Patents by Inventor Pierre Couture

Pierre Couture 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).

  • Patent number: 11986250
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining position and orientation of a bone of an anatomical feature are described. These include the use of a wearable holder configured to be mounted about an outer-skin surface of the anatomical feature, such that the anatomical feature and the bone are positioned in fixed relation with respect to the wearable holder when the wearable holder is mounted about the anatomical feature. Reference marker arrays are fixedly mounted to the wearable holder, each being positioned on the wearable holder to identify a landmark of the bone within the wearable holder when the wearable holder is mounted to the anatomical feature. The position and orientation of the reference markers are trackable to determine position and orientation of the wearable holder in a reference coordinate system, thereby enabling position and orientation of the landmarks on the bone to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Di Li, Louis-Philippe Amiot, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20240148439
    Abstract: A surgical assistance system includes a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining a video feed of a surgical procedure and monitoring the surgical procedure from the video feed; detecting, from an image processing of the video feed, a condition requiring a deviation from the surgical procedure, the deviation being defined as being outside of a standard surgical flow; and outputting a recommendation of deviation by intra-operatively providing the recommendation to an operator of the surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Pierre COUTURE, Ramnada CHAV, Sebastien PARRATTE, Kevin UNGER
  • Patent number: 11967422
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-operative or intra-operative surgical procedure feedback provide a recommendation to a surgeon. A system may include a robotic surgical device to perform a portion of a surgical procedure on a patient, and a processor to determine a recommendation, based on past surgical information, for the portion of the surgical procedure performed by the robotic surgical device or for a next action to be taken, but the robotic surgical device or a surgeon. The system may include outputting the recommendation by intra-operatively providing the recommendation to a surgeon operating the robotic surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MedTech S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, William Hartman
  • Publication number: 20240099806
    Abstract: A system to localize a micro-device inside a target body part, including: a micro-device remotely steered and controlled from outside the target body part, a control unit including a memory for storing one ultrasound image of the target body part, one probe being brought in contact with a securing body part of the patient, and at least one tracker connected to the micro-device. The probe and the tracker communicate with ultrasounds, the control unit being thus able to localize, in real time, the tracker within an internal referential defined with regards to the probe, and the control unit displays, on a screen, the ultrasound image and displays, in real time, the localization of the micro-device on the ultrasound image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicants: ROBEAUTE, SORBONNE UNIVERSITE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, INSERM (INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTÉ ET DE LA RECHERCHE MÉDICALE)
    Inventors: Quentin FRANCOIS, Bertrand DUPLAT, Sinan HALIYO, Stéphane RÉGNIER, Pierre ZARADER, Olivier COUTURE, Antoine COUDERT
  • Publication number: 20240090956
    Abstract: A system for tracking at least one bone in robotized computer-assisted surgery, comprises a processing unit and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining backscatter images of the at least one bone from a tracking device in a coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional geometry of a surface of the at least one bone from the backscatter images, the three-dimensional geometry of the surface being in the coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the at least one bone in the coordinate system by matching the three-dimensional geometry of the surface of the at least one bone to a three-dimensional model of the bone; controlling an automated robotized variation of at least one of a position and orientation of the tracking device as a function of a processing of the backscatter images; and continuously outputting the position and orientation of
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe AMIOT, Pierre COUTURE
  • Patent number: 11903652
    Abstract: A surgical assistance system includes a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining a video feed of a surgical procedure and monitoring the surgical procedure from the video feed; detecting, from an image processing of the video feed, a condition requiring a deviation from the surgical procedure, the deviation being defined as being outside of a standard surgical flow; and outputting a recommendation of deviation by intra-operatively providing the recommendation to an operator of the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Ramnada Chav, Sebastien Parratte, Kevin Unger
  • Publication number: 20240041620
    Abstract: A system and method may be used to evaluate soft tissue. A hip joint evaluation may use an adjustable spacer, such as varying sized physical spacers or an inflatable bladder, along with a sensor to measure force, pressure, gap distance, or the like, for example during a range of motion test. A method may include using a maximum pressure during the range of motion test to determine a maximum pressure during the range of motion test. The maximum pressure may be output for display on a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventor: Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11864846
    Abstract: A system for tracking at least one bone in robotized computer-assisted surgery, comprises a processing unit and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining backscatter images of the at least one bone from a tracking device in a coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional geometry of a surface of the at least one bone from the backscatter images, the three-dimensional geometry of the surface being in the coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the at least one bone in the coordinate system by matching the three-dimensional geometry of the surface of the at least one bone to a three-dimensional model of the bone; controlling an automated robotized variation of at least one of a position and orientation of the tracking device as a function of a processing of the backscatter images; and continuously outputting the position and orientation of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Amiot, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11849957
    Abstract: Patient-specific instrumentation for use when performing articular joint repair is provided. A patient-specific jig is adapted to be positioned over a bone at an articular surface thereof for assisting in preparing the bone surface for reception of a prosthesis. The jig comprises a bone contacting portion adapted to matingly contact a portion of the articular surface of the bone and a cutting slot adapted to receive therein a saw blade for resecting the articular surface of the bone. The cutting slot may be press-fitted into the opening of a cut guide. A patient-specific plate and a patient-specific rotational guide are also provided for guiding a positioning of the prosthesis over the resected surface of the bone. A method for manufacturing the patient-specific jig is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Trong Tin Nguyen, Anselm Jakob Neurohr, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Jean-Guillaume Abiven, Alain Richard
  • Publication number: 20230389994
    Abstract: Methods and surgical system for performing a surgical procedure. The surgical system includes a robotic system with a robotic arm having a surgical instrument attached thereto. A computer system of the robotic system receives at least one image and forms a model of a surgical area. A computer operated tracking system of the robotic system obtains position data related to a patient's bone from tracking elements. Based on the model of the surgical area and the tracked bone position, the robotic arm then performs the surgical procedure with the surgical instrument, and the robotic system adjusts the procedure as a result of the tracked bone position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Orsa Britton, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11833063
    Abstract: A system and method may be used to evaluate soft tissue. A knee arthroplasty soft tissue evaluation may use an adjustable spacer, such as varying sized physical spacers or an inflatable bladder, along with a sensor to measure force, pressure, gap distance, or the like during a range of motion test. A method may include maintaining an equal pressure or gap distance for a medial component and a lateral component of an adjustable spacer during a range of motion test. Information, including, for example a maximum or minimum gap distance or pressure may be determined during the range of motion test. The determined information may be output for display or used to update a surgical plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Exactech, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11813180
    Abstract: A system and method may be used to evaluate soft tissue. A hip joint evaluation may use an adjustable spacer, such as varying sized physical spacers or an inflatable bladder, along with a sensor to measure force, pressure, gap distance, or the like, for example during a range of motion test. A method may include using a maximum pressure during the range of motion test to determine a maximum pressure during the range of motion test. The maximum pressure may be output for display on a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Exactech, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11779402
    Abstract: Methods and surgical system for performing a surgical procedure. The surgical system includes a robotic system with a robotic arm having a surgical instrument attached thereto. A computer system of the robotic system receives at least one image and forms a model of a surgical area. A computer operated tracking system of the robotic system obtains position data related to a patient's bone from tracking elements. Based on the model of the surgical area and the tracked bone position, the robotic arm then performs the surgical procedure with the surgical instrument, and the robotic system adjusts the procedure as a result of the tracked bone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: MedTech S.A.
    Inventors: Orsa Britton, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11707333
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to perform robot-aided surgery. A system may include a display device and a computing device including a memory device with instructions. The instructions can cause the system to access surgical data, calculate medial and lateral gap data, calculate a recommended component set, and generate a graphical user interface. Accessing surgical data can include accessing soft tissue data indicative of at least tension in soft tissues surrounding a surgical location. The graphical user interface can include an interactive trapezoidal graphic overlaid onto a graphical representation of a distal femur and a proximal tibia. The interactive trapezoidal graphic can include a graphical representation of a medial total gap, a lateral total gap, and a recommended spacer size. The interactive trapezoidal graphic can update in response to adjustments in implant parameters to assist in surgical planning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Merette, Harlan Levine, Pierre Couture, Olivier Boisvert, Emily Gogarty, Marc-Antoine Dufour, Vincent Masse
  • Patent number: 11684426
    Abstract: A system for determining a position and an orientation of a bone of an anatomical feature includes a trackable reference device having a surgical pin at a first position being attachable to the bone. A wearable attachment attached to the trackable reference device is configured to be mounted about the outer-skin surface of the anatomical feature. A distance sensor mounted to the trackable reference device at a second position is operable to determine a distance measurement of the second position of the trackable reference device from the bone. Reference markers are fixedly mounted to the trackable reference device. A position sensing device registers position and orientation readings of the reference markers in a reference coordinate system. A processing unit determines the position and the orientation of the bone in the reference coordinate system using the position and orientation readings and the distance measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventor: Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20230172667
    Abstract: A system for creating at least one model of a bone and implanted implant comprises a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining at least one image of at least part of a bone and of an implanted implant on the bone, the at least one image being patient specific, obtaining a virtual model of the implanted implant using an identity of the implanted implant, overlaying the virtual model of the implanted implant on the at least one image to determine a relative orientation of the implanted implant relative to the bone in the at least one image, and generating and outputting a current bone and implant model using the at least one image, the virtual model of the implanted implant and the overlaying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Ramnada CHAV, Jean-Sebastien MERETTE, Tin NGUYEN, Karine DUVAL, Pierre COUTURE
  • Publication number: 20230134629
    Abstract: An on-bone robotic system may have a bone anchor device configured to be received in a bone, the bone anchor device including at least one sensor for tracking an orientation of the bone. A robotic tool unit may be releasably connected to the bone anchor device, the robotic tool unit including one or more actuators for displacing a surgical implement of the robotic tool unit relative to the bone when the robotic tool unit is connected to the bone anchor device. The on-bone robotic system includes one or more joints enabling a degree(s) of freedom of movement of the surgical implement relative to the bone anchor device. The on-bone robotic system includes a processor for operating the at least one actuator as a function of the tracking of the bone by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe AMIOT, Pierre COUTURE, Karine DUVAL, Alain RICHARD
  • Patent number: 11602358
    Abstract: Examples of robotically controlled planar cutting systems and methods for controlling cutting systems to prepare bone tissue in surgical procedures, are generally described herein. Applicable surgical procedures for the robotically controlled cutting systems and methods include procedures involving the preparation (e.g., removal, surfacing) of bone tissue, such as is performed in knee arthroplasties. In an example, a robotically controlled planar cutting system can include a housing, a cutting element disposed in the housing, and a cutting control mechanism in communication with a robotic controller to control operation of the cutting element to machine a planar surface. The cutting element can be exposed and retracted relative to the housing and can include a plurality of cutting implements arranged to machine the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Louis-Philippe Amiot
  • Publication number: 20230061695
    Abstract: A pin placement instrument for placing a pin in a bone comprises an anatomical interface with a hook-like portion being opened in a lateral direction of the instrument to receive a bone therein in a planned position. A drill guide is connected to the anatomical interface and defining at least one guide slot in a longitudinal direction of the instrument. The guide slot has a lateral opening over its full length in the drill guide to allow lateral withdrawal of the instrument in said lateral direction with the pin placed in the bone passing through the lateral opening. A bushing is removably placed in said guide slot via said longitudinal direction in a planned fit, the bushing defining a throughbore aligned with the guide slot and adapted to receive the pin extending in said longitudinal direction when the bushing is in the guide slot for pin placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Alain Richard, Jean-Guillaume Abiven, Thomas Gourgon
  • Patent number: 11583224
    Abstract: A system for tracking a bone-altering tool in computer-assisted surgery, comprising a first trackable reference secured to a first bone, with a first frame of reference being associated with the first trackable reference. A bone-altering tool is securable to the first bone in a secured configuration. Sensors track the trackable reference for position and orientation. A position/orientation calculator is connected to the sensor device to calculate a position and orientation of the first frame of reference. An alteration parameter calculator is associated with the position/orientation calculator to determine a position and orientation of the bone-altering tool in the secured configuration as a function of the position and orientation of the first frame of reference and of the secured configuration. A method for tracking tools using the tracking of a bone is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Sebastien Jutras