US5928224A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for the treatment of damaged heart valve leaflets and methods of using the device
Assignee: Hearten Medical Inc
•
Filing: 1997-01-24
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Granted: 1999-07-27
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Expires: 2017-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for treating infected or damaged heart valve tissue by selectively heating, applying pressure, or both to the heart valve tissue to sterilize any infected portion of the tissue, reshape any misshapen portion, effect selective thinning of any thickened portion, and reduce the floppiness of any selected portion. The heat can be applied to or induced in the heart valve tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Laufer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00084; A61B2017/00115; A61B2017/00119; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus for treating an infected or damaged heart valve leaflet, comprising: a support rod having a first end; a first member having at least one protrusion with at least one convex surface thereon and a first member opening through the first member for receiving the support rod, the first member being adjacent the first end of the support rod; a second member having at least one protrusion with at least one concave surface thereon corresponding to the protrusion on the first member and wherein the concave surface mates with the corresponding convex surface to form a shape of a normal heart valve leaflet, and a second member opening through the second member for receiving the support rod; and means for energizing the first member and the second member to heat the infected or damaged heart valve leaflet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
An apparatus for treating an infected or damaged heart valve leaflet, comprising: a support rod having a first end; a first member having at least one protrusion with at least one convex surface thereon and a first member opening through the first member for receiving the support rod, the first member being adjacent the first end of the support rod; a second member having at least one protrusion with at least one concave surface thereon corresponding to the protrusion on the first member and wherein the concave surface mates with the corresponding convex surface to form a shape of a normal heart valve leaflet, and a second member opening through the second member for receiving the support rod; and means for energizing the first member and the second member to heat the infected or damaged heart valve leaflet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member and the second member comprise electrodes for heating the heart valve leaflet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for energizing comprises a radio-frequency generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for energizing comprises microwave means for heating the heart valve leaflet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for energizing comprises ultrasound means for heating the heart valve leaflet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for energizing comprises light means for heating the heart valve leaflet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for energizing comprises a hot fluid element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a feedback indicator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the feedback indicator is an auditory signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the feedback indicator is a visual signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the feedback indicator is indicative of temperature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the feedback indicator is indicative of electrical characteristics.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a member for applying pressure with the first member and the second member to the heart valve leaflet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member has a plurality of protrusions thereon and the second member has a plurality of protrusions thereon corresponding to the plurality of protrusions on the first member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the protrusion on the first member has a plurality of protrusions or indentations thereon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-07-26 | 2003-01-25 | 2003-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-07-26 | 2007-01-25 | 2007-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-07-26 | 2011-01-25 | 2011-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |