US6685620B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ventricular infarct assist device and methods for using it
Assignee: Foundry LLC
•
Filing: 2001-09-25
•
Granted: 2004-02-03
•
Expires: 2021-09-25
Abstract
Abstract This relates to surgical devices and methods of using them. In particular, the devices are used to support and to reform myocardial tissue in the region of and across an infarct. The devices provide tension across the infarct in varying degrees by attachment of the device to the myocardium at sites adjacent the infarct. A support-providing component across the infarct, between the heart attachment sites, provides support to the myocardial wall and support across the infarct. Optionally, but preferably, the support-providing component includes a time-delay element that variously may allow the device to be introduced onto the myocardial surface and to change the support of the support element over time.
Inventors
- 👤 Hanson S. Gifford, III
- 👤 Bernard H. Andreas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2481; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61B2017/0419
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 113
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A heart tissue supporting device comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, and c.) at least one support-providing member comprising at least one coil spring having opposing ends attached between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, said member being situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A heart tissue supporting device comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, and c.) at least one support-providing member comprising at least one coil spring having opposing ends attached between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, said member being situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least one of first heart tissue adherence regions and second heart tissue adherence regions is at least partially surrounded by a region that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 2 where the material forming at least a portion of the non adhering regions at least partially surrounding the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region is selected form the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 3 where the polyflurocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where the at least one support providing member is sized and placeable to maintain a first heart tissue contact region positioned against a second heart tissue contact region.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 further including a connector strap that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue and is configured to connect the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region and thereby form, with the at least one support providing member, a loop adapted to surround a heart having the first and second heart tissue regions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device claim 6 where the material forming at least a portion of the connector strap is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 7 where the polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or TFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence regions and the second heart tissue adherence regions comprises an adhering material selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 9 where the adhering material is selected form the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 10 where the woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from polyethyleneterephthalate, cotton, and expanded polyfluorocarbons having internodal spacing suitable for intergrowth.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 11 where the support providing member further comprises a time delay member adapted to provide a period of time over which the distance between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region varies.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 where the time-delay member is coated with a biodegradable material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 where the time-delay member is embedded in a biodegradable material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 where the support providing member comprises a spring and the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material member tending to hold the spring in extension until after functional biodegradation in the human body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 the time delay member is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 12 the time-delay member comprises at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
64 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where the support providing member further comprises a time delay member adapted to provide a period of time between an introduction of the heart tissue supporting member into a human body and initiation of a movement of the at least one first heart tissue adherence region towards the at least one second heart tissue adherence region.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 2 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 22 where the surface is not smooth.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 22 where the surface is roughened.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 22 where the surface is nubbed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 22 where the surface is perforated.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 22 where the surface is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least a portion of the heart tissue supporting member is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence region and second heart tissue adherence region support providing member are treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a mechanical fastener adapted to perforate heart tissue and cause adherence to those regions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 1 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface including an adhesive selected to cause heart tissue adhesion onto those regions.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for providing support to a myocardial wall across an infarct, comprising the steps of a.) adhering a first tissue contact area of a supporting member to the myocardial wall at a first tissue site adjacent the infarct, b.) adhering a second tissue contact area of the supporting member to the myocardial wall at a second tissue site adjacent the infarct but adapted for positioning the supporting member across the infarct, and c.) advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area along a surface of the myocardial wall, wherein the step of advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area comprises eroding a bioerodible material situated between the first and second tissue contact areas.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for providing support to a myocardial wall across an infarct, comprising the steps of a.) adhering a first tissue contact area of a supporting member to the myocardial wall at a first tissue site adjacent the infarct, b.) adhering a second tissue contact area of the supporting member to the myocardial wall at a second tissue site adjacent the infarct but adapted for positioning the supporting member across the infarct, and c.) advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area along a surface of the myocardial wall, wherein the step of advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area comprises eroding a bioerodible material situated between the first and second tissue contact areas.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 32 where the steps of adhering the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to first and second tissue sites comprises placing adhesive respectively between the first and second tissue contact areas and the first and second tissue sites.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 32 where the steps of adhering the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to first and second tissue sites comprises mechanically attaching the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to the first and second tissue sites.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 32 where the bioerodible material is associated with a support providing member in such a way to tend to hold spring attached to the first and second tissue contact areas in extension until the material has degraded.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 32 where the bioerodible material comprises a support-providing member.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for supporting a localized or regional area of a heart comprising the steps of a.) adhering a first tissue contact area of a supporting member to the heart at a first tissue site adjacent a region to be supported, b.) adhering a second tissue contact area of the supporting member to the heart at a second tissue site adjacent the region to be supported but adapted for positioning the supporting member across the region to be supported, and c.) advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area along a surface of the heart, wherein the step of advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area comprises eroding a bioerodible material situated between the first and second tissue contact areas.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for supporting a localized or regional area of a heart comprising the steps of a.) adhering a first tissue contact area of a supporting member to the heart at a first tissue site adjacent a region to be supported, b.) adhering a second tissue contact area of the supporting member to the heart at a second tissue site adjacent the region to be supported but adapted for positioning the supporting member across the region to be supported, and c.) advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area along a surface of the heart, wherein the step of advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area comprises eroding a bioerodible material situated between the first and second tissue contact areas.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 37 where the steps of adhering the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to first and second tissue sites comprises placing adhesive respectively between the first and second tissue contact areas and the first and second tissue sites.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 37 where the steps of adhering the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to first and second tissue sites comprises mechanically attaching the first and second tissue contact areas respectively to the first and second tissue sites.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 37 where the step of advancing the first tissue contact area towards the second tissue contact area comprises eroding a time-delay member comprising the bioerodible material associated with a support-providing member in such a way to tend to hold a spring attached to the first and second tissue contact areas in extension until the material has degraded.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 37 where the bioerodible material comprises a support-providing member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 37 where the region to be supported comprises a surgically modified area.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
197 words
A heart tissue supporting device comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, c.) at least one heart support-providing member comprising at least one spring having opposed ends attached between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface and further comprising a time-delay member adapted to provide a period of time between an introduction of the heart tissue supporting member into a human body and initiation of a movement of the at least one first heart tissue adherence region towards the at least one second heart tissue adherence region.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
197 words
A heart tissue supporting device comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, c.) at least one heart support-providing member comprising at least one spring having opposed ends attached between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface and further comprising a time-delay member adapted to provide a period of time between an introduction of the heart tissue supporting member into a human body and initiation of a movement of the at least one first heart tissue adherence region towards the at least one second heart tissue adherence region.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least one of first heart tissue adherence regions and second heart tissue adherence regions is at least partially surrounded by a region that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
65 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 44 where the material forming at least a portion of the non adhering regions at least partially surrounding the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 45 where the polyflurocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
36 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where the at least one support providing member is sized and placeable to maintain a first heart tissue contact region positioned against a second heart tissue contact region.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
71 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 further including a connector strap that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue and is configured to connect the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region and thereby form, with the at least one support providing member, a loop adapted to surround a heart having the first and second heart tissue regions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 48 where the material forming at least a portion of the connector strap is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 49 where the polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or TFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence regions and the second heart tissue adherence regions comprises an adhering material selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 51 where the adhering material is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 52 the woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from polyethyleneterephthalate, cotton, and expanded polyfluorocarbons having internodal spacing suitable for intergrowth.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where the at least one spring comprises a coiled spring.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where the at least one spring comprises a flat spring.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
45 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where the time-delay member is adapted to provide a period of time over which the distance between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region varies.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 where the time-delay member is coated with a biodegradable material.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 where the time-delay member is embedded in a biodegradable material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 where the support providing member comprises a spring and the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material member tending to hold the spring in extension until after functional biodegradation in the human body.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 the time delay member is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 57 the time-delay member comprises at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 65 where the surface is not smooth.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 65 where the surface is roughened.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 65 where the surface is nubbed.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 65 where the surface is perforated.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
19 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 65 where the surface is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least a portion of the heart tissue supporting member is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
36 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence region and second heart tissue adherence region support providing member are treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a mechanical fastener adapted to perforate heart tissue and cause adherence to those regions.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 43 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface including an adhesive selected to cause heart tissue adhesion onto those regions.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for providing support to a myocardial wall across an infarct, comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, c.) at least one heart tissue support-providing member situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface, wherein at least a portion of the heart tissue support-providing member is treated with at least one angiogenesis compensation.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for providing support to a myocardial wall across an infarct, comprising: a.) at least one first heart tissue adherence region and each adapted to adhere to selected first heart tissue regions on a heart surface, b.) at least one second heart tissue adherence region separated from the at least one first heart tissue adherence regions and each adapted to adhere to selected second heart tissue regions on a heart surface, c.) at least one heart tissue support-providing member situated to maintain support to tissue between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region, wherein each heart tissue adherence region is further adapted to be approximated towards one another along the heart surface, wherein at least a portion of the heart tissue support-providing member is treated with at least one angiogenesis compensation.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least one of first heart tissue adherence regions and second heart tissue adherence regions is at least partially surrounded by a region that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
65 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 76 where the material forming at least a portion of the non adhering regions at least partially surrounding the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 77 where the polyflurocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
36 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where the at least one support providing member is sized and placeable to maintain a first heart tissue contact region positioned against a second heart tissue contact region.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
71 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 further including a connector strap that is substantially non adhering to heart tissue and is configured to connect the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region and thereby form, with the at least one support providing member, a loop adapted to surround a heart having the first and second heart tissue regions.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
41 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 80 where the material forming at least a portion of the connector strap is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from the group consisting of polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 81 where the polyfluorocarbons and polyolefins are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or TFE), ethylene chlorofluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE), and polypropylene.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence regions and the second heart tissue adherence regions comprises an adhering material selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 83 where the adhering material is selected from the group consisting of woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
28 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 84 where the woven or non-woven polymeric fabrics selected from polyethyleneterephthalate, cotton, and expanded polyfluorocarbons having internodal spacing suitable for intergrowth.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where the at least one support-providing member comprises at least one spring having opposing ends attached between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 86 where the at least one spring comprises a coiled spring.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 86 where the at least one spring comprises a flat spring.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
62 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 86 where the support-providing member further comprises a time-delay member adapted to provide a period of time between an introduction of the heart tissue supporting member into a human body and initiation of a movement of the at least one first heart tissue adherence region towards the at least one second heart tissue adherence region.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 89 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
45 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where the time-delay member is adapted to provide a period of time over which the distance between the at least one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence region varies.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 where the time-delay member is coated with a biodegradable material.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 where the time-delay member is embedded in a biodegradable material.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 where the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
40 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 where the support providing member comprises a spring and the time-delay member comprises a biodegradable material member tending to hold the spring in extension until after functional biodegradation in the human body.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
42 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface selected to allow ingrowth of heart tissue into those regions.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
14 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 97 where the surface is not smooth.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 97 where the surface is roughened.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 97 where the surface is nubbed.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
13 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 97 where the surface is perforated.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of 97 where the surface is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heart tissue supporting device of 97 where the surface is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 the time delay member is treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
17 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 91 the time-delay member comprises at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
35 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least one of the first heart tissue adherence region and second heart tissue adherence region support-providing member are treated with at least one angiogenesis composition.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a mechanical fastener adapted to perforate heart tissue and cause adherence to those regions.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
44 words
The heart tissue supporting device of claim 75 where at least of the one first heart tissue adherence region and the at least one second heart tissue adherence regions includes a surface including an adhesive selected to cause heart tissue adhesion onto those regions.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-02-02 | 2007-08-04 | 2008-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-02-02 | 2011-08-04 | 2012-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-02-02 | 2015-08-04 | 2016-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |