West Virginia Patent of the Month – September 2022

West Virginia’s own Dr. Lakshmikumar Pillai has recently patented a device to perform transjugular carotid flow reversals. Dr. Pillai is a vascular surgeon with over 36 years of experience in the medical field. Chief of Vascular Surgery and Associate Professor of Surgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine, Dr. Pillai’s knowledge and skills are unquestionable.

Strokes, as a result of embolization to the brain, are a common risk when performing carotid artery interventions and stenting procedures. Some surgeons will use embolic protection devices to trap any embolic material that is dislodged during surgery. Others will attempt to reverse the flow in the carotid artery during the procedure. Unfortunately this latter method requires the artery to be connected to an external system which directs the blood away to be filtered and returned to the femoral vein. Dr. Pillai’s solution provides an internal flow reversal system so that the blood does not need to be directed externally.

The flow reversal uses a sheath designed with an occlusion balloon at the distal end. This balloon blocks the flow in the carotid artery. A series of holes in the sidewall are positioned in the jugular vein and are partially covered with a fine mesh. The surgeon would place this sheath, connecting the carotid artery and jugular vein. Once ready, they inflate the balloon to effectively divert blood flow. The carotid intervention can then be safely performed while preventing embolisms from traveling to the brain, without needing to divert and filter blood outside of the body. This solution takes advantage of the body’s natural blood filtration, as well as the use of mesh to add additional filtration capabilities. 

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Recent Posts