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).

  • Publication number: 20220096166
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to perform robot-aided surgery. A system may include a robotic controller to monitor a position and orientation of an end effector coupled to an end of a robotic arm. The robotic controller may apply a force to a bone using the end effector, such as via a soft tissue balancing component. The robotic controller may determine soft tissue balance using information from a tracking system, such as a position of a first tracker affixed to the bone. The soft tissue balance may be output, such as to a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Alain Richard, Olivier Boisvert, Emily Gogarty, Louis-Philippe Amiot, Sebastien Parratte, Di Li, Dugal James
  • Publication number: 20220079693
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for surgical tracking and control are generally described herein. A system may include a robotic arm configured to allow interactive movement and controlled autonomous movement of an end effector, a cut guide mounted to the end effector of the robotic arm, the cut guide configured to guide a surgical instrument within a plane, a tracking system to determine a position and an orientation of the cut guide, and a control system to permit or prevent interactive movement or autonomous movement of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Emily Gogarty, Olivier Boisvert, Pierre Couture, Di Li, Benoit Pelletier, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Suntara Ly
  • Patent number: 11234770
    Abstract: Systems and methods for femoral medial condyle spherical center identification and tracking are described herein. Once the spherical center of the medial condyle is identified, the spherical center is tracked using a pin or internal reference. The spherical center may be used to provide a key kinematic motion reference, such as when the medial condyle is adjusted during a surgical procedure. The tracking may be used to provide optical tracking, inertial tracking, or other tracking. In contrast with surface-mounted optical trackers, the spherical center tracking is not lost during resection (e.g., removal) of a bone surface. Tracking the medial condyle spherical center may reduce or eliminate the need for a surface-mounted optical tracker or preoperative 3-D modeling or of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Berend, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 11229489
    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, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Merette, Harlan Levine, Pierre Couture, Olivier Boisvert, Emily Gogarty, Marc-Antoine Dufour, Vincent Masse
  • Publication number: 20220015841
    Abstract: A method or system for storing an instrument, such as in a sterile environment. For example, a surgical robotic system may include a surgical robotic arm and a sterilization unit enclosing the sterile environment and storing the instrument. A processor may be used to determine that the instrument is needed (e.g., during a surgical procedure or portion of a surgical procedure or for a future surgical procedure or portion of a future surgical procedure). The processor may provide access to the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Ramnada Chav, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20220020219
    Abstract: A method or system for using an augmented reality device may include displaying information in a surgical field. A method may include receiving an indication of a location of a landmark on a bone of a patient, retrieving a planned location of the landmark on the bone of the patient and receiving information corresponding to the location or the planned location. The location or the planned location may be displayed as a virtual indication using an augmented reality display of the augmented reality device, for example while permitting the surgical field to be viewed through the augmented reality display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Ramnada Chav, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20220015770
    Abstract: A system for controlling a tourniquet pressure may have 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. The system may obtain ultrasound readings indicative of a blood flow in a limb having a tourniquet applying pressure on the limb; determine characteristic(s) of the blood flow from the ultrasound readings; and adjust a tourniquet pressure as a function of the at least one characteristic of the blood flow. An integrated robotic surgery system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Pierre COUTURE, Victor CERDA-CARVAJAL, Andrew FREIBERG, Matthew J. MCDONELL
  • Publication number: 20210386488
    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: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe AMIOT, Pierre COUTURE
  • Patent number: 11179207
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for surgical tracking and control are generally described herein. A system may include a robotic arm configured to allow interactive movement and controlled autonomous movement of an end effector, a cut guide mounted to the end effector of the robotic arm, the cut guide configured to guide a surgical instrument within a plane, a tracking system to determine a position and an orientation of the cut guide, and a control system to permit or prevent interactive movement or autonomous movement of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Orthosoft ULC
    Inventors: Emily Gogarty, Olivier Boisvert, Pierre Couture, Di Li, Benoit Pelletier, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Suntara Ly
  • Patent number: 11154372
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for surgical tracking and control are generally described herein. A system may include a robotic arm configured to allow interactive movement and controlled autonomous movement of an end effector, a cut guide mounted to the end effector of the robotic arm, the cut guide configured to guide a surgical instrument within a plane, a tracking system to determine a position and an orientation of the cut guide, and a control system to permit or prevent interactive movement or autonomous movement of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Orthosoft ULC
    Inventors: Emily Gogarty, Olivier Boisvert, Pierre Couture, Di Li, Benoit Pelletier, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Suntara Ly
  • Patent number: 11135021
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to perform robot-aided surgery. A system may include a robotic controller to monitor a position and orientation of an end effector coupled to an end of a robotic arm. The robotic controller may apply a force to a bone using the end effector, such as via a soft tissue balancing component. The robotic controller may determine soft tissue balance using information from a tracking system, such as a position of a first tracker affixed to the bone. The soft tissue balance may be output, such as to a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Alain Richard, Olivier Boisvert, Emily Gogarty, Louis-Philippe Amiot, Sebastien Parratte, Di Li, Dugal James
  • Patent number: 11129681
    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: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT ULC
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Amiot, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20210236211
    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: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Orsa Britton, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20210128244
    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: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Pierre COUTURE, Ramnada CHAV, Sebastien PARRATTE, Kevin UNGER
  • Patent number: 10987175
    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: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: MedTech S.A.
    Inventors: Orsa Britton, Pierre Couture
  • Publication number: 20210065870
    Abstract: A system and method provide a postoperative protocol based on a surgical procedure. A system may include using a processor to determine, for example upon completion of an orthopedic procedure on anatomy of a patient, a final state of the anatomy. The system may determine, using, for example, a machine learning trained model, a postoperative protocol for the patient based on the final state. The postoperative protocol may be displayed. The machine learning trained model may be trained using postoperative protocols, final states, and postoperative feedback for patients according to an example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ted Spooner, Jason Nash, Pierre Couture, William Hartman
  • Publication number: 20210052288
    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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Pierre COUTURE, Louis-Philippe AMIOT
  • Patent number: 10881416
    Abstract: The patient specific instrument (PSI) assembly for guiding a surgical tool on a tibia during a knee replacement surgery includes an extra-medullary portion at a distal end, an elongated rod connected at a distal end to the extra-medullary portion and extending in a direction along a mechanical axis of the tibia, and an upper mounting portion at a proximal end. The extra-medullary portion has a pair of spaced apart malleoli clamping elements with a size and/or relative position that is patient-specific for engaging respective ones of the lateral and medial malleoli. The upper mounting portion including a base body connected to a proximal end of the elongated rod and a surgical guide having guide openings extending therethrough and anchor element(s) on the upper mounting portion in locations adapted to overlay a peripheral contour of the tibia. The peripheral contour of the tibia including an anterior surface of the proximal tibia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ZIMMER INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Trong Tin Nguyen, Anselm Jakob Neurohr, Jean-Sébastien Merette
  • Patent number: 10878965
    Abstract: A patient-specific cutting assembly comprises a model file including geometrical data of a bone of the patient, of an intramedullary canal of the bone, and a planned orientation of a cutting block. A fixing rod is adapted to be longitudinally inserted in and extending partially from the intramedullary canal. A patient-specific cutting block is connectable to the fixing rod. The patient-specific cutting block includes a structure having a patient specific geometry corresponding to the model file of the patient, the structure configured to be connected to a portion of the fixing rod projecting from the bone in a unique coupling orientation. A cutting guide is connected to the structure, the cutting guide being in the planned orientation when the structure is connected to the portion of the fixing rod projecting from the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Vincent Masse, Anselm Jakob Neurohr
  • Patent number: 10874408
    Abstract: A system for creating a patient-specific jig model for patellar resurfacing surgery comprises a patellar implant positioning module for obtaining a planned position of a patellar implant on a model of the patella, the model being anatomically patient-specific. A patella resurfacing calculator module calculates a position and/or orientation of a resurfacing plane and attachment bore in the patella as a function of the planned position of the patellar implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC
    Inventor: Pierre Couture