Patent Grant
9855046
The present invention relates generally to implantable medical devices, and specifically to delivery tools and implantable vascular bands.
An aneurysm is a localized, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. Left untreated, the aneurysm will frequently rupture, resulting in loss of blood through the rupture and death. Aneurysms are commonly classified by shape, structure and location. Aortic aneurysms are the most common form of arterial aneurysm and are life-threatening. It is common for an aortic aneurysm to occur in the portion of the abdominal aorta between the renal arteries and the iliac arteries. Aneurysms in the abdominal aorta are associated with particularly high mortality; accordingly, current medical standards call for urgent operative repair when aneurysm diameter is larger than 5 cm. Abdominal surgery, however, results in substantial stress to the body. Although the mortality rate for an aortic aneurysm is extremely high, there is also considerable mortality and morbidity associated with open surgical intervention to repair an aortic aneurysm.
Therefore, less invasive techniques have been developed to treat an aortic aneurysm without the attendant risks of intra-abdominal surgery. These techniques include transvascularly introducing an endovascular stent-graft into the aorta. The neck of the aorta at the cephalad end (i.e., above the aneurysm) is usually sufficient to maintain attachment of a stent-graft to the wall of the aorta. However, when an aneurysm is located near the iliac arteries, there may be an ill-defined neck or no neck below the aneurysm. Such an ill-defined neck may provide insufficient healthy aortic tissue to which to successfully mount a stent-graft. Furthermore, much of the abdominal aorta wall may be calcified which may make it difficult to attach the stent-graft to the aortic wall. Unfavorable anatomy relating to the neck of the aneurysm is the most common reason for patients being rejected for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (EVAR). A short or absent infrarenal neck, large aortic diameters, and excessive angulation at this level are the main problems. Furthermore, progressive expansion of the aneurysm sac associated with type I endoleak can lead to compromise of the seal at the neck and is the principal indication for secondary intervention for this condition.
PCT Publication WO 2009/078010 to Shalev, and US Patent Application Publication 2010/0292774 in the national stage thereof, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference, describe a system for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, comprising (a) an extra-vascular wrapping (EVW) comprising (i) at least one medical textile member adapted to at least partially encircle a segment of aorta in proximity to the renal arteries, and (ii) a structural member, wherein the EVW is adapted for laparoscopic delivery, and (b) an endovascular stent-graft (ESG) comprising (i) a compressible structural member, and (ii) a substantially fluid impervious fluid flow guide (FFG) attached thereto. Also described is an extra-vascular ring (EVR) adapted to encircle the neck of an aortic aneurysm. Further described are methods for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm, comprising laparoscopically delivering the extra-vascular wrapping (EVW) and endovascularly placing an endovascular stent-graft (ESG). Also described are methods to treat a type I endoleak. U.S. Provisional Application 61/014,031, filed Dec. 15, 2007, from which the above-referenced applications claim priority, is also incorporated herein by reference.
In some applications of the present invention, an extra-luminal ring is configured to assume first and second different elongate hollow shapes, which are curled in different directions from each other. The extra-luminal ring comprises a structural member, which typically comprises a shape memory material. When in a relaxed state, the structural member is configured to assume the first elongate hollow shape, and is suitable for being placed around a tubular organ, e.g., an aorta. When laparoscopically deployed around the neck of an aneurysmal aorta, such as a sub-renal neck, a supra-renal neck, an ascending aortic neck, or a neck adjacent the right subclavian artery, the extra-luminal ring creates a landing zone for an endovascular stent-graft implanted during an Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (EVAR) procedure.
The structural member, if deformed to a planar state, generally defines a planar shape having two first sides parallel to each other, and two second sides parallel to each other. When in the relaxed state described above, the structural member is configured such that (i) the two first sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (ii) the two second sides are curved at least partially around a first longitudinal axis defined by the first elongate hollow shape.
For delivery during an implantation procedure, the structural member is placed in a deformed state, in which the structural member has the second elongate hollow shape mentioned above. When in this deformed state, (i) the two second sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (ii) the two first sides are curved at least partially around a second longitudinal axis defined by the second elongate hollow shape. Typically, the structural member is restrained in the deformed state while placed in a delivery shaft for transluminal delivery to the target tubular organ, e.g., the aorta.
For some applications, the structural member is shaped so as to define a first plurality of engagement members disposed along a first one of the two second sides, and a second plurality of engagement members disposed along a second one of the two second sides. The first plurality of engagement members: (i) engage the second plurality of engagement members when the structural member is in the deformed state, and (ii) do not engage the second plurality of engagement members when the structural member is in the relaxed state.
For some applications, the first elongate hollow shape geometrically defines a plurality of line segments that are straight and parallel to the first longitudinal axis, when the structural member is in the relaxed state. When the structural member is in the deformed state, the plurality of line segments geometrically defined by first elongate hollow shape are curved at least partially around the second longitudinal axis.
For some applications, when the extra-luminal ring is in the deformed state, a longitudinal engagement element, such as a wire, when positioned passing through first and the second pluralities of engagement members, removably engages the first plurality of engagement members with the second plurality of engagement members. Removal of the longitudinal engagement element from the first and second pluralities of engagement members allows the structural member to transition to the relaxed state when otherwise no longer deformed. For some applications, the structural member is configured to automatically transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state as the structural member is deployed from the delivery shaft, and the longitudinal engagement element, if provided, is slidingly proximally withdrawn from the engagement members.
The structural member, if deformed to the planar state, defines first and second surfaces facing away from each other. For some applications, (i) when the structural member has the first elongate hollow shape in the relaxed state, the first surface faces radially inward and the second surface faces radially outward, and (ii) when the structural member has the second elongate hollow shape in the deformed state, the first surface faces radially outward and the second surface faces radially inward. Thus, for these applications, deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft everts the structural member. For some of these applications, the structural member is configured to evert itself during a transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state, during deployment from the delivery shaft. Typically, the shape memory of the structural member causes this eversion.
There is therefore provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, apparatus including:
an extra-luminal ring, which includes a structural member, which (a) is configured to assume a first elongate hollow shape when in a relaxed state, (b) when deformed to a planar state, generally defines a planar shape having two first sides parallel to each other, and two second sides parallel to each other, and (c) when in the relaxed state, is configured such that (i) the two first sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (ii) the two second sides are curved at least partially around a first longitudinal axis defined by the first elongate hollow shape; and
a hollow, generally tubular delivery shaft, in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed with the structural member in a deformed state, in which state (a) the structural member has a second elongate hollow shape, different from the first elongate hollow shape, (b) the two second sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (c) the two first sides are curved at least partially around a second longitudinal axis defined by the second elongate hollow shape.
For some applications, the planar shape is a parallelogram, and the structural member generally defines the parallelogram when deformed to the planar state. For some applications, the parallelogram is a rectangle, and the structural member generally defines the rectangle when deformed to the planar state. For some applications, a ratio of (a) a length of each of the second sides to (b) a length of each of the first sides is at least 6:1.
For some applications, the first elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and the structural member is configured to assume the generally cylindrical first elongate hollow shape when in the relaxed state. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, the second elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and wherein, when the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed in the delivery shaft in the deformed state, the structural member has the generally cylindrical second elongate hollow shape.
Optionally, the planar shape has rounded corners.
For some applications, the structural member, when in the relaxed state, is configured such that the two first sides are generally parallel with the first longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, the structural member, when in the deformed state, is configured such that the two second sides are generally parallel with the second longitudinal axis.
Typically, the structural member is configured to automatically transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state as the structural member is deployed from the delivery shaft.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member, when deformed to the planar state, may define first and second surfaces facing away from each other; when the structural member has the first elongate hollow shape in the relaxed state, the first surface may face radially inward and the second surface may face radially outward; and when the structural member has the second elongate hollow shape in the deformed state, the first surface may face radially outward and the second surface may face radially inward.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may be configured to evert itself during a transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state, during deployment from the delivery shaft.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may be shaped so as to define a first plurality of engagement members disposed along a first one of the two second sides, and a second plurality of engagement members disposed along a second one of the two second sides, and the first plurality of engagement members (a) may engage the second plurality of engagement members when the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed in the delivery shaft with the structural member in the deformed state, and (b) may not engage the second plurality of engagement members when the structural member is in the relaxed state. The first plurality of engagement members may optionally extend outside of the planar shape generally defined by the structural member when deformed to the planar state. Alternatively or additionally, the second plurality of engagement members may optionally extend outside of the planar shape generally defined by the structural member when deformed to the planar state. For some applications, the apparatus further includes a longitudinal engagement element, which, when positioned passing through the first and the second pluralities of engagement members, engages the first plurality of engagement members with the second plurality of engagement members. For some applications, the longitudinal engagement element includes a wire or a hollow tube.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may include a plurality of stent struts. For some applications, when the structural member is deformed to the planar state, the stent struts are arranged such that a first portion of the stent struts are parallel to the two first sides, and a second portion of the stent struts are parallel to the two second sides.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may include a shape memory material.
For any of the applications described above, the first elongate hollow shape assumed by the structural member when in the relaxed state may be that of an elongate hollow structure that subtends an arc of less than 360 degrees.
For any of the applications described above, each of the first sides may have a length of between 1 and 4 cm, and each of the second sides may have a length of between 6 and 15 cm.
For any of the applications described above, the extra-luminal ring may be suitable for being placed at least partially around an aorta when the structural member is in the relaxed state.
For any of the applications described above, a portion of the delivery shaft in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed may have an inner diameter of between 8 and 15 mm.
There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, apparatus including:
an extra-luminal ring, which includes a structural member, which is configured, when in a relaxed state, to assume a first elongate hollow shape, which geometrically defines a plurality of line segments that are straight and parallel to a first longitudinal axis defined by the first elongate hollow shape; and
a hollow, generally tubular delivery shaft, in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed with the structural member in a deformed state, in which state (a) the structural member has a second elongate hollow shape, different from the first elongate hollow shape, and (b) the plurality of line segments geometrically defined by the first elongate hollow shape are curved at least partially around a second longitudinal axis defined by the second elongate hollow shape.
For some applications, the first elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and the structural member is configured to assume the generally cylindrical first elongate hollow shape when in the relaxed state. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, the second elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and wherein, when the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed in the delivery shaft in the deformed state, the structural member has the generally cylindrical second elongate hollow shape.
Typically, the structural member is configured to automatically transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state as the structural member is deployed from the delivery shaft.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member, when deformed to a planar state, may define first and second surfaces facing away from each other; when the structural member has the first elongate hollow shape in the relaxed state, the first surface may face radially inward and the second surface may face radially outward; and when the structural member has the second elongate hollow shape in the deformed state, the first surface may face radially outward and the second surface may face radially inward.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may be configured to evert itself during a transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state, during deployment from the delivery shaft.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may include a plurality of stent struts.
For any of the applications described above, the structural member may include a shape memory material.
For any of the applications described above, the first elongate hollow shape assumed by the structural member when in the relaxed state may be that of an elongate hollow structure that subtends an arc of less than 360 degrees.
For any of the applications described above, the extra-luminal ring may be suitable for being placed at least partially around an aorta when the structural member is in the relaxed state.
For any of the applications described above, a portion of the delivery shaft in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed may have an inner diameter of between 8 and 15 mm.
There is still further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a method including:
providing an extra-luminal ring, which includes a structural member, which (a) is configured to assume a first elongate hollow shape when in a relaxed state, (b) when deformed to a planar state, generally defines a planar shape having two first sides parallel to each other, and two second sides parallel to each other, and (c) when in the relaxed state, is configured such that (i) the two first sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (ii) the two second sides are curved at least partially around a first longitudinal axis defined by the first elongate hollow shape; and
advancing, to an external surface of a target blood vessel, a hollow, generally tubular delivery shaft, in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed with the structural member in a deformed state, in which state (a) the structural member has a second elongate hollow shape, different from the first elongate hollow shape, (b) the two second sides are generally straight and parallel with each other, and (c) the two first sides are curved at least partially around a second longitudinal axis defined by the second elongate hollow shape.
For some applications, the method further includes, after advancing the delivery shaft, deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that the structural member transitions from the deformed state to the relaxed state and at least partially surrounds the blood vessel.
For some applications, the blood vessel is an aorta, and deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring at least partially around the aorta. For some applications, deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that the structural member automatically transitions from the deformed state to the relaxed state. For some applications, deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such the structural member everts itself during a transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state during deployment from the delivery shaft. For some applications, deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that structural member assumes the first elongate hollow shape which subtends an arc of less than 360 degrees around the blood vessel. Alternatively, for some applications, deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that structural member assumes the first elongate hollow shape which completely surrounds the blood vessel.
For some applications, the planar shape is a parallelogram, and providing the extra-luminal ring includes providing the extra-luminal ring including the structural member that generally defines the parallelogram when deformed to the planar state. For some applications, the parallelogram is a rectangle, and providing the extra-luminal ring includes providing the extra-luminal ring including the structural member that generally defines the rectangle when deformed to the planar state.
For some applications, the first elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and providing the extra-luminal ring includes providing the extra-luminal ring including the structural member configured to assume the generally cylindrical first elongate hollow shape when in the relaxed state. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, the second elongate hollow shape is generally cylindrical, and advancing includes advancing the delivery shaft when the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed in the delivery shaft in the deformed state, such that the structural member has the generally cylindrical second elongate hollow shape.
For some applications, the structural member, when deformed to the planar state, defines first and second surfaces facing away from each other; when the structural member has the first elongate hollow shape in the relaxed state, the first surface faces radially inward and the second surface faces radially outward; and when the structural member has the second elongate hollow shape in the deformed state, the first surface faces radially outward and the second surface faces radially inward.
For some applications, providing the extra-luminal ring includes providing the extra-luminal ring including the structural member that is shaped so as to define a first plurality of engagement members disposed along a first one of the two second sides, and a second plurality of engagement members disposed along a second one of the two second sides, and the first plurality of engagement members (a) engage the second plurality of engagement members when the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed in the delivery shaft with the structural member in the deformed state, and (b) do not engage the second plurality of engagement members when the structural member is in the relaxed state. For some applications, the method further includes providing a longitudinal engagement element, which, when positioned passing through the first and the second pluralities of engagement members, engages the first plurality of engagement members with the second plurality of engagement members.
For some applications, providing the extra-luminal ring includes providing the extra-luminal ring having the structural member that includes a shape memory material.
There is additionally provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a method including:
providing an extra-luminal ring, which includes a structural member, which is configured, when in a relaxed state, to assume a first elongate hollow shape, which geometrically defines a plurality of line segments that are straight and parallel to a first longitudinal axis defined by the first elongate hollow shape; and
advancing, to an external surface of a target blood vessel, a hollow, generally tubular delivery shaft, in which the extra-luminal ring is removably disposed with the structural member in a deformed state, in which state (a) the structural member has a second elongate hollow shape, different from the first elongate hollow shape, and (b) the plurality of line segments geometrically defined by the first elongate hollow shape are curved at least partially around a second longitudinal axis defined by the second elongate hollow shape.
For some applications, the method further includes, after advancing the delivery shaft, deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that the structural member transitions from the deformed state to the relaxed state and at least partially surrounds the blood vessel. For some applications, the blood vessel is an aorta, and deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring at least partially around the aorta. For some applications, deploying includes deploying the extra-luminal ring from the delivery shaft such that the structural member automatically transitions from the deformed state to the relaxed state.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:
During a first stage of an implantation procedure performed using delivery system 10, a surgeon creates a working channel, typically laparoscopically or hand-assisted laparoscopically, to an external surface of a portion of a target organ, such as aorta 20, e.g., a neck of an aneurysmal aorta, such as a sub-renal neck immediately inferior to the renal arteries, as shown in
As shown in
When deployed around the neck of an aneurysmal aorta, medical device 12 creates a landing zone for an endovascular stent-graft 40 (which optionally is bifurcated, as shown). As shown in
Alternatively, for some applications, endovascular stent-graft 40 is implanted first, and subsequently medical device 12 is placed around the aorta.
For some applications of the present invention, medical device 12, described hereinabove with reference to
The proximal withdrawal of outer pull-back shaft 100 continues, as shown in
Reference is made to
Reference is now made to
As shown in
Reference is now made to
As shown in
Reference is now made to
As shown in
Reference is now made to
Reference is made to
Delivery system further comprises ribbon-shaped guide member 508, described hereinabove with reference to
As shown in
Thereafter (not shown), outer pull-back shaft 500 is proximally withdrawn, while stopper shaft 501 is held in place. As a result, medical device 12 and distal portion 504 of stopper shaft 501 are deployed from outer pull-back shaft 500, and curl around a portion of aorta 20. Distal portion 504 of stopper shaft 501 protects aorta 20 from any metal elements of medical device 12 as the medical device is deployed around the aorta. The proximal withdrawal of outer pull-back shaft 500 continues, until the outer pull-back shaft has been completely withdrawn from medical device 12.
Reference is made to
Reference is made to
Delivery system further comprises ribbon-shaped guide member 608, described hereinabove with reference to
As shown in
After medical device 12 has been curled around aorta 20, pull-back shaft 600 and stopper shaft 601 are proximally withdrawn over ribbon-shaped guide member 608, leaving the medical device implanted around the aorta.
Reference is now made to
As shown in
Reference is now made to
As can be seen in
Reference is now made to
As shown in
As can be seen in
Reference is again made to
Reference is now made to
As shown in
For some applications, as shown in
For some applications, a length 1211 of each of two second sides 1222A and 1222B, when structural member 1202 is in planar state 1208 as shown in
For some applications, when in the relaxed state, as shown in
For some applications, when structural member 1202 is in planar state 1208 as shown in
For some applications, as shown in
For delivery during an implantation procedure, structural member 1202 is placed in a deformed state, as shown in
For some applications, structural member 1202 assumes the deformed state by being transformed:
For some applications, when structural member 1202 has second elongate hollow shape 1240, as shown in
Reference is still made to
For some applications, as shown in
Reference is still made to
Reference is made to
Reference is now made to
For some applications, structural member 1202 is elongated when in the deformed state in delivery shaft 1730, such as because of geometric deformation of the structural member.
For some applications, structural member 1202 is radially compressed when in the deformed state in delivery shaft 1730. This radial compression further reduces the crossing profile of extra-luminal ring 1200, beyond the reduction because of the ratio of side lengths described hereinabove with reference to
For some applications, structural member 1202, when in the deformed state in delivery shaft 1730, is rolled up with one or more partially overlapping layers or turns, such as at least two or three overlapping layers or turns. This rolling reduces the crossing profile of extra-luminal ring 1200. For these applications, engagement members 1212A and 1212B and longitudinal engagement element 1620 are typically not provided.
For some applications, structural member 1202 is configured to automatically transition from the deformed state to the relaxed state as the structural member is deployed from delivery shaft 1730 and longitudinal engagement element 1620, if provided, is slidingly proximally withdrawn from the engagement members. For some applications, a stopper shaft is provided within delivery shaft 1730, which prevents proximal movement of extra-luminal ring 1200 as longitudinal engagement element 1620 is proximally withdrawn.
Reference is now made to
Reference is still made to
For some applications, extra-luminal ring 1200 further comprises an implantable-grade fabric 1790 securely attached to and at least partially covering structural member 1202 (typically on first surface 1770). The fabric is biologically-compatible, and may comprise, for example, a polyester, a polyethylene (e.g., a poly-ethylene-terephthalate), a polymeric film material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), a polypropylene mesh, a polymeric textile material (e.g., woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), natural tissue graft (e.g., saphenous vein or collagen), or a combination thereof. For some applications, implantable-grade fabric 1790 comprises a macroporous medical textile member mention, such as described in above-mentioned US Patent Application Publication 2010/0292774 to Shalev. Alternatively or additionally, extra-luminal ring 1200 comprises an external microporous layer, such as described in the '774 publication.
As used in the present application, including in the claims, “tubular” means having the form of an elongate hollow object that defines a conduit therethrough. A “tubular” structure may have varied cross-sections therealong, and the cross-sections are not necessarily circular. For example, one or more of the cross-sections may be generally circular, or generally elliptical but not circular, or circular.
The scope of the present invention includes embodiments described in the following applications, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, techniques and apparatus described in one or more of the following patent applications are combined with techniques and apparatus described herein:
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
The present patent application is the National Stage of International Application PCT/IL2012/000083, filed Feb. 16, 2012, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/443,740, filed Feb. 17, 2011, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2012/000083 | 2/16/2012 | WO | 00 | 7/12/2013 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2012/111006 | 8/23/2012 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4355426 | MacGregor | Oct 1982 | A |
| 4505767 | Quin | Mar 1985 | A |
| 4562596 | Kornberg | Jan 1986 | A |
| 4577631 | Kreamer | Mar 1986 | A |
| 4617932 | Kornberg | Oct 1986 | A |
| 4665906 | Jervis | May 1987 | A |
| 4739762 | Palmaz | Apr 1988 | A |
| 4787899 | Lazarus | Nov 1988 | A |
| 4878906 | Lindemann et al. | Nov 1989 | A |
| 4886062 | Wiktor | Dec 1989 | A |
| 4938740 | Melbin | Jul 1990 | A |
| 4969458 | Wiktor | Nov 1990 | A |
| 5042707 | Taheri | Aug 1991 | A |
| 5064435 | Porter | Nov 1991 | A |
| 5104404 | Wolff | Apr 1992 | A |
| 5122136 | Guglielmi et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
| 5133732 | Wiktor | Jul 1992 | A |
| 5234448 | Wholey | Aug 1993 | A |
| 5486183 | Middleman et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
| 5507769 | Marin et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5509923 | Middleman et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5522880 | Barone et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5527322 | Klein et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5549662 | Fordenbacher | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5554181 | Das | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5556413 | Lam | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5562724 | Vorwerk et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
| 5607445 | Summers | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5613974 | Andreas et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5632746 | Middleman et al. | May 1997 | A |
| 5632763 | Glastra | May 1997 | A |
| 5632772 | Alcime et al. | May 1997 | A |
| 5639278 | Dereume et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
| 5643340 | Nunokawa | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5653743 | Martin | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5676696 | Marcade | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5676697 | McDonald | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5728134 | Barak | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5749879 | Middleman et al. | May 1998 | A |
| 5755770 | Ravenscroft | May 1998 | A |
| 5755771 | Penn et al. | May 1998 | A |
| 5755777 | Chuter | May 1998 | A |
| 5755781 | Jayaraman | May 1998 | A |
| 5769882 | Fogarty et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5769884 | Solovay | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5782903 | Wiktor | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5782906 | Marshall et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5824040 | Cox et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5827321 | Roubin | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5843170 | Ahn | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5855600 | Alt | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5860991 | Klein et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5876432 | Lau et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
| 5906641 | Thompson et al. | May 1999 | A |
| 5921994 | Andreas et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
| 5980552 | Pinchasik | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6015431 | Thornton et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6016810 | Ravenscroft | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6033435 | Penn et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6036725 | Avellanet | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6049824 | Taheri | Apr 2000 | A |
| 6099497 | Adams et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6117145 | Wood et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6156064 | Chouinard | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6200339 | Leschinsky et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6206893 | Klein et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6270524 | Kim | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6283991 | Cox et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6290720 | Khosravi et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6296661 | Davila et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
| 6312458 | Golds | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 6325823 | Horzewski et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6344056 | Dehdashtian | Feb 2002 | B1 |
| 6406420 | McCarthy | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 6428565 | Wisselink | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6506211 | Skubitz et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
| 6613078 | Barone | Sep 2003 | B1 |
| 6635083 | Cheng et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
| 6648911 | Sirhan | Nov 2003 | B1 |
| 6652567 | Deaton | Nov 2003 | B1 |
| 6656214 | Fogarty et al. | Dec 2003 | B1 |
| 6692520 | Gambale et al. | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6695833 | Frantzen | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6743195 | Zucker | Jun 2004 | B2 |
| 6752826 | Holloway | Jun 2004 | B2 |
| 6776794 | Hong et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
| 6808534 | Escano | Oct 2004 | B1 |
| 6814749 | Cox et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6814752 | Chuter | Nov 2004 | B1 |
| 6824560 | Pelton | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6846321 | Zucker | Jan 2005 | B2 |
| 6907285 | Denker et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
| 6908477 | McGuckin, Jr. et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
| 6929660 | Ainsworth et al. | Aug 2005 | B1 |
| 6942691 | Chuter | Sep 2005 | B1 |
| 6964679 | Marcade et al. | Nov 2005 | B1 |
| 6986774 | Middleman et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
| 7008441 | Zucker | Mar 2006 | B2 |
| 7044962 | Elliott | May 2006 | B2 |
| 7105020 | Greenberg et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
| 7112217 | Kugler et al. | Sep 2006 | B1 |
| 7115127 | Lindenbaum et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
| 7144421 | Carpenter et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
| 7201772 | Schwammenthal et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
| 7223266 | Lindenbaum et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
| 7270675 | Chun et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
| 7279003 | Berra et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
| 7294147 | Hartley | Nov 2007 | B2 |
| 7306623 | Watson | Dec 2007 | B2 |
| 7341598 | Davidson et al. | Mar 2008 | B2 |
| 7407509 | Greenberg et al. | Aug 2008 | B2 |
| 7429269 | Schwammenthal et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
| 7442204 | Schwammenthal et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 7473272 | Pryor | Jan 2009 | B2 |
| 7537609 | Davidson et al. | May 2009 | B2 |
| 7540881 | Meyer et al. | Jun 2009 | B2 |
| 7544160 | Gross | Jun 2009 | B2 |
| 7637939 | Tischler | Dec 2009 | B2 |
| 7662161 | Briganti et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
| 7662168 | McGuckin, Jr. et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
| 7678141 | Greenan et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
| 7708704 | Mitelberg | May 2010 | B2 |
| 7722626 | Middleman et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
| 7731732 | Ken | Jun 2010 | B2 |
| 7803178 | Whirley et al. | Sep 2010 | B2 |
| 7815673 | Bloom et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
| 7887575 | Kujawski | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 7959662 | Erbel et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
| 8021418 | Gerberding et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
| 8066755 | Zacharias et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
| 8080053 | Satasiya et al. | Dec 2011 | B2 |
| 8157810 | Case et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
| 8172892 | Chuter et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
| 8251963 | Chin et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
| 8353898 | Lutze et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
| 8486131 | Shalev | Jul 2013 | B2 |
| 20010004705 | Killion | Jun 2001 | A1 |
| 20010014823 | Ressemann et al. | Aug 2001 | A1 |
| 20010044651 | Steinke et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20010044652 | Moore | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20010047198 | Drasler et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20010053930 | Kugler et al. | Dec 2001 | A1 |
| 20020040236 | Lau | Apr 2002 | A1 |
| 20020099438 | Furst | Jul 2002 | A1 |
| 20020099441 | Dehdashtian | Jul 2002 | A1 |
| 20020107564 | Cox | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20020123791 | Harrison | Sep 2002 | A1 |
| 20020156495 | Brenneman et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20030040791 | Oktay | Feb 2003 | A1 |
| 20030068296 | Ricci et al. | Apr 2003 | A1 |
| 20030093145 | Lawrence-Brown et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20030125796 | Dong | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030130720 | DePalma et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030144725 | Lombardi | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030153968 | Geis et al. | Aug 2003 | A1 |
| 20030191523 | Hojeibane | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030199967 | Hartley et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030199968 | Ainsworth | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030204236 | Letort | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030212449 | Cox | Nov 2003 | A1 |
| 20030236567 | Elliot | Dec 2003 | A1 |
| 20040015227 | Vardi et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
| 20040015229 | Fulkerson | Jan 2004 | A1 |
| 20040098091 | Erbel et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
| 20040106972 | Deaton | Jun 2004 | A1 |
| 20040106978 | Greenberg et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
| 20040133266 | Clerc et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
| 20040171978 | Shalaby | Sep 2004 | A1 |
| 20040181149 | Langlotz et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
| 20040215319 | Berra et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
| 20040215327 | Doig et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
| 20050033406 | Barnhart et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
| 20050049678 | Cocks et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
| 20050065545 | Wallace | Mar 2005 | A1 |
| 20050085900 | Case et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
| 20050102018 | Carpenter et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
| 20050102021 | Osborne | May 2005 | A1 |
| 20050131517 | Hartley et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050149166 | Schaeffer et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050154448 | Cully et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050171598 | Schaeffer et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20050177132 | Lentz et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20050203606 | VanCamp | Sep 2005 | A1 |
| 20050216018 | Sennett et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
| 20050222667 | Hunt | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050222668 | Schaeffer et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050222669 | Purdy | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050234542 | Melsheimer | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050266042 | Tseng | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20050283188 | Loshakove | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20060015170 | Jones et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
| 20060052799 | Middleman et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| 20060069426 | Weinberger | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| 20060100684 | Elliott | May 2006 | A1 |
| 20060106406 | Weinberger | May 2006 | A1 |
| 20060149360 | Schwammenthal et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060155358 | LaDuca et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060155366 | LaDuca et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060167476 | Burdulis, Jr. et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060173530 | Das | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20060193892 | Furst et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20060229709 | Morris et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20060241740 | Vardi et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20060271166 | Thill et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
| 20060281966 | Peacock, III | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20070021822 | Boatman | Jan 2007 | A1 |
| 20070043425 | Hartley et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
| 20070050011 | Klein | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070055350 | Erickson et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070055358 | Krolik et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070060989 | Deem et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070061002 | Paul, Jr. et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070073373 | Bonsignore | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070088425 | Schaeffer | Apr 2007 | A1 |
| 20070112344 | Keilman | May 2007 | A1 |
| 20070135677 | Miller et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| 20070142896 | Anderson et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| 20070150051 | Arnault de la et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| 20070156167 | Connors et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| 20070167898 | Peters et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| 20070179598 | Duerig | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20070185565 | Schwammenthal et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20070208410 | Berra et al. | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070213805 | Schaeffer et al. | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070213807 | Roubin | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070219610 | Israel | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070219627 | Chu | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070233229 | Berra et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070237973 | Purdy et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070244542 | Greenan et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070244543 | Mitchell | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070244547 | Greenan | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070250154 | Greenberg | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20070255388 | Rudakov et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
| 20080002871 | Gunzert-Marx et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
| 20080015673 | Chuter | Jan 2008 | A1 |
| 20080058918 | Watson | Mar 2008 | A1 |
| 20080109066 | Quinn | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080114445 | Melsheimer et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080147173 | McIff et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
| 20080167704 | Wright et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
| 20080195190 | Bland | Aug 2008 | A1 |
| 20080195191 | Luo | Aug 2008 | A1 |
| 20080215134 | Lawrence-Brown | Sep 2008 | A1 |
| 20080269789 | Eli | Oct 2008 | A1 |
| 20080275540 | Wen | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080275542 | LaDuca et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080288044 | Osborne | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080300665 | Lootz et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20080319528 | Yribarren et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20090012597 | Doig et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090012602 | Quadri | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090030502 | Sun et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090048663 | Greenberg | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090054967 | Das | Feb 2009 | A1 |
| 20090069881 | Chalekian et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090069882 | Venturelli | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090082841 | Zacharias et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090099648 | Yu | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090099649 | Chobotov et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090105809 | Lee et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090112233 | Xiao | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090125096 | Chu et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
| 20090138067 | Pinchuk et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
| 20090149877 | Hanson et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20090227997 | Wang et al. | Sep 2009 | A1 |
| 20090240316 | Bruszewski | Sep 2009 | A1 |
| 20090248134 | Dierking et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20090254170 | Hartley et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20090259290 | Bruszewski et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20090287145 | Cragg et al. | Nov 2009 | A1 |
| 20100004728 | Rao et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
| 20100029608 | Finley et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
| 20100063575 | Shalev | Mar 2010 | A1 |
| 20100070019 | Shalev | Mar 2010 | A1 |
| 20100161026 | Brocker et al. | Jun 2010 | A1 |
| 20100211159 | Schmid et al. | Aug 2010 | A1 |
| 20100256725 | Rasmussen | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20100292774 | Shalev | Nov 2010 | A1 |
| 20110093002 | Rucker et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
| 20110125251 | Cottone | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20110208289 | Shalev | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110208296 | Duffy et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110208297 | Tuval et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110208298 | Tuval et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110218607 | Arbefeuille et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
| 20110264184 | Heltai | Oct 2011 | A1 |
| 20120179236 | Benary | Jul 2012 | A1 |
| 20120323305 | Benary | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2 497 704 | Mar 2004 | CA |
| 1 177 780 | Feb 2002 | EP |
| 1 325 716 | Jul 2003 | EP |
| 2002-253682 | Sep 2002 | JP |
| 9806355 | Feb 1998 | WO |
| 9934748 | Jul 1999 | WO |
| 03099108 | Dec 2003 | WO |
| 2004017868 | Mar 2004 | WO |
| 05002466 | Jan 2005 | WO |
| 2005037138 | Apr 2005 | WO |
| 2005041781 | May 2005 | WO |
| 2005041783 | May 2005 | WO |
| 2006007389 | Jan 2006 | WO |
| 2006028925 | Mar 2006 | WO |
| 06070372 | Jul 2006 | WO |
| 2007084547 | Jul 2007 | WO |
| 2007144782 | Dec 2007 | WO |
| 08008291 | Jan 2008 | WO |
| 2008035337 | Mar 2008 | WO |
| 2008042266 | Apr 2008 | WO |
| 2008047092 | Apr 2008 | WO |
| 2008047354 | Apr 2008 | WO |
| 2008053469 | May 2008 | WO |
| 08107885 | Sep 2008 | WO |
| 2008107885 | Sep 2008 | WO |
| 2008140796 | Nov 2008 | WO |
| 2009078010 | Jun 2009 | WO |
| 2009116041 | Sep 2009 | WO |
| 2009116042 | Sep 2009 | WO |
| 09118733 | Oct 2009 | WO |
| 10031060 | Mar 2010 | WO |
| 2010024869 | Mar 2010 | WO |
| 2010024879 | Mar 2010 | WO |
| 2010027704 | Mar 2010 | WO |
| 2010045238 | Apr 2010 | WO |
| 2010062355 | Jun 2010 | WO |
| 10088776 | Aug 2010 | WO |
| 2010128162 | Nov 2010 | WO |
| 2010150208 | Dec 2010 | WO |
| 2011004374 | Jan 2011 | WO |
| 2011007354 | Jan 2011 | WO |
| 2011055364 | May 2011 | WO |
| 2011064782 | Jun 2011 | WO |
| 2011067764 | Jun 2011 | WO |
| 2011070576 | Jun 2011 | WO |
| 2011080738 | Jul 2011 | WO |
| 2011095979 | Aug 2011 | WO |
| 2011106532 | Sep 2011 | WO |
| 2011106533 | Sep 2011 | WO |
| 2011106544 | Sep 2011 | WO |
| 2012049679 | Apr 2012 | WO |
| 2012104842 | Aug 2012 | WO |
| 2012111006 | Aug 2012 | WO |
| 2012117395 | Sep 2012 | WO |
| 2012176187 | Dec 2012 | WO |
| 2013005207 | Jan 2013 | WO |
| 2013030818 | Mar 2013 | WO |
| 2013030819 | Mar 2013 | WO |
| 2013065040 | May 2013 | WO |
| 2013084235 | Jun 2013 | WO |
| 2013171730 | Nov 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Communication dated Nov. 10, 2014 from the European Patent Office in counterpart application No. 12752054.2. |
| Communication dated Aug. 15, 2014 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in counterpart U.S. Appl. No. 13/939,798. |
| Communication dated Sep. 2, 2014 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in counterpart U.S. Appl. No. 12/447,684. |
| Communication dated Nov. 28, 2014 from the European Patent Office in counterpart application No. 08861980.4. |
| An English translation of Office Action dated Nov. 28, 2013 which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 200880126889.0. |
| An Office Action dated Apr. 28, 2014, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/939,798. |
| “E-vita® open plus” product brochure (JOTEC GmbH, Hechingen, Germany), 2010. |
| Fonseca A et al., “Intravascular ultrasound assessment of the novel AngioSculpt scoring balloon catheter for the treatment of complex coronary lesions,” J Invasive Cardiol 20(1):21-7 (Jan. 2008). |
| Khlif H et al., “Contribution to the Improvement of Textile Vascular Prostheses Crimping,” Trends in Applied Sciences Research 6(9):1019-1027 (2011). |
| An International Search Report dated Sep. 29, 2008, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL08/000287. |
| A Written Opinion dated Sep. 29, 2008, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL08/000287. |
| An International Search Report dated Feb. 4, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IB2010/052861. |
| A Written Opinion dated Feb. 4, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IB2010/052861. |
| An International Search Report dated Dec. 3, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000564. |
| A Written Opinion dated Dec. 3, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000564. |
| An International Search Report dated Nov. 5, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000549. |
| A Written Opinion dated Nov. 5, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000549. |
| An International Search Report dated Aug. 4, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000999. |
| An International Search Report dated Mar. 10, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/000917. |
| An International Search Report dated Mar. 30, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/001018. |
| An International Search Report dated Apr. 18, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/001037. |
| An International Search Report dated May 23, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2010/001087. |
| An International Search Report dated Jun. 28, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2011/000135. |
| An International Search Report dated Jun. 30, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2008/001621. |
| A Written Opinion dated Jun. 30, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2008/001621. |
| An International Search Report dated Mar. 11, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2007/001312. |
| A Written Opinion dated Mar. 11, 2009, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2007/001312. |
| An Office Action dated Aug. 25, 2011, which issued Chinese Patent Application No. 200880014919.9. |
| An Office Action dated Nov. 12, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/447,684. |
| An Office Action dated Apr. 27, 2011, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/447,684. |
| An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Aug. 4, 2009, which of Applicant's PCT/IL2007/001312. |
| An English Abstract of JP2002-253682 published Sep. 10, 2002. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Jul. 13, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000083. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Mar. 15, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/050424. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 61/448,199, filed Mar. 2, 2011. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 61/014,031, filed Dec. 15, 2007. |
| An Examiner Interview Summary Report dated Dec. 13, 2010, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/447,684. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 60/863,373, filed Oct. 29, 2006. |
| An Office Action together with its English Translation dated Feb. 16, 2013 which issued during the prosecution of Chinese Patent Application No. 200880126998.0. |
| A Restriction Requirement dated Mar. 21, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/808,037. |
| An Office Action dated Jun. 19, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/808,037. |
| An Office Action dated Feb. 27, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/808,037. |
| A Notice of Allowance dated May 22, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 12/808,037. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Jul. 17, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000095. |
| An International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Sep. 3, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000095. |
| An International Search Report on Patentability dated Aug. 21, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000083. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Oct. 4, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000269. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Aug. 31, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000148. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Sep. 6, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000190. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Sep. 24, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/00060. |
| An International Search Report and a Written Opinion both dated Oct. 1, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of Applicant's PCT/IL2012/000241. |
| An Office Action dated Oct. 11, 2012, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/031,871. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 61/443,740, filed Feb. 17, 2011. |
| An Office Action dated Feb. 25, 2013, which issued during the prosecution of U.S. Appl. No. 13/031,871. |
| An Extended European Search Report dated Dec. 13, 2012, which issued Applicant's European App No. 08719912.1. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130289587 A1 | Oct 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61443740 | Feb 2011 | US |
