US6050936A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heart wall tension reduction apparatus
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 1997-01-02
•
Granted: 2000-04-18
•
Expires: 2017-01-02
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Cyril J. Schweich, Jr.
- 👤 Todd J. Mortier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:56
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: 97
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for reducing the stress in the wall of a heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising: means for passively changing the geometric shape of the chamber wall to change the internal shape of the chamber to reduce wall stress; and means for engagement with the chamber wall coupled to the means for passively changing the internal shape of the wall; wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for forming at least three lobes in the interior space of the chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for reducing the stress in the wall of a heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising: means for passively changing the geometric shape of the chamber wall to change the internal shape of the chamber to reduce wall stress; and means for engagement with the chamber wall coupled to the means for passively changing the internal shape of the wall; wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for forming at least three lobes in the interior space of the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for passively changing the shape of the wall includes a tension member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for forming a substantially non-circular cross section in the interior space of the chamber in the at least one cross sectional plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for changing a generally vertically disposed cross section of the interior space of the chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for changing a generally transversely disposed cross section of the interior space of the chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall is for creating an inflection point in the wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the wall chamber is for creating a convex surface on the inside of the chamber wall.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for the treatment of a failing heart, comprising; an elongate tension member for drawing at least two wall of a chamber of the heart toward each other, the tension member having two opositely disposed ends; and a generally rigid anchor pad disposed at each end of the tension member, each anchor pad having a heart engaging surface, and a generally planar shape such that the thickess of the pad as measureed generally perpendicularly to the heart engaging surface is less than the width of the pad as measured generally perpendicularly to the thickness of the pad.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for the treatment of a failing heart, comprising; an elongate tension member for drawing at least two wall of a chamber of the heart toward each other, the tension member having two opositely disposed ends; and a generally rigid anchor pad disposed at each end of the tension member, each anchor pad having a heart engaging surface, and a generally planar shape such that the thickess of the pad as measureed generally perpendicularly to the heart engaging surface is less than the width of the pad as measured generally perpendicularly to the thickness of the pad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein the thickness is less than the length of the pad as measured generally perpendicular to the thickness and the width.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein the heart engaging surface is generally planar.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein the pad has a second surface disposed generally perpendicularly to the thickness.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein the second surface is generally planar.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of a heart chamber for drawing portions of the chamber wall towards each other so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of a heart chamber for drawing portions of the chamber wall towards each other so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of cliam 15, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of cliam 15, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for drawing portions of the chamber wall towards each other, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for drawing portions of the chamber wall towards each other, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for altering a shape of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for altering a shape of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for reducing a radius of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for reducing a radius of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparauts of claim 40, wherein the anchor includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the member includes a clamp.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
68 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for reducing a cross-sectional area of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
68 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber for reducing a cross-sectional area of the chamber, the member being configured so that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the member includes a clamp.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for altering a shape of the chamber, the member being cofigured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for altering a shape of the chamber, the member being cofigured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for reducing a radius of the chamber, the member being configured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for reducing a radius of the chamber, the member being configured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a frist end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for reducing a cross-sectional area of the chamber, the member being configured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: a passive member adapted to be adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber for reducing a cross-sectional area of the chamber, the member being configured so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor device coupled to the member for fixing the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the member is adapted to be placed within the chamber.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the member includes a tension member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the member includes a plurality of tension members.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the anchor device includes a first anchor attached to a first end of the tension member and a second anchor attached to a second end of the tension member.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the first and second anchors are adapted to remain external the chamber and engage walls of the chamber.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the member includes a compression member.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends the member adapted to be adjacent portions of a heart eall so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor diposed at each to engage the wall of the heart, the anchor including structure to receive and secure the member to the anchor.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for treatment of a heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongate member having opposite ends the member adapted to be adjacent portions of a heart eall so that the portions remain in a non-contacting relationship; and an anchor diposed at each to engage the wall of the heart, the anchor including structure to receive and secure the member to the anchor.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the structure includes a recess portion of the anchor.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the recess portion receives an end of the member.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the end of the member includes a ball.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the structure includes a cross bar.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the member ties to the cross bar.
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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) | 2003-04-18 | 2003-10-18 | 2004-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-18 | 2007-10-18 | 2008-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-18 | 2011-10-18 | 2012-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |