprises a disk and a ring structure including at least one ring surrounding the disk. One or more of a spacing between the disk and the at least one ring and a width of the at least one ring is configured to determine a characteristic resonant frequency of the glyph. At least one notch is disposed in at least one of the disk and at least one ring of the ring structure. The at least one notch is configured such that the magnitude of resonances in the glyph are dependent on polarization direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Shabnam Ladan, David Eric Schwartz, Farzad Michael David Inanlou
  • Patent number: 11135410
    Abstract: The present teachings provide a device to change the pressure in a chamber of a heart and methods of making and using thereof. One aspect of the present teachings provides a device comprising a frame (for example, a metallic frame) and a scaffold. The frame of the device has a distal flange portion, a shunt portion, and a proximal flange portion. The distal and proximal flange portions can align with the shunt portion and form an elongated first profile. At least one of the distal and proximal flange portions can bend radially away from the shunt portion to form a flange like profile. The scaffold includes one or more than covering layers and encloses parts of the frame or the entire frame. The covering layer provides a barrier between the biological matter and the frame of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Corvia Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Finch, Edward I. McNamara
  • Patent number: 11103683
    Abstract: An implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator for treating hydrocephalus in patients of all ages is disclosed as well as a system and method for use of the same. In one embodiment of the implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator, two one-way valves are interposed in parallel, opposing orientations between a vestibule and a chamber. One of the one-way valves, in response to systole, provides fluid communication from the vestibule to the chamber such that a small aliquot of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is displaced from a cerebral ventricle into a ventricular catheter, thereby reducing intraventricular systolic pressure. The other one-way valve, in response to diastole, provides fluid communication from the chamber to the vestibule such that the same volume of CSF is reintroduced into a cerebral ventricle, thereby increasing intraventricular diastolic pressure. Together, both processes work synergistically to reduce intraventricular pulse pressure in order to treat hydrocephalus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Frederick H. Sklar
  • Patent number: 11083581
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an expandable positioning device for improving the coaptation of heart valve leaflets is provided. The expandable positioning device can include one or more expandable members. A first expandable member extends below a leaflet in order to reposition the leaflet to improve coaptation with another leaflet. A second expandable member extends above a leaflet in order to secure the expandable delivery device at the implantation site. The expandable positioning device can include a neck that is inserted through the leaflet on which the device is implanted. The expandable positioning device can include a coupling member to releasably couple the device to a delivery device. One or more sealing members can be included in the expandable positioning device to maintain a desired level of expansion of the one or more expandable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Grant Matthew Stearns, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 11035498
    Abstract: A capsule is disclosed which includes a flexible outer shell capable of transforming into an asymmetric shape; an internal medium encapsulated by the outer shell, the medium including a plurality of magnetic particles, wherein the magnetic particles can move in response to an applied magnetic field. A valve system includes an in-line valve sized to fit within a flow channel including a capsule having a flexible outer shell containing an internal medium encapsulated by the outer shell, the medium including a plurality of magnetic particles; and a magnetic field source disposed about the exterior wall of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ahmed Alfadhel, Meng-Chun Hsu, David A. Borkholder
  • Patent number: 11013900
    Abstract: Endovascular drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein for delivering a therapeutic agent to the intracranial subarachnoid space of a patient, and/or deploying an endovascular drug delivery device distal portion in the intracranial subarachnoid space and a portion of the drug delivery device body in a dural venous sinus such that a therapeutic agent is delivered from the deployed drug delivery device into the intracranial subarachnoid space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: CereVasc, Inc.
    Inventors: Adel M. Malek, Carl B. Heilman, David A. Rezac, Jack B. Sattell, Alexander Bonin
  • Patent number: 10987195
    Abstract: A medical device includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve includes a manifold having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and an element movable within the manifold and spring-biased to close the first opening. When biased to close the first opening, air flows from the second opening to the third opening. The second valve is configured to provide a flow of pressurized gas to the first valve to move the element to close the third opening. The first valve and the second valve are configured, upon moving the element to close the third opening, to interrupt the flow of air from the second opening to the third opening and to allow the flow of the pressurized gas to exit the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventor: Joey Magno
  • Patent number: 10952897
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of relieving intraocular pressure by inserting a drainage device into the sclera near the trabecular meshwork from a remote location. The path of insertion is made from a corneal incision and avoids contact with the conjunctiva and tenons tissue. The drainage device comprises a tube like structure and may contain a barb at one end to secure the drainage device. A delivery device may be used to insert the drainage device. The delivery device may be inserted through a corneal incision and directed to the desired area for insertion in to the sclera. The delivery device may then be activated to shoot the drainage device into the sclera to promote increased drainage of aqueous humor and reduce the build up of intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: S. Gregory Smith
  • Patent number: 10893927
    Abstract: An inferior vena cava (IVC) implant is provided that includes a tubular implant body, which is configured to assume a compressed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration, and configured such that when implanted in the expanded deployment configuration in the IVC in the vicinity of the renal junctions, (a) has a generally tubular shape, (b) has upstream and downstream ends, and (c) is shaped so as to define: (i) two indentations on opposite sides of the tubular implant body, which are shaped so as to allow blood flow in the two indentations from upstream of the tubular implant body to downstream of the tubular implant body, and (ii) one or more surfaces that at least partially block blood flow through an interior of the tubular implant body from upstream of the tubular implant body to downstream of the tubular implant body. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: MAGENTA MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Zev Sohn
  • Patent number: 10857271
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein are relevant to breast pumps. Disclosed examples include breast pumps that automatically adjust various pumping parameters based on data obtained from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors can produce data regarding an amount of milk expressed by a user. The adjusting of the pumping parameters can be configured to, for example, help the user efficiently express milk by utilizing a closed-feedback system that monitors the flow rate of the expressed milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: LANSINOH LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rush Bartlett, Hasan Keser, Faik Koklu, Koji Matsutori, Peter Lawrence Visconti, Frank Tinghwa Wang
  • Patent number: 10849731
    Abstract: An implantable containment apparatus for receiving and retaining a plurality of cells for insertion into a patient, such as into a tissue bed, is disclosed. The device includes a chamber having structural spacers therein to maintain an average distance between the first interior surface and the second interior surface of the chamber and to define at least one reservoir space for the placement of cells within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Bernadette Parsons, Lauren Zambotti, Paul D. Drumheller
  • Patent number: 10814119
    Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway and attachment device. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CRITICAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross I. Donaldson, Oliver Buchanan, Tim Fisher, Jon Armstrong, John Cambridge
  • Patent number: 10792480
    Abstract: Systems and methods for flushing shunt systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a flusher includes a pinch tube that extends over a flush dome such that a user can simultaneously close the pinch tube and actuate the flush dome with a single motion. Flushing and refill valves of the system can be disposed in a cartridge that is laterally-offset from the flush dome, advantageously reducing the height profile of the flusher. Flushers with integrated shunt valves are also disclosed, as are shunt systems with restricted and unrestricted modes for selectively limiting the instances in which a user can open an auxiliary flow path through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Anuncia, Inc.
    Inventors: P J Anand, Deep Arjun Singh, Greg Eberl, Andrew East, Morgan Brophy, Ayesha Arzumand, Stela Moura, Loredana Guseila
  • Patent number: 10786268
    Abstract: A device for use within an occluded biological vessel and a method of using same to remove occlusion material from a vessel are provided. The device includes an elongated body configured for delivering projections arranged around a distal portion thereof into the biological vessel. Each of the projections includes a leaf-like structure connected to a stem portion having a higher axial rigidity than the leaf-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Triticum Ltd.
    Inventor: Doron Jacob Ben-Ami
  • Patent number: 10765844
    Abstract: A medical fluid drainage system which may be advantageously used to actively absorb excess fluid from an interstitium in a living host and to transport it from an inlet member 1 in a non edematous body part out of an outlet member 4 via pumps (5, 6, 7) built in series, such as a distal area with functional lymphatic vessels, or directly in a lymphatic vessel, or directly in a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Marco Pisano, Valentina Triacca
  • Patent number: 10758408
    Abstract: A tethered cannula having at least two curved sections for implantation into an eye and a method for implanting the cannula in the eye. The cannula can withstand ever present and changing rotational forces from eye movement and mechanical forces from the movement of the subject. The cannula can be connected to implantable or tetherable devices that are too large, heavy, or obstructive to attach directly to the eye, such as an intraocular pressure sensor or infusion pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Christopher Lawrence Passaglia, Sharad Suryakant Malavade
  • Patent number: 10675451
    Abstract: A hydrocephalus shunt arrangement for draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a patient includes a ventricle catheter, a first drainage line, a control valve, a second drainage line, and an intracranial device. The ventricle catheter is inserted into a ventricle space of the brain of a patient. The first drainage line is connected to the ventricle catheter. The control valve is connected to the first drainage line and controls the drainage of CSF from the cranium of the patient through the second drainage line into a drainage area inside an abdominal cavity of the patient. The intracranial device is implanted under the skin of the patient in or at the cranium and connected to the ventricle catheter or the control valve. The intracranial device includes a corrugated metal membrane covering a chamber disposed within a rigid housing. The control valve produces a desired, controlled, drainage of excess CSF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Christoph Miethke GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Christoph Miethke
  • Patent number: 10639458
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and devices for decompressing the lymphatic system. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices for actively or passively decompressing the lymphatic system and methods of their use and deployment within a subject. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a device of the present disclosure can include a pump for actively transferring lymph fluid from the lymphatic fluid into the venous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventors: Maxim Itkin, Yoav Dori
  • Patent number: 10625061
    Abstract: A shunt device for shunting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF containing space to a sinus system cavity comprises a tubular inlet element, a flow restricting part, and a tubular outlet element having an outlet end with an outlet opening for insertion in the sinus system cavity, and a one-way valve preventing flow in a direction from the outlet opening to the inlet opening. The shunt device further comprises a distancer, said distancer being provided at the outlet end of the tubular outlet element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CSF-DYNAMICS A/S
    Inventor: Svend Erik Børgesen
  • Patent number: 10610633
    Abstract: An example magnetically activated implantable valve according to the present disclosure includes an implantable valve, the implantable valve including a first set of passive magnets, and an actuator configured to actuate the implantable valve. The actuator includes a second set of passive magnets corresponding to the first set of passive magnets. The first set of passive magnets is configured to interact with the second set of passive magnets to actuate the valve. Another example magnetically activated implantable valve and an implantable valve for controlling flow of an active fluid are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Mohammed Ibn khayat Zougari
  • Patent number: 10610674
    Abstract: A high-strength steel sheet and a method for manufacturing a high-strength steel sheet having excellent phosphatability and excellent corrosion resistance after electrodeposition coating has been performed, even in the case where the contents of Si and Mn are high. The method may comprise annealing a steal sheet by using a continuous annealing method, performing a heating process, controlling the maximum end-point temperature of a steel sheet in the annealing furnace, controlling the traveling time of the steel sheet, and controlling the dew point of the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: RENISHAW (IRELAND) LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven S Gill
  • Patent number: 10598171
    Abstract: An apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising: a microfluidic channel (3); an electromechanical gel (5) provided within the microfluidic channel (3); at least one pair of electrodes (7) wherein the at least one pair of electrodes (7) are configured to control the electric field across the microfluidic channel (3) to cause the electromechanical gel (5) to deform in response to a voltage applied to the electrodes (7) such that the deformation enables fluid to be pumped through the microfluidic channel (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Jyrki Kimmel
  • Patent number: 10596035
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device operates on the principles of a Starling resistor, and includes a housing, a deformable structure and a spring mounted within a housing, such that the spring applies a substantially constant spring force over a predetermined working range on the deformable structure to thereby self-regulate flow of fluid through the deformable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Constantinos Stergiopulos
  • Patent number: 10589074
    Abstract: A locator as part of a toolkit for locating an implanted valve. The locator is used in concert with an indicator that nests therein. The locator has a lower ring with a contact surface, contacting a patient, a key positioning the nested indicator to prevent rotation, and a lower ring joint opposite the contact surface. Also included is an upper ring with an upper ring joint rotatingly interfacing with the lower ring joint, a flow direction identifier, and a flow setting identifier. Further, the upper and the lower rings rotate relative to each other, and the lower ring is floor-less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES SWITZERLAND SÀRL
    Inventors: Martin Pfleiderer, Toralf Bork
  • Patent number: 10537721
    Abstract: A microneedle container includes a housing that houses a microneedle and a cover that covers the microneedle. The microneedle includes a base having a first surface on which a projection is formed and a second surface supported by a supporting portion of the housing. The base has an abutted portion on the first surface where the projection is not formed, and the cover has an abutment portion that faces the abutted portion, and a facing portion that faces the projection. A distance between the abutment portion and the facing portion is larger than that between the abutted portion and a distal end of the projection in a direction in which the projection extends. A distance between the abutment portion and the supporting portion is smaller than a sum of a distance between the abutted portion and the second surface and a distance between the abutted portion and the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisami Ueno
  • Patent number: 10537674
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Flow Forward Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Nicholas Franano
  • Patent number: 10524958
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing intraocular pressure is provided. A tube extends from an inlet end in fluid communication with an anterior chamber of the eye, to direct an aqueous humor flow from the anterior chamber to an outlet end in fluid communication with a cavity, defined by a housing, for receiving the aqueous humor. A proximal end of an elongate tubular member defining a longitudinally-extending channel is engaged with the housing such that the channel is in fluid communication with the cavity and such that a distal end of the tubular member is spaced apart from the housing, wherein the channel is configured to receive the aqueous humor from the cavity and to direct the aqueous humor through the distal end to a drainage site disposed distally to the anterior chamber and to the housing. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Alievio, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucinda Camras, Rolf Erik Ypma
  • Patent number: 10525239
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt for treatment of hydrocephalus, comprising a valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, which ports are for draining CSF, and a control port for regulating the drainage of CSF through the valve according to a hydrostatic pressure provided to the control port, which hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the body position of the patient. The disclosure further relates to a method for treatment of hydrocephalus comprising regulating drainage of CSF based on a hydrostatic pressure that is dependent on the body position of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventors: Niclas Roxhed, Staffan Johansson, Göran Stemme, Anders Eklund, Jan Malm
  • Patent number: 10492948
    Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera and cornea to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon initial insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. The effect is a flow restrictor that regulates outflow from the eye until a scar tissue bleb forms around the plate of the shunt. The plate desirably has a peripheral ridge and a large number of fenestrations, and a longer suturing tab extending from one side of the plate to enhance visibility and accessibility when suturing the shunt to the sclera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: George Baerveldt
  • Patent number: 10485564
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods to improve perfusion flow and pressure during endovascular intervention. In particular, the invention relates to catheters that enable both antegrade and retrograde flow through the catheter during a recanalization procedure and specifically at the step in a procedure where a clot is being withdrawn. Additionally, the invention provides systems for supplying fluids and fluid compositions to improve nutrition to ischemic brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: MG STROKE ANALYTICS INC.
    Inventor: Mayank Goyal
  • Patent number: 10463484
    Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. An implantable prosthetic valve can include an annular frame having an inflow end, an outflow end and a central longitudinal axis extending from the inflow end to the outflow end. The valve can include a valvular structure including two or more leaflets, each of the two or more leaflets having a leaflet inflow edge positioned at least partially outside of the frame and a leaflet outflow edge positioned within the frame, wherein at least a portion of each of the leaflet inflow edges is unsupported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Tamir S. Levi
  • Patent number: 10451451
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring assembly includes a conduit having a wall defining a lumen for carrying fluid. A sensor mount is integrally formed with the wall of the conduit and extends generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture defining an inner surface extending to the lumen. The assembly includes a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the inner surface of the sensor mount. The assembly further includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another, the housing defining an interior portion configured to encapsulate the conduit, at least a portion of the elongate body of the sensor, and the sensor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Patent number: 10448953
    Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rox Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Peter Balmforth, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 10420665
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Raghuveer Basude
  • Patent number: 10420479
    Abstract: An intracranial pressure monitoring device includes a housing defining a first internal chamber, a plurality of strain gauges disposed on an inner surface of a diaphragm defined by a wall of the first internal chamber, a device for generating orientation signals, and circuitry coupled to the plurality of strain gauges and to the device. The circuitry is configured to generate intracranial pressure data from signals received from the plurality of strain gauges, generate orientation data based on the orientation signals received from the device, and store the intracranial pressure data and the orientation data in a computer readable storage such that the intracranial pressure data and orientation data are associated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Branchpoint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hughes, Alexander Strachan
  • Patent number: 10413710
    Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a drainage catheter, a first reference line, a second reference line, and a pressure sensor assembly. The catheter can include a flexible interface member and an inlet can be placed in fluid communication with a site of excess body fluid within a patient. A first flexible region of the first reference line can be in pressure communication with the flexible interface member, and a second flexible region of the second reference line can be in pressure communication with the surrounding atmosphere. The pressure sensor assembly can be spaced apart from the flexible regions, and measure the pressures of the first and second reference lines. This information can be used to determine the pressure at the site of excess body fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Barry Lutz, Samuel R. Browd, Thomas Clement, Brian Cran, Joel Relethford
  • Patent number: 10398594
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, the present invention provides an ocular drug delivery device including a housing configured to couple to the eye of the subject and a corneal seal coupled to the housing and positioned in the housing to encircle the cornea during use to form a corneal region, where the housing extends outward from the corneal seal to form a scleral region, and where the scleral region being positioned over the eye's sclera during use. The device further includes an active agent reservoir coupled to the housing and positioned to release active agent into the scleral region and a pressure regulator coupled to the housing that is operable to introduce negative pressure between the housing and the eye. Thus the corneal seal is operable to fluidically isolate the corneal region from the scleral region in response to the negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Aciont, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10369047
    Abstract: Drainage of aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye can be facilitated by a malleable hollow clip or staple that can be formed to attach to ophthalmic tissue and provide intra-luminal flow of aqueous through the clip. In addition, the clip can be adjusted to modulate the outflow rate of aqueous, both during the initial surgical procedure as well as on a post-procedure basis. Furthermore, an instrument is described in which the forceps of the clip delivery device reside inside the lumen of hollow clip during deployment and manipulation. Features of an instrument are designed to secure the clip to the delivery forceps and prevent tissue blockage of the clip lumens. The clips may be color-matched to the underlying tissue for the purpose of camouflage and may carry pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: O3 Optix LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Peartree, Tim Buckley, Aaron Feustel
  • Patent number: 10321912
    Abstract: Medical device including an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract a hollow body organ, in such a way that the contractile element is adapted to be in a resting position or in an activated position, the activated position being defined with the contractile element constricting the hollow body organ and the resting position being defined with said contractile element not constricting the hollow body organ. The medical device can include a tensioning device adapted to apply a force so as to tighten the contractile element around said hollow body organ. The tensioning device can be arranged to cause the contractile element to apply a substantially uniform occlusive pressure of at most 8N/cm2, along the circumference of the contact area between the contractile element and the hollow body organ when the contractile element is in its activated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignees: MyoPowers Medical Technologies SA, MyoPowers Medical Technologies France SAS
    Inventors: Marco Wieland, Claude Clement, Martin Horst
  • Patent number: 10322268
    Abstract: Embodiments for a cerebrospinal fluid flow detector for detecting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cerebrospinal fluid flow detector includes a casing with a rotatable wheel having a plurality of radially extending arms disposed therein. The rotatable wheel is in communication with a channel having a distal end in communication with an inlet port and a proximal end in communication with an outlet port such that the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the channel causes the rotatable wheel to rotate. In some embodiments, each radially extending arm includes at least one radiopaque marker in which movement of the rotatable wheel caused by fluid flow through the channel allows an X-ray imaging apparatus to detect the difference in position of a respective radiopaque marker at multiple times caused by rotation of the rotatable wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: DIGNITY HEALTH
    Inventor: John Paul Sheehy
  • Patent number: 10300183
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for harvesting and processing tissue from patients for grafting. The devices can include a tissue collection chamber for ascetically collecting, processing, and/or re-implanting adipose tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: LifeCell Corporation
    Inventors: Sangwook Park, Jerome Connor, Aaron Barere