US 12109384

{"answer":"As of April 26, 2026, here is a summary of United States Patent 12,109,384:

Title: Hemostasis valves and methods of use

Assignee: Inari Medical, Inc.

Inventors:

• Benjamin E. Merritt
• John C. Thress
• Paul Lubock

Filing Date: March 7, 2024

Issue Date: October 8, 2024

Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for sealing medical devices, particularly during intravascular access, are disclosed. Some aspects relate to a hemostatic valve for sealing a wide range of medical devices, such as catheters, wires, and embolectomy systems. The valve can include an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a central lumen extending therebetween. A reinforcement structure extends along at least a portion of the elongate member and is coupled to the elongate member. A shell defining a first aperture and a second aperture may be included, which first and second apertures can be fluidly coupled by the elongate member. A tensioning mechanism is coupled to the shell and to the elongate member, the tensioning mechanism can be moveable between a first configuration wherein the tensioning mechanism is collapsed and the central lumen is sealed and a second configuration wherein the central lumen is open.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Based on the provided text, US Patent 12,109,384 appears to have one independent claim directed to a hemostatic valve, one to a delivery system, and one to a method of use. A plain-language summary of each is as follows:

• Claim 1 (Hemostatic Valve): This claim describes a hemostasis valve designed to seal a medical device. The valve features a flexible, elongated tube (elongate member) with a central channel (lumen). A reinforcing structure, like a braided mesh, runs along this tube. The key component is a tensioning mechanism that can be actively moved between two states. In the first state, it constricts and seals the tube's channel. In the second, the channel is open. This mechanism uses at least one filament that wraps around the tube and is controlled by an actuator (like buttons). When the actuator is in its first position, the filament tightens, sealing the lumen.

• Claim 20 (Delivery System): This claim outlines a delivery system for accessing a patient's blood vessel. It consists of a catheter and the hemostatic valve described in the patent. The valve is attached to one end of the catheter, and its central channel is connected to the catheter's internal channel. The valve's tensioning mechanism, which includes at least one filament and an actuator, allows a user to switch between a sealed state, where the filament constricts the valve's tubular member, and an open state.

• Claim 29 (Method of Sealing a Delivery Device): This claim details a method for using the delivery system to access a blood vessel. The method involves inserting the device (catheter with the hemostatic valve) into a blood vessel. Initially, the valve's tensioning mechanism is in a sealed state. The operator then moves the mechanism to an open state to advance a medical tool through the device and into the blood vessel. Once the tool is in place, the tensioning mechanism is returned to the sealed state, causing the valve's tube to collapse and form a seal around the tool's shaft.

Litigation and Administrative Review:

As of the current date, US Patent 12,109,384 is involved in legal proceedings. Inari Medical, Inc. has asserted this patent in an infringement lawsuit against Imperative Care, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 5:24-cv-03117). In a related action, Imperative Care, Inc. has challenged the validity of this patent by filing a petition for inter partes review (IPR) with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the USPTO (IPR2025-01562). These proceedings are ongoing. I was unable to find any information regarding this patent in the CAFC 2026 dockets.

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Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided patent document and publicly available legal records as of the date of this report. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a complete understanding of the patent's scope and the current status of any legal proceedings, it is recommended to consult the full patent document and relevant legal counsel."}