Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150374345
    Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Donald F. SPECHT, Kenneth D. BREWER
  • Publication number: 20150374346
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes an ultrasound scanner (104) and a client device (106) with a display (120). The client device is not a mechanical component of the scanner. The client device requests ultrasound data from the scanner and displays the requested data with the display. A method includes receiving a signal from a client device wherein the client device is not a mechanical component of the scanner, and interpreting a command indicative of the signal, and at least one of: setting a scan parameter of the ultrasound scanner for a scan, transmitting application software to the client device, or transmitting ultrasound data to the client device. A method includes transmitting a signal to an ultrasound scanner, wherein the client device is not a mechanical component of the scanner, and receiving in response to the signal, at least one of: application software or ultrasound data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jesper Lomborg Manigoff, Michael Knud Eibye
  • Publication number: 20150374347
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes an ultrasound sub-system (104) with at least a transducer array (112), and an ultrasound resource pool (106). The ultrasound sub-system and the ultrasound resource pool are separate entities. The ultrasound resource pool provides temporary access to ultrasound processing resources of the ultrasound resource pool on an on-demand basis, based on an identified performance mode of the ultrasound sub-system for a scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jesper Lomborg Manigoff, Michael Knud Eibye
  • Publication number: 20150374348
    Abstract: A needle includes an elongate body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal tip and including a lumen extending therethrough and a piezoelectric element positioned along a distal portion of the body so that, when a potential difference is applied thereto, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts to vibrate the distal tip of the elongate body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: John Allen HINGSTON
  • Publication number: 20150374349
    Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Todd M. Dahling, Patrick A. Mescher, John A. Hibner, Trevor W.V. Speeg, Jessica P. Leimbach, Raj G. Raghavendran, Gavin M. Monson
  • Publication number: 20150374350
    Abstract: Disclosed is an occlusion device having an angle variable flat disk, comprising a single-layer disk (4), a plug (6) and a waist (5) connecting the single-layer disk (4) and the plug (6). The single-layer disk (4) is braided from elastic strands and comprises a plurality of radially-arranged support rods (40). Grids braided from elastic strands are provided on the surface of the plug (6). The waist (5) comprises at least one connecting strand. An annular interlocking structure is provided in the center of the single-layer disk (4). The plurality of support rods (40) are connected into a flat integral body via the annular interlocking structure. The connecting strand of the waist (5) is connected to the annular interlocking structure and the grids of the plug (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaochun Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20150374351
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
  • Publication number: 20150374352
    Abstract: There is provided a method of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, which includes dissecting one of a mucosal layer and a submucosal layer of at least one of an esophagogastric junction and a stomach in a range less than an entire circumference of a circumferential direction so that moderate stenosis occurs due to cicatrization in an area in which one of the mucosal layer and the submucosal layer is dissected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Haruhiro INOUE
  • Publication number: 20150374353
    Abstract: A housing for sealing mechanical or electrical components therewithin including first and second body portions that are coupled together along parting surfaces to define an interior space. The parting surface of the first body portion defines an opening that extends orthogonal to the parting surfaces. The second body portion includes a protrusion extending into the opening from the parting surface of the second body portion. The fastener engages the protrusion to couple the first and second body portions together. The fastener is inserted through the outer surface of the first body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Earl Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20150374354
    Abstract: A percutaneous system in which tubular retractors are utilized as a means of access, visualization, and a controlled orientation for preparation of posterior spinal elements and delivery of graft material for posterior spinal fusion. The tubular retractors are affixed to screw extensions to rotate and articulate relative to multi-axial screws percutaneously inserted into respective pedicles of vertebral bodies. The procedure is done bilaterally, although it could be performed unilaterally in cases where the anatomy or surgeon preference dictates. A number of different deployable graft concepts are disclosed, the primary features being to allow for creation of a graft space volume and a means for delivery of the graft material preferred by the surgeon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: LAWRENCE M. BOYD, JOHN J. RATCLIFFE, JR., JOSHUA MORIN, SHRESTA MARIGOWDA, TIM E. ADAMSON, DANIEL ROBBINS, THOMAS J. BARBIERI
  • Publication number: 20150374355
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a biological construct according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a suture loop/needle construct to a reinforcement material and stitching the reinforcement material to a biological construct to form a reinforced biological construct. The reinforcement material is attached to the suture loop/needle construct prior to approximating the reinforcement material to the biological construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: James J. GUERRA, Jacob A. JOLLY, Dustin T. LIBBY, Thomas M. DEBERARDINO
  • Publication number: 20150374356
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes a proximal component, a distal component, and an intermediate component positioned between the distal component and the proximal component. The proximal and distal components can each be configured to move independent of one another and to move relative to the intermediate component. In this way, the proximal, intermediate, and distal components of the suture anchor can be configured to cooperate with one another to prevent removal of the suture anchor from a bone hole in which the suture anchor is disposed and to lock a suture relative to the suture anchor and to the bone hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20150374357
    Abstract: A device for the anchoring of a suture in tissue includes a guide sleeve, a sonotrode, an anchor and the suture. The guide sleeve has a distal part with a smaller cross section and a proximal part with a larger cross section. The sonotrode extends through the lumen of the guide sleeve and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being designed for coupling the sonotrode to a vibration source (e.g. an ultrasonic device). The anchor is arranged at the distal end of the device and includes an anchor foot and an anchoring sleeve sitting on a shoulder of the anchor foot. The anchoring sleeve consists of a material which is liquefiable through mechanical vibrations. A middle portion of the suture runs through the anchor foot and two end portions of the suture are attached to the guide sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani, Stephanie Mehl, Jörg Mayer
  • Publication number: 20150374358
    Abstract: There is provided a repeated type organ fixing instrument having a plurality of suturing tools. The organ fixing instrument includes a rod-shaped engaging portion, a suture fixed to the engaging portion, a puncture needle for housing a plurality of the engaging portions. A plurality of the engaging portions are extruded one by one from the puncture needle by the operation of a operation unit main body. The suture fixed to at least one of the plurality of engaging portions is inserted within the inside of the puncture needle and wherein the other suture is derived from the inside to the outside of the puncture needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Suzuki, Kazuki Okada, Shinetsu Harata, Kiyotaka Arikawa, Yasunori Kojo
  • Publication number: 20150374359
    Abstract: A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SUTURE EASE, INC.
    Inventor: SCOTT HENEVELD
  • Publication number: 20150374360
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, John C. Schuckmann, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374361
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a lower jaw, an anvil, and a resilient member. The anvil is pivotable relative to the lower jaw between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The resilient member is configured to bias the anvil to remain in the fully opened position when the anvil is in the fully opened position. The end effector may include a closure ring coupled with the anvil that is translatable relative to the lower jaw and configured to engage the anvil at an interface as the closure ring translates proximally relative to the lower jaw to thereby pivot the anvil relative to the lower jaw toward the fully opened position. In various embodiments, the resilient member may comprise elastomeric material positioned between the closure ring and the anvil or a pair of springs or resilient arms that engage the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Gettinger, Katherine J. Schmid, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374362
    Abstract: A method for using a surgical instrument comprises translating a first translatable member to unlock an articulation joint, translating a second translatable member to articulate and end effector at the articulation joint, and translating the second translatable member again to lock the articulation joint. The first and second translatable members may be translatable independently of each other. The act of unlocking an articulation joint may include moving a locking feature along a plane that is parallel to both the longitudinal axis of a shaft assembly and an articulation axis of the articulation joint. The locking feature may move longitudinally along the articulation axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Gettinger, David Bruns, John C. Schuckmann, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374363
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, IV, Jason M. Rector, Robert J. Simms, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Douglas B. Hoffman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374364
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an articulation joint. The end effector is operable to manipulate (e.g., staple) tissue. The articulation joint couples the end effector with the shaft assembly and permits the end effector to deflect away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation joint comprises a locking assembly, which is operable to selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly; and an unlocking feature. The unlocking feature is operable to selectively unlock the locking assembly. The shaft assembly further comprises a first movable member, which is operable to selectively drive articulation of the end effector at the articulation joint; and a second movable member, which is operable to selectively drive the unlocking feature. The second movable member is movable independently relative to the first movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Gettinger, Robert J. Simms, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374365
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an articulation joint. The end effector is operable to manipulate (e.g., staple) tissue. The articulation joint couples the end effector with the shaft assembly and permits the end effector to deflect away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation joint comprises a locking assembly, which is operable to selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis. The locking assembly comprises a first locking member and a second locking member. The first locking member is unitarily secured to the end effector. The second locking member is movable along a first axis to selectively engage the first locking member to thereby selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The first axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: John C. Schuckmann, David Bruns
  • Publication number: 20150374366
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Earl Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian, Paul Richard
  • Publication number: 20150374367
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374368
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Joseph C. Hueil, Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374369
    Abstract: A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Publication number: 20150374370
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, David M. Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20150374371
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a switch, a sensor link, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The switch is configured to be toggled in response to the surgical loading unit being coupled to the distal portion of the adapter assembly. The sensor link is disposed within the distal portion of the adapter assembly and biased toward a distal position. The sensor link is longitudinally movable between a proximal position and the distal position. The annular member is disposed within the distal portion and is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the annular member prevents distal movement of the sensor link, and a second orientation, in which the sensor link moves distally to toggle the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Richard, Earl M. Zergiebel, David M. Chowaniec, Ryan V. Williams, Anand Subramanian, Nihir Patel
  • Publication number: 20150374372
    Abstract: Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, David Fowler
  • Publication number: 20150374373
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B . Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
  • Publication number: 20150374374
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph E. Young
  • Publication number: 20150374375
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Charles J. Scheib
  • Publication number: 20150374376
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374377
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374378
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374379
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150374380
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Lance Miller, Jason Iain Glithero
  • Publication number: 20150374381
    Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes a clip main body which includes a pair of arm portions; a pressing tube through which the clip main body is inserted; a locking portion which is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of a proximal end of the pressing tube; a locked portion which is disposed on the proximal end side of the clip main body; a sheath portion; a linear member connected to the clip main body and inserted through the sheath portion; a stopper portion which is configured to regulate a protrusion length of the linear member with respect to the distal end of the sheath portion; and a connection member which is disposed at a distal end of the linear member such that a connection between the linear member and the clip main body is released by regulating a movement of the clip main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motoi SATAKE, Kensuke UESAKA
  • Publication number: 20150374382
    Abstract: Provided herein are a system, method, and apparatus for delivering a therapeutic device, e.g. an embolic coil, from a delivery tube at a target site in a patient's body. A heating element is disposed in the delivery tube that can be actuated remotely, and a layer of low temperature adhesive is applied at the heating element to retain the therapeutic device. The kicker in the form of, for example, a compressed spring is mounted within the delivery tube so as to be in contact with the therapeutic device for applying a constant ejector force that is countered by the adhesive force of the low temperature adhesive. When the heating element is actuated, the spring's ejector force overcomes the softened adhesive's adhesive force to force the therapeutic device out of the delivery tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: JUAN LORENZO
  • Publication number: 20150374383
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a support structure which is twistable in a longitudinal direction of the device. A sleeve of filter or occluding material is attached to the ends of the structure. The structure in practice twists on itself in the longitudinal direction, causing the sleeve to twist on itself and as a result to close the lumen through the sleeve. The device provides reliable closure and as a result occlusion of a vessel. It is also able to be delivered over a guide wire. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a wire which coils around the sleeve to constrict the sleeve and as a result to close a lumen of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Tue Thuren Bödewadt, Christina Rauff Hansen, Erik E. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20150374384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modularized patient-specific registration guide and a system using the same and, more specifically, to a modularized patient-specific registration guide capable of rapidly carrying out an initial registration step for a bone, which is a surgical site, and inducing a registration step to be easily performed even during an operation, and a system using the same. The modularized patient-specific registration guide, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is a registration guide manufactured according to a three-dimensional shape of a bone obtained in an imaging device, the registration guide comprising: a first member having one or more markers and one or more extending parts that come in contact with the bone, and having a groove on one side thereof; and a second member accommodated in or separable from the groove of the first member and having one or more markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Kun Woo LEE, Tae Ho JANG
  • Publication number: 20150374385
    Abstract: A handpiece for dental or surgical applications has a chuck for rotatably clamping a tool such as a bur, the chuck being drivingly connectable to a drive mechanism such as to rotate the tool about a rotation axis thereof, a push button operatively connected to the chuck, configured to release the tool from the chuck upon depressing the push button, a spherical element, preferably a ball, fitted within or mounted at the push button, arranged and configured such that, when the push button is depressed, the spherical element enters into contact with the chuck, the spherical element being of a material with a high hardness on the Vickers scale of >2000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: BIEN-AIR HOLDING SA
    Inventor: Sébastien JUILLERAT
  • Publication number: 20150374386
    Abstract: A method for replacing a joint surface, which includes resecting a first portion of the joint surface to create a wall surface and inner resected surface. The wall surface (2006) separates the inner resected surface and a non-resected portion of the joint surface. Further included in the method is cutting a concave groove having a first radius into the wall surface, and engaging the concave groove with a periphery of a joint prosthesis. The periphery includes a second radius that is substantially the same as the first radius of the concave groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carlos E. Collazo, Stuart L. Axelson, Jr., Michael C. Ferko, Emily Hampp
  • Publication number: 20150374387
    Abstract: An orthopedic driver is provided that includes an elongate tubular body and an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly has a housing that has at least one opening and a visual indicator disposed in the at least one opening. The visual indicator is configured to be coupled with a guide pin such that lateral movement of the elongate tubular body relative to the guide pin causes the visual indicator to move between a flush or recessed configuration within the housing and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the visual indicator extends outward of an outer surface of the housing. The flush or recessed configuration corresponds to alignment of the guide pin relative to the elongate tubular body and the extended configuration corresponds to misalignment of the guide pin relative to the elongate tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Courtney, JR., Brian C. Hodorek, Matthew J. Purdy
  • Publication number: 20150374388
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a customized patient-specific guide block is disclosed. The customized patient-specific guide block includes a first surface, a bone-facing surface, a second surface positioned opposite the first surface and the bone-facing surface, and a guide pin hole extending between the second surface and the bone-facing surface. The first surface has a customized prosthesis-specific negative contour shaped to match a corresponding contour of a prosthetic component, and the customized prosthesis-specific negative contour includes a concave surface shaped to match a convex surface of the corresponding contour of the prosthetic component. A method of performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Luke J. Aram, Janelle M. Lubensky, Rebecca L. Chaney
  • Publication number: 20150374389
    Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a patient-specific portion and a guiding element having a through opening. The patient-specific portion has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured to mate as a negative of a portion of an iliac crest of a pelvis of a specific patient and mate to the iliac crest only in one position. The guiding element has a preoperatively configured orientation and location relative to the patient-specific portion for preparing a bore in the bone of the patient to direct a bone screw at the preoperatively configured orientation and location for sacroiliac fixation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan J. SCHOENEFELD, Robert C. GUTIERREZ, Philip A. MELLINGER
  • Publication number: 20150374390
    Abstract: Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means 51, 61 arranged to locate at least one reference surface 4 of the bone and guide means 53, 54 arranged to define the attachment position in two dimensions on the attachment surface relative to the reference surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Amis, Andrew Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150374391
    Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly an embolism within a small vessel, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member configured to extend through a delivery catheter and a plurality of clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. The individual clot engagement members can have a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, and the first portions can have a proximal region attached to the support member. In the deployed state, the individual second portions can extend from the distal region of one of the first portions and project radially outwardly relative to the support member in a curve that has a proximally extending section which defines a proximally facing concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Quick, Brian J. Cox, Paul Lubock, Robert F. Rosenbluth
  • Publication number: 20150374392
    Abstract: An elongated endoscopic apparatus has an elongated catheter provided with a snare provision for performing a snaring procedure, a surgery clip, and a clip applier for clipping the wound left by the snaring procedure with the surgery clip. Preferably the elongated catheter is formed with an elongated inner tubular conduit that can accommodate a plurality of surgery clips, each having a C-shape characterized by a pair of elongated jaws mated together at a hinge end, wherein the jaws have tip ends forming the head end for the clip and hinge end forms the tail end for the clip when said plurality of clips are loaded into core of the inner tubular conduit in head to tail procession. The clip applier dispenses the clips a single at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Mubashir H. Khan
  • Publication number: 20150374393
    Abstract: A clot retrieval apparatus 1 comprises a clot engaging device 2 and a capture basket 3. The clot engaging device 2 has a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration. The clot engaging device has a proximal end and a distal end and an elongate body between the proximal end and the distal end. The capture basket 3 has a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration. The capture basket 3 has a proximal mouth which is open when the capture basket 3 is in the deployment configuration. The clot engaging device 2 is axially movable relative to the capture basket for capture of a clot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Neuravi Limited
    Inventors: Eamon BRADY, Michael GILVARRY, Mahmood K. RAZAVI, David VALE
  • Publication number: 20150374394
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for lysing a thrombus or ablating a mass in a subject by administering a plurality of biodegradable nanoparticles and delivering ultrasound to the subject. Also provided is a method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tumor in a subject by administering a plurality of biodegradable nanoparticles comprising the therapeutic agent and delivering ultrasound to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
    Inventors: Michael J. BORRELLI, Ajay P. MALSHE, Eric HAMILTON, Kaleb SMITHSON, Dheeraj AHLUWALIA