ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 26 -- United States Patent no. 12,232,961, issued on Feb. 25, was assigned to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES Corp. (Irvine, Calif.).
"Mitral valve spacer device" was invented by Michael D. Franklin (Irvine, Calif.), Matthew T. Winston (Aliso Viejo, Calif.), Lauren R. Freschauf (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Eric Robert Dixon (Villa Park, Calif.) and Yoon Hee Kwon (Mission Viejo, Calif.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An implantable device includes an adjustable spacer and at least one anchor. The adjustable spacer is configured to be positioned between native heart valve leaflets to reduce regurgitation therebetween. The adjustable spacer can comprise a first side and a second side oppos...