US 11589880

A concise summary of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880, including a plain-language overview of its independent claims, is provided below. The patent is the subject of a lawsuit filed by AngioDynamics, Inc. against Endovascular Engineering, Inc., as of April 2026. No records of proceedings before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for the 2026 docket were found.

Summary of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880

Title: System and methods for removing undesirable material within a circulatory system utilizing during a surgical procedure

Assignee: Angiodynamics Inc.

Inventors:

• Lishan Aklog
• Michael J. Glennon

Filing Date: July 1, 2019

Issue Date: February 28, 2023

Abstract:
A method for capturing dislodged vegetative growth during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes maneuvering, into a circulatory system, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the first cannula is positioned to capture the vegetative growth en bloc. A second cannula is positioned in fluid communication with the first cannula, such that a distal end of the second cannula is situated in spaced relation to the distal end of the first cannula. A suction force is provided through the distal end of the first cannula so as to capture the vegetative growth. Fluid removed by the suction force is reinfused through the distal end of the second cannula. Subsequent to becoming dislodged, the vegetative growth is captured by the first cannula. A method for capturing a vegetative growth during removal of a pacemaker lead is also provided.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 contains three independent claims (1, 15, and 20). In plain language, these claims protect:

• Claim 1: A method for capturing undesirable biological material, such as vegetative growth, that becomes dislodged during a surgical procedure within a patient's circulatory system. This is achieved by:

  1. Placing a first tube (cannula) with a funnel-shaped tip into the circulatory system at a strategic location to catch the material.
  2. Positioning a second tube in the circulatory system, with its end at a distance from the first tube's end.
  3. Applying suction through the first tube to capture the dislodged material.
  4. Simultaneously, returning the fluid (like blood) that was suctioned out back into the patient through the second tube.
  5. The captured material is then trapped in a filter outside the body, and the filtered fluid is returned to the patient.

• Claim 15: A method specifically for capturing vegetative growth that may break loose during the removal of a pacemaker lead from the heart. This method involves:

  1. Inserting a suction tube (cannula) with a funnel-shaped tip into the circulatory system, positioning it downstream from the pacemaker lead.
  2. Placing a second, reinfusion tube into the circulatory system.
  3. Applying suction through the first tube while the pacemaker lead is being removed to catch any dislodged growth.
  4. Simultaneously, returning the suctioned fluid to the patient through the second tube.

• Claim 20: Another method for capturing vegetative growth during pacemaker lead removal. This claim specifies:

  1. Placing a suction tube with a funnel-shaped tip into the circulatory system downstream of the pacemaker lead before its removal.
  2. Positioning a second tube to return fluid to the patient.
  3. Applying suction through the first tube to capture any material that dislodges when the pacemaker lead is removed.
  4. Filtering the suctioned fluid outside the body to remove the captured material.
  5. Continuously returning the filtered fluid to the patient through the second tube to maintain fluid levels.

Litigation Status of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880

As of April 26, 2026, U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 is involved in one known litigation case. Details of the case are provided below.

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Case 1: AngioDynamics, Inc. v. Endovascular Engineering, Inc.

• Plaintiff(s): AngioDynamics, Inc.
• Defendant(s): Endovascular Engineering, Inc. (also referred to as "E2")
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
• Case Number: Specific case number not available in the public reports.
• Filing Date: April 23, 2026
• Status: Open / Recently filed.
• Details:
  • The complaint filed by AngioDynamics, Inc. alleges that Endovascular Engineering's Hēlo Thrombectomy System infringes upon several of its patents.
  • Specifically, U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 is asserted, along with U.S. Patent Nos. 8,613,717 and 12,496,077.
  • The technology in question relates to a proprietary self-expanding funnel design used in catheter-based systems to remove blood clots (thrombi and emboli) from blood vessels. This is consistent with the claims of the '880 patent, which cover methods of capturing dislodged material using a cannula with a funnel-shaped tip.
  • AngioDynamics is seeking remedies that include damages (lost profits and a reasonable royalty) and both preliminary and permanent injunctions to stop the alleged unauthorized use of its patented technology.
  • The lawsuit asserts that AngioDynamics' own products, the AngioVac and AlphaVac systems, utilize the patented technology.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings (Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method) on file for U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 as of May 29, 2026. This means the patent's claims have not been challenged at the PTAB, leaving its defensive posture untested through these specific mechanisms.

Strategic summary

As of the current date, U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 has not been subject to any Inter Partes Review (IPR), Post-Grant Review (PGR), or Covered Business Method (CBM) proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Consequently, all claims (1, 15, and 20, along with their respective dependent claims) remain untested by these AIA trial mechanisms. This means there are no canceled or sustained claims from PTAB proceedings to consider.

The absence of PTAB activity suggests that the patent has not yet faced a direct administrative challenge to its validity based on prior art. For a defendant currently being asserted against, this implies that all prior-art grounds remain available for potential PTAB petitions or district court litigation. There is no estoppel landscape under § 315(e)(2) from previous PTAB trials to contend with, as no petitioner has challenged the patent via these avenues.

While the patent is currently involved in a district court litigation where AngioDynamics, Inc. alleges infringement by Endovascular Engineering, Inc., this does not preclude the defendant from filing an IPR or PGR petition. The lawsuit, filed on April 23, 2026, claims infringement by Endovascular Engineering's Hēlo Thrombectomy System, particularly regarding "self-expanding funnel technology". The absence of PTAB challenges for this patent, despite its assertion in a recent lawsuit, indicates an open field for a potential petitioner to challenge its validity.

Recommended next steps

Since no PTAB activity exists for U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880, a defendant facing assertion of this patent (such as Endovascular Engineering, Inc.) has several options:

• Consider filing an IPR/PGR: Given the litigation filed on April 23, 2026, Endovascular Engineering has a statutory one-year window from the date it was served with the complaint to file an IPR petition challenging the asserted claims. A Post-Grant Review (PGR) is not available as the patent was not issued from an application subject to PGR (i.e., it was not filed on or after March 16, 2013). This would involve identifying strong prior art (such as the Fischell, Jolly, or Cragg references discussed in the obviousness analysis) that clearly anticipates or renders obvious the claims of the '880 patent.
• Deepen prior art search: While the provided prior art analysis is a good starting point, a comprehensive search for additional, even more relevant, prior art is recommended to strengthen any potential PTAB petition or district court invalidity defense.
• Monitor for future PTAB filings: Stay vigilant for any IPR petitions filed by other parties against this patent, as such filings could provide insights into successful (or unsuccessful) challenge strategies.

Inventors

• Lishan Aklog: Employer not definitively determinable at the time of the earliest priority filing (December 20, 2007) or the application filing (July 1, 2019) from the patent text alone. However, an assignment record from 2023 shows Lishan Aklog assigning his interest to Vortex Medical Inc., which then assigned to AngioDynamics, Inc. This suggests an association with Vortex Medical Inc. at the time of the assignment.
• Michael J. Glennon: Similar to Lishan Aklog, employer not definitively determinable at the time of filing. An assignment record from 2023 shows Michael J. Glennon assigning his interest to Vortex Medical Inc., which then assigned to AngioDynamics, Inc. This suggests an association with Vortex Medical Inc. at the time of the assignment.

Original assignee

The entity named on the issued patent is AngioDynamics Inc. They ship products embodying the claims, specifically the AngioVac and AlphaVac systems, which utilize technology related to catheter-based removal of undesirable material from the circulatory system. Their primary line of business is the development, manufacture, and sale of medical devices for vascular access, peripheral vascular disease, and oncology. AngioDynamics Inc. is currently an operating company.

Assignment timeline

• 2022-08-31 (executed) / recorded 2022-09-02 — Reel 061214/0087
  • Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
  • Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: ROPES & GRAY LLP, 1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 10036
  • Context: Securitization of assets (including intellectual property) as collateral for a loan.
• 2023-01-18 (executed) / recorded 2023-01-18 — Reel 062332/0041
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: AKLOG, LISHAN; GLENNON, MICHAEL J.
  • Assignee: VORTEX MEDICAL INC.
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP
  • Context: Inventors assigning their rights to an intermediate entity, likely their own company.
• 2023-01-18 (executed) / recorded 2023-01-18 — Reel 062332/0047
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: VORTEX MEDICAL INC.
  • Assignee: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP. This correspondent also appears on Reel 062332/0041.
  • Context: Transfer of patent rights from Vortex Medical Inc. to AngioDynamics, Inc., likely part of an acquisition or intellectual property transfer.
• 2023-06-08 (executed) / recorded 2023-06-15 — Reel 062835/0044
  • Conveyance: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY
  • Assignor: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Assignee: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
  • Correspondent: ROPES & GRAY LLP, 1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 10036. This correspondent also appears on Reel 061214/0087.
  • Context: Release of the previously recorded security interest, indicating the debt collateralized by the patent has been satisfied or restructured.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11589880
    2007 : Provisional filed by inventors
    2019 : Application for this patent filed
    2022 : Security interest to JPMorgan
    2023 : Inventors assign to Vortex Medical
         : Vortex Medical to AngioDynamics
         : Patent issued
         : JPMorgan releases interest
    2026 : AngioDynamics files suit

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer: Unclear. While Vortex Medical Inc. acted as an intermediate assignee from the inventors to AngioDynamics, Inc. (Reel 062332/0041 and 062332/0047), there is no readily available evidence to suggest it is a shell entity specifically for patent licensing or assertion, rather than an entity involved in the development or initial commercialization of the technology later transferred to AngioDynamics.
2. Known asserter in the chain: Not present. AngioDynamics, Inc. is an operating company that manufactures and sells medical devices, and is the plaintiff in the current litigation.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain: Not present. While MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP (Reel 062332/0041, 062332/0047) and ROPES & GRAY LLP (Reel 061214/0087, 062835/0044) each appear on multiple, related transactions within the chain, neither firm is typically associated with high-frequency NPE assertion patterns, nor are they recurring across unrelated chains.
4. Cascading transfers: Unclear/Not present in NPE sense. There were two assignments executed and recorded on the same day (2023-01-18, Reel 062332/0041 and 062332/0047) moving the patent from the inventors, through Vortex Medical Inc., to AngioDynamics, Inc. While rapid, this represents the consolidation of inventor-originated IP into an operating company, rather than a chain of transfers between multiple shell entities.
5. Pre-litigation transfer: Not present. The last relevant assignment event (release of security interest) was recorded on 2023-06-15 (Reel 062835/0044), which is well over six months before the infringement lawsuit was filed on April 23, 2026.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale: Not present. There is no indication of bankruptcy proceedings for any of the assignors or assignees.
7. Privateering: Not present. AngioDynamics, Inc. is the current owner and the plaintiff, directly asserting its patent.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE): Not present. The chain terminates with AngioDynamics, Inc., an operating company, not a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

AngioDynamics, Inc., an operating company manufacturing and selling medical devices (including its AngioVac and AlphaVac systems), is the current assignee as confirmed by the release of security interest recorded on 2023-06-15 (Reel 062835/0044). The company is directly asserting the patent against a competitor, Endovascular Engineering, Inc., which is characteristic of an operating-company assertion strategy.

USPTO Patent Assignment Search: US11589880

Based on a review of the references cited during the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880, the following patents and patent applications are identified as the most relevant prior art. The analysis focuses on their potential to anticipate the independent claims (1, 15, and 20) under 35 U.S.C. § 102. For a reference to anticipate a claim, it must disclose every element of that claim, either explicitly or inherently, in a single document.

The priority date for U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 is December 20, 2007. All references discussed below predate this priority date.

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Analysis of Most Relevant Prior Art

1. U.S. Patent No. 6,245,088 B1 (Fischell et al.)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent No. 6,245,088 B1, "Apparatus and method for treating vascular occlusions," issued to Fischell et al.
• Publication Date: June 12, 2001 (Filed: July 23, 1999).
• Brief Description: Fischell describes a system for removing occlusive material, such as thrombus, from a blood vessel. The system consists of an aspiration catheter with a self-expanding, funnel-shaped distal tip made of a material like Nitinol mesh. The funnel is placed against the occlusion, and a vacuum is applied to aspirate the material. The system includes an external circuit with a pump and a filter to separate the thrombus from the aspirated blood, which is then returned to the patient via a separate venous return line.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: This reference is highly relevant to Claim 1. Fischell teaches a method using a "first cannula" (the aspiration catheter) and a "second cannula" (the venous return line) with spaced-apart distal ends. It explicitly discloses a deployable "funnel-shaped tip" on the suction catheter. The method includes providing a suction force, capturing biological material (thrombus), filtering the removed fluid, and reinfusing it. The primary difference from the literal text of Claim 1 is the context. Fischell teaches the removal of a pre-existing occlusion, whereas Claim 1 specifies capturing "vegetative growth" that "becomes dislodged during a surgical procedure." While Fischell's method is a surgical procedure itself, it does not explicitly describe the prophylactic capture of material dislodged from a separate action. Therefore, while it teaches nearly all elements, it may not formally anticipate the specific "dislodged during" limitation of Claim 1.
  • Claims 15 & 20: Fischell does not disclose the specific surgical context of a "pacemaker lead removal." As this is a critical limitation of both independent claims 15 and 20, Fischell does not anticipate these claims.

2. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0112368 A1 (Jolly et al.)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0112368 A1, "System and method for removing an occlusion from a blood vessel," by Jolly et al.
• Publication Date: May 17, 2007 (Filed: Nov. 16, 2005).
• Brief Description: Jolly discloses a system designed for removing large volumes of clot en bloc, particularly for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The system uses an aspiration catheter with a large, expandable, funnel-shaped distal end. It also features a recirculation circuit where aspirated blood is passed through an external filter and pumped back into the patient via a return cannula to prevent significant blood loss.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: Jolly provides a strong basis for anticipating Claim 1. It clearly describes a "first cannula" (aspiration catheter), a "second cannula" (return cannula), a deployable "funnel-shaped distal end," a suction force, and the reinfusion of filtered fluid. The context is removing an existing "occlusion," which is undesirable biological material. Similar to Fischell, the key distinction is that Jolly focuses on removing a pre-existing clot rather than capturing material that becomes dislodged during a different, concurrent procedure. A legal argument would center on whether removing a large clot inherently involves capturing pieces that may become dislodged during the removal process itself.
  • Claims 15 & 20: Jolly does not mention pacemaker lead removal. Therefore, it does not anticipate the specific methods recited in Claims 15 and 20.

3. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0088270 A1 (Cragg et al.)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0088270 A1, "Embolectomy catheter and methods," by Cragg et al.
• Publication Date: May 8, 2003 (Filed: Oct. 25, 2002).
• Brief Description: Cragg describes an embolectomy catheter with a self-expanding distal end, which is explicitly described as potentially being "flared or funnel-shaped," to engage and remove an embolus via aspiration. The application also discloses a "blood conservation system" where aspirated blood is filtered externally and returned to the patient through a separate return line to minimize blood loss.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: This reference teaches all the core components and steps of the method in Claim 1: a suction catheter with a deployable funnel, a separate reinfusion line, and a filtration/reinfusion circuit. The context is embolectomy—the removal of an existing embolus. As with the references above, it does not explicitly teach the prophylactic placement of the device to capture material dislodged during a separate procedure (like pacemaker lead removal). Its potential for anticipation of Claim 1 hinges on the interpretation of the "dislodged during a surgical procedure" limitation.
  • Claims 15 & 20: Cragg does not disclose the context of a pacemaker lead removal and therefore does not anticipate these claims.

4. U.S. Patent No. 5,947,944 (Abrams)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent No. 5,947,944, "Method of filtering blood using a single catheter having both aspiration and return lumens," by Robert M. Abrams.
• Publication Date: September 7, 1999 (Filed: Aug. 23, 1996).
• Brief Description: Abrams describes a method for removing emboli using a single, multi-lumen catheter. One lumen aspirates blood, which is then filtered externally and returned to the patient through a second lumen of the same catheter. The distal tip features an expandable filter basket to aid in capture.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: Abrams teaches the concept of simultaneous aspiration and reinfusion through a closed-loop filtering circuit. However, it presents two key differences from the claims of the '880 patent. First, it uses a single multi-lumen catheter rather than two separate cannulas (though the '880 patent specification does describe such an embodiment, potentially broadening the claim interpretation). Second, it uses an "expandable filter basket" at the tip, not an impermeable "funnel" designed for engaging material. The purpose of Abrams' basket is to stop downstream flow while filtering, a different mechanism from the funnel in the '880 patent, which is primarily for guiding aspirated material into the cannula. Due to these differences, this reference is less likely to anticipate Claim 1.
  • Claims 15 & 20: Abrams does not disclose the pacemaker lead removal context and thus does not anticipate these claims.

Here is an analysis of the obviousness of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, based on the provided prior art.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

Under United States patent law, an invention is considered obvious and therefore unpatentable if the differences between the invention and the prior art are such that the invention as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA). This analysis considers whether a PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine teachings from multiple prior art references to arrive at the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success.

The relevant PHOSITA for US 11,589,880 would be a medical device engineer or an interventional physician (such as an interventional cardiologist or radiologist, or a cardiovascular surgeon) with several years of experience in designing or performing endovascular procedures, particularly those involving catheter-based thrombectomy, embolectomy, and extracorporeal circuits as of the priority date of December 20, 2007.

Obviousness of Independent Claim 1

Independent Claim 1 recites a method for capturing undesirable biological material that becomes dislodged during a surgical procedure. This claim is likely obvious over the combination of a primary reference teaching the apparatus and its basic function, with secondary knowledge in the art regarding the risks of procedural embolization.

Primary Combination: U.S. Patent No. 6,245,088 (Fischell) in view of the known clinical problem of iatrogenic embolism.

1. Scope of the Prior Art:

   • Fischell et al. ('088): As established in the prior art analysis, Fischell teaches a complete system for removing occlusive material from blood vessels. It explicitly discloses a "first cannula" (aspiration catheter) with a deployable, self-expanding "funnel-shaped distal tip" (Fischell, Claim 1), a "second cannula" (venous return line), a pump, and a filter. The taught method involves aspirating blood and the occlusion, filtering the material, and reinfusing the blood to the patient. This system contains all the necessary hardware and performs all the core process steps of Claim 1 of the '880 patent. The only element not explicitly taught is the specific application—using the system prophylactically to capture material dislodged during a separate surgical action, rather than simply removing a pre-existing occlusion.

2. Motivation to Combine:

   • A PHOSITA would have been well aware that many surgical and interventional procedures carry a significant risk of dislodging biological material (thrombus, vegetations, tumor fragments, atheromatous debris), leading to potentially catastrophic embolic events like a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Procedures such as pacemaker lead extraction, cardiac valve repair, or even the manipulation of catheters in diseased vessels were known to carry this risk.
   • The motivation to apply the Fischell system to this known problem is straightforward and compelling: to improve patient safety. A PHOSITA, knowing of a system like Fischell's that is designed to safely remove large volumes of embolic material from the vasculature en bloc while preventing hemodynamic instability (via blood reinfusion), would see it as an obvious and logical step to use that same system as a protective measure.
   • Placing Fischell's device downstream from a surgical site where debris is expected to be generated is a predictable application of the technology. The goal of Fischell is to remove emboli; the goal in the '880 patent is to prevent the consequences of emboli generated during a procedure. A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine the Fischell device with the known surgical problem to proactively capture the emboli at their source, thereby preventing them from traveling elsewhere. This would have been seen as a simple application of an existing tool to a known and analogous problem, with a high expectation of success.

Similar arguments can be made using Jolly et al. (US 2007/0112368) or Cragg et al. (US 2003/0088270) as the primary reference, as both also teach the core system of a funnel-tipped aspiration catheter with a blood reinfusion circuit.

Obviousness of Independent Claims 15 and 20

Independent Claims 15 and 20 are narrower, specifying the method for capturing "vegetative growth" dislodged during a "pacemaker lead removal." These claims are likely obvious over a primary reference teaching the apparatus, combined with a secondary reference establishing the specific, known danger of embolization during pacemaker lead extractions.

Primary Combination: U.S. Patent No. 6,245,088 (Fischell) in view of medical literature describing the risks of pacemaker lead extraction.

1. Scope of the Prior Art:

   • Fischell et al. ('088): As before, Fischell provides the system and method for large-volume aspiration with reinfusion using a funnel-tipped cannula. The system is designed for use in large vessels like the vena cava and right heart chambers—precisely where pacemaker leads are located and where vegetations would be dislodged.
   • Known Risk of Pacemaker Lead Extraction: It was well-established in the medical literature prior to 2007 that pacemaker leads could become infected and develop vegetations. Furthermore, the procedure to extract these leads carried a known, non-trivial risk of dislodging these vegetations, leading to septic pulmonary embolism, which has a high mortality rate. This was a widely discussed clinical challenge.

2. Motivation to Combine:

   • A PHOSITA, particularly a surgeon, faced with a high-risk lead extraction on a patient with known or suspected vegetations, would be actively seeking methods to mitigate the risk of pulmonary embolism.
   • Upon reviewing existing technologies, the system described by Fischell (or Jolly, or Cragg) would present an obvious solution. Fischell's device is designed to remove large, irregular pieces of biological material from the very anatomical locations where the danger exists. The motivation would be to position the Fischell device's funnel-shaped tip in the right ventricle or main pulmonary artery—immediately downstream from the lead being extracted—to create a "safety net."
   • Applying suction during the lead manipulation would predictably capture any large vegetations that break free before they can travel deep into the pulmonary circulation. This represents a direct application of Fischell's clot-capturing technology to capture an analogous material (vegetations) to prevent a known and specific procedural complication. A PHOSITA would have had every reason to combine the known tool (Fischell) with the known problem (embolism from lead extraction) and would have had a very high expectation that the combination would work as intended.

Therefore, Claims 15 and 20 appear to be an obvious application of a known thrombectomy system to a specific, well-documented surgical problem.

U.S. Patent 11,589,880: Term, Family, and Continuation Data

Based on a review of official records from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the following details pertain to the legal status and history of U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880.

Patent Term and Expiration

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): There has been no Patent Term Adjustment granted for this patent. The USPTO's calculation indicates 0 days of adjustment.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): There is no record of any Patent Term Extension under 35 U.S.C. § 156, which typically compensates for regulatory review delays (e.g., by the FDA).
• Projected Expiration Date: The term of a U.S. patent is twenty years from the filing date of the earliest U.S. non-provisional application to which it claims priority.
  • The application for this patent (No. 16/458,529, filed July 1, 2019) is a continuation of a chain of earlier applications.
  • The earliest non-provisional application in this chain is U.S. Application No. 12/187,121, which was filed on August 6, 2008.
  • Therefore, the 20-year term is calculated from this earliest filing date.
  • The projected expiration date for U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880 is August 6, 2028. This date does not account for any terminal disclaimers and assumes all required maintenance fees are paid on time.

Continuity and Family Data

U.S. Patent 11,589,880 is part of a large family of patents and applications stemming from a provisional application filed in 2007. The direct lineage leading to the '880 patent is detailed below.

• Application Number: 16/458,529 (filed July 1, 2019)

This application is a continuation of:

• Application No. 15/194,990 (filed June 28, 2016), now U.S. Patent No. 10,383,983.

Which is a continuation of:

• Application No. 14/250,486 (filed April 11, 2014), now U.S. Patent No. 9,402,938.

Which is a continuation of:

• Application No. 13/084,675 (filed April 12, 2011), now U.S. Patent No. 8,734,374.

Which is a continuation-in-part of:

• Application No. 12/187,121 (filed August 6, 2008), now U.S. Patent No. 8,075,510.

Which claims the benefit of:

• U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/015,301 (filed December 20, 2007).

Divisional Applications:
No divisional applications have been filed directly from the application that issued as the '880 patent.

Related Family Members:
The extensive patent family includes numerous other U.S. and international patents and applications that claim priority to the same provisional application or are otherwise related through continuation or divisional filings. The core inventive concept is protected across multiple jurisdictions.

Defensive Disclosure and Prior Art Generation

Publication Date: May 10, 2026
Reference Patent: U.S. Patent No. 11,589,880
Subject: Derivative Works, Obvious Variants, and Cross-Domain Applications of Systems for Prophylactic Capture of Dislodged Material in a Recirculating Fluid Circuit.

This document discloses a series of inventions, technical improvements, and novel applications derived from the core principles described in U.S. Patent 11,589,880. The purpose of this publication is to place these concepts in the public domain, thereby establishing them as prior art for any future patent applications.

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Axis 1: Material & Component Substitution

1.1. Shape-Memory Polymer (SMP) Actuated Funnel with Bio-Absorbable Coating

Enabling Description: The deployable funnel at the distal tip of the suction cannula is fabricated from a biocompatible shape-memory polymer (SMP) with a glass transition temperature (Tg) set slightly above body temperature (e.g., 40-45°C). The cannula incorporates a micro-heating element (e.g., a resistive wire or an inductive coil) near the distal tip. The funnel is manufactured in its expanded, flared state and then mechanically collapsed into its low-profile delivery state below its Tg. For deployment, a low-voltage current is applied to the heating element, raising the local temperature of the SMP above its Tg, causing it to elastically return to its pre-programmed expanded funnel shape. This allows for controlled, non-mechanical deployment. The internal surface of the funnel is coated with a lubricious, bio-absorbable hydrogel containing a non-thrombogenic agent like heparin, which dissolves over the course of the procedure to minimize friction and thrombus formation.

graph TD
    A[Start: Funnel Collapsed at Temp < Tg] --> B{Apply Current to Micro-Heater};
    B --> C{Local Temp Rises > Tg};
    C --> D[SMP Funnel Deploys to Memorized Shape];
    D --> E{Procedure Complete: Deactivate Heater};
    E --> F{Local Temp Drops < Tg};
    F --> G[Funnel Becomes Pliable for Sheath-Based Retraction];
    subgraph Cannula Tip
        D -- Contains --> H(SMP Funnel);
        H -- Coated with --> I(Bio-absorbable Heparin Hydrogel);
    end

1.2. Magnetorheological Fluid-Based Variable-Stiffness Cannula

Enabling Description: The suction cannula body is constructed as a composite tube with a sealed inner channel containing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A series of controllable micro-electromagnets are embedded along the length of the cannula. In the unpowered state, the MR fluid has low viscosity, rendering the cannula highly flexible for navigating tortuous anatomy. Upon reaching a target location where more pushability or stability is needed, specific electromagnets are activated. This applies a magnetic field to the MR fluid, dramatically increasing its viscosity and effectively stiffening that segment of the cannula. This allows for dynamic, real-time adjustment of cannula stiffness without the need for an internal stylet or an outer sheath, enabling precise positioning and force application.

sequenceDiagram
    participant Operator;
    participant CannulaController;
    participant CannulaBody;
    participant MR_Fluid;

    Operator->>CannulaController: Navigate to Target Anatomy;
    CannulaController->>CannulaBody: Electromagnets OFF;
    CannulaBody->>MR_Fluid: No Magnetic Field;
    MR_Fluid-->>CannulaBody: Low Viscosity (Flexible State);
    Operator->>CannulaController: Position Reached, Require Stiffness;
    CannulaController->>CannulaBody: Activate Proximal Electromagnets;
    CannulaBody->>MR_Fluid: Apply Magnetic Field;
    MR_Fluid-->>CannulaBody: High Viscosity (Stiffened State);

Axis 2: Operational Parameter Expansion

2.1. Micro-Scale Neurovascular Emboli Prevention System

Enabling Description: The system is miniaturized for use in cerebral blood vessels during neurointerventional procedures like aneurysm coiling or mechanical thrombectomy for stroke. The "suction cannula" is a 3-French microcatheter with a distal funnel formed from laser-cut Nitinol film (thickness ~10-20 microns). The "reinfusion cannula" is an integral lumen within a guide catheter. The pump is an external, precision microfluidic syringe pump capable of flow rates from 0.5-5 mL/min to prevent vessel collapse. The system is placed downstream of the treatment site (e.g., in the internal carotid artery siphon) to capture any dislodged coil fragments or thrombi, which would otherwise cause a distal stroke. The filter is a micro-etched silicon membrane with a pore size of 100 microns, integrated into the external tubing.

flowchart LR
    subgraph Intracranial Space
        A[Aneurysm Coiling Site] -->|Blood Flow + Debris| B(Micro-Funnel Capture);
    end
    subgraph Extracorporeal Circuit
        B --> C{Micro-Catheter};
        C --> D[Microfluidic Pump];
        D --> E[Silicon Micro-Filter];
        E --> F[Filtered Blood];
    end
    subgraph Guide Catheter
        F --> G(Reinfusion Lumen);
    end
    G --> |Blood Flow| H[Distal Circulation];

2.2. Industrial-Scale Pipeline Debris Capture System

Enabling Description: The core method is scaled for use in large-bore (e.g., 24-48 inch diameter) industrial fluid pipelines, such as municipal water mains or hydrocarbon transport lines. During a cleaning operation using a mechanical "pig," this system is installed at a downstream access point. The "suction cannula" is a flexible, high-pressure hose with a large, robust, spring-steel deployable funnel that expands to the inner diameter of the pipe. A high-capacity industrial pump (e.g., a centrifugal or diaphragm pump) draws fluid and dislodged debris (scale, biofilm, sediment) into the system. The fluid is passed through a multi-stage hydrocyclone separator to remove particulate matter and then returned to the pipeline via a second "reinfusion" hose just upstream of the suction point. This creates a local recirculation loop that allows the cleaning to occur without shutting down the main pipeline flow.

graph TD
    P1[Pipeline Flow] --> Pig(Mechanical Cleaning Pig);
    Pig --> |Dislodged Debris| P2;
    P2 --> Funnel(Deployable Steel Funnel);
    Funnel --> Suction(Suction Hose);
    Suction --> Pump(Industrial Pump);
    Pump --> Separator(Hydrocyclone Separator);
    Separator -->|Debris Out| Waste;
    Separator -->|Clean Fluid| Reinfusion(Reinfusion Hose);
    Reinfusion --> P1;
    linkStyle 7 stroke-width:2px,fill:none,stroke:green;
    linkStyle 0 stroke-width:2px,fill:none,stroke:blue;

Axis 3: Cross-Domain Application

3.1. Aerospace: In-Orbit Coolant Loop Decontamination

Enabling Description: A compact, radiation-hardened version of the system for maintaining the integrity of spacecraft thermal control loops (e.g., ammonia or water-glycol coolants). If a component like a pump bearing begins to fail, it sheds microscopic metallic particles. Before replacing the component, this system is attached to the coolant line. The "funnel cannula" is inserted downstream of the failing component to capture any particulate generated during the removal and replacement procedure. A small, zero-gravity-compatible peristaltic pump circulates the coolant through a fine-mesh metallic filter (e.g., 5-micron sintered titanium) and returns it to the loop. This prevents contaminants from lodging in sensitive microchannel heat exchangers or control valves elsewhere in the spacecraft.

stateDiagram-v2
    state "Coolant Loop" as Loop {
        [*] --> Nominal
        Nominal --> Component_Fail: Bearing Wear
        Component_Fail --> Decon_Setup: Initiate Maintenance
        state "Decontamination Active" as Decon {
            Decon_Setup --> Capture: Insert Capture System
            Capture: Funnel deployed downstream
            Capture: Pump activated, fluid recirculated
            Capture --> Component_Swap: Debris captured during work
            Component_Swap --> Loop_Purge: New component installed
            Loop_Purge --> Decon_Setup: Remove Capture System
        }
        Decon_Setup --> Nominal: Maintenance Complete
    }

3.2. AgTech: Aquaponics System Health Management

Enabling Description: A system for removing harmful flocculants, excess biofilm, and diseased root fragments from large-scale aquaponics or hydroponics systems without disrupting the nutrient cycle. When a section of plants is being removed or treated for a root disease, the device's intake funnel is placed at the outlet of the grow bed. The system pumps the nutrient-rich water, filters out the solid biological waste using a simple, washable screen filter, and then passes the water through a UV sterilizer integrated into the reinfusion line before returning it to the main reservoir. This prevents the spread of pathogens to other parts of the system and maintains water quality, conserving both water and dissolved nutrients.

flowchart TD
    subgraph Grow_Bed
        A[Diseased Plant Removal] -->|Water Flow + Debris| B(Capture Funnel);
    end
    B --> C{Pump};
    C --> D[Screen Filter];
    D --> |Solid Waste| E(Collection Bin);
    D --> |Filtered Water| F(UV Sterilizer);
    F --> G[Reinfusion Line];
    G --> H(Main Nutrient Reservoir);

Axis 4: Integration with Emerging Tech

4.1. AI-Optimized Hemolysis-Minimizing Control System

Enabling Description: The system integrates real-time machine learning for operational control. The distal tip of the suction cannula is equipped with a micro-ultrasound transducer and an impedance sensor. The AI model receives data from these sensors to classify the size, shape, and density of the target material. It also monitors flow rate and pressure from the pump and a hemolysis sensor (measuring plasma-free hemoglobin) in the reinfusion line. The model continuously adjusts the pump's RPM and suction ramp-rate to create the optimal flow dynamics for en bloc capture of the specific target material, while simultaneously minimizing shear stress on red blood cells to keep hemolysis below a clinically acceptable threshold. The system "learns" from each procedure, improving its capture algorithms over time.

graph LR
    subgraph Cannula_Tip
        US(Ultrasound Sensor)-->AI;
        IS(Impedance Sensor)-->AI;
    end
    subgraph Pump_Assembly
        FR(Flow Rate Sensor)-->AI;
        P(Pressure Sensor)-->AI;
    end
    subgraph Reinfusion_Line
        HS(Hemolysis Sensor)-->AI;
    end
    AI(AI Control Model)-->Pump(Pump Actuator);
    Pump-->|Optimized Suction| Cannula_Tip;

4.2. IoT-Enabled Predictive Maintenance and Consumables Tracking

Enabling Description: The entire extracorporeal unit (pump, filter) is an IoT device with a cellular/Wi-Fi connection. The single-use filter canister contains an RFID tag and a differential pressure sensor. The IoT module reads the RFID to verify the component is authentic and not expired. During operation, it monitors the pressure drop across the filter, pump runtime, and flow rates. This data is streamed to a cloud platform. A predictive model on the cloud analyzes this data to forecast the remaining functional life of the filter in real-time and alerts the surgical team 10-15 minutes before a change-out is required. It also automatically updates hospital inventory and can trigger a reorder of the consumable kits.

sequenceDiagram
    participant CannulaKit;
    participant Pump_IoT_Module;
    participant Cloud_Platform;
    participant Hospital_System;

    Pump_IoT_Module->>CannulaKit: Read RFID Tag;
    CannulaKit-->>Pump_IoT_Module: Send Kit ID, Expiry Date;
    Pump_IoT_Module->>Cloud_Platform: Authenticate Kit, Start Session;
    loop Real-time Monitoring
        Pump_IoT_Module->>Cloud_Platform: Stream(Pressure, Flow, Runtime);
        Cloud_Platform->>Cloud_Platform: Run Predictive Model;
        alt Filter nearing capacity
            Cloud_Platform-->>Hospital_System: Alert: 'Filter Change in 10 min';
        end
    end
    Cloud_Platform->>Hospital_System: Update Inventory, Trigger Re-order;

Axis 5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

5.1. Failsafe Passive Bypass and Mechanical Funnel Collapse

Enabling Description: This design prioritizes patient safety in the event of a total power failure. The deployable funnel is supported by a Nitinol scaffold that is held in its expanded state by an outer constraining sheath. The sheath's position is maintained by an electromagnetic lock. Upon power loss, the lock disengages, and a pre-loaded spring automatically retracts the sheath, causing the superelastic Nitinol funnel to passively collapse into its delivery profile. Simultaneously, within the pump housing, a pressure-sensitive, spring-loaded bypass valve, normally held closed by the pump's generated pressure, opens. This creates a passive, low-resistance conduit directly from the suction line to the reinfusion line, shunting blood flow around the stalled pump to prevent thrombosis within the extracorporeal circuit.

stateDiagram-v2
    state "Normal Operation" as ON {
        state "Funnel Deployed" as Funnel_ON
        state "Pump Active" as Pump_ON
        state "Bypass Closed" as Bypass_ON
        [*] --> Funnel_ON
        Funnel_ON --> Pump_ON
        Pump_ON --> Bypass_ON
    }
    state "Power Failure" as OFF {
        state "Funnel Collapsed" as Funnel_OFF
        state "Pump Stalled" as Pump_OFF
        state "Bypass Open" as Bypass_OFF
        [*] --> Funnel_OFF
        Funnel_OFF --> Pump_OFF
        Pump_OFF --> Bypass_OFF
    }
    ON --> OFF : Power Loss
    OFF --> ON : Power Restored & System Reset

Combination Prior Art with Open-Source Standards

1. Integration with DICOM for Intraoperative Imaging

Scenario: The suction cannula integrates a forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe. The imaging data generated by this probe is encapsulated in the open-source DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format. The system's console acts as a DICOM modality, sending the real-time images over the hospital network to the main angiography display and the hospital's PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). This allows the physician to visualize the undesirable material and the funnel deployment in real-time, using the same standard imaging infrastructure as all other radiological devices.

2. Control via Robot Operating System (ROS)

Scenario: The steerable suction cannula and pump controller are designed as a peripheral for a surgical robotics platform (e.g., Intuitive's Da Vinci or a competitor). The device's control interface is built upon the Robot Operating System (ROS). It exposes its functionalities (e.g., steer tip, deploy funnel, set pump RPM) as ROS "topics" and "services." This allows the main robotic system to discover and control the device seamlessly, enabling the surgeon to manipulate the cannula and activate suction directly from the master console, fully integrating it into the robotic surgical workflow.

3. Real-Time Data Streaming with MQTT

Scenario: To provide real-time data to multiple stakeholders without complex point-to-point connections, the system's control unit hosts an MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) client. It securely publishes operational data (e.g., device/123/flow_rate, device/123/pressure, device/123/filter_status) to a central MQTT broker in the hospital. Anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and remote support staff can "subscribe" to these topics using any MQTT-compliant software to get a live feed of the device's performance, creating a flexible and scalable open-source data architecture.