US6846296B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for detachably securing a device to a natural heart
Assignee: Abiomed Inc
•
Filing: 2000-09-14
•
Granted: 2005-01-25
•
Expires: 2020-09-14
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus are disclosed for attaching cardiac devices onto a natural heart by employing arrays of gripping elements, such as hooks or barbs. The gripping elements are designed to penetrate and lodge themselves in the epicardial tissue in order to secure the device to at least a portion of the surface of the heart muscle. The gripping elements, although designed to penetrate the surface of the heart, have limited depth penetration so as to avoid puncture of blood vessels. The attachment mechanisms disclosed herein can also permit both attachment and detachment of device.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael T. Milbocker
- 👤 Robert B. Stewart
- 👤 Robert L. Buck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6879; A61B5/6882; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements disposed upon the substrate, wherein each of the gripping elements include an elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements disposed upon the substrate, wherein each of the gripping elements include an elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein each of the elongate elements has a proximal end that is joined to the substrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein each of the elongate elements further comprises a barbed distal end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of hooks disposed upon the substrate wherein the hooks are sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of hooks disposed upon the substrate wherein the hooks are sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 3 wherein the hooks are sized to penetrate less than 300 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements each of which includes an elongate element having a curved distal end wherein the elongate elements has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements each of which includes an elongate element having a curved distal end wherein the elongate elements has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the elongate element has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality gripping elements each of which includes an elongate element disposed upon the substrate wherein the elongate elements further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality gripping elements each of which includes an elongate element disposed upon the substrate wherein the elongate elements further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 8 wherein the curved distal end has a radius ranging from about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements disposed upon the substrate wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a heart wrap medical device adapted to surround at least a portion of a natural heart and having an inner heart contacting surface, the improvement comprising: an attachment array for attaching the heart wrap medical device to a natural heart comprising: at least one substrate that forms part of a heart-contacting surface of the heart wrap medical device; and a plurality of gripping elements disposed upon the substrate wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts translatory motion in at least one direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts rotational motion in at least one direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
97 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising: a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart; at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, wherein the gripping elements each include an elongate element extending from the cardiac-contacting surface, each elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
97 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising: a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart; at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, wherein the gripping elements each include an elongate element extending from the cardiac-contacting surface, each elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 13 wherein each of the elongate elements has a proximal end that is joined to the cardiac-contacting surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 14 wherein the elongate elements further comprise a barbed distal end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 13 wherein a plurality of arrays are disposed in spaced apart relationship along the cardiac-contacting surface of the device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 13 wherein the device includes a sensor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 13 wherein the device is an extra-cardiac assist device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 13 wherein the device is an active, extra-cardiac, assist device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 13 wherein the device is a passive, extra-cardiac, assist device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
93 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes a hook wherein the hook is sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
93 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes a hook wherein the hook is sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 21 wherein the hook is sized to penetrate less than 300 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, a device bode adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart, and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes a curved hook wherein the hook has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
95 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, a device bode adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart, and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes a curved hook wherein the hook has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 23 wherein the hook has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to abut 1.5 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
81 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least fine substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes an elongate element wherein the elongate element further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
81 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising, device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart, at least fine substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, each of which includes an elongate element wherein the elongate element further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 25 wherein the curved distal end has a radius ranging from about 100 micrometers to about 200 micrometers.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
100 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising: a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart; at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
100 words
A heart wrap medical device for placement on at least a portion of a natural heart comprising: a device body adapted to contact at least a portion of a heart; at least one substrate on the device body that contacts the natural heart; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on a cardiac-contacting surface of the device to engage the heart during use, wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 27 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts translatory motion in at least one direction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 27 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts rotational motion in at least one direction.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
113 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on an inner surface of the wrap element to engage a heart during use, wherein the gripping elements include elongate an elongate element extending from an inner surface of the wrap element, each elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
113 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements disposed on an inner surface of the wrap element to engage a heart during use, wherein the gripping elements include elongate an elongate element extending from an inner surface of the wrap element, each elongate element having a curved distal end constructed and arranged to penetrate, and lodge in, cardiac tissue.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 30 wherein each of the elongate elements has a proximal end that is joined to the inner surface of the wrap element.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 30 wherein the elongate elements further comprise a barbed distal end.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
90 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which includes a hook wherein the hook is sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
90 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which includes a hook wherein the hook is sized to penetrate no more than 500 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 33 wherein the hook is sized to penetrate less than 300 micrometers into cardiac tissue, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
92 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which includes a curved hook wherein the hook has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
92 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which includes a curved hook wherein the hook has an uncurled height ranging from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 35 wherein the hooks have an uncurled height ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, whereby damage to cardiac tissue is lessened.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which contains an elongate element wherein the elongate elements further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
79 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements each of which contains an elongate element wherein the elongate elements further comprises a curved distal end.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 37 wherein the curved distal end has a radius ranging from about 100 micrometers to about 200 micrometers.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
97 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements, wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
97 words
An active extra-cardiac assist device comprising: a wrap element adapted to surround at least a portion of a heart, the wrap element forming a toroidal enclosure with an inner region; at least one inflatable chamber, which upon inflation decreases the size of the inner region of the wrap element to provide cardiac pumping assistance; and at least one array of gripping elements, wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts movement of the device in at least one direction to prevent detachment and permits movement in another direction to permit detachment.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 39 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts translatory motion in at least one direction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 39 wherein the gripping elements are hooks that are oriented in a pattern that restricts rotational motion in at least one direction.
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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) | 2008-01-25 | 2008-07-26 | 2009-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-01-25 | 2012-07-26 | 2013-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-01-25 | 2016-07-26 | 2017-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |