US5709695A — Apparatus for reducing the circumference of a vas…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 158 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment consisting of opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end, and structure defining only two suture apertures, the two suture apertures being constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the suture apertures extending from a top surface of each segment to a bottom surface of each segment, the top surface and the bottom surface of each segment each being substantially planar, the line of segments being disposed and the suture apertures being spaced such that suture material passing through the suture apertures reduces the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 158 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment consisting of opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end, and structure defining only two suture apertures, the two suture apertures being constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the suture apertures extending from a top surface of each segment to a bottom surface of each segment, the top surface and the bottom surface of each segment each being substantially planar, the line of segments being disposed and the suture apertures being spaced such that suture material passing through the suture apertures reduces the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the line of segments substantially prevents circumferential lengthening of the anatomical structure along the line of segments.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 28 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the line of segments is disposed for creating anatomical structure plication regions alternating with anatomical structure non-plication regions.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 37 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, further comprising stabilizing material for covering the line of segments to stabilize the line of segments and to substantially prevent contact of the line of segments with blood.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 31 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one segment includes a surface for supporting a layer of tissue to cover and stabilize the line of segments.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the line of segments is substantially curved.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 19 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 6, wherein the line of segments forms a partial ring shape.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 20 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 6, wherein the line of segments forms a substantially complete ring shape.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 31 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the line of segments is constructed such that sutures passing through the segments into a vascular structure plicate the vascular structure.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 24 words

The anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 9, wherein the line of segments is constructed to plicate the circumference of a valve annulus.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom surfaces of each of the segments are free for direct exposure to material for covering the line of segments.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 171 words

A vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising: circumference reduction means for creating a series of plication regions in the vascular structure, the circumference reduction means comprising a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the vascular structure to form a line of discrete support segments, each plication region in the series of plication regions being disposed beneath each segment, and to reduce the circumference of the vascular structure along the circumference reduction means by a precise amount; each segment of the circumference reduction means consisting of structure including opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end, and only two aperture means for receiving and supporting suture means for attaching each segment to the vascular structure at a precise location, the structure having substantially flat opposite surfaces through which the aperture means passes; and the circumference reduction means providing flexibility to follow the vascular structure while substantially preventing circumferential lengthening of the vascular structure.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 171 words

A vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising: circumference reduction means for creating a series of plication regions in the vascular structure, the circumference reduction means comprising a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the vascular structure to form a line of discrete support segments, each plication region in the series of plication regions being disposed beneath each segment, and to reduce the circumference of the vascular structure along the circumference reduction means by a precise amount; each segment of the circumference reduction means consisting of structure including opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end, and only two aperture means for receiving and supporting suture means for attaching each segment to the vascular structure at a precise location, the structure having substantially flat opposite surfaces through which the aperture means passes; and the circumference reduction means providing flexibility to follow the vascular structure while substantially preventing circumferential lengthening of the vascular structure.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 36 words

The vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 12, further comprising stabilizing means for covering the line of segments for stabilizing the line of segments and substantially preventing contact of the line of segments with blood.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 17 words

The vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 12, wherein the line of segments is substantially curved.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 14, wherein the line of segments forms a ring shape.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 28 words

The vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus of claim 12, wherein the line of segments is discontinuous to create anatomical structure plication regions alternating with anatomical structure non-plication regions.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 201 words

An apparatus for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising in combination a plurality of discrete suture support segments disposed in a line and a plurality of horizontal mattress (U-shaped) sutures, each suture support segment being made of a non-deformable, biocompatible, inert material and comprising a substantially flat upper surface, a substantially flat lower surface, opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end and only two suture holes extending from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof, the suture holes being spaced a predetermined distance apart, each suture support segment being substantially rigid and substantially non-deformable in a longitudinal dimension defined by said opposite sides, and being constructed and arranged to be individually sutured with one of the plurality of sutures to a length of tissue of the vascular structure whose circumference is to be reduced along the line of segments, the suture holes being spaced such that the length of tissue sutured is greater than the predetermined distance between the holes and such that each sutured suture support segment creates an imbrication in the vascular structure when each suture is tightened and tied off, reducing the circumference of the vascular structure along the line of segments.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 201 words

An apparatus for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising in combination a plurality of discrete suture support segments disposed in a line and a plurality of horizontal mattress (U-shaped) sutures, each suture support segment being made of a non-deformable, biocompatible, inert material and comprising a substantially flat upper surface, a substantially flat lower surface, opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end and only two suture holes extending from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof, the suture holes being spaced a predetermined distance apart, each suture support segment being substantially rigid and substantially non-deformable in a longitudinal dimension defined by said opposite sides, and being constructed and arranged to be individually sutured with one of the plurality of sutures to a length of tissue of the vascular structure whose circumference is to be reduced along the line of segments, the suture holes being spaced such that the length of tissue sutured is greater than the predetermined distance between the holes and such that each sutured suture support segment creates an imbrication in the vascular structure when each suture is tightened and tied off, reducing the circumference of the vascular structure along the line of segments.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the suture holes of each suture support segment are substantially smooth and of a diameter which accommodates a 2-0 suture and a swedged-on suture needle.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distance between centers of the suture holes is about 5± about 3 mm, further wherein each suture support segment has a width of about 2-4 mm.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each suture support segment has a thickness of about 1 mm.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 138 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus kit for use in precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the kit comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment including a plurality of suture apertures constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment in fixed relationship with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the suture apertures being spaced such that suture material passing through the suture apertures creates a plication region in the anatomical structure beneath each segment, the line of segments being disposed to create a series of plication regions in the anatomical structure to reduce the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 138 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus kit for use in precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the kit comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment including a plurality of suture apertures constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment in fixed relationship with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the suture apertures being spaced such that suture material passing through the suture apertures creates a plication region in the anatomical structure beneath each segment, the line of segments being disposed to create a series of plication regions in the anatomical structure to reduce the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 155 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment including a plurality of suture apertures constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the apertures of each segment and the line of segments being constructed and arranged to create a plication region in the anatomical structure beneath each segment and to create a series of plication regions in the anatomical structure to reduce the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments; and stabilizing material for covering the line of segments to stabilize the line of segments and to substantially prevent contact of the line of segments with blood.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 155 words

An anatomical structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of an anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the anatomical structure to form a line of discrete support segments; each segment including a plurality of suture apertures constructed to receive and support suture material for attaching each segment with respect to the anatomical structure at a precise location, the apertures of each segment and the line of segments being constructed and arranged to create a plication region in the anatomical structure beneath each segment and to create a series of plication regions in the anatomical structure to reduce the circumference of the anatomical structure by a precise amount along the line of segments; and stabilizing material for covering the line of segments to stabilize the line of segments and to substantially prevent contact of the line of segments with blood.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 170 words

A vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising: circumference reduction means for creating a series of plication regions in the vascular structure, the circumference reduction means comprising a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the vascular structure to form a line of discrete support segments, each plication region in the series of plication regions being disposed beneath each segment, and to reduce the circumference of the vascular structure along the circumference reduction means by a precise amount, each segment of the circumference reduction means including aperture means for receiving and supporting suture means for attaching each segment to the vascular structure at a precise location, the circumference reduction means providing flexibility to follow the vascular structure while substantially preventing circumferential lengthening of the vascular structure; and stabilizing means for covering the line of segments and for stabilizing the line of segments and substantially preventing contact of the line of segments with blood.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 170 words

A vascular structure circumference reduction apparatus for precisely reducing the circumference of a vascular structure, the apparatus comprising: circumference reduction means for creating a series of plication regions in the vascular structure, the circumference reduction means comprising a plurality of substantially rigid discrete support segments for disposition at least partially circumferentially about the vascular structure to form a line of discrete support segments, each plication region in the series of plication regions being disposed beneath each segment, and to reduce the circumference of the vascular structure along the circumference reduction means by a precise amount, each segment of the circumference reduction means including aperture means for receiving and supporting suture means for attaching each segment to the vascular structure at a precise location, the circumference reduction means providing flexibility to follow the vascular structure while substantially preventing circumferential lengthening of the vascular structure; and stabilizing means for covering the line of segments and for stabilizing the line of segments and substantially preventing contact of the line of segments with blood.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-01-19	2001-07-21	2002-01-20	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-01-19	2005-07-21	2006-01-20	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-01-19	2009-07-21	2010-01-20	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure

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