US6162168A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Heart wall tension reduction apparatus
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 2000-01-28
•
Granted: 2000-12-19
•
Expires: 2020-01-28
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
2026-10-23 00:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2487; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; 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; A61F2/2481; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/909; Y10S623/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 84
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to draw portions of the chamber wall toward each other during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to draw portions of the chamber wall toward each other during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 3, wherein an amount that portions of the chamber wall are drawn toward each other is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 3, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to alter a shape of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to alter a shape of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 10, wherein an amount that the shape of the chamber is altered is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 10, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wail of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to reduce a radius of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wail of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to reduce a radius of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that all interior parts of the chamber remain in direct fluid communication with each other.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 17, wherein an amount that the radius of the chamber is reduced is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 17, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to draw portions of the chamber wall toward each other during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the chamber wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to draw portions of the chamber wall toward each other during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the chamber wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 22, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 22, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 24, wherein an amount that portions of the chamber wall are drawn toward each other is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 24, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 22, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 22, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to alter a shape of the chamber during at least portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to alter a shape of the chamber during at least portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 29, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 29, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 31, wherein an amount that the shape of the chamber is altered is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 31, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 29, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 29, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to reduce a radius of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned adjacent portions of a wall of a heart chamber; and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the member to engage the wall of the heart chamber, wherein the device is configured to reduce a radius of the chamber during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle such that the portions of the wall remain in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 36, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism provided on each of the first and second opposite ends.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 36, wherein the member is a tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 38, wherein an amount that the radius of the chamber is reduced is determined by a length of the tension member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 38, wherein the tension member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 36, wherein the anchoring mechanism is configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 36, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; a first anchoring member attached to the first end of the elongate member; and a second anchoring member attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein each of the first and second anchoring members are configured to engage an exterior surface of a wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
80 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; a first anchoring member attached to the first end of the elongate member; and a second anchoring member attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein each of the first and second anchoring members are configured to engage an exterior surface of a wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 43, wherein each of the first and second anchoring members has a disc-like shape.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 43, wherein the heart chamber is the left ventricle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 43, wherein the first anchoring member is spaced from the second anchoring member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 43, wherein the device is configured to draw portions of the heart wall toward each other in a non-contacting relationship when the first and second anchoring members are engaged with the exterior portion of the wall and the elongate member is positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 43, wherein the first anchoring member is configured to be attached to the elongate member after the elongate member is positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 43, further comprising a mechanism configured to attach the elongate member to the first and second anchoring members.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 43, wherein each of the first and second anchoring members define an opening configured to receive the elongate member.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
61 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be placed adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber, the member having a surface adapted to press against the chamber wall to draw portions of the chamber wall towards each other and create a pair of lobes within the chamber that are in direct fluid communication.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
61 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be placed adjacent a wall of an intact heart chamber, the member having a surface adapted to press against the chamber wall to draw portions of the chamber wall towards each other and create a pair of lobes within the chamber that are in direct fluid communication.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 51, wherein the surface is adapted to press against the chamber wall so that a radius of each of the pair off lobes is less than a radius of the chamber prior to creating the pair of lobes.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 51, wherein the surface is adapted to press against the chamber wall so that the portions of the chamber wall drawn together remain in a noncontacting relationship.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 51, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 51, wherein the member includes at least one anchor device adapted to engage the chamber wall to fix the member in a position adjacent the chamber wall.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for treating the heart, comprising: two elongate members each having two oppositely disposed ends; and four anchoring members, wherein an anchoring member is provided on each of the ends of the elongate members, the anchoring members being configured to engage an exterior wall of a heart chamber to maintain a position of the corresponding elongate member with respect to the heart chamber, wherein each elongate member and corresponding anchoring members are configured to draw portions of the heart wall toward each other in a non-contacting relationship when the anchoring members are engaged with the exterior wall of the heart chamber and the corresponding elongate member is positioned with respect to the heart chamber.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for treating the heart, comprising: two elongate members each having two oppositely disposed ends; and four anchoring members, wherein an anchoring member is provided on each of the ends of the elongate members, the anchoring members being configured to engage an exterior wall of a heart chamber to maintain a position of the corresponding elongate member with respect to the heart chamber, wherein each elongate member and corresponding anchoring members are configured to draw portions of the heart wall toward each other in a non-contacting relationship when the anchoring members are engaged with the exterior wall of the heart chamber and the corresponding elongate member is positioned with respect to the heart chamber.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 56, wherein the two elongate members are positioned orthogonally relative to each other.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
171 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; a first anchoring member attached to the first end of the elongate member; and a second anchoring member attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein the first anchoring member is configured to engage a first exterior surface of a wall of the heart and the second anchoring member is configured to engage a second exterior surface of the wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse a heart chamber, and wherein during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle, the device is configured to distribute a first force on the first exterior surface that is substantially uniform about the first end of the elongate member, distribute a second force on the second exterior surface that is substantially uniform about the second end of the elongate member, and draw first and second portions of the heart wall toward each other in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
171 words
A device for treating a heart, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; a first anchoring member attached to the first end of the elongate member; and a second anchoring member attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein the first anchoring member is configured to engage a first exterior surface of a wall of the heart and the second anchoring member is configured to engage a second exterior surface of the wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse a heart chamber, and wherein during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle, the device is configured to distribute a first force on the first exterior surface that is substantially uniform about the first end of the elongate member, distribute a second force on the second exterior surface that is substantially uniform about the second end of the elongate member, and draw first and second portions of the heart wall toward each other in a non-contacting relationship.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 58, wherein each of the first and second anchoring members is configured to extend substantially a same distance in both the vertical and transverse directions with respect to the first and second exterior surfaces respectively.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
53 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to surround at least a portion of the heart, the member having a surface adapted to press against a wall of a chamber of the heart to alter a shape of the chamber without a bifurcation of the chamber.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
53 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to surround at least a portion of the heart, the member having a surface adapted to press against a wall of a chamber of the heart to alter a shape of the chamber without a bifurcation of the chamber.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 60, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the surface includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the first and second opposite ends respectively.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 61, wherein the member is adapted to remain external the chamber.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 61, wherein the member includes first and second anchor pads having the first and second surfaces respectively.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
50 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned transverse a chamber of the heart, the member having a surface adapted to press against a wall of the chamber to alter a shape of the chamber without a bifurcation of the chamber.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
50 words
A device for treatment of a heart, the device comprising: a static member configured to be positioned transverse a chamber of the heart, the member having a surface adapted to press against a wall of the chamber to alter a shape of the chamber without a bifurcation of the chamber.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 64, wherein the member includes first and second opposite ends, and the surface includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the first and second opposite ends respectively.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 65, wherein the member includes first and second anchor pads having the first and second surfaces respectively.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 66, wherein the anchor pads are configured to engage an external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 64, wherein the member includes more than one tension member configured to be positioned transverse the heart chamber.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for reducing tension within a wall of a heart chamber, comprising the steps of: surrounding a portion of the chamber with a static member, and forming two directly communicating lobes of the chamber by pressing against the wall of the chamber with a surface of the member.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for reducing tension within a wall of a heart chamber, comprising the steps of: surrounding a portion of the chamber with a static member, and forming two directly communicating lobes of the chamber by pressing against the wall of the chamber with a surface of the member.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 69, further comprising fixing the member in a position so that the surface of the member presses against the wall of the chamber.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the member includes an anchor pad defining the surface of the member.
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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) | 2003-12-19 | 2004-06-19 | 2004-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | 2008-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-19 | 2012-06-19 | 2012-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |