Patents Examined by Erich Herbermann
  • Patent number: 10470756
    Abstract: Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture securing features able to lock suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: VentureMD Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: T. Wade Fallin
  • Patent number: 10463534
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cataract surgery and more particularly to methods and apparatus for performing a capsulorhexis. This invention is in the field of medical devices. The present invention relates to a device constructed from metals, polymers or other materials that are amenable to precise surface modifications and methods for its use, wherein (1) the device assists in capsulorhexis and (2) a patterned surface having milli-, micron-, and/or nano-sized micropatterning characteristics that imparts surface stabilizing and self-adhesive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Malik Y. Kahook, Matthew Armstrong Powers
  • Patent number: 10426483
    Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing or preventing bleeding and associated side effects during and after percutaneous medical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Mitchell R. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 10369033
    Abstract: A delivery system that includes a catheter, a balloon, a self-expanding prosthesis, and a sheath. The sheath including an opening in a wall of the sheath that initiates rupturing of the sheath so that the self-expanding prosthesis may move from its compressed state to its expanded state. Additionally, a distal end portion of the balloon that is distal to a distal end of the sheath includes an enlarged diameter portion, the enlarged diameter portion having approximately the same outer diameter as an outer diameter of the sheath when the self-expanding prosthesis is in its compressed state, and the enlarged diameter portion being the maximum outer diameter of the balloon when the self-expanding prosthesis is in its compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MERIT MEDICAL IRELAND LIMITED
    Inventors: Menashe Yacoby, Ascher Shmulewitz, Raz Bar-On, Gil Naor, Damian Kelly, Michael Gilmore, Mark Steckel
  • Patent number: 10363106
    Abstract: A stereotactic surgery robot according to the present disclosure may include: a rotating unit that is configured to have a surgical instrument that is able to be attached thereto, and is configured to rotate the surgical instrument on at least one of two rotational axes according to an entry posture of the surgical instrument; a moving unit that is configured to move the rotating unit in the direction of at least one of three linear axes according to the position of a surgical target; and a surgical portion support unit that is configured to be connected to the moving unit, and is configured to be detachable with respect to an operating table, wherein the moving unit may move the rotating unit such that an intersection point of the two rotational axes matches the surgical target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KOH YOUNG TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Young Sik Kwon, Jae Heon Chung
  • Patent number: 10363067
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for skin care are provided. Some embodiments may include a device or system for skin care that may include a skin tool head portion, a skin tool head support that may be coupled with the skin tool head portion, and/or a portable microscope connector that may be configured to couple a portable microscope with the skin tool head support. Some embodiments include a device for skin care that may include a spacer configured to couple with a portable microscope. The spacer includes at least one aperture configured to facilitate the use of a skin tool. Some embodiments include a spacer coupled with a compressible structure configured to preclude a skin tool from contacting a portion of skin when in an uncompressed state and to allow the skin tool to contact the portion of skin when in a compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Warren R. Hultquist
  • Patent number: 10350397
    Abstract: A device for reducing pressure within a lumen includes a reservoir structured for holding a fluid therein, an injection port in fluid communication with the reservoir, a compliant body structured to expand and contract upon changes in pressure, and a conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the reservoir and the compliant body. The fluid may be a compressible or a noncompressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Aria CV, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scandurra, Karl Vollmers
  • Patent number: 10342529
    Abstract: Improved surgical instruments are provided including improved suture passers, improved drill guides for forming holes in bones adjacent a joint at locations referenced to the joint anatomy, and improved osteotomy guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wade Fallin, M. Mary Sinnott, Kwan-Ho Chan, Patrick M. White
  • Patent number: 10335129
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for auto return of articulated end effectors are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The device can include an actuator configured to be actuated to move the end effector from an articulated position to an unarticulated position. In at least some embodiments, the actuator can also be configured to be actuated to move the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to rotate the end effector about a longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft having the end effector at a distal end thereof. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to articulate the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 10335258
    Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Augustus Felix, Jason Hamilton, John Conidi, Matthew Rothberg, Donald E. Ziniti
  • Patent number: 10327794
    Abstract: A forceps comprising: (a) a stylet having a hollow tube having a proximal end region and a longitudinal axis; one or more assemblies that are extendable through the hollow tube, the one or more assemblies comprising: one or more support rods and one or more functional attachments; (b) a hand piece comprising: one or more housing structures defining a cavity; one or more actuating mechanisms comprising: a bearing fitting; a shuttle in communication with the bearing fitting constrained by a plurality of guide ridges; a socket housed by the shuttle; and one or more levers in communication with stylet so that movement of the one or more levers causes movement of the hollow tube and movement of the one or more assemblies; and wherein the movement of the hollow tube and the movement of the one or more assemblies are relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Windgassen, Jeffrey Nelson, Dennis G. Lamser, John R. Mensch, Zane R. Ward, Timothy Ozell
  • Patent number: 10321998
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide methods and systems for delivering a prosthesis to a target location in a lumenal system of a patient. At least one tether is secured proximate the target location to serve as a rail, and a prosthesis is advanced along the rail to the target location and secured in place. Exemplary methods and systems provide for repair of the mitral and tricuspid valves, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysms, stomach valves, fallopian tubes and the pulmonary system, among others. Also disclosed are various prostheses suitable for use with the disclosed methods and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Transmural Systems LLC
    Inventor: Nasser Rafiee
  • Patent number: 10314594
    Abstract: An assembly and method for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage including a delivery instrument being positioned in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and disposing a distal end portion of the delivery instrument in covering relation to the entrance thereof. Occlusion material is movably connected to the delivery instrument and includes at least one elongated single strand of flexible material. A length of the single strand is progressively fed through the delivery instrument into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the flexibility thereof is sufficient to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material therein. The dimension and configuration of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array is sufficient to fill a predetermined portion of the interior of the left atrial appendage and thereby conform to the configuration thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: CorQuest Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Didier de Canniere
  • Patent number: 10307167
    Abstract: An assembly and method for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage including a delivery instrument being positioned in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and disposing a distal end portion of the delivery instrument in covering relation to the entrance thereof. Occlusion material is movably connected to the delivery instrument and includes at least one elongated single strand of flexible material. A length of the single strand is progressively fed through the delivery instrument into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the flexibility thereof is sufficient to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material therein. The dimension and configuration of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array is sufficient to fill a predetermined portion of the interior of the left atrial appendage and thereby conform to the configuration thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: CorQuest Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Didier de Canniere
  • Patent number: 10292689
    Abstract: A device for manipulating a body part, comprises: a) an elongated guide instrument provided with a tip suitable to be positioned in close juxtaposition with a tissue at a desired location of the said body part; and b) a suction channel terminating in or near said tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Tel HaShomer Medical Research Infrastructure and Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Leonid Sternik
  • Patent number: 10292820
    Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The handle may include a housing, a piston cylinder, a piston longitudinally slidable within the piston cylinder, the piston and the piston cylinder together defining at least one pressure chamber, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative thereto, and a pneumatic switch adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the piston. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being operatively connected to the housing, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the piston, the distal sheath being moveable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment. Longitudinal movement of the piston may move the distal sheath between the closed and open conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Shane Morrissey
  • Patent number: 10278707
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods of using a resection line guide in various medical procedures. A resection line guide may include a first clamp member and a second clamp member configured to be positioned on a first side and a second side generally opposite that of the first side of an anatomical structure, such as, for example, a stomach. The clamp members may be configured to provide a clamping force on the stomach to secure the guide to the stomach. Further, at least one flexible member may be operatively coupled to the clamp members. The flexible member may be configured to be tensioned so as to provide at least a portion of the clamping force on the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: STANDARD BARIATRICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Thompson, Ryan Weitzel, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Patent number: 10271835
    Abstract: A device for surgical ligation is provided, which comprises: a housing, where a pulling portion is provided therein; and an opening portion provided at one end of the housing and connected to the pulling portion, where a line delivery element is provided therein. The line delivery element comprises: a first arc unit having a first coupling portion and a slot thereon; a second arc unit having a second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion; and a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears engaging with each other, wherein a first gear is engaged with the pulling portion while a second gear is engaged with the second arc unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY, NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Chien-Hui Ou, Huei-Hua Hsiao, Tai-Ho Li
  • Patent number: 10265093
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: A.M. SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Romi Mirza, Ather Mirza
  • Patent number: 10258374
    Abstract: A puncture apparatus is disclosed, which can include a first puncture needle having a first needle tip and configured to puncture a living body tissue, a shaft interlocked to the first puncture needle, a second puncture needle having a second needle tip and configured to puncture a living body tissue, the second needle tip being oriented in a direction different from a direction in which the first needle tip is oriented, the second puncture needle being disposed so as to be movable relative to the first puncture needle in a proximal direction of the first puncture needle, and a moving section moving the second puncture needle relative to the first puncture needle in the proximal direction of the first puncture needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kawaura, Shigeki Ariura