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A patent has been issued to Sewoon Medical Co. Ltd. in South Korea for a stent and method of manufacturing it, designed to minimize shortening during deployment in a lumen. The stent aims to maintain expansion force while reducing the shortening phenomenon, making it easier for users to perform stent procedures. The stent features a unique cylindrical structure with diamond patterns to address issues related to stenosis in lumens, particularly in arteries or alimentary canals. [Extracted from the article]

The patent issued for a flow path switching device by Nipro Corporation aims to simplify the process of changing the direction of blood flow during medical procedures like hemodialysis. The device includes a body with ports that can be switched between two states, allowing for easy operation and quick direction changes. By providing visual indicators and a user-friendly design, the device aims to improve the efficiency and safety of medical procedures involving fluid flow. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an algorithm developed by inventors Brown, Ramos, and Voskoboynikov, assigned to HeartWare Inc., for detecting suction in implantable blood pumps from down-sampled log files. The algorithm aims to determine the presence of suction by analyzing flow rate data points and comparing them with predetermined thresholds. If suction is detected, the algorithm displays the data points in a histogram format on the log files. This innovation addresses the need to monitor and prevent suction conditions in blood pumps, which are crucial for patients with late-stage heart disease. [Extracted from the article]

A patent was issued to Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co. Ltd. for systems and methods to determine hemodynamic parameters, developed by inventors Guo, Jian and Guo, Yuxiang from Shanghai, China. The patent aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of determining hemodynamic parameters in subjects by using image data to create vascular models and flow field distributions. This innovation seeks to address the limitations of invasive and non-invasive measurements in diagnosing vascular diseases. [Extracted from the article]

HeartFlow Inc. has been issued a patent for systems and methods for estimating blood flow using response surface and reduced order modeling. The patent describes a computer-implemented method and system for simulating blood flow in a patient's vasculature. The method involves performing multiple blood flow simulations using a high-fidelity model, generating a response surface based on the simulation results, and using the response surface to determine values for a reduced order model. The reduced order model is then used to simulate blood flow in a modified state of the vasculature and determine a blood flow characteristic. This technology has potential applications in assessing the health or disease of a patient and planning clinical procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system that can determine whether to deliver a shock or not based on multiple patient parameters. The system includes transducers that sense physiological inputs from different parts of the body and generate individual analysis scores. An aggregate analysis score is then determined, and a shock/no shock determination is made based on whether the aggregate score meets a certain criterion. This system improves upon previous versions by considering multiple inputs in making the shock/no shock determination. The patent was filed by Joseph L. Sullivan and assigned to West Affum Holdings DAC. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Abiomed Inc. for a purge-free miniature rotary pump designed to assist or supplement cardiac function. The pump utilizes a tubular housing with a drive unit carrying an impeller, and it is able to maintain the motor section free of clots or other blood deposits without the use of a purge fluid. The pump can be inserted into a port created in the cardiac wall and connected to a target vessel, providing temporary support to the heart. The patent includes methods for operating the pump to create primary and secondary blood flows. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a ventricular assist device developed by Magenta Medical Ltd. The device is designed to assist cardiac circulation in patients with a failing heart. It includes an impeller with a helical elongate element, a spring, and a film of material. The device also features an elongate tube with a self-expandable shape-memory alloy frame and a blood impermeable material. The impeller pumps blood from the left ventricle to the aorta and prevents backflow. The patent includes various claims related to the design and configuration of the device. [Extracted from the article]

ResBiotic Nutrition Inc.'s prebeet ENERGY+ Prebiotic has been recognized by HealthXWire as the Best All Natural Energy and Circulatory Supplement of 2024. The prebiotic utilizes whole beetroot powder to provide essential fiber and micronutrients, enhancing nitric oxide production and improving circulation, blood flow, and energy levels. Unlike other supplements, prebeet ENERGY+ Prebiotic is caffeine- and sugar-free and has no reported adverse side effects. The global energy supplement market is projected to reach $69.4 billion by 2034, while the cardiovascular health supplements market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.06% from 2023 to 2030. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Stryker Corporation for a non-invasive patient monitoring and treatment system that can accurately measure blood pressure. The system uses ultrasound to calculate blood flow velocity and pulse wave velocity, which are then used to determine blood pressure. The system can be adhered to the patient and includes a sensor to detect temperature. When the temperature exceeds a threshold, the system temporarily disables certain functions, but resumes them when the temperature returns to normal. This system provides a non-invasive alternative to invasive blood pressure measurement methods and can be used for monitoring and treating patients. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a personal health data collection system. The system includes a signal acquisition device (SAD) and a processor. The SAD has a blood flow occlusion device, a pressure sensor, and an optical blood flow detecting device. The processor uses a non-linear parametric function to estimate the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the subject by comparing predicted optical signals to measured optical signals. The system also includes features for estimating and correcting errors due to a misplaced body part and generating a correction factor to increase the accuracy of blood pressure estimation. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Canon Medical Systems Corporation for an analysis device, analysis system, and analysis method related to predicting the condition of a plaque in a blood vessel. The device uses medical image data to extract the shape of the blood vessel and plaque, calculates a mechanical index based on this information, and predicts the shape of the plaque in the future. The device displays the predicted shape of the plaque at the time when it reaches a specific condition. This technology aims to assist doctors in planning treatment strategies for blood vessel diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Terumo Corporation, a medical device company based in Tokyo, Japan, has been issued a patent for a system and method for implant delivery. The patent describes an implant delivery system that can accurately place an implant at a treatment site. The system includes an implant, an implant wire, a sheath, and a torque device. The torque device has a cutting element and a clamping device for fixing the position of the implant wire. The patent provides detailed claims and descriptions of the implant delivery device. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. for an external steerable fiber used in the endoluminal deployment of expandable devices. The patent describes a catheter assembly with an expandable medical device that includes a stent member and a graft member. The assembly also includes a steering line that can selectively bend the device. The invention aims to provide improved systems for delivering and deploying expandable endoluminal devices in vascular treatment sites. [Extracted from the article]

Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. has been issued a patent for a blood pump with a pivotable housing. The inventors of the patent address the challenges posed by the curve of the aortic arch during the delivery of circulatory support devices. The blood pump includes an impeller assembly housing, an impeller assembly, a motor housing, a motor, and a pivotable housing connector. The patent provides various examples of the blood pump design, including the use of a mechanical pivot joint or a flexible membrane in the housing connector. The patent also describes the use of magnet assemblies to drive the impeller and achieve maximum magnetic coupling. The blood pump is designed to be delivered through the aorta of a patient and can be adjusted to different coupling positions and torque responses. The patent was filed on March 2, 2021, and published online on September 3, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Abiomed Europe GmbH have submitted a patent application for a new blood pump design that aims to improve cooling and flushing of the pump's bearing. The design utilizes an open bearing design, with the inner edge of the rotating blade acting as the mating part of the bearing. This design allows for better flushing of the bearing surfaces, reducing the risk of blood clogging and clotting. The patent application also describes the use of a pin bearing and a supporting structure to direct blood flow in the pump. The design includes inner blades that improve blood flow and circulation within the pump casing, enhancing flushing and cooling of various surfaces. The inner blades rotate with the impeller, eliminating the need for additional space or driving mechanisms. The design also includes a rotating bearing surface on the inner edges of the blades, which helps reduce blood clotting and clogging in the bearing. The patent application provides further details and claims related to the blood pump design. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a device, system, and method for the treatment of hemorrhoids. The device includes a ligating member that can encircle and cut off blood flow to a specific portion of the target tissue. It also includes an applicator with multiple lumens and a hub that locks the ligating member in place. The device allows for the tightening and loosening of the ligating member to effectively treat hemorrhoids. The patent is assigned to Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. and was filed in June 2020. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a valvuloplasty medical device that allows blood flow during use. The device includes an expandable section with passages or spaces that permit fluid flow. It is designed to open stenotic valves while still allowing blood flow to occur. The device consists of an inner member and an outer member with a plurality of exterior members that can expand and move radially outward, creating gaps or passages for blood to flow. The patent is assigned to C. R. Bard Inc. [Extracted from the article]

Becton Dickinson and Company has been issued a patent for a peripheral intravenous catheter with a winged grip. The invention aims to provide the benefits of an over-the-needle catheter while minimizing the risk of blood exposure. The catheter includes a catheter adapter with a winged grip, a catheter that extends from the adapter, and an introducer needle with a grip component that forms a winged grip when inserted into the adapter. The invention allows for longer-term use and multiple accesses to the patient's vasculature. [Extracted from the article]

LivaNova Deutschland GmbH, a medical technology company based in Munich, Germany, has been granted a patent for a tube retention device used in roller pump heads. Roller pumps are commonly used in heart-lung machines to transport blood in an artificial flow circuit. The device is designed to securely hold the tube in place within the pump head, preventing it from moving under the pressure of the rollers. It aims to simplify the process of inserting and removing the tube compared to conventional devices. The patent includes various features such as grip surfaces, grooves, a limit stop, a guide system, a position-maintaining mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a sensor system. The patent was filed in April 2021 and published online in August 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a device that shunts blood between the arterial and venous systems. The device, developed by Inspire M.d Ltd, allows clinicians to perform operations while minimizing obstruction or impedance of blood flow. It includes a two-component housing, a regulator to control blood flow rate, and a blood filter for filtration. The device can be used in various medical procedures, such as the insertion of a stent into the carotid artery. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a hemostasis apparatus and method developed by Accumed Radial Systems LLC. The invention is designed to stop bleeding in patients by using a visual pulse indicator to identify the appropriate amount of pressure to apply to the wound. The apparatus can be integrated with the device that applies pressure or used separately. It allows for selective adjustment of pressure based on the information provided by the visual pulse indicator. The patent includes various claims related to the design and components of the apparatus. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventor Yousef F. Alkhatib has been made available online for a prosthetic aortic heart valve. The valve includes an annular stent frame and valve leaflets supported by the frame. The stent frame has an inflow portion and an outflow portion connected by connecting struts, and the valve is designed to be self-anchoring at the implant site. The patent application provides detailed descriptions and claims for the design of the prosthetic heart valve. [Extracted from the article]

DEKA Products Limited Partnership has been issued a patent for hemodialysis systems and methods. The patent aims to address the inefficiency, complexity, and high cost of hemodialysis by providing a system with four fluid paths: blood, inner dialysate, outer dialysate, and dialysate mixing. These paths can be combined in a single cassette or in separate cassettes. The patent also includes methods for testing the integrity of the dialyzer membrane and monitoring the flow rate through the blood pump. The invention is applicable not only to hemodialysis but also to other dialysis systems and extracorporeal systems for treating bodily fluids. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that Nanostructures Inc. has been granted a patent for a new catheter-based device designed to achieve controlled blood flow restriction in targeted vascular regions. Topics discussed include the device's application in reducing blood flow without complete occlusion, its potential use in treating obesity, and the technical specifications of the device, such as its nitinol flow restrictor and deployment mechanisms.

The US Patent and Trademark Office has published a patent application titled "Bifurcated Stents And Delivery Systems For Deployment Thereof." The application, filed by inventors Roberto Ferraresi and Wei Cheong Steven Kum, describes an improved bifurcated stent and systems and methods for implanting it in a blood vessel and adjoining anastomosis. The invention aims to address issues related to co-locating the openings in the blood vessels, holding the vessel walls in place, and maintaining the position of the catheters inside the vessels. The patent application provides detailed descriptions of the components and mechanisms involved in the system. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a bone plating system and method developed by Treace Medical Concepts Inc. The invention aims to address anatomically misaligned bones, particularly in the foot, which may require surgical intervention for realignment. The bone plate described in the patent is an elongated body with fixation holes and pads to secure the bones in the correct position and minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue. The patent also discusses a specific configuration of the bone plate with a helical curvature for use in metatarsal-cuneiform joint fixation. The method outlined in the patent involves positioning and securing the bone plates using bone fasteners. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventor Takuya Sakaguchi has been made available online. The application is for a medical image processing apparatus that can align graphs of index values related to blood flow based on computed tomography (CT) images and angiography images. This technology, known as Angio-FFR, has the potential to replace the wire FFR technique for measuring blood pressure in coronary arteries. The medical image processing apparatus uses processing circuitry to determine a target position for aligning the graphs and perform the alignment. This patent application was filed by Canon Medical Systems Corporation. [Extracted from the article]

Covidien LP has been issued a patent for devices and methods for the treatment of vascular defects, specifically aneurysms. The invention aims to improve upon existing treatment methods, such as the use of platinum coils or flow diverters, which have limitations and drawbacks. The patent describes an expandable implant that can be deployed in an aneurysm, consisting of a first mesh and a second mesh that can be expanded within the aneurysm to form a hollow frame. The invention addresses the need for improved systems and methods for treating vascular defects, including balloon-type aneurysms. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a windlass tourniquet by Tactical Medical Solutions LLC. The tourniquet is designed to stop severe bleeding or uncontrolled hemorrhaging by applying pressure to the limb above the injury. The invention addresses some drawbacks of existing windlass tourniquets, such as bulky knots and pressure loss over time. The patent describes different embodiments of the tourniquet, including variations in the stitch pattern and the inclusion of a handle lock and buckle connector. The invention aims to improve the effectiveness and ease of use of windlass tourniquets in emergency situations. [Extracted from the article]

Labrador Diagnostics LLC has been issued a patent for methods, devices, systems, and kits for automated blood collection by fingerstick. The invention aims to improve the process of obtaining blood samples from subjects by providing automated pressure cycling using an inflatable cuff that fits around a digit. The devices, systems, methods, and kits disclosed in the patent also include digit warming and digit lancing capabilities. These innovations are designed to make blood sample collection easier, more reliable, and less painful for subjects, while also ensuring accurate timing and improved blood flow. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors from Nikkiso Co. Ltd. has been made available online for a blood purification apparatus. The apparatus aims to determine if the blood circuit is in the AV coupled state during the drainage process. It includes a blood circuit, a blood pump, a flow channel switch unit, a pressure detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit executes a determination process to monitor the difference in pressure and determine if the blood circuit is closed before executing the drainage process. This invention allows for self-evaluation of the AV coupled state during blood circuit drainage. [Extracted from the article]

Koninklijke Philips N.V. has been issued a patent for an ultrasound imaging apparatus and method. The patent describes the use of multiple ultrasonic probes to perform ultrasound scans of a region of interest from different angles. The control unit coordinates the operations of the probes and combines the ultrasound images to generate a combined display. This technology aims to overcome limitations such as image obstruction, image quality, and the need to move or change the angle of the probe during diagnosis. The patent provides detailed descriptions of the apparatus and method, including the use of scan states, probe position data, and wireless communication. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Koninklijke Philips N.V. for a blood flow determination apparatus. The invention aims to accurately determine the volumetric blood flow rate within a blood vessel. The apparatus uses ultrasound imaging to obtain images of the inner lumen of the blood vessel and calculates the blood flow value based on the concentration of ultrasound scatterers. This invention could have applications in angiography image generation and other healthcare technologies. [Extracted from the article]

HeartFlow Inc. has been issued a patent for a method and system for image processing to determine blood flow. This method aims to provide more accurate data on coronary lesions and assess their functional significance. By creating a three-dimensional model of the patient's heart and using a physics-based model, fractional flow reserve can be determined, allowing for noninvasive assessment of coronary anatomy, myocardial perfusion, and coronary artery flow. This method could be beneficial for cardiologists in diagnosing and planning treatments for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The patent was filed by Charles A. Taylor and published in July 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for blood flow reversal valves and related systems and methods. The patent, assigned to Fresenius Medical Care Holdings Inc., describes a valve that can reverse the direction of blood flow during medical procedures such as hemodialysis. The valve includes two members that are rotatably fixed relative to each other, with a flow directing element that can be moved between two positions to connect different passages. The invention aims to provide useful information about a patient's condition and the effectiveness of treatment during reversed blood flow periods. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an intravenous catheter device that aims to prevent the backflow of blood. The device includes a catheter hub with a one-way valve design, a flashback chamber to confirm vein puncture, an actuator member to open the valve, and a valve closure member to close the valve. The device is designed to be simple, cost-effective, and easy to use compared to existing methods. The patent provides detailed descriptions and claims for the device's components and features. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a method and system for image processing to determine blood flow. The patent describes a system that uses patient-specific data to create a three-dimensional model of the heart and simulate blood flow within the heart. This method aims to provide more accurate data on coronary lesions and assess the functional significance of these lesions. It may benefit cardiologists in diagnosing and planning treatments for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The patent also discusses the use of graphical representations to visually represent blood flow within the vasculature. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for blood flow monitors and methods of monitoring characteristics of tissue. The patent describes various blood flow monitors and methods for monitoring tissue characteristics. The monitors aim to provide more accurate and comprehensive data on blood flow over time and the characteristics of tissue flaps. The invention could improve efficiency in healthcare delivery by allowing clinicians to monitor blood flow without being physically present, and could help reduce false positives and negatives in monitoring. The patent is assigned to CooperSurgical Inc. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a blood flow meter invented by Deepak Kumar Sharma. The blood flow meter, assigned to Boston Scientific Medical Device Limited, is designed to monitor blood flow in blood vessels and measure cardiac output. It includes a rotor placed within the flow of blood, a magnetic encoder to sense the rotation of the rotor, and pressure sensors to measure upstream and downstream blood pressure. The control unit of the meter determines the differential pressure and alters the rotation of the rotor accordingly. The patent also describes a method for using the blood flow meter to determine blood flow rate. [Extracted from the article]

The patent application submitted by Bourque and Dur describes an axial flow blood pump that aims to improve the stability and effectiveness of blood pumps used for patients with heart failure. The pump includes a housing, an impeller, a stator, and a bearing for stabilizing the impeller. The impeller is designed to pump blood from the inlet to the outlet, and the stator generates a magnetic field to rotate the impeller. The bearing provides axial stabilization to prevent tilting or wobbling of the impeller within the blood flow path. The patent application provides detailed information about the design and configuration of the blood pump, including the use of permanent magnets and conical bearings for additional stabilization. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to HeartFlow Inc. for systems and methods for diagnosing and treating vascular steal syndromes and retrograde flow. These conditions can be dangerous and difficult to detect in advance. The patent describes a computer-implemented method that involves receiving a patient-specific anatomic model of the vasculature, determining blood flow directions and magnitudes, and generating representations or treatment recommendations based on the differences between reference and patient-specific blood flow. The invention aims to improve understanding and treatment of these conditions, as well as to identify treatments that may avoid or resolve blood flow deviations. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a transcatheter device and minimally invasive method for constricting and adjusting blood flow through a blood vessel. The patent, assigned to Vivonics Inc., describes a pulmonary artery flow restrictor system that includes a funnel-shaped membrane and a self-expanding frame. The device is designed to treat congenital heart disease by restricting blood flow to the lungs in infants who are not able to undergo complete surgical repair. The device aims to provide a less invasive alternative to current surgical methods, which can result in complications. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a system and method to measure and calculate high-velocity blood flow in the microcirculation. The patent addresses the lack of understanding and recognition of high-velocity blood flow in critical care medicine. The system uses a data acquisition module to acquire microcirculatory blood vessel image data and a storage module to store the data. The method involves defining the high-velocity blood flow threshold, selecting observation regions, tracking the trajectory of blood particles, and calculating the average blood flow velocity. The invention aims to accurately measure high-velocity blood flow and provide indexes for its evaluation. The patent was filed by Xuzhou Lihua Electronic Technology Development Co. Limited. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Koninklijke Philips N.V. for systems and methods that automatically detect and visualize turbulent blood flow using vector flow data. The invention aims to provide enhanced and accurate flow pattern characterization and visualization to assist physicians in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular conditions. The system uses ultrasound imaging data to estimate flow directions and speed, and displays this information on a user interface, including histograms. The system can also identify regions of interest and display additional quantitative information about the flow directions within those regions. [Extracted from the article]

Haemaflow Limited, based in Swansea, United Kingdom, has been issued a patent for a blood pump apparatus. The patent describes a system that aims to improve existing devices for blood pumping, particularly in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems. The apparatus includes a flexible inner cylindrical duct and an outer cylindrical duct that accommodates a pumping fluid. The pump delivers a pulsating blood flow, which can be synchronized with the patient's heartbeat, and eliminates the need for bulky bedside equipment. The invention has the potential to improve patient mobility, reduce hospital stays, and enhance recovery rates. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a blood pump developed by Abiomed Europe GmbH. The pump is designed to support blood flow in a patient's blood vessel and includes a unique bearing system that allows for effective cooling and flushing. The pump casing contains an impeller with blades that convey blood from the inlet to the outlet. The bearing, which supports the impeller, includes a stationary bearing portion with a radially outward-facing surface and a rotating bearing surface on the inner edge of the blades. This design improves flushing and reduces heat and blood clotting in the bearing area. [Extracted from the article]

Nikkiso Company Limited, based in Tokyo, Japan, has been issued a patent for a blood purification apparatus. The patent, filed on September 30, 2021, and published online on April 2, 2024, describes a technique for administering a liquid drug to a patient during a blood purification treatment. The apparatus includes a blood circuit, a blood purification unit, a blood pump, a substitution line, and an infusion portion. The control unit of the apparatus executes a drug introduction mode, allowing the liquid drug to be introduced into the blood circuit along with the substitution fluid. The invention aims to prevent blood from flowing into the substitution line and to provide medical workers with an appropriate timing of liquid drug infusion. [Extracted from the article]