US 12,227,888 B2
Automated heart valve manufacturing
James R. Cody, III, Tustin, CA (US); Ping-Yang Shih, Santa Ana, CA (US); and Tiffany Diemtrinh Tran, Anaheim, CA (US)
Assigned to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION, Irvine, CA (US)
Filed by EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION, Irvine, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/531,511.
Application 18/531,511 is a continuation of application No. 18/188,232, filed on Mar. 22, 2023, granted, now 11,840,785, issued on Dec. 12, 2023.
Application 18/188,232 is a continuation of application No. 17/659,474, filed on Apr. 15, 2022, granted, now 11,613,834, issued on Mar. 28, 2023.
Application 17/659,474 is a continuation of application No. 17/179,111, filed on Feb. 18, 2021, granted, now 11,306,423, issued on Apr. 19, 2022.
Application 17/179,111 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2019/047640, filed on Aug. 22, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/721,404, filed on Aug. 22, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2024/0125025 A1, Apr. 18, 2024
Int. Cl. D05B 23/00 (2006.01); A61F 2/24 (2006.01); A61K 39/015 (2006.01); A61K 39/395 (2006.01); C07K 14/445 (2006.01); C07K 16/20 (2006.01); C07K 16/44 (2006.01); A61K 39/00 (2006.01); D05B 19/02 (2006.01); D05B 19/12 (2006.01)
CPC D05B 23/00 (2013.01) [A61F 2/2412 (2013.01); A61F 2/2415 (2013.01); A61K 39/015 (2013.01); A61K 39/39575 (2013.01); C07K 14/445 (2013.01); C07K 16/205 (2013.01); C07K 16/44 (2013.01); A61F 2220/0075 (2013.01); A61K 2039/505 (2013.01); D05B 19/02 (2013.01); D05B 19/12 (2013.01); Y10S 901/09 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for forming sutures on a target device using a fully automated system, the method comprising:
maneuvering a target device by automatically manipulating components of an automated suture fixture comprising a target holder, the target device secured by the target holder;
maneuvering a needle to perform a first step in forming a suture on the target device, the needle secured by a first suturing arm with a first needle holder during the first step;
maneuvering the needle to perform a second step in forming a suture on the target device, the needle secured by a second suturing arm with a second needle holder during the second step; and
passing the needle from the first needle holder to the second needle holder to transition between the first step to the second step, wherein passing the needle from the first needle holder to the second needle holder includes passing the needle through a material of the target device.