Patents Examined by Christian Knauss
  • Patent number: 9474886
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Edge Systems LLC
    Inventors: Roger Ignon, Scott Mallett, Abraham Solano, William Cohen
  • Patent number: 9468546
    Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Conor M. Dillon, John Neilan
  • Patent number: 9463307
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9433502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant (300) by using at least one tension thread (11, 11?), wherein the apparatus (100) includes a shaft (1) including a reception area for receiving the implant (300), a tensioning device (19) for altering a shape of the foldable and/or unfoldable implant (300) by means of the tension thread (11, 11?), and a separation device for separating the tension thread (11, 11?) from the implant (300) and/or for cutting through the tension thread (11, 11?). The invention further relates to a set and a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: VENUS MEDTECH (HANGZHOU), INC.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Goetz, Hou-Sen Lim
  • Patent number: 9427246
    Abstract: A medical cutting instrument for cutting muscles and tendons, having a shaft on whose distal end a tool is mounted consisting of two jaw members, such that at least one jaw member can move with respect to the other jaw member, and on whose proximal end a handle is mounted, such that the movable jaw member and the handle operatively interact with one another by way of an actuation element mounted in the shaft in such a way that the movable jaw member can be shifted between a closed position and an opened position of the tool by actuating the handle and whereby the tool is configured for simultaneous severing and holding of one end of the severed muscle/tendon tissue. At least in the other jaw member, a guide is configured for controlled insertion of the muscle/tendon tissue that is to be severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sascha Berberich
  • Patent number: 9414823
    Abstract: Medical devices for closing a hole or holes in a subject's body, such as those related to transapical procedures, are disclosed. The medical devices can include a force-providing portion and a tissue-attachment portion. The medical devices can be configured for multiple positions including at least a constrained position and an unconstrained position. In some embodiments, the medical device may be used on a delivery device or delivery tool. In some embodiments, the force-providing portion can pivot radially outward and the tissue-attachment portion can become more constrained, and the hole can be at least partially closed. In some embodiments, the tissue-attachment portion can include a plurality of pins that assume a hook shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Ben Hamou, Yossi Tuval
  • Patent number: 9408610
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided including a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a jaw assembly including a pair of jaws extending from an end of the channel assembly, opposite the housing, the jaw assembly adapted to accommodate a clip of a plurality of clips loaded in the clip applier and being operable to effect formation of the clip in response to movement of the at least one handle; and a dissector bar supported on the housing and the channel assembly, wherein the dissector bar is actuatable from the housing and includes a proximal position wherein a distal end of the dissector bar is disposed proximal of a distal-most end of the jaw assembly, and at least one distal position wherein the distal end of the dissector bar projects beyond the distal-most end of the jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Elias Hartoumbekis
  • Patent number: 9364228
    Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system disposed in the housing, an actuator coupled with the housing for actuating the firing system, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having an outer diameter, and a cap secured to the distal end of the elongated shaft, whereby the cap has a lower distal edge that extends laterally beyond the outer diameter of the elongated shaft. The lower distal edge of the cap has a length that is greater than the outer diameter of the elongated shaft. The cap has a distal end face that slopes upwardly and proximally from the lower distal edge, and the cap has a surgical fastener delivery window formed in the distal end face for dispensing surgical fasteners. The delivery window has a lower end that is spaced from the lower distal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon, LLC
    Inventors: Jens-Peter Straehnz, Volker Harms, Michael Cardinale, Doug Souls, Simon Cohn, Jonathan B. Gabel
  • Patent number: 9358022
    Abstract: A minimally invasive endovascular device for treating a blocked or obstructed biological lumen, such as a blood vessel fully or partially obstructed by deposits of biological matters in or non-biological matters. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise two capture members that are configured to be placed on either side of the obstruction and enclose around the obstruction for removal. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for implementing an endovascular device according to aspects of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: NOHA, LLC
    Inventor: Hesham Morsi
  • Patent number: 9345483
    Abstract: A strap tie assembly includes a first strap tie and a second strap tie. The first strap tie includes a first base, a first body including a first opening and a first engagement member disposed within the first opening, and a first strap extending from the first body. The first strap includes a plurality of movement restriction members disposed along a surface of the first strap. The second strap tie includes a second base, a second body including a second opening and a second engagement member disposed within the second opening, and a second strap extending from the second body. The first strap tie is configured to receive the second strap and prevent translation of the second strap away from the first body. The second strap tie is configured to receive the first strap and prevent translation of the first strap away from the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Foot Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Sanders, Sergio Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9333005
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy along a shaft from a proximate end to a distal end. The ultrasonic probe includes at least one notch on its distal end. Fibrous tissue, such as septa that connect skin layers to muscle layers of animal tissue, can be positioned within the notch so that it is in contact with at least a portion of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic energy conducted through the ultrasonic probe to the distal end will sever the fibrous tissue in the notch. The ultrasonic probe is also designed, in embodiments, to fragment or emulsify adipose tissue, as part of an ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty (UAL) procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SOUND SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Schafer, Dave Wesley, Adnan Merchant
  • Patent number: 9302084
    Abstract: A recanalization catheter assembly and method for establishing a subintimal pathway around an occlusion in a blood vessel. The recanalization catheter assembly an inflatable balloon structure including a distal anchoring portion configured to expand within a true lumen portion of the blood vessel distal of the occlusion to anchor the recanalization catheter from unintentional movement during expansion of a stent in the subintimal pathway. The expandable stent, such as a bioabsorbable stent, may be configured to promote native tissue regrowth around the stent to create a superficial intimal layer along the subintimal pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: James Anderson
  • Patent number: 9289280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for filtering obstructive material within the vasculature of a subject. The device includes a generally ellipsoid shaped frame having a plurality of shape-memory arms with a collapsible, sieve-like structure positioned within the elliptical frame. The device may be used as an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism, or any other procedure requiring filtering of a vein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bashir A. Tafti, Edward W. Lee, Stephen T. Kee
  • Patent number: 9289194
    Abstract: An insert 30 comprises a rod 32 having a proximal end 34 and a distal end 36. The insert 30 also comprises a tool 38 which is demountably coupled to the distal end 36. Proximal end 34 is formed with a ball 40 which is configured to seat and engage in a socket of a handle 12 of a laparoscopic instrument 10. The rod 32 fits within a sheath 14 of the laparoscopic instrument 10. The distal end 36 of the rod 32 is provided with an attachment head 42 to facilitate the attachment of the tool 38. A linkage mechanism 44 in the attachment head 42 converts the linear motion of the insert 30 (and in particular rod 32) relative to the outer sheath 14 to a pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jai Singh, Jiwan Steven Singh
  • Patent number: 9283095
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for magnetized stent having growth-promoting properties. A stent assembly comprising a tubular elongated body having a magnetized region and a tissue nidus area is inserted beneath the orifice of a vascular aneurysm. The magnetic region can serve to attract and position both residual red blood cells and magnetically nano-ireated growth-promoting cells to the orifice area of the aneurysm. The outer circumference of the tubular elongated body can act as a floor or scaffold for regenerated smooth vascular muscle cells. In embodiments, the tissue nidus area can be provided on the exterior stent, while the magnetized region is provided on the interior stent, of a stent-in-stent structure. In embodiments, the exterior stent is made of biodegradable material which gradually dissolves or dissipates in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.
    Inventor: Teodoro Aclan Tigno, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9283101
    Abstract: Catheter including a pressure chamber defined by proximal and distal seals and inner and outer tubular members. An actuator member, moveable between first and second positions, is disposed within the pressure chamber. Fluid introduced into the pressure chamber applies a force on the actuator member to move the actuator member toward the second position. A lock mechanism, disposed between inner and outer tubular members, includes a latch having an engaged condition preventing movement of the outer tubular member relative the inner member and a disengaged condition allowing movement the outer member. The latch is shifted to the disengaged condition when the actuator member is moved to the second position. With the actuator member in the second position and the latch in the disengaged condition, fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member proximally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Shumer, Michael L. Green, Patrick C Saxton
  • Patent number: 9271716
    Abstract: Suture constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct includes a first limb, a second limb, a coaxial region, and a collapsible snare defined by the first and second limbs. The coaxial region can be formed by a portion of the second limb being disposed in a volume of the first limb, which allows for a low profile construct that is useful in various soft tissue repair procedures. The construct can be configured to be disposed in tissue to draw the tissue toward bone, and the coaxial region can be deconstructed so that the first and second limbs can be used to help secure the desired location of the tissue with respect to the bone. Various features of the construct and methods for using the same in a surgical procedure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9265504
    Abstract: An occlusive coil delivery device includes an occlusive coil having a plurality of open pitched windings at a proximal end thereof, and a delivery wire assembly having a proximal tubular portion, a distal coil portion and a lumen, and a delivery wire adapter having a proximal end and a distal end. The delivery wire assembly having a delivery wire forming a first conductive path and extending through the lumen from a proximal end of the delivery wire assembly to a location distal of the distal coil portion, and a second conductive path formed by the proximal tubular portion and distal coil portion. The distal end of the adapter comprising a plurality of fingers configured to interface between adjacent open pitched windings of the proximal end of the occlusive coil, with the proximal end of the delivery wire adapter secured to a distal portion of the delivery wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignees: Stryker Corporation, Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: James B. Kellett
  • Patent number: 9259340
    Abstract: A system for deploying a stent-graft from the femoral artery into the femoral vein and back into the femoral artery in order to bypass a femoral occlusion comprises a penetration catheter and a guidewire capture and stabilization catheter. The penetration catheter may be advanced contralaterally to a location above the occlusion and the capture and stabilization catheter may be introduced upwardly through the femoral vein. The penetration tool on the penetration catheter is used in multiple steps to deploy guidewires which are then used to deploy the stent-graft in the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: PQ BYPASS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard R. Heuser, James D. Joye, Kumar Ganesan Jambunathan, Eugene E. Reis, Richard A. Lotti
  • Patent number: 9232939
    Abstract: A flexible fixation assembly including a flexible main body and a suture engagement portion of the flexible main body. The suture engagement portion is configured to cooperate with a suture to mate the suture with the flexible main body. The flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: BIOMET SPORTS MEDICINE, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Denham, Kevin T. Stone