Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110165001 | HELICALLY ACTUATED POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMP AND METHOD - First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristics, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve. | 07-07-2011 |
20110251670 | EXPANDABLE STENT THAT COLLAPSES INTO A NON-CONVEX SHAPE AND EXPANDS INTO AN EXPANDED, CONVEX SHAPE - An expandable stent that can transform between a collapsed state and an expanded state is described. The stent includes a first cross-sectional shape and a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape is a non-convex shape when the stent is in the collapsed state. Alternatively, the second cross-sectional shape is a convex shape when the stent is in an expanded state. The stent can be formed of super elastic Nitinol, which allows it to be shape set in the desired shape. Due to its shape setting properties and the non-convex cross-section, the stent is capable of dramatically reducing its cross-sectional radial profile which is beneficial in a variety of procedures. | 10-13-2011 |
20120123284 | WIRELESS HEMODYNAMIC MONITORING SYSTEM INTEGRATED WITH IMPLANTABLE HEART VALVES - Described is a wireless hemodynamic monitoring system that is integrated with implantable cardiac devices. The system includes at least one sensory component that is adapted to measure one or more hemodynamic parameters inside a cardiac chamber of a subject. At least one transceiver is attached with the sensory component to transmit a signal containing data corresponding to the hemodynamic parameters and receive control signals from an external control device. An energy harvesting system is attached with the sensory component to measure pressures within the cardiac chamber and generate power for the monitoring system. The monitoring system can be attached with a heart valve or other cardiac device and implanted within a patient. | 05-17-2012 |
20120143319 | In-Situ Formation of a Valve - The present invention satisfies the long felt need for a more compact and durable valve which may be formed in situ. The present invention provides a self-deployable valve system, a method of delivery, and a method of manufacturing for the self-deployable valve system. The present invention delivers the necessary components for forming a complete valve system in situ. The collapsed subcomponents of the system lack any functional characteristics commonly associated with a valve before being expanded. However, once expanded, the system is transformed into a competent valve for use in a wide variety of applications. | 06-07-2012 |
20120244617 | MESH ENCLOSED TISSUE CONSTRUCTS - Described is a scaffold that is strong enough to resist forces that exist inside a body, while possessing biocompatible surfaces. The scaffold is formed of a layer of mesh (e.g., Stainless Steel or Nitinol) that is tightly enclosed by a multi-layer biological matrix. The biological matrix can include three layers, such a first layer (smooth muscle cells) formed directly on the metal mesh, a second layer (fibroblast/myofibroblast cells) formed on the first layer, and a third layer (endothelial cells) formed on the second layer. The scaffold can be formed to operate as a variety of tissues, such as a heart valve or a vascular graft. For example, the mesh and corresponding biological matrix can be formed as leaflets, such that the scaffold is operable as a tissue heart valve. | 09-27-2012 |
20120245706 | MESH ENCLOSED TISSUE CONSTRUCTS - Described is a scaffold that is strong enough to resist forces that exist inside a body, while possessing biocompatible surfaces. The scaffold is formed of a layer of mesh (e.g., Stainless Steel or Nitinol) that is tightly enclosed by a multi-layer biological matrix. The biological matrix can include three layers, such a first layer (smooth muscle cells) formed directly on the metal mesh, a second layer (fibroblast/myofibroblast cells) formed on the first layer, and a third layer (endothelial cells) formed on the second layer. The scaffold can be formed to operate as a variety of tissues, such as a heart valve or a vascular graft. For example, the mesh and corresponding biological matrix can be formed as leaflets, such that the scaffold is operable as a tissue heart valve. | 09-27-2012 |
20140046436 | IMPLANTABLE PROSTHETIC VALVES AND METHODS - A prosthetic valve including an annulus, a pair of leaflets, and a pair of support elements is described. The annulus has a generally saddle-type shape and is connected to the support elements. The pair of leaflets extends from the annulus and are separated from each other by the support elements. In use, the valve is open when the support elements are angled or separated outward, and sealed or closed when the support elements are angled or moved inward. | 02-13-2014 |
20140100651 | Medical Device Fastener Mechanisms - Connecting mechanisms between medical device or other physical components are described. One or more plug pin connector(s) is received in a matching socket connector(s) to either permanently or temporarily join at least two components together along with associated components. Each plug connector is associated with a releasable pull line to facilitate such assembly. | 04-10-2014 |
20140149055 | MULTI-PLANE METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY - A multi-planar velocimetry approach to characterize 3D incompressible flows based on 2D perpendicular (or otherwise complementary) velocity fields is described. Two-dimensional velocity fields acquired on the planes are reconstructed into a 3D velocity field through interpolation and the imposition of a fluid incompressibility constraint. | 05-29-2014 |
20140154662 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR GROWING A HEART VALVE IN THREE-DIMENSIONS - The present invention relates to a heart valve and, more particularly, to a mold and process shaping and securing cells and tissue layers as they are grown in three-dimensions into a heart valve. | 06-05-2014 |
20140180399 | MESH ENCLOSED TISSUE CONSTRUCTS - Described is a heart valve leaflet manufactured from a mesh material. The mesh material may have an ability to capture circulatory/stationary/migratory cells of the body to become biologically active. In some cases, the mesh material is coated with a bioactive material, such as a molecule that binds to a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), a growth factor, an extracellular matrix molecule, a subendothelial extracellular matrix molecule or a peptide. The mesh has a stiffness that is comparable to a native heart valve leaflet, such that it functionally mimics a native heart valve. | 06-26-2014 |
20140277414 | PERCUTANEOUS HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Embodiments described herein address the need for improved catheter devices for delivery, repositioning and/or percutaneous retrieval of the percutaneously implanted heart valves. One embodiment employs a plurality of spring-loaded arms releasably engaged with a stent frame for controlling expansion for valve deployment. Another embodiment employs a plurality of filaments passing through a distal end of a pusher sleeve and apertures in a self-expandable stent frame to control its state of deployment. With additional features, lateral positioning of the stent frame may also be controlled. Yet another embodiment includes plurality of outwardly biased arms held to complimentary stent frame features by overlying sheath segments. Still another embodiment integrates a visualization system in the subject delivery system. Variations on hardware and methods associated with the use of these embodiments are contemplated in addition to those shown and described. | 09-18-2014 |
20140316518 | HANDLE MECHANISM AND FUNCTIONALITY FOR REPOSITIONING AND RETRIEVAL OF TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVES - Improved catheter devices for delivery, repositioning and/or percutaneous retrieval of percutaneously implanted heart valves are described, including a medical device handle that provides an array of features helpful in conducting a percutaneous heart valve implantation procedure while variously enabling radial expansion or contraction and/or lateral positioning control over the heart valve during the medical procedure. | 10-23-2014 |
20140336755 | TUBULAR SCAFFOLD FOR FABRICATION OF HEART VALVES - A tubular braided mesh scaffold for fabrication of heart valves is described. The tubular braided scaffold can be formed of a shape memory metal, such as Nitinol, and pinched or pressed to form a leaflet shape. When heat treated, the braided mesh scaffold holds and retains its valve-like shape. | 11-13-2014 |
20150017038 | HELICALLY ACTUATED POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMP AND METHOD - First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristic, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve. | 01-15-2015 |
20150081012 | MESH ENCLOSED TISSUE CONSTRUCTS - A scaffold to form tissue membranes, comprising: at least one layer of mesh having a first side and a second side, the layer of mesh being either a woven wire metal mesh or a flat metal sheet that is acid-etched such that the layer of mesh includes a network of holes passing directly through the mesh from the first side to the second side; and at least one layer of cells at each side of the mesh enclosing the layer of mesh, such that the at least one layer of cells on the first side interacts with the at least one layer of cells on the second side through the network of holes to provide for structure integration. | 03-19-2015 |