US6155968A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for improving cardiac function
Assignee: Bioventrix Inc
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Filing: 1998-07-23
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Granted: 2000-12-05
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Expires: 2018-07-23
Abstract
Abstract In a method for improving cardiac function, a compressive device is inserted into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart. Thereafter the compressive device is operated to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter J. Wilk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:49
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2481; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B17/12; A61B17/12009; A61B17/12013; A61B17/22; A61B17/221; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/2215; A61B17/30; A61B2017/303
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart; and after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart; and after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said compressive device includes a plurality of prongs or tines each connected at one end to the other prongs or tines, the operating of said compressive device including pivoting each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein at least one of said prongs or tines is provided with a tooth, further comprising inserting said tooth into the heart.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein the operating of said compressive device includes turning a camming mechanism to pivot each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein the inserting of said compressive device includes inserting said compressive device through a trocar sleeve or cannula.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the inserting of said compressive device includes inserting said compressive device through a trocar sleeve or cannula.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device having a plurality of spaced members into an intrapericardial space about a portion of a heart, at least one of said spaced members being provided with a tooth; after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off a portion of at least one ventricle of the heart; and inserting said tooth into the heart to anchor said compressive device to the heart.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device having a plurality of spaced members into an intrapericardial space about a portion of a heart, at least one of said spaced members being provided with a tooth; after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off a portion of at least one ventricle of the heart; and inserting said tooth into the heart to anchor said compressive device to the heart.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method defined in claim 7 wherein said spaced members are a plurality of prongs or tines each connected at one end to the other prongs or tines, the operating of said compressive device including pivoting each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method defined in claim 8 wherein the operating of said compressive device includes turning a camming mechanism to pivot each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method defined in claim 7 wherein said spaced members are provided with a plurality of teeth, further comprising inserting said teeth into the heart to anchor said compressive device to the heart.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 7 wherein the inserting of said compressive device includes inserting said compressive device through a trocar sleeve or cannula.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart, said compressive device including a plurality of prongs or tines each connected at one end to the other prongs or tines; and after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart, the operating of said compressive device including pivoting each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end, the operating of said compressive device further including turning a camming mechanism to pivot each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for improving cardiac function, comprising: inserting a compressive device into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart, said compressive device including a plurality of prongs or tines each connected at one end to the other prongs or tines; and after the inserting of said compressive device into the intrapericardial space, operating said compressive device to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart, the operating of said compressive device including pivoting each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end, the operating of said compressive device further including turning a camming mechanism to pivot each of said prongs or tines about the respective one end.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-06-05 | 2004-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | 2008-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-05 | 2012-06-05 | 2012-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |