This inventor holds 8 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application. Top assignees: Heartport, Inc., Other. Active years: 1998-2006.
Company Filing History:
7 out of 168 
1 out of 834,350 Years Active: 1998-2006
Title: Mark A Vierra: Innovator in Less-Invasive Surgical Procedures
Introduction:
Meet Mark A Vierra, an esteemed inventor from Woodside, California. With a passion for medical advancements, Vierra has dedicated his career to developing innovative devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures. Let's delve into his latest patents, career highlights, and collaborations, showcasing the impact of Vierra's work in the field.
Latest Patents:
One of Vierra's recent inventions is a device and method for isolating a surgical site. This groundbreaking system allows for the performance of less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. Specifically, the patent outlines a technique for isolating a surgical site, such as an anastomosis between an internal mammary artery and a coronary artery, in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure.
The system comprises a foot pivotally coupled to the distal end of a shaft by a linkage. The foot has two engaging portions with contact surfaces, which can be moved between an open position and a collapsed position. By rotating an actuator at the proximal end of the shaft, the foot can be pivoted to apply pressure to the tissue structure on both sides of the surgical site. This ensures optimal surgical outcomes while minimizing invasiveness.
Career Highlights:
Mark A Vierra has an impressive portfolio, with a total of eight patents to his name. His contributions to the field of surgical innovations have brought forth new possibilities for less-invasive procedures. Vierra's expertise lies in developing systems and devices that improve surgical outcomes while reducing patient discomfort and recovery time.
Collaborations:
Throughout his career, Vierra has collaborated with various companies to bring his inventions to fruition. Notably, he worked with Heartport, Inc., a renowned medical device company specializing in minimally invasive surgical technologies. The collaboration with Heartport, Inc. likely played a significant role in the development and implementation of Vierra's pioneering surgical system.
In addition, Vierra has engaged in collaborations with other industry professionals, including his coworker, Alex T Roth. These collaborations with skilled individuals have further enriched his body of work, fostering an environment of innovation and advancement in the medical field.
Conclusion:
Mark A Vierra's dedication to revolutionizing surgical procedures through innovations and inventions highlights his commitment to improving patient outcomes. With eight patents to his credit, his latest invention, a system for isolating surgical sites, offers an exciting possibility for performing less-invasive surgeries. Collaborations with esteemed companies, such as Heartport, Inc., have played a pivotal role in bringing his inventions to the medical community.
Through his work, Mark A Vierra demonstrates the importance of continuous advancements in surgical techniques to provide patients with safer, more efficient, and less invasive treatment options. His contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the field of medical innovation and pave the way for further advancements in the future.