Patents by Inventor Katie Black
Katie Black has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9959786Abstract: A surgical training device includes a model comprising a simulated tissue portion mounted in selectable tension onto a plurality of posts connected to a base. Each post includes at least one notch configured for retaining the simulated tissue portion. Mounting the simulated tissue portion that is in the form of a sheet in notches of different heights creates an angled installation of simulated tissue upon which surgical techniques such as cutting and suturing can be practiced in a simulated laparoscopic environment. More than one sheet can be mounted and each sheet can be mounted with selectable tension by pulling the sheet more or less as desired onto the posts. One variation includes a simulated tumor disposed between sheets, angled or wobbly posts and textured and imprinted simulated tissue surfaces to provide various levels of dynamism and difficulty for surgical skills training in a laparoscopic environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Tracy Breslin, Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Serene Wachli, Adam Hoke, Michael Palermo, Amy Garces, Jacqueline DeMarchi
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Patent number: 9922579Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
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Publication number: 20180005549Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. The simulated tissue model includes one more components and is interchangeably connected to the frame with fasteners configured to pass through apertures in the frame to suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The enclosure of the frame is increasingly laterally constricted along the longitudinal axis to progressively increase the confinement of the components of the simulated tissue model.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
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Publication number: 20170148356Abstract: A simulated dissectible tissue model for practicing surgical skills is provided. The simulated tissue comprises a simulated anatomical structure, such as one or more artificial vessel, embedded with a silicone gel layer between two silicone layers. The simulated dissectible tissue, with or without a simulated anatomical structure, is connected to one or more artificial organ via a fiberfill layer. The fiberfill layer includes a plurality of entangled fibers embedded between two adjacent silicone layers. The fiberfill layer creates a dissection plane that permits the one or more artificial organ to be removed by spreading apart and selectively dissecting the chains of entangled fibers. Artificial nerves may be included in fiberfill layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Katie Black, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Publication number: 20170084204Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
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Publication number: 20170018206Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
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Patent number: 9548002Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
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Publication number: 20160365007Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside an enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing hysterectomies and includes at least a simulated uterus and a simulated vagina. The simulated tissue model is suspending inside the enclosure with two planar sheets of silicone such that the tissue model is located between the two sheets each of which form a fold and are in turn connected to the frame. The frame may be shaped like a cylinder and located inside a cavity of a larger laparoscopic trainer having a penetrable simulated abdominal wall. The tissue model is interchangeable and accessible laterally through an aperture provided in a support leg of the trainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger
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Publication number: 20160328999Abstract: A model for practicing transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP) approaches for laparoscopic hernia repairs is provided. The model simulates an insufflated space between the abdominal muscles and peritoneum. A spring layer may be incorporated to provide a realistic resiliency to the model while in the simulated insufflated configuration. At least one hole is provided in the model from which synthetic tissue protrudes to simulate a hernia. The model is used to selectively simulate direct, indirect and femoral inguinal hernias as well as incisional hernias by removably placing the protruding simulated tissue into any one of several openings. The model contains all important anatomical structures and sits on a base frame or is connected to a rigid simulated pelvis. When located inside a laparoscopic trainer with an angled top cover, the model provides an ideal simulation for teaching and practicing laparoscopic hernia repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen
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Publication number: 20160275819Abstract: A surgical training device is provided. The training device includes a model for practicing the passage of needle and suture. The model includes a base with a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of suture tabs. The suture tabs are made of elastomeric material. Some suture tabs includes pre-formed tab apertures for the passage of a suture. Other suture tabs include a penetrable area through which a suture needle may penetrate for passing a suture. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to orientate them at different angles with respect to the base. The base itself may include portions that are angled with respect to each other. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to pull, expose or open the tab apertures and surfaces. Some of the tab apertures are slits that open upon being pulled relative to the base requiring the user to practice holding the tab while passing the needle through the tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
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Patent number: 9449532Abstract: A model for practicing transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP) approaches for laparoscopic hernia repairs is provided. The model simulates an insufflated space between the abdominal muscles and peritoneum. A spring layer may be incorporated to provide a realistic resiliency to the model while in the simulated insufflated configuration. At least one hole is provided in the model from which synthetic tissue protrudes to simulate a hernia. The model is used to selectively simulate direct, indirect and femoral inguinal hernias as well as incisional hernias by removably placing the protruding simulated tissue into any one of several openings. The model contains all important anatomical structures and sits on a base frame or is connected to a rigid simulated pelvis. When located inside a laparoscopic trainer with an angled top cover, the model provides an ideal simulation for teaching and practicing laparoscopic hernia repair.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen
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Publication number: 20160027344Abstract: A simulated dissectible tissue for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue comprises a silicone gel layer encapsulated within a silicone shell. A simulated anatomical structure is embedded together with the silicone gel layer within the sealed shell. The silicone shell as well as the silicone gel layer may include a deadening agent. Further processing of the silicone gel layer may include adding alcohol and, optionally, heating the mixture. The simulated dissectible tissue may be formed into a specific tissue or organ model for practicing surgical skills. The user practices incising through the outer layer and separating the shell layer along a dissection plane defined by the silicone gel layer to gain visibility of the embedded simulated anatomical structures. The silicone gel layer simulates dissectible tissue and has glossy and elastic properties that provide a realistic dissectible tissue layer for emulating skeletonization of the simulated anatomical structures contained therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Tracy Breslin
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Publication number: 20150187229Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Serene Wachli, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
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Publication number: 20150031008Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Applied Medical ResourcesInventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
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Publication number: 20140370477Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
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Publication number: 20140342334Abstract: A model for practicing transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP) approaches for laparoscopic hernia repairs is provided. The model simulates an insufflated space between the abdominal muscles and peritoneum. A spring layer may be incorporated to provide a realistic resiliency to the model while in the simulated insufflated configuration. At least one hole is provided in the model from which synthetic tissue protrudes to simulate a hernia. The model is used to selectively simulate direct, indirect and femoral inguinal hernias as well as incisional hernias by removably placing the protruding simulated tissue into any one of several openings. The model contains all important anatomical structures and sits on a base frame or is connected to a rigid simulated pelvis. When located inside a laparoscopic trainer with an angled top cover, the model provides an ideal simulation for teaching and practicing laparoscopic hernia repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen
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Publication number: 20140087347Abstract: A surgical training device includes a model comprising a simulated tissue portion mounted in selectable tension onto a plurality of posts connected to a base. Each post includes at least one notch configured for retaining the simulated tissue portion. Mounting the simulated tissue portion that is in the form of a sheet in notches of different heights creates an angled installation of simulated tissue upon which surgical techniques such as cutting and suturing can be practiced in a simulated laparoscopic environment. More than one sheet can be mounted and each sheet can be mounted with selectable tension by pulling the sheet more or less as desired onto the posts. One variation includes a simulated tumor disposed between sheets, angled or wobbly posts and textured and imprinted simulated tissue surfaces to provide various levels of dynamism and difficulty for surgical skills training in a laparoscopic environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Breslin Tracy, Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Serene Wachli, Adam Hoke, Michael Palermo, Amy Garces, Jacqueline DeMarchi