Patents Examined by Julian W. Woo
  • Patent number: 11696765
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a head arranged at the distal end, and first and second jaw members mounted to the head. A linear actuator is arranged within the head and is operable to collapse and open the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester Baxter, III, Tyler Brehm
  • Patent number: 11696820
    Abstract: Prosthesis (1) comprising a patch (2) made of biocompatible material, said patch having a generally plane geometric shape that defines two opposite faces, a centre, a length and a width of said patch, characterized in that said patch is provided, on one (2a) of its faces, with a single marking means (3) designed to indicate both the centre (C) of the patch and also the longitudinal direction of said patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SOFRADIM PRODUCTION
    Inventors: Sébastien Ladet, Sebastien Francois, Nicolas Prost
  • Patent number: 11697004
    Abstract: To provide a new balloon catheter enabling formation of, with high dimensional accuracy and excellent shape adaptability with respect to a balloon, an additional structure such as a blade and a reinforcement member to be additionally provided to the balloon. In this balloon catheter 10 provided with an expandable/contractible balloon 14 on the distal end side of a catheter 12, an additional structure 36 having a prescribed pattern is formed through electroforming or the like directly onto an inner circumferential surface 34 and/or an outer circumferential surface 82 of the balloon 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NIPRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sano, Yasushi Ooyama, Katsuhiro Hiejima
  • Patent number: 11690688
    Abstract: A robotic system assembly comprises a robotic manipulator including an actuator assembly and a surgical instrument having a base body mountable to the actuator assembly. The base includes a first control input and a second control input, wherein the first and second control inputs are positioned on different sides of the base. The actuator assembly is moveable between open and closed positions to facilitate removal and replacement of surgical instruments. When in the closed positions, drive elements of the actuator assembly are positioned to drive the first and second control inputs of the surgical instrument to cause end effector movement or actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Asensus Surgical US, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Penny, Kevin Andrew Hufford, Paul Wilhelm Schnur
  • Patent number: 11690687
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical robot system including a robot coupled to an end-effectuator element with the robot configured to control movement and positioning of the end-effectuator in relation to the patient. One embodiment is a method for removing bone with a robot system comprising: taking a two-dimensional slice through a computed tomography scan volume of target anatomy; placing a perimeter on a pathway to the target anatomy; and controlling a drill assembly with the robot system to remove bone along the pathway in the intersection of the perimeter and the two-dimensional slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Crawford, Nicholas Theodore
  • Patent number: 11684439
    Abstract: A drape includes a first drape portion configured to receive a manipulator arm of a surgical system and a pocket coupled to a distal portion of the first drape portion. The pocket is configured to receive a manipulator of the surgical system. The pocket includes a flexible membrane positionable between an output of the manipulator and an input of a surgical instrument mountable to the manipulator. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is located at a distal end of the pocket. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is configured to allow an actuating force to be transmitted from the output of the manipulator to the input of the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the pocket provides a sterile barrier between the manipulator and the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the drape further includes a rotatable seal configured to couple a proximal opening of the pocket to the first drape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony K. McGrogan, Jeffrey D. Brown, Thomas G. Cooper, Eugene F. Duval, Daniel H. Gomez, Robert E. Holop, Craig R. Ramstad
  • Patent number: 11678886
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm utilize a device that includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell made from elongate resilient filaments. At least some of the filaments have a distal region that extends beyond the distal end of the permeable shell and form an extension having a generally circular shape when expanded. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell has a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments. The distal regions of the plurality of filaments that form the extension may be braided, partially braided, or unraveled. Once deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, the extension may be positioned near a dome of the cerebral aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Hewitt, Brian E. Merritt, William R. Patterson, James M. Thompson, Claudio Plaza, Hung P. Tran
  • Patent number: 11678986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation enhancement element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, catheter and driver; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Polares Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Khairkhahan, Michael D. Lesh
  • Patent number: 11672528
    Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Siesta Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Peter Martin, Chris Feezor, Mark Hirotsuka, Jasper Jackson, Christopher T. Cheng, Michael Kolber, Adam H. Liston
  • Patent number: 11672564
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a vessel, comprising an elongate introducer sheath tubing member comprising open-cell fibrous wall material defining a lumen therethrough, wherein in a collapsed configuration the sheath has a first cross-sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and in an expanded configuration, the sheath has a second cross-sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; and a substantially non-porous expandable layer coupled to a proximal portion of sheath and configured to prevent fluids present in the lumen from crossing the fibrous wall material. Also disclosed is a delivery assembly comprising an obturator which releasably captures the distal portion of an introducer sheath which obturator can be removed after the sheath is deployed to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Ginn, Michael T. Carley
  • Patent number: 11672653
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation within a native valve is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a frame defining a lumen, and a tubular component formed of a flexible sheet that is attached to the frame to extend from a first end of the frame, wherein an interior of the tubular component is configured to support a prosthetic valve and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the frame. The prosthesis also includes a wire at least partially slidably disposed within the flexible sheet of the tubular component and operable to transition the tubular component into a deployed configuration that at least partially engages tissue at the native valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rothstein, Jeffrey Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 11666355
    Abstract: A catheter for removing tissue from a body lumen and for providing information relating to the body lumen. The catheter includes a tissue cutting element that rotates relative to the catheter body and is mounted to the drive shaft for imparting rotation to the tissue cutting element. An energy emitting element of the catheter rotates relative to the catheter body and is rotatable independently of the tissue cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Michael Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 11666324
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh Pai, James Dreher
  • Patent number: 11660189
    Abstract: Fixation device for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve includes a central assembly and at least one arm moveably coupled to the central assembly. The at least one arm includes a body portion having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween, the second end being moveable between a closed position and an open position, the body portion having opposing body lateral sides, each body lateral side extending between the first end and the second end, the body portion having a body portion width defined between the opposing body lateral sides. The at least one arm further includes first and second nondeformable wing extensions, each wing extension extending laterally from a respective lateral side, each wing extension having a lateral outer edge, wherein a maximum arm width is defined between the outer lateral edge of the first wing extension and the outer lateral edge of the second wing extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EVALVE, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Abunassar, Jessie Garcia, Gabriel Gonzales, Samir Jain, Casey Barbarino, Santosh Prabhu
  • Patent number: 11660437
    Abstract: A hemostasis valve for use with catheters in intravascular procedures. The hemostasis valve comprising a sealable fluid channel that bifurcates from a single distal lumen to two proximal lumens. An upper proximal lumen may include a funnel shaped opening to improve aspiration potential. Rotating locking mechanisms are attachable at the ends of the hemostasis valve to interlock coaxial devices or to form seals around coaxial devices. Injection molding may be used to manufacture a hemostasis valve and its components. A mold and core pins may impart external and internal shapes to a molten polymer. Once the polymer has cooled, the molded component is separated from any pins or molds and attached to other molded components to form an assembled hemostasis valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: PENUMBRA, INC.
    Inventor: Vinita Verma
  • Patent number: 11660433
    Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Patent number: 11654047
    Abstract: A method may include accessing a terminal branch of an ophthalmic artery through a face of a subject. Additionally, the method may include positioning a device within the ophthalmic artery of the subject and treating at least one of a blockage, a stenosis, a lesion, plaque or other physiology in at least one of the ophthalmic artery or a junction between an internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: J.D. FRANCO & CO., LLC
    Inventors: Michael Calhoun, Jeff Franco, Robert M. Vidlund
  • Patent number: 11653988
    Abstract: Surgical systems including a user console for controlling a surgical robotic tool are described. A witness sensor and a reference sensor can be mounted on the user console to measure an electromagnetic field distortion near a location, and to measure deformation of the location, respectively. Distortion in the electromagnetic field can be detected based on the measurements from the witness sensor and the reference sensor. An alert can be generated, or teleoperation of the surgical tool can be adjusted or paused, when a user interface device used to control the surgical tool is within a range of the distortion. The distortion can be from a known source, such as from actuation of a haptic motor of the user interface device, and the user console can adjust the actuation to reduce the likelihood that the distortion will disrupt surgical tool control. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Savall, Denise Ann Miller, Hamid Reza Sani
  • Patent number: 11648119
    Abstract: Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Polares Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Khairkhahan, Michael D. Lesh
  • Patent number: 11648120
    Abstract: Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Polares Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Khairkhahan, Michael D. Lesh