US6045497A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Heart wall tension reduction apparatus and method
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 1998-07-29
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Granted: 2000-04-04
•
Expires: 2018-07-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. Methods for placing the apparatus on the heart are also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Cyril J. Schweich, Jr.
- 👤 Todd J. Mortier
- 👤 Robert M. Vidlund
- 👤 Peter T. Keith
- 👤 Thomas M. Paulson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/06166; A61B17/00234; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2487; A61B17/00491; A61B17/0401; A61B17/0487; A61B17/12; A61B17/122; A61B17/1227; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0404; A61B2017/0417; A61B2017/0427; A61B2017/0435; A61B2017/0445; A61B2017/0446; A61B2017/0454; A61B2017/0458; A61B2017/0461; A61B2017/0464; A61B17/0469; A61B2017/048; A61B2017/0496; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61F2/2481
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
A transventricular splint, comprising: an elongate tension member having two axially disposed ends; and a substantially atraumatic anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end, such that the length of the tension member between the anchors is about 1 to 4 inches.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
43 words
A transventricular splint, comprising: an elongate tension member having two axially disposed ends; and a substantially atraumatic anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end, such that the length of the tension member between the anchors is about 1 to 4 inches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member comprises a multi-filament elongate member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member is substantially radiopaque.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a radiopaque marker disposed on the tension member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member is echo cardiograph compatible.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an echogenic marker disposed on the tension member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member has a substantially antithrombogenic surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 7, wherein the tension member has a substantially antithrombogenic coating.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member has a length of between about 0.6 and 2.0 inches.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transventricular splint in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tension member has a diameter of between about 0.01 and 0.02 inches.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
45 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate, multifilament member having opposite ends; and an anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
45 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate, multifilament member having opposite ends; and an anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of stainless steel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of a titanium alloy.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of a shape memory alloy.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member has a diameter in the range of approximately 0.005 inches to 0.035 inches.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member has a length in the range of approximately 0.6 inches to 4 inches.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is braided wire.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is twisted wire.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of polymeric fiber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is formed essentially of carbon fiber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member includes a coating.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating is formed essentially of silicone.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating is formed essentially of urethane.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating is formed essentially of PTFE.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating is formed essentially of carbon.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating includes a drug.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the coating is ingrowth inducing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the coating is formed essentially of collagen.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member includes a core fiber extending along an axis of the member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is radiopaque.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is echo cardiograph compatible.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is MRI compatible.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member includes a radiopaque marker.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member includes an echo cardiograph compatible marker.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member includes an MRI compatible marker.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member is configured to extend transverse the left ventricle of the heart and avoid papillary muscles and arteries.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart, the anchor being capable of articulating relative to the member.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart, the anchor being capable of articulating relative to the member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each anchor includes a recess for receiving a corresponding end of the member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the corresponding end of the member includes a ball.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the member is a multifilament member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each anchor includes a socket for receiving a ball at a corresponding end of the member.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
53 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the member to the anchor.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
53 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the member to the anchor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the mechanism includes a collet disposed within an orifice of the anchor to receive the member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the collet is threaded to receive a nut.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the anchor includes an aperture having sloping sides.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the mechanism includes a set screw disposed within a passage of the anchor.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the mechanism includes a pair of cantilever members capable of clamping the member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the anchor is formed essentially of a stainless steel alloy.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the anchor is formed essentially of a titanium alloy.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
57 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a noncontacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
57 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor having a disc-like shape disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a noncontacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the anchor is capable of articulating relative to the member to reduce bending of the member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the member is configured to extend transverse the left ventricle of the heart and avoid papillary muscles and arteries.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
53 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
53 words
An apparatus for placement in a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends; and an anchor disposed at each end to engage a wall of the heart so that the engaged walls remain in a non-contacting relationship, the anchor including a mechanism capable of securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the mechanism includes a biocompatible adhesive.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the mechanism includes an aperture extending through the anchor, the aperture configured to receive a suture for securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the mechanism includes an aperture extending through the anchor, the aperture being threaded to receive a screw for securing the anchor to the wall.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the mechanism includes a layer of material capable of promoting tissue ingrowth.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the material is a mesh material.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the material is formed essentially of PTFE.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the anchor includes a top layer of material connected to the layer of tissue ingrowth material.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the top layer is formed essentially of PTFE.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the member is a multifilament member.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the anchor is capable of articulating relative to the member to reduce bending of the member.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the member is configured to extend transverse the left ventricle of the heart and avoid papillary muscles and arteries.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the anchor includes a second mechanism capable of securing the member to the anchor.
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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) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |