Patent US2969525A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6402780B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means and method of replacing a heart valve in a minimally invasive manner
Assignee: CARDIOVASCULAR PARTNERS LLC
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Filing: 1999-05-06
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Granted: 2002-06-11
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Expires: 2019-05-06
Abstract
Abstract A heart valve can be replaced using minimally invasive methods which include a sutureless sewing cuff that and a fastener delivery tool that holds the cuff against the patient's tissue while delivering fasteners to attach the cuff to the tissue from the inside out. The tool stores a plurality of fasteners and is self-contained whereby a fastener is delivered and placed all from inside a vessel. The fasteners are self-forming whereby they do not need an anvil to be formed. Anchor elements are operated from outside the patient's body to cinch a prosthesis to an anchoring cuff of the valve body. The cuff is releasably mounted on the tool and the tool holds the cuff against tissue and drives the fastener through the cuff and the tissue before folding over the legs of the fastener whereby secure securement between the cuff and the tissue is assured. Fasteners are placed and formed whereby fasteners are located continuously throughout the entire circumference of the cuff. A minimally invasive surgical method is disclosed, and a method and tool are disclosed for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms in a minimally invasive manner. Fasteners that are permanently deformed during the process of attaching the cuff are disclosed as are fasteners that are not permanently deformed during the attaching process.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren P. Williamson, IV
- 👤 Paul A. Spence
- 👤 George T. Chistakis
- 👤 Mark Ortiz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/064; A61B17/0644; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B17/068; A61B17/0682; A61B17/0684; A61B17/072; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/07; A61F2/24; A61F2/2403; A61F2/2409; A61F2/2427; A61B17/0401; A61B17/0467; A61B17/0487; A61B17/11; A61B17/115; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0406; A61B2017/044; A61B2017/0441; A61B2017/0464; A61B2017/047; A61B2017/0647; A61B2017/0649; A61B2017/07214; A61B2017/07228; A61B17/34; A61B2017/348; A61B2017/3482; A61B2017/3484; A61B2017/3486; A61B90/00; A61B90/06; A61B2090/061; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3937; A61B2090/395
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on one end of said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on one end of said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tool defined in claim 1 further including means for separating the tool from the prosthesis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
174 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
174 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein each fastener of the tool includes a tissue-penetrating portion and anchoring means on said tissue-penetrating portion for anchoring said tissue-penetrating portion after the tissue-penetrating portion has passed through the patient's tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination defined in claim 4 wherein the tissue-penetrating portion includes two legs and the anchoring means includes a spring base which is biased to force the legs of the tissue-penetrating. portion into a position in which the legs overlap each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the fastener of the tool includes a helical portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein each fastener of the tool includes a tissue-penetrating portion which includes anti-backup barbs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said fastener handling means includes of the tool means for storing fasteners and means for opening fasteners.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said fastener handling means includes of the tool means for storing fasteners and means for imparting rotation to said fasteners.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein said fastener handling means of the tool includes means for storing fasteners and means for advancing fasteners one at a time.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination defined in claim 1 further including means for operating said operating handle which includes a housing; a handle pivotally mounted on said handle; means for translating pivoting movement of said handle into rotational motion; and means for connecting the translating means to a fastener.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
177 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve body separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve body to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
177 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve body separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve body to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
166 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve body separate from said flexible sewing cuff, (3) means for attaching said heart valve body to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
166 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve body separate from said flexible sewing cuff, (3) means for attaching said heart valve body to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) means for releasably mounting said flexible sewing cuff to said tool, and (5) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
163 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, and (4) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
163 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, and (4) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
155 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, and (4) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
155 words
In combination: A) a heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) means for securely attaching said valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible swing cuff has been placed in a patient; and B) a tool for placing said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner and which includes (1) a housing, (2) an operating handle mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, and (4) a fastener handling means on said housing and operationally connected to said operating handle to be controlled by said operating handle for storing said fastener and securing said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
137 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing in a tissue-penetrating shape and having an elastic limit, and (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for forcing said fastener into the patient from one side of said flexible sewing cuff and the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit into a cuff-retaining shape.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
137 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing in a tissue-penetrating shape and having an elastic limit, and (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for forcing said fastener into the patient from one side of said flexible sewing cuff and the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit into a cuff-retaining shape.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
128 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener being self-tapping to penetrate the patient's tissue when rotated, (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for imparting rotation to said fastener and forcing said fastener into the patient's tissue from one side of the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
128 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener being self-tapping to penetrate the patient's tissue when rotated, (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for imparting rotation to said fastener and forcing said fastener into the patient's tissue from one side of the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
111 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing, and (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for forcing said fastener into the patient from one side of the patient's tissue and attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
111 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool for attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and which includes (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener stored in said housing, and (3) a fastener handling means on said tool for forcing said fastener into the patient from one side of the patient's tissue and attaching said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
119 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit; and C) means for forcing said fastener through said sewing cuff and attaching said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener whereby said fastener is non-formed when said sewing cuff is attached to the patient by said fastener.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
119 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit; and C) means for forcing said fastener through said sewing cuff and attaching said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener whereby said fastener is non-formed when said sewing cuff is attached to the patient by said fastener.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
110 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis heart valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit and an initial shape; and C) means for forcing said fastener through said sewing cuff and attaching said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
110 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements for securely attaching said prosthesis heart valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit and an initial shape; and C) means for forcing said fastener through said sewing cuff and attaching said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
176 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, said prosthesis valve being attachable to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient, and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient in a minimally invasive manner, the tool including (1) a housing, (2) an operating member mounted on one end of said housing, (3) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) mounting structure on said tool operative to releasably carry said flexible sewing cuff, and (5) a fastener carrier on said housing, said fastener carrier being operatively connected to said operating member such that actuation of said operating member secures said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
176 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, said prosthesis valve being attachable to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient, and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient in a minimally invasive manner, the tool including (1) a housing, (2) an operating member mounted on one end of said housing, (3) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) mounting structure on said tool operative to releasably carry said flexible sewing cuff, and (5) a fastener carrier on said housing, said fastener carrier being operatively connected to said operating member such that actuation of said operating member secures said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
168 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff and attachable to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient, and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner, the tool including (1) a housing, (2) an operating member mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) mounting structure on said tool operative to releasably carry said flexible sewing cuff, and (5) a fastener carrier on said housing, said fastener carrier being operatively connected to said operating member such that actuation of said operating member secures said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
168 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate from said flexible sewing cuff and attachable to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient, and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff in the patient in a minimally invasive manner, the tool including (1) a housing, (2) an operating member mounted on said housing, (3) at least one fastener stored in said housing, said fastener having an elastic limit, (4) mounting structure on said tool operative to releasably carry said flexible sewing cuff, and (5) a fastener carrier on said housing, said fastener carrier being operatively connected to said operating member such that actuation of said operating member secures said fastener through said flexible sewing cuff and into the patient's tissue from one side of said sewing cuff and the tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient without deforming said fastener beyond its elastic limit.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
141 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener having a tissue-penetrating shape and an elastic limit, and (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operating to force said fastener into the patient from one side of said flexible sewing cuff and the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and thereby deform said fastener beyond its elastic limit into a cuff-retaining shape.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
141 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener having a tissue-penetrating shape and an elastic limit, and (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operating to force said fastener into the patient from one side of said flexible sewing cuff and the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient and thereby deform said fastener beyond its elastic limit into a cuff-retaining shape.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
131 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener being self-tapping to penetrate the patient's tissue when rotated, (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operative to impart rotation to said fastener and thereby force said fastener into the patient's tissue from one side of the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
131 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, said fastener being self-tapping to penetrate the patient's tissue when rotated, (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operative to impart rotation to said fastener and thereby force said fastener into the patient's tissue from one side of the patient's tissue to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
114 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, and (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operative to force said fastener into the patient from one side of the patient's tissue and thereby attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
114 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; and B) a tool operative to attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient, said tool including (1) a housing, (2) at least one fastener carried by said housing, and (3) a fastener handling device on said tool operative to force said fastener into the patient from one side of the patient's tissue and thereby attach said flexible sewing cuff to the patient.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
122 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit; and C) a tool operative to force said fastener through said sewing cuff and thereby attach said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener, whereby said fastener is nonformed when said sewing cuff is attached to the patient by said fastener.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
122 words
In combination: A) a multipart prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener for attaching said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit; and C) a tool operative to force said fastener through said sewing cuff and thereby attach said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener, whereby said fastener is nonformed when said sewing cuff is attached to the patient by said fastener.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
121 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener configured to attach said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit and an initial shape; and C) a tool operative to force said fastener through said sewing cuff thereby attach said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener and while retaining the initial shape of said fastener.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
121 words
In combination: A) a multipart heart valve prosthesis which includes (1) a flexible sewing cuff, (2) a prosthesis heart valve separate and spaceable from said flexible sewing cuff, and (3) anchor elements configured to attach said prosthesis valve to said flexible sewing cuff after said flexible sewing cuff has been attached to a patient; B) a fastener configured to attach said sewing cuff to the patient from one side of said sewing cuff, said fastener having an elastic limit and an initial shape; and C) a tool operative to force said fastener through said sewing cuff thereby attach said sewing cuff to the patient without exceeding the elastic limit of said fastener and while retaining the initial shape of said fastener.
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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) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-12-10 | 2006-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |