Michael J Vonesh

US Patent:

6336937, Jan 8, 2002

Filed:

Dec 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/207944

Inventors:

Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ
Gerald R. Martin - Flagstaff AZ
Steven R. Bruun - Flagstaff AZ
Dennis L. Salzmann - Flagstaff AZ

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F 206

US Classification:

623 113

Abstract:

An improved device for use in a conduit, such as a blood vessel, is provided. The device uniquely combines desirable properties from two distinct previous devices. The device of the present invention assumes and is constrained to a first diametrical dimension for insertion into the conduit. Once inserted and properly positioned in the conduit the device expands to a second diametrical dimension within the conduit when the constraint is removed. The device can then be dilated to one or more enlarged third diametrical dimensions by using a balloon catheter or similar device. The result is a device that provides desirable properties of both self-expanding stents and balloon-expandable endoprostheses. The device can be employed in a variety of applications.

US Patent:

6673102, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Jan 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/489604

Inventors:

Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ
Joseph R. Armstrong - Flagstaff AZ
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ
Margaret L. Gallegos - Flagstaff AZ

Assignee:

Gore Enterprises Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F 206

US Classification:

623 113, 623 111, 623 144

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved endovascular device particularly useful for use in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. The device employs a two-part stent-graft construction that provides a low permeability membrane to line the shunt and an uncovered stent portion designed to reside in the portal vein. The device provides numerous benefits over previous stents and stent-grafts used in TIPS procedures, including being more compact to deliver, being easier to accurately deploy, a controlled compacted surface with tucked apices, an improved stent winding pattern, and being more flexible in delivery and use.

US Patent:

6827731, Dec 7, 2004

Filed:

Jan 22, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/054772

Inventors:

Joseph R. Armstrong - Flagstaff AZ
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ
Mark J. Ulm - Flagstaff AZ
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F 206

US Classification:

623 112

Abstract:

A constraining sheath for use around an endoprosthesis (e. g. , a stent device, with or without a graft covering), which may be a balloon expandable endoprosthesis but more preferably is a self-expanding prosthesis. The endoprosthesis is coaxially enclosed within the constraining sheath, which is an outer, disruptable, preferably implantable tubular sheath, preferably made of ePTFE. The constraining sheath and endoprosthesis are preferably mounted together as an assembly on an angioplasty balloon for delivery. Deployment of the endoprosthesis entails inflating the angioplasty balloon to a pressure sufficient to disrupt or break the constraining sheath in a prescribed fashion, thereby allowing a self-expanding endoprosthesis to spontaneously deploy. The constraining sheath of ePTFE may be attached to the endoprosthesis and implanted along with the device, or alternatively attached to the balloon catheter shaft and removed with the balloon catheter. The angioplasty balloons working length is preferably shorter than the length of the endoprosthesis.

US Patent:

6899727, May 31, 2005

Filed:

Jan 22, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/767314

Inventors:

Joseph P. Armstrong - Flagstaff AZ, US
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ, US
Edward E. Shaw - Flagstaff AZ, US
Mark J. Ulm - Flagstaff AZ, US
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ, US

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F002/06

US Classification:

623 112

Abstract:

A constraining sheath for use around an endoprosthesis (e. g. , a stent device, with or without a graft covering), which may be a balloon expandable endoprosthesis but more preferably is a self-expanding prosthesis. The endoprosthesis is coaxially enclosed within the constraining sheath, which is an outer, disruptable, preferably implantable tubular sheath, preferably made of ePTFE. The constraining sheath and endoprosthesis are preferably mounted together as an assembly on an angioplasty balloon for delivery. Deployment of the endoprosthesis entails inflating the angioplasty balloon to a pressure sufficient to disrupt or break the constraining sheath in a prescribed fashion, thereby allowing a self-expanding endoprosthesis to spontaneously deploy. The constraining sheath of ePTFE may be attached to the endoprosthesis and implanted along with the device, or alternatively attached to the balloon catheter shaft and removed with the balloon catheter.

US Patent:

6981982, Jan 3, 2006

Filed:

Feb 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/083451

Inventors:

Joseph R. Armstrong - Flagstaff AZ, US
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ, US
Mark J. Ulm - Flagstaff AZ, US
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ, US

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61M 29/00

US Classification:

606198, 29282

Abstract:

Large diameter self-expanding endoprosthetic devices, such as stents and stent grafts for delivery to large diameter vessels, such as the aorta, are disclosed having very small compacted delivery dimensions. Devices with deployed dimensions of 26 to 40 mm or more are disclosed that are compacted to extremely small dimensions of 5 mm or less, enabling percutaneous delivery of said devices without the need for surgical intervention. Compaction efficiencies are achieved by combining unique material combinations with new forms of restraining devices, compaction techniques, and delivery techniques. These inventive devices permit consistent percutaneous delivery of large vessel treatment devices. Additionally, small endoprosthetic devices are disclosed that can be compacted to extremely small dimensions for delivery through catheter tubes of less than 1 mm diameter.

US Patent:

7056336, Jun 6, 2006

Filed:

Jun 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/176929

Inventors:

Joseph R. Armstrong - Flagstaff AZ, US
Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ, US
Margaret L. Gallegos - Flagstaff AZ, US
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ, US

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F 2/06

US Classification:

623 113, 623 144

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved endovascular device particularly useful for use in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. The device employs a two-part stent-graft construction that provides a low permeability membrane to line the shunt and an uncovered stent portion designed to reside in the portal vein. The device provides numerous benefits over previous stents and stent-grafts used in TIPS procedures, including being more compact to deliver, being easier to accurately deploy, a controlled compacted surface with tucked apices, an improved stent winding pattern, and being more flexible in delivery and use.

US Patent:

7198636, Apr 3, 2007

Filed:

Jan 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/346598

Inventors:

Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ, US
Mark J. Ulm - Flagstaff AZ, US
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ, US

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61M 1/00
A61F 11/00

US Classification:

623 111, 606108, 606198

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a deployment system for an endoluminal device. The deployment system includes a confining sheath placed around a compacted endoluminal device. A deployment line is provided in the system that is an integral extension of the sheath. As the deployment line is actuated, the sheath retracts from around the compacted endoluminal device. As the sheath retracts from around the endoluminal device, material from the sheath may be converted into deployment line. Once the sheath is retracted from around the compacted endoluminal device, the endoluminal device expands in configuration and repairs vascular or cardiac structures of an implant recipient. Any remaining sheath material is removed from the implantation site along with the deployment line.

US Patent:

7556641, Jul 7, 2009

Filed:

Jul 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/892934

Inventors:

Edward H. Cully - Flagstaff AZ, US
Keith M. Flury - Flagstaff AZ, US
Michael J. Vonesh - Flagstaff AZ, US

Assignee:

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. - Newark DE

International Classification:

A61F 2/06

US Classification:

623 111

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a deployment system for an endoluminal device. The deployment system includes a confining sheath placed around a compacted endoluminal device. A deployment line is provided in the system that is an integral extension of the sheath. As the deployment line is actuated, the sheath retracts from around the compacted endoluminal device. As the sheath retracts from around the endoluminal device, material from the sheath may be converted into deployment line. Once the sheath is retracted from around the compacted endoluminal device, the endoluminal device expands in configuration and repairs vascular or cardiac structures of an implant recipient. Any remaining sheath material is removed from the implantation site along with the deployment line. The deployment system also includes an endo-prosthesis mounting member placed between the endoluminal device and an underlying catheter. The endo-prosthesis mounting member serves to cushion and retain the endoluminal device when constrained by the sheath and may assist in expansion of the endoluminal device when unconstrained by the sheath.