Flexible Leaflet Patents (Class 623/2.12)
  • Patent number: 11857411
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable prosthetic valve can comprise an annular frame comprising an inflow end and an outflow end and being radially collapsible and expandable between a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration, and a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto. The prosthetic valve can further comprise an outer skirt positioned around an outer surface of the frame, the outer skirt comprising pericardial tissue having a fibrous parietal layer defining a first surface of the outer skirt and a serous parietal layer defining a second surface of the outer skirt, the pericardial tissue having been fixed by cross-linking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tamir S. Levi
  • Patent number: 11839539
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve device that includes multiple layers and liners attached to various locations on the layers to prevent paravalvular leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward L. Gonda, Sinatha Sok
  • Patent number: 11819405
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a native mitral valve may be provided. The prosthetic valve may include an annular valve body and a plurality of atrial anchoring arms and a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs configured to extend radially outward from the annular valve body. The prosthetic valve may also include a blood-inflatable cuff situated between the arms and legs and fastened to at least one arm. The cuff may be configured to extend radially outward beyond a terminal end of at least one arm when fully inflated with blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CARDIOVALVE LTD.
    Inventors: Ilia Hariton, Meni Iamberger, Aviram Baum, Boaz Harari
  • Patent number: 11723769
    Abstract: A clip for immobilizing leaflets of a cardiac or venous valve includes a hub having a pair of tangle resistant spring-biased outer arms coupled to an inferior end of the hub and a pair of tangle resistant spring-biased inner arms adjacent to the outer arms and coupled to a superior end of the hub. A delivery catheter may be used to position the valve clip adjacent a target valve while the outer and inner arms are biased in an opened position relative to each other. After the valve leaflets are located between the opened outer and inner arms, the biasing forces may be released to allow the clip to self-close the clip over the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MedFree, Inc.
    Inventors: Raghuveer Basude, Shri Krishna Basude
  • Patent number: 11654019
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Foldax, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason G. Beith
  • Patent number: 11547558
    Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis anchored to an interventricular septum. The heart valve prosthesis includes a valve supporting frame and a fixing device. The valve supporting frame includes a valve stitching section and an artificial valve. The artificial valve is fixedly connected to the valve stitching section. The fixing device includes a fixing and supporting section and a fixing member. One end of the fixing and supporting section is connected to a proximal end of the valve stitching section, and another end of the fixing and supporting section is connected to the interventricular septum of a patient by the fixing member, to support the heart valve prosthesis and prevent the heart valve prosthesis from axially moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO JENSCARE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiwen Lv, Yibin Li, Zhiyun Xu, Zhi Chen, Fanglin Lu, Jianan Li
  • Patent number: 11337807
    Abstract: A side-deliverable prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame and a flow control component. The outer frame has a supra-annular region, a subannular region, and a transannular region therebetween. The flow control component is mounted to the outer frame such that at least a portion of the flow control component is disposed in the transannular region. The prosthetic valve has a delivery configuration for side-delivery via a delivery catheter and is expandable when the prosthetic valve is released from the delivery catheter. The subannular region of the outer frame is disposable in a first configuration as the prosthetic valve is seated in an annulus of a native heart valve and is transitionable to a second configuration after the prosthetic valve is seated in the annulus of the native heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: VDyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Christianson, Robert Vidlund, Neelakantan Saikrishnan, Scott Kramer, Chad Perrin, Lucas Harder
  • Patent number: 11331186
    Abstract: A side-deliverable prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame and a flow control component. The outer frame has a supra-annular region, a subannular region, and a transannular region therebetween. The flow control component is mounted to the outer frame such that at least a portion of the flow control component is disposed in the transannular region. The prosthetic valve has a delivery configuration for side-delivery via a delivery catheter and is expandable when the prosthetic valve is released from the delivery catheter. The subannular region of the outer frame is disposable in a first configuration as the prosthetic valve is seated in an annulus of a native heart valve and is transitionable to a second configuration after the prosthetic valve is seated in the annulus of the native heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: VDyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Christianson, Robert Vidlund, Neelakantan Saikrishnan, Scott Kramer, Chad Perrin, Lucas Harder
  • Patent number: 11273039
    Abstract: A medical device is disclosed that reinforces weakened or degenerated areas of at least a portion of a leaflet (24) Of the heart valve. Function of a heart valve is thus improved. The medical device comprises at least a first partly flexible leaflet reinforcement patch (30) having an extension between an inner section (34) and an outer section (32), wherein said outer section (32) is configured to be oriented towards said annulus,and said inner section (34) is configured to be oriented towards said inner section of said valve tissue, and at least a portion of said inner section (34) of said flexible leaflet reinforcement patch (32) having at least one of said plurality of leaflets (24) in juxtaposition to said portion of said inner section (34), and said portion of said inner section (34) being positioned to provide reinforcement to said plurality of leaflets (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Medtentia International Ltd Oy
    Inventor: Olli Keränen
  • Patent number: 11219522
    Abstract: A buoy system for treating cardiac valve regurgitation comprising a movable plug having atrial and ventricular ends, wherein a through-hole passes from the atrial to the ventricular end, wherein during systole, the plug travels toward a cardiac atrium, wherein during diastole, the plug travels into a cardiac ventricle; a tether having atrial and ventricular ends, wherein the tether passes through the through-hole of the moving plug, wherein the atrial end of the tether projects into an atrium, wherein the atrial end of the tether includes a cap to engage a delivery tool; at least one distal anchor located in the ventricle, wherein the distal anchor is coupled to the ventricular end of the tether, and wherein the system is percutaneously delivered and optionally recaptured via catheter and recapture tool at the cap of the tether, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignees: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ramji Rengarajan, Victor San Hou Yu, Kalyna Sconzert, Tom Jancaric, Reggie Roth, James Cawthra, Dennis Werner, Jason Kilvington, Umang Anand, George L. Coles, James Duncan Beaty, Keith Bulkin, Joseph A. Walters, Timothy P. Harrigan, Kenton J. Zehr, Todd Christopher Crawford
  • Patent number: 11197754
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heart valve with improved functionality and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: JenaValve Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Saffari, Vincent Ming Hai Chow, Makensley Lordeus, Hussain S. Rangwala, Gregory Edwin Mirigian, John F. Migliazza, Victoria E. Carr-Brendel
  • Patent number: 11071625
    Abstract: Embodiments include a valve leaflet for an implantable valve device comprising a leaflet body. The leaflet body comprising a free edge configured for coaptation with free edges of one or more other valve leaflets; and a root edge disposed opposite the free edge. The free edge defining an edge profile comprising a peak and valleys disposed on opposite sides of the peak. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Limited
    Inventor: Arnaud Humair
  • Patent number: 11065117
    Abstract: The invention is a prosthetic device for improving function of a mitral valve. The device includes an adjustable and axisymmetrical-or-elongated sealing member configured for positioning between mitral valve leaflets. The device also includes an expandable anchor frame configured to be positioned within one or more heart chambers, for maintaining the sealing member at a desired position and size/shape between valve leaflets. The sealing member reduces mitral regurgitation be filling the gap that can occur between opposing leaflets of a damaged mitral valve, thus restoring proper mitral valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Qinggang Zeng
  • Patent number: 11065122
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve leaflet is placed across a bar, and the bar is positioned such that the leaflet drapes over the bar and blocks a beam of light emitted by a light source. While the leaflet remains draped over the bar, the bar is elevated at least until the leaflet stops blocking the beam. An elevation of the bar from the beam at which the leaflet stopped blocking the beam is identified. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: CARDIOVALVE LTD.
    Inventors: Boaz Harari, Ilia Hariton
  • Patent number: 10966820
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve has a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a central region and two side regions on opposite sides of the central region. The central region is defined by a shape of an isosceles triangle defined by two central region sides, the leaflet base and the leaflet free edge, wherein the two central region sides converge from the leaflet base. Each of the two side regions has a shape of a triangle and each is defined by one of the central region sides, one of the leaflet sides, and the leaflet free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 10952846
    Abstract: A deficient native mitral valve is treated by implanting a prosthetic mitral valve assembly valve in a patient's heart. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent having a flared upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The diameter at the inflow end of the stent is larger than at the outflow end. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly also includes a valve portion formed with pericardial tissue leaflets. A tether has a first end attached to the stent and a second end attached to an anchor. The tether extends through a wall of the left ventricle and the tissue anchor is placed outside the left ventricle. After implantation, the flared upper portion resists movement in the downstream direction and the tether resists movement in the upstream direction for securing the prosthetic mitral valve assembly in the native mitral valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stanton J. Rowe, Mark Chau, Son V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10881507
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Daniel A. Crawford, Logan R. Hagaman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 10842619
    Abstract: In a representative embodiment, an implantable assembly for a native heart valve comprises a prosthetic heart valve and first and second inflatable bodies. The prosthetic heart valve can comprise a frame and prosthetic leaflets. The first inflatable body can comprise first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion is configured to be secured to tissue of the native heart valve at a first location, and the second end portion is configured to engage an outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The second inflatable body can comprise third and fourth end portions, wherein the third end portion is configured to be secured to tissue of the native heart valve at a second location, and the fourth end portion is configured to engage the outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The first and second inflatable bodies anchor the prosthetic valve within the annulus of the native heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Taylor, Alexander J. Siegel, Thomas V. Doherty, Christopher J. Olson, Yoon H. Kwon
  • Patent number: 10779939
    Abstract: A unitary flexible sheet is folded to defines a panel, and first and second tabs. Each of the tabs has an inner layer and an outer layer. Commissural portions of prosthetic leaflets are sandwiched between inner layers of the first and second tabs. The tabs protrude from a first side of the panel, and are shaped such that progressively downstream parts of each tab protrude progressively further away from the panel portion. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: CARDIOVALVE LTD.
    Inventors: Ilia Hariton, Meni Iamberger, Aviram Baum
  • Patent number: 10758719
    Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a low-friction septum for providing a leak-resistant seal for use in a vascular access device. In an embodiment, a device for vascular access hemostasis is included having an enclosure defining a cavity and configured to at least partially receive a medical device. The device can include a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the cavity disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion. The device can include a barrel in structural communication with the second seal portion, the second seal portion including a septum seal. The second seal portion can define two or more discrete portions, each separated by one or more split lines. The discrete portions can include a mating surface to interface with mating surfaces of other discrete portions. The mating surface can include a surface topology including raised portions and depressions. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Olson
  • Patent number: 10758342
    Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve can include an outer frame, an inner frame, a valve structure, and a sealing member. The outer frame comprises a plurality of first struts arranged in a lattice pattern and defining a first lumen. The outer frame is self-expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state. The inner frame comprises a plurality of second struts arranged in a lattice pattern and defining a second lumen. The inner frame is disposed within the first lumen of the outer frame, is self-expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state. The valve structure comprises three leaflets made from pericardium and is mounted within the second lumen of the inner frame. The sealing member is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from an atrial end of the outer frame and is configured to engage native tissue of the heart on an atrial side of the native mitral valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Chau, Marlowe E. Patterson, Seung-Beom Yi, Stephen C. Geist, Travis Zenyo Oba
  • Patent number: 10722350
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The heart valve further includes a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features, each of the plurality of leaflets having a free edge and being configured to have a tension line aligned near the free edge to prevent backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Katherine A. Ahmann, Mina S. Fahim, Jeffrey J. Allison, Andrea L. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10695177
    Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves and methods of use of prosthetic heart valves may be provided. In one implementation, a prosthetic heart valve may include an annular outer frame, an inner frame, and at least one connector configured to secure the outer frame to the inner frame. The connector may be spaced apart from at least one of the downstream end of the outer frame or the downstream end of the inner frame. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to maintain a greater distance between the downstream ends of the outer and inner frames when the prosthetic heart valve is radially compressed than when the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CARDIOVALVE LTD.
    Inventors: Ilia Hariton, Boaz Harari
  • Patent number: 10660745
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of particular configurations that control bending character. In embodiments provided herein, valve leaflets are operable to bend along a base of the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 10660748
    Abstract: Conditioned bioprosthetic tissues for forming prosthetic valves including a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue having a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface has a pattern including at least one depressed region and areas of relief adjacent to the at least one depressed region. The at least one depressed region has a first tissue density that is greater than a second tissue density of the areas of relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura McKinley, Benjamin Wong, Wei Wang, Elliot Howard, Joshua Dudney, Tracey Tien, Karl Olney
  • Patent number: 10631978
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (10) which includes a stent (14) having three leaflets (12) attached thereto is provided. The stent (14) is compressible so as to be capable of being introduced into a patient's body through a minimally invasive procedure and has a ring-like body (16) defining in its height three arch-shaped elements (18). Each element (18) includes an arc (20) and a pair of haunches (22) extending from opposite sides thereof, with three commissural posts (26) formed by the haunches (22) of adjacent elements (18). The leaflets (12) each have an attachment edge (28) and a free edge (30) with a belly (32) extending therebetween. The leaflets (12) are movable between a coapted condition, in which the free edges (30) abut and prevent fluid flow through the valve (10), and an open condition, in which fluid flow through the valve (10) is permitted. The leaflets (12) are made from a polymeric material and are moulded directly onto the stent (14) so as to provide for continuous attachment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Strait Access Technologies Holdings (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Kenneth Stuart Park, Harish Appa, Claude Visagie, Deon Bezuidenhout, Peter Paul Zilla
  • Patent number: 10595996
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an outer support assembly, an inner valve assembly, which define between them an annular space, and a pocket closure that bounds the annular space to form a pocket in which thrombus can be formed and retained. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly can be coupled at the ventricle ends of the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly, with the outer support assembly being relatively more compliant in hoop compression in a central, annulus portion than at the ventricle end, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while imposing minimal loads on the inner valve assembly that could degrade the performance of the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Christianson, Chad Perrin, Zachary Tegels, Craig Ekvall, Robert Vidlund, Son Mai, Michael Evans
  • Patent number: 10531951
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a stenotic heart valve and/or a heart valve insufficiency. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a plurality of leaflets (3,4,5) which are able to switch between their open and close position in response to the blood flow through the heart. The leaflets are attached into a collapsible wire valve frame involving a stent part (1) and a wire mesh part (2) that complement each other in many ways. The prosthetic valve comprises additional elements (6) for its correct positioning and stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Konstantinos Spargias
  • Patent number: 10512537
    Abstract: A polymeric heart valve is disclosed which includes a valve body having a central axis and including a conduit extending along the central axis from an inflow end to an outflow end; and at least three flexible leaflets extending from the body into the conduit, each of the leaflets defining an attachment curve with the body. Respective pairs of leaflets each define a commissure located proximal the body. The at least three leaflets define a partially open position at rest, a fully open position deflecting away from the central axis during forward blood flow along a direction from the inflow end to the outflow end, and a closed position deflecting toward the central axis during reverse blood flow along a direction from the outflow end to the inflow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: ABIOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Scott C. Corbett, Mike Finnegan, Stephen Vaughan, Jeffery Juretich
  • Patent number: 10492905
    Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Ilia Hariton, Netanel Benichou, Yaacov Nitzan, Bella Felsen, Diana Nguyen-Thien-Nhon, Rajesh A. Khanna, Son V. Nguyen, Tamir S. Levi, Itai Pelled
  • Patent number: 10433955
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a base and a plurality of polymeric leaflets. Each leaflet has a root portion coupled to the base, and each leaflet has an edge portion substantially opposite the root portion and movable relative to the root portion to coapt with a respective edge portion of at least one of the other leaflets of the plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes) at least two polymers along at least one portion of the leaflet, and each leaflet has a composition gradient of each of the at least two polymers along at least one portion of the leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Edelman, Scott Fisher, Huisun Wang, Richard Charles Gunderson, Horng-Ban Lin, Jeffrey S. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 10426609
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a composite material that has a first plurality of fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. Each fiber can have a first extending direction and a plurality of undulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Edelman, Joseph Thomas Delaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10327895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical prosthesis, and in particular a heart valve substitute comprising a pliant tubular conduit mounted on a resilient annular frame and tethered to a non-perforating anchor within the right or left ventricle of the heart, wherein the pliant tubular conduit is a reciprocating mechanical member that is compressed by pressurized working fluid within the ventricle during systole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: VDYNE, LLC
    Inventors: Lucian Lozonschi, Georg Lutter
  • Patent number: 10266684
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composite, comprising: a polymer host selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane, polycaprolactone (PCL), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyoxymethylene (POM); and a guest molecule comprising hyaluronic acid; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. Also provided herein are methods for forming the composite, and blood-contracting devices made from the composite, such as heart valves and vascular grafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Susan P. James, Hieu Bui
  • Patent number: 10154838
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a heart are disclosed. The device includes at least one radially expandable tissue-engaging element, an elongate member (e.g., suture) coupled to the expandable element, and a locking mechanism (e.g., locking clip, suture knot). The expandable element may be anchored to heart tissue within the heart, such as in the left ventricle, with the elongate member extending from the expandable element and across a heart chamber to a second location such as the heart apex where the elongate member is held by the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Otto Solem
  • Patent number: 10105208
    Abstract: This disclosure describes decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts and methods of making and using such decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Robert Tranquillo, Zeeshan Syedain, Lee Meier
  • Patent number: 10076402
    Abstract: Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: David D. Grewe
  • Patent number: 10022219
    Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer and an elastomer present in the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Paul D. Gassler, Cody L. Hartman, Peter J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9968447
    Abstract: Methods of preparing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet are disclosed. A method includes positioning a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue across an engagement face of a first patterned substrate. The engagement face defines a pattern having at least one raised region and areas of relief adjacent the at least one raised region. The tissue is compressed against the engagement face to deform the tissue to a deformed state corresponding with the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura McKinley, Benjamin Wong, Wei Wang, Elliot Howard, Tracey Tien, Karl Olney, Joshua Dudney
  • Patent number: 9839512
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve provided herein can include at least one leaflet having a body portion and two opposite sleeve portions. The body portion can be defined by at least two side edges adjacent each sleeve portion. The at least one leaflet can define at least one notch between at least one of the two side edges and the adjacent sleeve portion, or at least one aperture positioned adjacent at least one side edge and an adjacent sleeve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. H. Backus, John Lin, Shannon Elizabeth Kozinn, Balvir K. Johal
  • Patent number: 9814575
    Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HLT, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Thill, Robert Foster Wilson, John P. Gainor, Christopher M. Banick
  • Patent number: 9629716
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing or replacing a defective cardiac valve including an anchor having a double helix configured to engage the cardiac valve leaflets of a diseased or defective cardiac valve, and a replacement valve body disposed in an expandable stent configured to be disposed within the anchor so that the anchor limits expansion of the expandable stent. The expandable stent of the replacement valve body may be self-expanding or mechanically expanded, e.g., using a balloon catheter or catheter-based mandrel and the valve body may be formed of animal tissue or a synthetic fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BMEYE B.V.
    Inventor: Jacques Seguin
  • Patent number: 9597181
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an outer support assembly, an inner valve assembly, which define between them an annular space, and a pocket closure that bounds the annular space to form a pocket in which thrombus can be formed and retained. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly can be coupled at the ventricle ends of the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly, with the outer support assembly being relatively more compliant in hoop compression in a central, annulus portion than at the ventricle end, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while imposing minimal loads on the inner valve assembly that could degrade the performance of the valve leaflets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Christianson, Chad Perrin, Zachary Tegels, Craig Ekvall, Robert Vidlund, Son Mai, Michael Evans
  • Patent number: 9572667
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a heart are disclosed. The device includes at least one radially expandable tissue-engaging element, an elongate member (e.g., suture) coupled to the expandable element, and a locking mechanism (e.g., locking clip, suture knot). The expandable element may be anchored to heart tissue within the heart, such as in the left ventricle, with the elongate member extending from the expandable element and across a heart chamber to a second location such as the heart apex where the elongate member is held by the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Otto Solem
  • Patent number: 9554902
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The heart valve further includes a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features, each of the plurality of leaflets having a free edge and being configured to have a tension line aligned near the free edge to prevent backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Nicholas Braido, Katherine A. Ahmann, Mina Safwat Fahim, Jeffrey J. Allison, Andrea L. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9504565
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets that move asymmetrically in that a leaflet second side region of the leaflet initially moves toward the open position before a leaflet first side region and the leaflet first side region initially moves toward the closed position before the leaflet second side region. In the fully open position, the leaflet first side region opens less than the leaflet second side region. Asymmetric opening and final open position, in synchrony with the other leaflets having the same motion and final open position creates spiral flow exiting the open valve that increases blood flow on the downstream side of the leaflet and thus reduces stagnation of the blood that might lead to thrombus formation. Controlled asymmetric movement of the leaflet reduces closing volume by initiating closure on the leaflet first side region and finishing closures on the leaflet second side region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9504564
    Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis is provided having a self-expanding multi-level frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and plurality of coapting leaflets. The frame transitions between a contracted delivery configuration that enables percutaneous transluminal delivery, and an expanded deployed configuration having an asymmetric hourglass shape. The valve body skirt and leaflets are constructed so that the center of coaptation may be selected to reduce horizontal forces applied to the commissures of the valve, and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame. Alternatively, the valve body may be used as a surgically implantable replacement valve prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Corevalve LLC
    Inventors: Than Nguyen, Hung Nguyen, MyKim Nguyen, Stanley Komatsu, Robrecht Michiels
  • Patent number: 9416783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor for a fluid pump, in particular for use in the medical sphere, the rotor being compressible for bringing to the place of use and thereafter being expandable. The compressibility is assisted by the provision of cavities, in particular also production of the rotor at least partially from a foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ECP ENTWICKLUNGSGELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Joerg Schumacher, Mario Scheckel, Henning Schlicht
  • Patent number: 9358109
    Abstract: A transcorporeal delivery system and method provide the ability to perform minimally invasive valve replacement surgery. The transcorporeal delivery system provides a device and method for transcorporeal (traversing the body surface) low profile delivery of a replacement valve, intracorporeal (inside the body) stabilization for suture placement, and minimal change to current valve replacement surgical implantation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Vinay Badhwar
  • Patent number: 9180009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for testing heart valve leaflets. The system includes a leaflet support assembly with a support post for receiving and supporting a leaflet to be tested, the post being disposed in a target region of the support assembly. The system also has a transmitter assembly that includes a light source and is configured and arranged to direct light from the light source onto the target region. The system further includes a receiver assembly that has an image sensor configured and arranged to sense an image of the target region and generate image information indicative of the sensed image, such as leaflet droop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn Majkrzak, Roger Lee, Kshitija Garde, Eric Richardson, Benjamin Wong