Cardiac Surgeon, Inventor, and Entrepreneur

Patent number: 10004599
Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery devices for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components which are moveable relative to each other. The delivery system can include a nose cone which can cover at least a first end of the prosthesis, an outer elongate member which can cover at least a second end of the prosthesis, and a tether which can at least partially restrain the prosthesis from deployment.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 20, 2015
Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Glen T. Rabito, J. Brent Ratz, Luca Pesce, Arshad Quadri, Lindsay Lam, Yen Liao, Julio Cesar Sanchez, David Landon, Garrett Dallas Johnson, Alexander H. Cooper

Patent number: 9974669
Abstract: A percutaneous heart valve for deployment within a body cavity is described. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells adapted for allowing the frame to expand and collapse. A one-way valve is positioned within the expandable frame. The frame includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion. The distal anchoring portion includes a plurality of distal anchors, each distal anchor having at least a portion positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extending in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis. The distal anchors preferably bend radially outwardly before bending to extend toward the proximal anchoring portion. Radial expansion of the frame causes the proximal and distal anchoring portions to move closer together for capturing body tissue therebetween, thereby anchoring the percutaneous heart valve to the body tissue.
Type: Grant
Filed: October 10, 2016
Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventor: Arshad Quadri

Patent number: 9968449
Abstract: A heart valve includes a valve body made of a flexible material such as pericardium. The valve body is made of two layers of material, an outer layer, and an inner layer that defines a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets of the inner layer are attached to the outer layer. In some embodiments the valve body is made by cutting a single piece of flat source tissue, folding the cut tissue and forming it into a tubular pattern having the inner and outer layers. The multi-layer valve body can be mounted on a stent for delivery within a patient's heart.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 25, 2016
Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Patent number: 9949827
Abstract: A replacement heart valve and method of treating valve insufficiency includes an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body is coupled to the frame. The valve body can include a leaflet portion and possibly a skirt portion. A portion of the frame has a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally expand when urged to a radially compacted state and longitudinally contract when urged to a radially expanded state. In one embodiment the valve skirt is attached to the frame so that it can adapt to changes in the length of the frame. A delivery device in some embodiments can use one or more coverings, such as sheaths, to controllably release the replacement heart valve at a native heart valve.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 1, 2015
Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170354496
Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.
Type: Application
Filed: January 25, 2017
Publication date: December 14, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170354497
Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.
Type: Application
Filed: February 1, 2017
Publication date: December 14, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170340440
Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the proximal anchors can extend a significant distance away from the exterior of the frame, such as a length equal to or greater than about one half the diameter of the frame. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends.
Type: Application
Filed: August 11, 2017
Publication date: November 30, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Luca Pesce

Patent number: 9744039
Abstract: A medical treatment system and method of treatment is described having an implant that can be positioned and deployed, then undeployed to allow repositioning of the implant. The system includes a self-expanding medical implant that longitudinally foreshortens upon radially expanding from a radially compacted state, a distal interface configured to attach the implant to a distal mount of a delivery device, and a proximal interface configured to attach the implant to a proximal mount of the delivery device. Moving the distal mount longitudinally away from the proximal mount applies a longitudinal tension to the implant causing the implant to expand longitudinally and contract radially, and moving the distal mount toward the proximal mount reduces a longitudinal tension in the implant allowing the implant to expand radially toward a fully expanded state.
Type: Grant
Filed: January 22, 2016
Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170231762
Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.
Type: Application
Filed: April 28, 2017
Publication date: August 17, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Yen Liao, Stan Komatsu, Kalathi Thygarajan, Robrecht Michiels, Hung Nguyen, MyKim Nguyen

Patent number: 9730790
Abstract: A replacement valve has an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve and a valve body mounted to the expandable frame. The valve body can have a plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to close and prevent flow in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 23, 2012
Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Robrecht Michiels

Patent number: 9730791
Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the proximal anchors can extend a significant distance away from the exterior of the frame, such as a length equal to or greater than about one half the diameter of the frame. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 5, 2014
Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Luca Pesce

Patent number: 9724083
Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein for sealing openings in an anatomical wall. A sealing system includes an elongate tubular support for delivery to an anatomical opening to be sealed, a cover of bio-compatible material covering a distal portion of the tubular support, and an anchor assembly, the anchor assembly being designed to secure the cover material to the opening. The anchor assembly can include a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors, a button, ring or donut, and/or a C-clip. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a closure member for closing off an end of the cover material after removal of the tubular support.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 25, 2014
Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Glen T. Rabito, Garrett Dallas Johnson

Patent number: 9687345
Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a prosthesis and delivery device, as well as methods of use. The delivery device can be composed of an inner retention assembly configured to carry an expandable prosthesis to an in situ target location. The inner retention assembly can slide within an outer elongate hollow member which can cover the expandable prosthesis. The outer elongate hollow member can further be longitudinally collapsed into a receiving member located at the distal end of the outer elongate hollow member.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 28, 2015
Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Glen T. Rabito, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Luca Pesce, Yen Liao

Patent number: 9681951
Abstract: A prosthesis can be configured to grasp intralumenal tissue when deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the body cavity, and an outer skirt positioned annularly around an exterior of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the outer skirt can extend outward from the frame and be secured to an outwardly extending anchor on the frame to create an axial barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the body cavity.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 5, 2014
Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Luca Pesce

Patent number: 9597183
Abstract: A medical treatment system and method of treatment is described having an implant that can be positioned and deployed, then undeployed to allow repositioning of the implant. The system includes a self-expanding medical implant that longitudinally foreshortens upon radially expanding from a radially compacted state, a distal interface configured to attach the implant to a distal mount of a delivery device, and a proximal interface configured to attach the implant to a proximal mount of the delivery device. Moving the distal mount longitudinally away from the proximal mount applies a longitudinal tension to the implant causing the implant to expand longitudinally and contract radially, and moving the distal mount toward the proximal mount reduces a longitudinal tension in the implant allowing the implant to expand radially toward a fully expanded state.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 24, 2014
Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Patent number: 9585747
Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self-expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 24, 2014
Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170056171
Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. A delivery component can have a plurality of slots that provide for desired bending of the delivery component, particularly compound bending of the delivery component that can facilitate steering of the delivery component in three dimensions.
Type: Application
Filed: August 24, 2016
Publication date: March 2, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Alexander H. Cooper, David Robert Landon, Julio Cesar Sanchez, Glen T. Rabito, J. Brent Ratz, Arshad Quadri, Kevin M. Stewart, Patrick Chow

Publication number: 20170035562
Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self-expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
Type: Application
Filed: October 7, 2016
Publication date: February 9, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz

Publication number: 20170020695
Abstract: A percutaneous heart valve for deployment within a body cavity is described. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells adapted for allowing the frame to expand and collapse. A one-way valve is positioned within the expandable frame. The frame includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion. The distal anchoring portion includes a plurality of distal anchors, each distal anchor having at least a portion positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extending in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis. The distal anchors preferably bend radially outwardly before bending to extend toward the proximal anchoring portion. Radial expansion of the frame causes the proximal and distal anchoring portions to move closer together for capturing body tissue therebetween, thereby anchoring the percutaneous heart valve to the body tissue.
Type: Application
Filed: October 10, 2016
Publication date: January 26, 2017
Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventor: Arshad Quadri

Patent number: 9532869
Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self-expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 24, 2014
Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz