W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150079865 | Conformable Microporous Fiber and Woven Fabrics Containing Same - Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) monofilament fibers and woven fabrics formed from the ePTFE fibers are provided. The ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration, a density less than about 1.0 g/cc, and an aspect ratio greater than 15. Additionally, the ePTFE fibers are microporous and have a node and fibril structure. The ePTFE fiber may be woven into a fabric without first twisting the fiber. A polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the woven fabric to produce a laminated article. The ePTFE woven fabric simultaneously possesses high moisture vapor transmission (highly breathable) and high water entry pressure (water resistant). The woven fabric is quiet, soft, and drapable, making it especially suitable for use in garments, gloves and footwear applications. Treatments may be provided to the surface of the ePTFE fiber and/or the woven fabric to impart one or more desired functionality, such as, for example, oleophobicity. | 03-19-2015 |
20140330310 | Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Device with Radial and Circumferential Support - The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as a septal defect or patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by an intermediate joint. Each of the sides includes at least one elongate element, which is arranged to form non-overlapping loops. Each loop has at least one radially-extending segment that is adjacent to a radially-extending segment of another loop. In at least some embodiments, at least one pair of adjacent radially-extending segments is connected. The loops of the device may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture, thereby exerting a compressive force on the septal tissue that is distributed along both the outer periphery of the occluder and the radially-extending segments. | 11-06-2014 |
20140277374 | POROUS MATERIALS HAVING A FIBRILLAR MICROSTRUCTURE AND A FRACTURABLE COATING - Articles made of a porous material having a fibrillar microstructure of bent fibrils and provided with a fracturable coating whereby the physical size of the article may be changed by the application of force to the article in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of orientation of the fibrils. The application of a tensile force to such an article in a direction substantially parallel to orientation of the bent fibrils results in fracturing of the fracturable material and straightening of the bent fibrils. Methods of making such articles are also described. The articles may include implantable articles such as vascular grafts and stent-grafts; such devices may, for example, be forcibly increased in diameter or in length wherein the force results in fracturing of the coating. One such coated material is porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene provided with a coating of fluorinated ethylene propylene. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276074 | Flexible Driveshafts with Bi-Directionally Balanced Torsional Stiffness Properties - This document provides flexible driveshaft devices. For example, this document provides flexible driveshaft devices that have bi-directionally balanced torsional stiffness properties. In some embodiments, the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in medical device systems, such as endoluminal medical device systems. For example, in some embodiments the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in endoluminal ultrasonic catheter systems. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271775 | POROUS COMPOSITES WITH HIGH-ASPECT RATIO CRYSTALS - The present disclosure is directed toward composite materials comprising high aspect ratio habits of drug crystals which can be partially or fully extending into a substrate, and additionally, can be projecting from a substrate at an angle of about 20° to about 90°. The present disclosure is directed toward medical devices, such as medical balloons, comprising said composite and methods of using and making the same. The described composite can be used for the local treatment of vascular disease. The present disclosure is also directed toward paclitaxel crystals with a hollow acicular habit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140222058 | CATCH MEMBERS FOR OCCLUDER DEVICES - Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, modifying and maintaining a configuration of a PFO occluder made from a polymer tube. The proximal portion of a catch member may be provided with one or more protrusions, or arms, or bump or other raised element for securing the occluder in a partial or fully deployed configuration, either temporarily or permanently. | 08-07-2014 |
20140207185 | Sealing Device and Delivery System - A medical device for sealing a defect in a body includes a wire frame that includes a plurality of wires that form a first occluding member and a second occluding member, the wire frame including a defect-occupying portion disposed between the first occluding member and the second occluding member. The defect-occupying portion is adapted to fill a wide range of potential defect sizes, such that no more than five devices of a range of sizes are required to effectively seal a range of nominal defect sizes of approximately 8 to 35 mm. | 07-24-2014 |
20140205798 | Incised Composite Material for Selective, Multispectral Reflection - Geometrically incised fabrics that control reflectance and transmission in the visible, thermal, nIR, SWIR, and microwave/millimeter bands of the electromagnetic spectrum are provided. The incised fabrics include incised flaps that move about a hinged attachment portion into open and closed configurations. The incised flaps may be oriented in patterns containing overlapping, inverted incised flaps, overlapping inverted and non-inverted incised flaps, or in block patterns of incised flaps. Selective transmission of electromagnetic waves can be modulated by the geometry of the incised flaps and the amount of tension applied to the incised fabric. The incised fabric includes a composite material including an asymmetric ePTFE laminate, a metalized layer, an ePTFE membrane layer, and a textile. A second ePTFE asymmetric laminate and a metal layer may be attached to the composite material to form a reversible composite. Incised fabrics may be used to form selective, multispectral reflective covers and garments. | 07-24-2014 |
20140142682 | IMPLANTABLE BIOCOMPATIBLE TUBULAR MATERIAL - The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising a biocompatible tubular material. Such devices can include graft members for implanting in the vasculature of a patient. The tubular material of these graft members can be relatively thin, while providing comparable or improved performance over conventional graft members. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142623 | Catch Member for PFO Occluder - Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142610 | Space Filling Devices - A device includes a plurality of elongate members, an occlusive component, and a support component. The occlusive component includes a plurality of first features each defined by a first portion of a respective elongate member. The support component includes a plurality of second features each defined by a second portion of the respective elongate member. A first termination element is defined by proximal end portions of the plurality of elongate members and located near a proximal end of the device, and a second termination element is defined by distal end portions of the plurality of elongate members and located near a distal end of the device. One or more anchor elements include a frame attachment portion and an anchor portion, the frame attachment portion including a first portion of a fixation elongate element wrapped around an elongate member, and the anchor portion including an anchor feature. | 05-22-2014 |
20140107760 | INTEGRATED SHEATH AND DEPLOYMENT - A catheter assembly for endoluminal delivery of a device to a treatment site utilizing a single motion deployment for opening and removal of a flexible protective sleeve or constraining sleeve. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094894 | OVER-THE-WIRE INTERLOCK ATTACHMENT/DETACHMENT MECHANISM - The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator. | 04-03-2014 |
20140088640 | Delivery/Recovery System for Septal Occluder - A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place. | 03-27-2014 |
20140074218 | IMPLANT DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS - A delivery system including a restraining member maintains a collapsed implant in its collapsed state for delivery through a small passageway to a desired site in a mammalian body. Once the implant is positioned at the desired site, the restraining member is released so that the stent may expand or be expanded to its expanded state. In a preferred embodiment, the restraining member comprises a sheet of material that surrounds at least a portion of the collapsed stent. Portions of the restraining member are releasably coupled to one another with a low profile thread-like member or suture. | 03-13-2014 |
20140052064 | MEDICAL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A hemostatic valve apparatus used in medical procedures that provides rapid activation of a sealing mechanism resulting in lower blood loss during use of the sealing device. The valve apparatus incorporates an actuator and two mechanisms that counter-rotate opposite ends of a sealing tube. | 02-20-2014 |
20140046366 | Devices and Methods for Securing Medical Devices within an Anatomy - The present disclosure includes a plurality of securing devices. For example, the present disclosure includes securing devices comprising sutures, everting anchors, and inverting anchors. The sutures and anchors disclosed herein may be capable of deployment to a depth within a body lumen, such that body tissue external to the body lumen is not damaged by the devices. Moreover, in various embodiments, the securing devices described herein may couple one or more medical devices (e.g., stents, grafts, and/or stent-grafts) to body tissue such as a body lumen. | 02-13-2014 |
20140039536 | SPACE-FILLING DEVICE - A medical device includes a balloon member, a port that couples a compartment interior of the balloon member to a region exterior of the balloon member, and a tubular member that defines a lumen. A distal end of the tubular member is attached to an internal surface of the balloon member within the compartment so that a portion of the internal surface of the balloon member provides a seal at a distal end of the lumen. The tubular member passes through the port, and the proximal end of the tubular member is configured to remain exterior of the compartment. A delivery of a sufficient amount of a filling material into the lumen of the tubular member causes a length of the tubular member to pass through the port and into the balloon compartment. | 02-06-2014 |
20140031862 | Delivery Systems and Methods for PFO Closure Device with Two Anchors - A device closes septal openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The device includes two anchors and a flexible connector. Tension applied to one or more strings attached to the device causes the device to collapse into a reduced profile form for withdrawal into a delivery catheter, thereby facilitating retrieval of the device after insertion into a septal opening. | 01-30-2014 |
20140025162 | SIDE BRANCHED ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESES AND METHODS OF DELIVERY THEREOF - An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel. | 01-23-2014 |
20140018848 | Screw Catch Mechanism for PFO Occluder and Method of Use - Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube, specifically, a petal-shaped occluder. In certain embodiments, the catch system includes a catch member with a screw catch mechanism for connecting to the occluder. A delivery system for use with the catch member includes a component for rotating the catch member relative to the occluder to engage the screw catch mechanism. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018842 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE OF ENDOLUMINAL DEVICES - A seamless, self-expanding implantable device having a low profile is disclosed along with methods of making and using the same. The implantable device includes a frame cut out of a single piece of material that is formed into a three-dimensional shape. The implantable device may comprise an embolic filter, stent, or other implantable structure. The present invention also allows complicated frame structures to be easily formed from planar sheets of starting material, such as through laser cutting, stamping, photo-etching, or other cutting techniques. | 01-16-2014 |
20140005765 | ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHETIC CONDUIT SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF COUPLING | 01-02-2014 |
20140005286 | Expandable Functional TFE Copolymer Fine Powder, Expanded Products and Reacted Products Therefrom | 01-02-2014 |
20130289618 | Catching Mechanisms for Tubular Septal Occluder - A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289614 | VESSEL COMPRESSION DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise compression devices and methods for applying intermittent and localized vessel compression. The compression devices and methods as described herein can improve fistula circuit maturity rates by promoting vein dilation. An aspect of the present disclosure is directed toward depressor designs actuated using actuator wire(s). | 10-31-2013 |
20130273343 | Protective Undergarment - An insert for a protective garment, the insert having a fabric having at least 45 percent by weight of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, the fabric having a 2-Grain V-50 Fragmentation Resistance of at least 700 feet per second and a FAST-2 Bending Rigidity of less than 40 microNewtonmeters. | 10-17-2013 |
20130232818 | Strobel Footwear Construction - Waterproof footwear having a liner material, insole, and sealing carrier are described herein. The sealing carrier includes one or more layers containing a flowable polymer adapted to flow upon application of energy in order to impart a waterproof seal. | 09-12-2013 |
20130232673 | Lightweight, Durable Apparel and Laminates for Making the Same - Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles, including articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described. | 09-12-2013 |
20130231684 | SEALING DEVICE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site. | 09-05-2013 |
20130226228 | Catch Member for PFO Occluder - Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226131 | CONTROLLED POROSITY DEVICES FOR TISSUE TREATMENTS, METHODS OF USE, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - In various embodiments, a device is provided comprising a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being the same or greater than the first pressure. In various embodiments, a method comprising fabricating a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being at or greater than the first pressure, disposing the balloon on an elongate member having a lumen, placing the lumen in fluid communication with an interior volume of the balloon. | 08-29-2013 |
20130218202 | Sealing Device and Delivery System - The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site. | 08-22-2013 |
20130211447 | Intracardial Implant for Delivery of Alarmins and Methods Thereof - The invention provides a cardiovascular occluder for treating a cardiovascular abnormality comprising a frame and an alarmin or an alarmin activator bound to the surface of the frame. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing the cardiovascular occluder and methods of treating cardiovascular abnormalities by delivering the cardiovascular occluder. | 08-15-2013 |
20130203875 | Expandable Functional TFE Copolymer Fine Powder, the Expandable Functional Products Obtained Therefrom and Reaction of the Expanded Products - A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion. | 08-08-2013 |
20130198927 | Lightweight, Durable Apparel and Laminates for Making the Same - Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described. | 08-08-2013 |
20130197566 | EMBOLIC FILTER FRAME HAVING LOOPED SUPPORT STRUT ELEMENTS - An improved embolic filter frame is provided. The filter frame provides enhanced longitudinal compliance, improved sealing, low profile delivery, and short deployed length. The looped support struts have high “radial” stiffness with low “longitudinal” stiffness. When deployed, the frame exerts a relatively high stress onto a vessel wall to maintain an effective seal, yet remains longitudinally compliant. Minor displacements of the support wire or catheter are therefore not translated to the filter. The looped support struts elongate when tensioned and assume a compressed and essentially linear form. When the delivery catheter constraint is removed, the struts “snap open” and assume a looped configuration, exerting a high degree of force onto the vessel wall, creating an enhanced filter to vessel wall seal. | 08-01-2013 |
20130191978 | Lightweight, Durable Apparel and Laminates for Making the Same - Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles, including articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described. | 08-01-2013 |
20130172977 | OVER-THE-WIRE INTERLOCK ATTACHMENT/DETACHMENT MECHANISM - The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator. | 07-04-2013 |
20130165967 | HEART OCCLUSION DEVICES - This disclosure is directed to an aperture occlusion device and a method for occluding an aperture, including a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. The aperture occlusion device includes a wire frame element. The wire frame forms geometric shapes that include an occluder region and a securing region. The occluder region and the securing region are separated by an attachment region including a waist. The occluder region and securing region can include membranous coverings. The device can be attached to a delivery hub. The wires forming the occluder region and securing region can have a shape-memory capability such that they can be collapsed and distorted in a sheath during delivery, but resume and maintain their intended shape after delivery. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165966 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Closure of Cardiac Openings - The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. | 06-27-2013 |
20130153119 | Stitchless Seam System For Joining Laminates - A stitchless seam between a first panel having a functional layer and a second panel having a functional layer is provided. The seam system is formed via a discontinuous fused stitchless seam which connects a first panel to a second panel. A reinforcement may be used to strengthen the discontinuous fused stitchless seam connecting the first panel to the second panel, allowing formation of a liquid-impervious stitchless seam system. A method for forming the system is also provided. | 06-20-2013 |
20130144332 | Curved Arm Intracardiac Occluder - Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139691 | HEAT STABILIZED COMPOSITE FILTER MEDIA AND METHOD OF MAKING THE FILTER MEDIA - Composite filter media which are highly resistant to thermal degradation and retain filter efficiency and extended lifetime in high temperature environments are disclosed. Methods of making the filter media are also disclosed. A composite filter media for removal of particles from a gas stream includes a layer of a porous polymeric membrane, the layer having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of the gas stream; and at least one layer of an electrostatic microfiber web containing an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight; the at least one layer of microfiber web disposed on the upstream side of the porous polymeric membrane layer. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139413 | Ventilating Footwear Devices - Ventilating insole boards, self-ventilating footwear devices and self-bailing footwear articles and devices are provided. | 06-06-2013 |
20130123808 | Heart-Shaped PFO Closure Device - Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clip include two closure members, which may be heart shaped, joined by at least two spaced central connecting members. Each of the at least two spaced central connecting members is attached to each closure member at a location on the periphery of the closure member. The connecting member may be generally square shaped or include other shapes. The clips of the present invention may be formed of various materials, including metals, nonmetallic materials, bioresorbable polymers, spring steel, shape memory materials, bioresorbable shape memory polymers, or combinations thereof. The clips can take various forms depending, in part, upon the distribution of force required to close a given PFO. At least one of the closure members can include a tissue scaffold. | 05-16-2013 |
20130104736 | Filtration Module | 05-02-2013 |
20130103034 | Welding Systems Useful for Closure of Cardiac Openings - A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol. | 04-25-2013 |
20130084460 | Expandable Functional TFE Copolymer Fine Powder, Expanded Products and Reacted Products Therefrom - A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion. | 04-04-2013 |
20130075325 | Surface-Modified Fluoropolymer Membrane - A method for use in the manufacture of a filtration article includes providing a porous, fluoropolymer membrane, and applying a force to at least a portion of a first side surface of the membrane to modify the first side surface. The applied force may have a non-normal directional component relative to the first side surface. The surface modification may increase the density of the modified surface and/or reduce the porosity of the modified surface. Particle retention capabilities are thereby enhanced across the modified surface while maintaining permeability across the volume of the membrane. | 03-28-2013 |
20130072965 | Delivery Systems and Methods for PFO Closure Device with Two Anchors - A device closes septal openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The device includes two anchors and a flexible connector. Tension applied to one or more strings attached to the device causes the device to collapse into a reduced profile form for withdrawal into a delivery catheter, thereby facilitating retrieval of the device after insertion into a septal opening. | 03-21-2013 |
20130023926 | Catch Member for PFO Occluder - Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms. | 01-24-2013 |
20120316602 | Catching Mechanisms for Tubular Septal Occluder - A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials. | 12-13-2012 |
20120029560 | PFO Closure Device with Flexible Thrombogenic Joint and Improved Dislodgement Resistance - The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable. | 02-02-2012 |
20090292199 | CATHETER - An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter. | 11-26-2009 |