Stephen W Downing

US Patent:

6840246, Jan 11, 2005

Filed:

Jun 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/881045

Inventors:

Stephen W. Downing - Baltimore MD, US

Assignee:

University of Maryland, Baltimore - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

128898, 606219, 2271751

Abstract:

Diagnostic and surgical procedures may be performed on a beating heart using an assembly which includes a port and a fluid transport device. The port has a housing for insertion through a wall of the heart chamber and may include one valve disposed in the housing and an inlet connected to the housing. Methods for repair and diagnosis of the heart are also described. A specific method for repairing a mitral valve uses staples which may be banded together with a strip of material.

US Patent:

20040024414, Feb 5, 2004

Filed:

Jul 1, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/609385

Inventors:

Stephen Downing - Baltimore MD, US

International Classification:

A61F011/00

US Classification:

606/108000, 606/138000, 227/175100

Abstract:

The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures inside of a beating heart. An assembly for use in performing such a medical procedure includes a port and a fluid transport device. The port has a housing configured for insertion through a chamber wall of a heart chamber, at least one valve disposed in the housing, and an inlet connected to the housing. The inlet has an inlet passage in fluid communication with a lumen of the housing. The fluid transport device has an end that attaches to the inlet of the port, another end that attaches to a fluid source, and a fluid channel therebetween to pass a fluid from the fluid source to the heart chamber. A method of preparing a beating heart for a diagnostic or medical procedure comprises the steps of inserting a cardiac port through a chamber wall of the beating heart and pressurizing the heart chamber with blood from the patient's artery. Repair of the heart's mitral valve can be effected by a stapled annuloplasty procedure. Where sutures are used in the diagnostic or surgical procedure, a suture cutting device for cutting a suture inside a beating heart can be used. The suture cutting device can include an elongated body having a lumen, a wall member extending into the lumen, and a knot-receiving chamber defined by a first area on a first side of the wall member. The wall member defines a channel therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of a suture and to prevent passage of a knot. A cutting implement is movably disposed in the lumen in a second area on a second side of the wall member opposite the first side. The cutting implement moves between a first position and second position to cut the suture. Movement of the cutting implement is limited to ensure that the cutting implement does not cut through the suture knot.

US Patent:

20070244494, Oct 18, 2007

Filed:

Apr 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/407326

Inventors:

Stephen Downing - Buffalo NY, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/08

US Classification:

606151000

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are devices and methods for treating a defect in the septum between the right and left atria of a subject's heart. In one approach, an implantable device is positioned in the right atrium with a first end in the superior vena cava, a second end in the inferior vena cava, and at least a part of a central portion at least partially covering a defect. In another approach, a patch is positioned in the right atrium to cover substantially all of the right atrium side of the interatrial septum without blocking a valve or coronary sinus.

US Patent:

20080183283, Jul 31, 2008

Filed:

Mar 31, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/060070

Inventors:

Stephen W. Downing - Baltimore MD, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/24
A61B 17/03

US Classification:

623 211, 128898, 606213

Abstract:

The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures inside of a beating heart. An assembly for use in performing such a medical procedure includes a port and a fluid transport device. The port has a housing configured for insertion through a chamber wall of a heart chamber, at least one valve disposed in the housing, and an inlet connected to the housing. The inlet has an inlet passage in fluid communication with a lumen of the housing. The fluid transport device has an end that attaches to the inlet of the port, another end that attaches to a fluid source, and a fluid channel therebetween to pass a fluid from the fluid source to the heart chamber. A method of preparing a beating heart for a diagnostic or medical procedure comprises the steps of inserting a cardiac port through a chamber wall of the beating heart and pressurizing the heart chamber with blood from the patient's artery. Repair of the heart's mitral valve can be effected by a stapled annuloplasty procedure. Where sutures are used in the diagnostic or surgical procedure, a suture cutting device for cutting a suture inside a beating heart can be used. The suture cutting device can include an elongated body having a lumen, a wall member extending into the lumen, and a knot-receiving chamber defined by a first area on a first side of the wall member. The wall member defines a channel therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of a suture and to prevent passage of a knot. A cutting implement is movably disposed in the lumen in a second area on a second side of the wall member opposite the first side. The cutting implement moves between a first position and second position to cut the suture. Movement of the cutting implement is limited to ensure that the cutting implement does not cut through the suture knot.