US6165119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Heart wall tension reduction apparatus and method
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 1999-01-04
•
Granted: 2000-12-26
•
Expires: 2019-01-04
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
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:00
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2487; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61F2/2481; A61B17/12; A61B17/122; A61B17/1227; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61B2017/0404; A61B2017/0417; A61B2017/0427; A61B2017/0429; A61B2017/0435; A61B2017/0446; A61B2017/0461; A61B17/0469; A61B2017/048; A61B2017/0496; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/909; Y10S623/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for drawing first portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that the first portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for drawing second portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that the second portions remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for drawing first portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that the first portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for drawing second portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that the second portions remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising an anchor device coupled to the first and second members for fixing the members to the chamber wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of each of the first and second members and a second anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the anchor device includes a separate pair of anchors corresponding to each of the first and second members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a second end of the first member, a third anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a fourth anchor connected to a second end of the second member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a third anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second members includes a tension member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 8, wherein the second member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second members are configured to be positioned transverse the chamber so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
95 words
An system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for drawing first portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for drawing second portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
95 words
An system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for drawing first portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for drawing second portions of the chamber wall toward each other so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 11, further comprising an anchor device coupled to the first and second members for fixing the members to the chamber wall.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 12, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of each of the first and second members and a second anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 12, wherein the anchor device includes a separate pair of anchors corresponding to each of the first and second members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 12, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a second end of the first member, a third anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a fourth anchor connected to a second end of the second member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 12, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a third anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second members includes a tension member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 11, wherein the first member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 18, wherein the second member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for altering a shape of the chamber so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for altering the shape of the chamber so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for altering a shape of the chamber so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for altering the shape of the chamber so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 20, further comprising an anchor device coupled to the first and second members for fixing the members to the chamber wall.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 21, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of each of the first and second members and a second anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 21, wherein the anchor device includes a separate pair of anchors corresponding to each of the first and second members.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 21, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a second end of the first member, a third anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a fourth anchor connected to a second end of the second member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 21, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a third anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 20, wherein each of the first and second members includes a tension member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the first member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 27, wherein the second member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for placing an apparatus on a heart, the apparatus for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the method comprising the steps of: extending a hollow needle through the chamber such that each end of the needle is external to the chamber; advancing the apparatus through the needle until a first end of the apparatus is external to the chamber; coupling the first end of the apparatus to a first exterior portion of the chamber; and coupling a second end of the apparatus to a second exterior portion of the chamber.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for placing an apparatus on a heart, the apparatus for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the method comprising the steps of: extending a hollow needle through the chamber such that each end of the needle is external to the chamber; advancing the apparatus through the needle until a first end of the apparatus is external to the chamber; coupling the first end of the apparatus to a first exterior portion of the chamber; and coupling a second end of the apparatus to a second exterior portion of the chamber.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the advancing step includes advancing through the needle a tension member of the apparatus that is configured to be positioned transverse the chamber.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 29, wherein each of the coupling steps includes engaging an anchor device with the exterior of the chamber.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the engaging step includes engaging anchor devices that each include an opening for receiving the apparatus.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the apparatus includes a tension member having a first end and a second end and each opening of each of the anchor devices has at least a portion having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the first and second ends of the tension member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of advancing a leader through the needle, the leader being attached to the apparatus.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of removing the needle from the chamber after the advancing step.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of positioning the second end of the apparatus external to the chamber prior to coupling the second end of the apparatus to the exterior of the chamber.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for altering a shape of the chamber so that interior portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for altering the shape of the chamber so that interior portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for reducing tension in a wall of a chamber of a heart, the system comprising: a first member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber for altering a shape of the chamber so that interior portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship; and a second member configured to be positioned transverse the chamber and proximate and substantially parallel to the first member for altering the shape of the chamber so that interior portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 37, further comprising an anchor device coupled to the first and second members for fixing the members to the chamber wall.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of each of the first and second members and a second anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the anchor device includes a separate pair of anchors corresponding to each of the first and second members.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a second end of the first member, a third anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a fourth anchor connected to a second end of the second member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 38, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor connected to a first end of the first member, a second anchor connected to a first end of the second member, and a third anchor connected to a second end of each of the first and second members.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 37, wherein each of the first and second members includes a tension member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 37, wherein the first member includes a pair of tension members.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 44, wherein the second member includes a pair of tension members.
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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) | 2003-12-26 | 2004-06-26 | 2004-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-26 | 2008-06-26 | 2008-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-26 | 2012-06-26 | 2012-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |