Patent US3562139A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6712836B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and methods for closing septal defects and occluding blood flow
Assignee: St Jude Medical ATG Inc
•
Filing: 2000-05-12
•
Granted: 2004-03-30
•
Expires: 2020-05-12
Abstract
Abstract Plugs and methods for plugging septal defects and blood vessels are provided. Plugs are delivered via catheter to a septal defect or a location where it is desired to occlude blood flow in a blood vessel. The plugs are positioned and expanded at the treatment site. The expansion of the plugs can be accomplished passively by using a heat-treated elastic frame or actively by using a balloon to deform a plastically-deforming frame. Plugging structures mounted to the frame span the defect or lumen and prevent blood flow. The plugs described herein have small profiles, and are more reliable than preceding intraluminal transcatheter methods.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd A. Berg
- 👤 Alex A. Peterson
- 👤 William J. Swanson
- 👤 Paul J. Hindrichs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/0057; A61B2017/00575; A61B2017/00579; A61B2017/00592; A61B2017/00606; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3937; A61B2090/3941
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 157
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A plug for closing an aperture in a wall of a patient's body cavity, said plug comprising: a frame having a central axis comprising: a first plurality of fingers configured to engage an interior surface of said wall of said body cavity; a second plurality of fingers attached to said first plurality, wherein said second plurality is configured to engage an exterior surface of said wall of said body cavity, and wherein said pluralities of fingers are positioned substantially circumferentially with respect to said axis; and a plugging structure that spans said aperture when said plug is inserted in said aperture, wherein said plugging structure is attached to said frame, and wherein any cross-section of said frame that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis is discontinuous.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A plug for closing an aperture in a wall of a patient's body cavity, said plug comprising: a frame having a central axis comprising: a first plurality of fingers configured to engage an interior surface of said wall of said body cavity; a second plurality of fingers attached to said first plurality, wherein said second plurality is configured to engage an exterior surface of said wall of said body cavity, and wherein said pluralities of fingers are positioned substantially circumferentially with respect to said axis; and a plugging structure that spans said aperture when said plug is inserted in said aperture, wherein said plugging structure is attached to said frame, and wherein any cross-section of said frame that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis is discontinuous.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plug can be detected using fluoroscopy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said first and second pluralities of fingers are formed from a unitary body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises an elastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The plug of claim 4 wherein said frame comprises nitinol.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers extends substantially radially away from said central axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a marker structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 7 wherein said marker structure is radiopaque.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 7 wherein said marker structure is a marker band.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein said finger has an end portion and said marker band is crimped to said end portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 7 wherein said marker structure is a rivet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a retention device receptacle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 12 wherein said retention device receptacle is a locking pin aperture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 12 wherein said retention device receptacle is a nose cone cover.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a pointed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a barbed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers is curved, said curve being concave toward a plane perpendicular to said central axis and passing substantially between said first and second pluralities of fingers.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said fingers have end portions that are proximal to said central axis and said end portions define a substantially round cross section.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said fingers have end portions that are proximal to said central axis and said end portions define a substantially elliptical cross section.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein substantially all of said fingers of at least one of said pluralities of fingers are of substantially the same length.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein different fingers of at least one of said pluralities of fingers have different lengths.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a different flexural stiffness at different points along its length.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a different thickness at different points along its length.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a different width at different points along its length.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a free end portion comprising an end structure configured to facilitate releasable retention of said finger by a plug delivery device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 1 further comprising an elastic web between adjacent ones of said fingers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
10 words
The plug of claim 26 wherein said web comprises silicone.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has an end portion proximal to said central axis for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 28 wherein said end portions have support structures with which to affix said plugging structure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has an end portion remote from said central axis for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 30 wherein said end portion has a support structure with which to affix said plugging structure.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure is elastic.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure can be unfolded.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure comprises polymeric material.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure comprises DACRON®.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure comprises cloth.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure is sewn to said frame.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said plugging structure has a guide wire aperture through which a guide wire can pass.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 38 wherein said guide wire aperture can substantially self close when said guide wire is removed from said guide wire aperture.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said frame is insertable into a delivery tube by positioning said fingers in a direction substantially parallel to said central axis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said second plurality of fingers is integral with said first plurality of fingers.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein said aperture has a perimeter and said frame can conform to said perimeter.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
73 words
A plug comprising: a perforated tubular portion having a longitudinal passage, wherein any cross-section of said perforated tubular portion in a plane perpendicular to said passage is discontinuous; a plurality of fingers attached to said tubular portion and extending from an axial end of said perforated tubular portion, wherein any cross-scction of said plurality of fingers in a plane perpendicular to said passage is discontinuous; and a plugging structure substantially occluding said passage.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
73 words
A plug comprising: a perforated tubular portion having a longitudinal passage, wherein any cross-section of said perforated tubular portion in a plane perpendicular to said passage is discontinuous; a plurality of fingers attached to said tubular portion and extending from an axial end of said perforated tubular portion, wherein any cross-scction of said plurality of fingers in a plane perpendicular to said passage is discontinuous; and a plugging structure substantially occluding said passage.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plug can be detected using fluoroscopy.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion and said plurality of fingers are formed from a unitary body.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The plug of claim 43 further comprising a second plurality of fingers attached to said tubular portion and extending from a second axial end of said perforated tubular portion.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plug can be detected using fluoroscopy.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion and said first and second pluralities of fingers are formed from a unitary body.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular structure and said fingers comprise an elastic material.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 49 wherein said perforated tubular structure and said fingers frame comprise nitinol.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of said pluralities of fingers can be positioned to extend substantially radially away from said longitudinal passage.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of said plurality of fingers has a marker structure.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 52 wherein said marker structure is radiopaque.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 52 wherein said marker structure is a marker bands.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The plug of claim 54 wherein said finger has an end portion and said marker band is crimped to said end portion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 52 wherein said marker structure is a rivet.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a retention device receptacle.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 57 wherein said retention device receptacle is a locking pin aperture.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 58 wherein said retention device receptacle is a nose cone cover.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
30 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a pointed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a barbed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
44 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers is curved, said curve being concave toward a plane perpendicular to said central axis and passing substantially between said first and second pluralities of fingers.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion defines a substantially round cross section as viewed in a direction of said longitudinal axis.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion defines a substantially elliptical cross section as viewed in a direction of said longitudinal passage.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein substantially all of said fingers of at least one of said pluralities are of substantially similar length.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein different ones of the fingers of at least one of said pluralities are of different lengths.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has different flexural stiffness along its length.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has different thickness along its length.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has different width along its length.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
41 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has a free end portion comprising an end structure configured to facilitate releasable retention of said finger by a plug delivery device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 46 further comprising an elastic web between adjacent ones of said fingers.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
10 words
The plug of claim 71 herein the web comprises silicone.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has an end portion proximal to said central axis for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
33 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein at least one finger of at least one of said pluralities of fingers has an end portion remote from said central axis for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 74 wherein said end portion has a support structure with which to affix said plugging structure.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion has at least one support structure with which to affix said plugging structure.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure is elastic.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure can be unfolded.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure comprises polymeric material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure comprises DACRON®.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure comprises cloth.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure is sewn to said frame.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said plugging structure has a guide wire aperture through which a guide wire can pass.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 83 wherein said guide wire aperture can substantially self close after said guide wire is removed.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said frame may be inserted into a delivery tube by extending said fingers in a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal passage.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion can conform to a perimeter of a hole in a wall of a patient's body cavity.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion can contract longitudinally as it expands radially.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 46 wherein said perforated tubular portion is plastically deformable.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 88 wherein said perforated tubular portion comprises stainless steel.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 89 wherein said tubular portion comprises tantalum.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
36 words
The plug of claim 88 wherein said perforated tubular portion can be conformed to a perimeter of a hole in a wall of a patient's body cavity using a balloon to expand said perforated tubular portion.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 88 wherein said perforated tubular portion can contract longitudinally as it expands radially.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion and said fingers comprise an elastic material.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 93 wherein said perforated tubular portion and said fingers comprise nitinol.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers extends substantially radially away from said central axis.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has a marker structure.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 96 wherein said marker structure is radiopaque.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 96 wherein said marker structure is a marker band.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
22 words
The plug of claim 98 wherein said finger has an end portion and said marker band is crimped to said end portion.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 96 wherein said marker structure is a rivet.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has a pointed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has a barbed end portion located remotely from said central axis.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
33 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers is curved, said curve being concave toward a plane perpendicular to said central axis and passing through said perforated tubular portion.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said i perforated tubular portion defines a substantially round cross section as viewed in a direction of said longitudinal passage.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion defines a substantially elliptical cross section as viewed in a direction of said longitudinal passage.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein substantially all of said fingers are of substantially similar length.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein different ones of the fingers are of different lengths.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
19 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has different flexural stiffness along its length.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
18 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has different thickness along its length.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
18 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has different width along its length.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
34 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has a free end portion comprising an end structure configured to facilitate releasable retention of said finger by a plug delivery device.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 43 further comprising an elastic web between adjacent ones of said fingers.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
10 words
The plug of claim 112 wherein the web comprises silicone.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein at least one of said fingers has an end portion proximal to said central axis for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 114 wherein said end portion has a support structure with which to affix said plugging structure.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion has at least one support structure for supporting said plugging structure.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure is elastic.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure can be unfolded.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure comprises polymeric material.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure comprises DACRON®.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure comprises cloth.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure is sewn to said frame.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said plugging structure has a guide wire aperture through which a guide wire can pass.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plug of claim 123 wherein said guide wire aperture can substantially self close after said guide wire is removed.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said frame may be inserted into a delivery tube by extending said fingers in a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal passage.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion can conform to a perimeter of a defect in a wall of a patient's body cavity.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion can contract longitudinally as it expands radially.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 43 wherein said perforated tubular portion is plastically deformable.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
13 words
The plug of claim 128 wherein said perforated tubular portion comprises stainless steel.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
12 words
The plug of claim 128 wherein said perforated tubular portion comprises tantalum.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
36 words
The plug of claim 128 wherein said perforated tubular portion can be conformed to a perimeter of a hole in a wall of a patient's body cavity using a balloon to expand said perforated tubular portion.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
17 words
The plug of claim 128 wherein said perforated tubular portion can contract longitudinally as it expands radially.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for plugging an aperture in a wall of a patient's body cavity comprising: positioning in said aperture a conformable plug having a first plurality of fingers, a second plurality of fingers, and a central axis, wherein said pluralities are arranged about said axis at opposite axial ends, and wherein said plug also has a plugging structure; conforming said plug to said aperture; and securing said plug in said aperture.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for plugging an aperture in a wall of a patient's body cavity comprising: positioning in said aperture a conformable plug having a first plurality of fingers, a second plurality of fingers, and a central axis, wherein said pluralities are arranged about said axis at opposite axial ends, and wherein said plug also has a plugging structure; conforming said plug to said aperture; and securing said plug in said aperture.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 133 wherein said positioning comprises locating said plug using fluoroscopy.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 133 wherein said positioning comprises providing a delivery structure for installing said plug.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 135 wherein said positioning further comprises: extending said fingers in a direction substantially parallel to said central axis; and inserting said plug into a sleeve.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 136 wherein said positioning further comprises engaging at least one of said fingers with a locking pin.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 137 wherein said positioning further comprises releasing at least one finger from a locking pin.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 135 wherein said positioning further comprises inserting said delivery structure through an insertion aperture in a patient's body tissue.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 135 wherein said positioning further comprises shifting said delivery structure relative to said plug and said aperture so that (1) said delivery structure is removed from said aperture but said plug extends through said aperture; (2) said fingers extend out from said axis, wherein each of said first and second pluralities on opposite sides of said wall; and (3) said plugging structure substantially occludes said aperture.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 140 wherein said positioning further comprises allowing said fingers to engage said respective opposite sides of said wall.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 140 wherein said conforming comprises allowing said plug to elastically expand in said aperture until said plug substantially conforms to a perimeter of said aperture.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 140 wherein said positioning further comprises allowing said plug to elastically contract longitudinally to cause said fingers to engage said respective opposite sides of said wall.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 143 wherein said allowing further comprises allowing said plug to substantially center itself with respect to said wall in a direction along said longitudinal passage.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for occluding blood flow in a tube of a patient's circulatory system, said method comprising: positioning in said tube a conformable plug having a first plurality of fingers, a tubular portion, a plugging structure, and a central axis, wherein said plurality of fingers is arranged circumferentially about said central axis and wherein said plugging structure spans across said tubular portion; conforming said plug to said tube; and securing said plug in said tube.
Claim 149
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for occluding blood flow in a tube of a patient's circulatory system, said method comprising: positioning in said tube a conformable plug having a first plurality of fingers, a tubular portion, a plugging structure, and a central axis, wherein said plurality of fingers is arranged circumferentially about said central axis and wherein said plugging structure spans across said tubular portion; conforming said plug to said tube; and securing said plug in said tube.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 145 wherein said positioning comprises locating said plug using fluoroscopy.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 145 wherein said positioning comprises providing a delivery balloon for installing said plug.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 145 wherein said positioning further comprises: inserting said delivery balloon in said tubular portion; and delivering said plug through the patient's body tissue to said tube.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 148 wherein said delivering further comprises inserting said balloon and said plug through an insertion aperture in a patient's body tissue.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 148 wherein said positioning further comprises moving said plug mounted on said balloon through a patient's existing body tubing so that said plug is positioned in said tube at a desired location.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 150 wherein said conforming comprises: expanding said balloon; and radially enlarging said tubular portion until said tubular portion until said plurality of fingers engages with an inside surface of said tube, wherein said plugging structure substantially occludes said tube.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 151 wherein said enlarging comprises plastically deforming said plug.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 151 wherein said positioning further comprises allowing said plug to substantially center itself with respect to said wall in a direction along said longitudinal passage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB489316A
Cited
US3221746A
Cited
US3657744A
Cited
DE2822603A1
Cited
US4214587A
Cited
US4503569A
Cited
US4592754A
Cited
US4665906A
Cited
US5397345A
Cited
US5275622A
Cited
US4787899A
Cited
US5693083A
Cited
US5562728A
Cited
US4617932A
Cited
US4733665C2
Cited
US4733665A
Cited
US4733665B1
Cited
US4739762A
Cited
US4739762B1
Cited
US5104399A
Cited
WO1989008433A1
Cited
US5207695A
Cited
US5135467A
Cited
US5360443A
Cited
US5522880A
Cited
EP0680734A2
Cited
US5234447A
Cited
US5122156A
Cited
US5354336A
Cited
US5489295A
Cited
US5147370A
Cited
US5304220A
Cited
US5456712A
Cited
US5211683A
Cited
WO1993000868A1
Cited
US5545214A
Cited
US5354309A
Cited
US5387235A
Cited
EP0539237A1
Cited
US5211658A
Cited
EP0541063A2
Cited
US5316023A
Cited
WO1993013712A1
Cited
US5334217A
Cited
GB2269104A
Cited
WO1993020757A2
Cited
US5496365A
Cited
WO1994001056A1
Cited
US5653747A
Cited
US5452733A
Cited
EP0637454A1
Cited
US5443497A
Cited
WO1995021592A1
Cited
US5840064A
Cited
EP0684022A2
Cited
WO1995032757A1
Cited
WO1996001599A1
Cited
WO1996001591A1
Cited
US5397355A
Cited
US5433727A
Cited
US5843170A
Cited
EP0701800A1
Cited
US5507769A
Cited
US5522882A
Cited
WO1996014808A1
Cited
EP0712614A1
Cited
US5843164A
Cited
WO1996018361A1
Cited
WO1996022745A1
Cited
WO1996025897A2
Cited
US5695504A
Cited
EP0732088A2
Cited
EP0732089A2
Cited
US5681336A
Cited
WO1997013463A1
Cited
WO1997013471A1
Cited
DE19542733A1
Cited
WO1997027898A1
Cited
US5853422A
Cited
WO1997041779A1
Cited
US5617878A
Cited
US5676670A
Cited
US6036716A
Cited
WO1998001086A1
Cited
WO1998002099A1
Cited
WO1998003118A1
Cited
US5741297A
Cited
WO1998008462A2
Cited
US5755778A
Cited
US5921995A
Cited
WO1998019631A1
Cited
WO1998019629A2
Cited
US5976178A
Cited
WO1998019629A3
Cited
WO1998026732A1
Cited
US5879366A
Cited
WO1998038942A1
Cited
WO1998038941A1
Cited
US6026814A
Cited
US6035856A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-09-29 | 2008-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-30 | 2011-09-29 | 2012-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-30 | 2015-09-29 | 2016-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |