Robert W Buck

US Patent:

6572534, Jun 3, 2003

Filed:

Sep 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/661624

Inventors:

Michael T. Milbocker - Holliston MA
Robert L. Buck - Methuen MA

Assignee:

Abiomed, Inc. - Danvers MA

International Classification:

A61F 202

US Classification:

600 37, 600 16

Abstract:

A system and method for implanting a wrap on a patients heart or other organ provides a wrap having finger-engagement members typically defining loops that encompass all or a substantial portion of the fingers of a surgeons treatment hand. The loops retain the fingers to the wrap during implant, and enable the fingers to be detached after the procedure is complete. The loops can be detachable from the wrap after the procedure is completed or can be formed to remain with the wrap.

US Patent:

6846296, Jan 25, 2005

Filed:

Sep 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/661885

Inventors:

Michael T. Milbocker - Holliston MA, US
Robert B. Stewart - Ipswich MA, US
Robert L. Buck - Methuen MA, US

Assignee:

Abiomed, Inc. - Danvers MA

International Classification:

A61H 3100

US Classification:

601153, 600 16, 623 316

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.