US Patent No: 7,604,646

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Locking mechanisms for fixation devices and methods of engaging tissue

Stats

ALSO PUBLISHED AS: 20060020275
ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

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Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. In particular, fixation devices are provided comprising a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being moveable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other. The fixation devices also include a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
EVALVE, INC.MENLO PARK, CA36

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Goldfarb, Eric A San Francisco, CA 52 1494
Madden, John P Redwood City, CA 11 144
Raschdorf, Alfred H San Francisco, CA 20 367
Sarabia, Jaime E San Jose, CA 27 394

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
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C.R. BARD, INC. (3)
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LIGHTWAVE ABLATIOIN SYSTEMS (2)
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GWATHMAY; OWEN (1)
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6,626,899 Apparatus and methods for treating tissue 249 2001
 
NISSHO CORPORATION (1)
5,716,367 Catheter assembly for intracardiac suture 80 1996
 
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6,171,320 Surgical clip 128 1999
 
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5,195,968 Catheter steering mechanism 255 1992
5,542,949 Multifunctional clip applier instrument 141 1993
5,476,470 Trocar site suturing device 129 1994
5,520,701 Set for the treatment of vascular deformations 119 1994
5,478,353 Suture tie device system and method for suturing anatomical tissue proximate an opening 273 1994
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2003/0069,570 Methods for repairing mitral valve annulus percutaneously 167 2002
2003/0233,038 Guiding introducer system for use in medical procedures in the left ventricle 29 2003
2004/0133,062 Minimally invasive cardiac force transfer structures 45 2003
2005/0059,351 User-specified outputs in mobile wireless communication devices and methods therefor 29 2004
2005/0216,039 Method and device for catheter based repair of cardiac valves 73 2005
2005/0267,493 Method and system for tissue repair using dual catheters 67 2005
2006/0030,885 Apparatuses and methods for heart valve repair 65 2005
2006/0030,866 Sequential heart valve leaflet repair device and method of use 51 2005
2006/0030,867 Device and method for repairing tissue 35 2005

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
EVALVE, INC. (9)
7,811,296 Fixation devices for variation in engagement of tissue 1 2004
7,981,139 Suture anchors and methods of use 0 2006
8,187,299 Methods and apparatus for cardiac valve repair 0 2007
8,029,518 Methods and devices for capturing and fixing leaflets in valve repair 0 2007
8,343,174 Locking mechanisms for fixation devices and methods of engaging tissue 0 2009
8,052,592 Methods and devices for tissue grasping and assessment 0 2009
8,057,493 Fixation devices, systems and methods for engaging tissue 0 2009
8,123,703 Steerable access sheath and methods of use 0 2010
7,981,123 Surgical device for connecting soft tissue 0 2010
 
VALTECH CARDIO, LTD. (5)
8,241,351 Adjustable partial annuloplasty ring and mechanism therefor 0 2008
8,147,542 Adjustable repair chords and spool mechanism therefor 0 2009
8,252,050 Implantation of repair chords in the heart 0 2009
8,277,502 Tissue anchor for annuloplasty device 0 2009
8,353,956 Actively-engageable movement-restriction mechanism for use with an annuloplasty structure 0 2010
 
ABBOTT VASCULAR INC. (1)
8,409,273 Multi-catheter steerable guiding system and methods of use 0 2007

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Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00