Patents Issued in May 12, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160128760
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device with a handpiece that provides enhanced comfort of use, maneuverability, and for a variety of hand-held options to the user. Embodiments of the invention include handpieces that include a grip panel comprised of a friction-enhancing material to facilitate gripping of the handpiece by an operator. In addition, embodiments of the invention include handpieces having a generally symmetrical configuration in order to facilitate grasping by an operator's left or right hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: ADAM S. FEDENIA, PETER L. VISCONTI, MICHAEL J. MILELLA, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160128761
    Abstract: A tissue ablation system including numerous components and methods is described herein for encircling target tissue and generating tissue ablation volumes in various biological tissues. The biological tissue includes tissue of a variety of organs of the human body including the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, breast and other organs, but is not so limited. The tissue ablation device comprises an energy source and at least one trocar coupled to the energy source, the trocar having a body, a proximal end, and a distal end. The trocar carries an electrode array that comprises a plurality of electrodes, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes is configured to extend from the trocar when moved from a retracted state to a deployed state, and to have at least one radius of curvature in the deployed state so that the electrode array forms a series of shaped electrodes in the deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Steven A. DANIEL, David L. MORRIS, Kee Sein LEE
  • Publication number: 20160128762
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a plurality of jaws which can be configured to compress tissue therebetween. The end effector can further comprise one or more electrodes which can be configured to direct a flow of electrical current through the tissue in order to heat the tissue and denature collagen and/or other proteins within the tissue. As the tissue cools, the collagen and/or other proteins can renature and thereby seal the tissue. In certain embodiments, the end effector of the surgical instrument can further comprise movable portions which can apply a tension force to the tissue surrounding the tissue being sealed. In various circumstances, the tension force can reduce the over-denaturation, shrinkage, and/or other damage to the surrounding tissue caused by heat flowing from the end effector during the sealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Foster B. Stulen, Gregory W. Johnson, Prasanna Malaviya, Paul Guerra
  • Publication number: 20160128763
    Abstract: A method of treating bone tissue (e.g., a tumor, such as an osteoid osteoma) is provided. The method comprises introducing an ablation probe into bone tissue, deploying at least one ablative element transversely from the probe into the bone tissue, and convoying ablation energy from the ablative element(s) to ablate the bone tissue. In one method, the ablative element(s) comprises a pair of ablative elements, in which case, the ablative elements are transversely deployed from the ablation probe in opposite directions. In another method, the ablative element(s) comprises a plurality of ablative elements, in which case, the ablative elements are transversely deployed outward from the ablation probe in a plane. The ablation energy conveyed from the ablative element(s) may have a non-spherical profile, e.g., an elongated profile, to match a non-spherical profile of the bone tissue to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerryn Randall
  • Publication number: 20160128764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-frequency prostate treatment device, wherein an insertion unit, a high-frequency output unit, and an electrode unit, which are used for treating prostate, may be combined as one product, and the patient's prostate tissue may be treated more efficiently through a small number of components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Mokyung KIM, Hyobum KIM
  • Publication number: 20160128765
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. A sensor array formed on a flexible substrate conforms to an inner surface of the electrode and an insert disposed within the interior space engages the sensor array to position sensors of the sensor array in desired locations relative to the electrode. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schultz, Kelvin CHUU, Daniele GHIDOLI
  • Publication number: 20160128766
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes an insertion part and a driving mechanism coupled to the insertion part. The insertion part has a treatment part, a joint part configured to support the treatment part and to be capable of changing a direction of the treatment part, and a driving force transmission part connected to the joint part and configured to transmit a driving force to the joint part. The driving mechanism has a driving force generator that is connected to the driving force transmission part and is configured to generate the driving force. A storage part configured to store the treatment part in the joint part by the driving force transmitted from the driving force generator to the joint part via the driving force transmission part is formed at the joint part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoji HYODO, Kosuke KISHI
  • Publication number: 20160128767
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems, devices and methods for modulating targeted nerve fibers (e.g., hepatic neuromodulation) are provided. The systems may be configured to access tortuous anatomy of or adjacent hepatic vasculature. The systems may be configured to target nerves within a wall of (e.g., within adventitia surrounding a lumen of) an artery or other blood vessel, such as the common hepatic artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Metavention, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobak Robert Azamian, Jonathan Allen Coe, Scott Bradley Vafai, Anthony Ciro Vrba
  • Publication number: 20160128768
    Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby
  • Publication number: 20160128769
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating body tissues through narrow body passages employs an elongated cantilevered beam having a proximal end supported in a rigid block and a narrower distal end extendable through the narrow passages. One or more piezoelectric actuators are fixed to the beam surface and energized from an AC source through electrodes interspersed with the piezoelectric actuators to produce oscillatory motion of the beam distal end in multiple modes of movement with sensing electronics to monitor and control the distal mechanical movement. The oscillatory beam is assisted with cold plasma sterilization of the target tissue surface to be treated at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Rontal
  • Publication number: 20160128770
    Abstract: A method and system for presenting information representative of lesion formation is provided. The system comprises an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire a value for an ablation description parameter and/or a position signal metric, wherein the value corresponds to a location in the tissue. The ECU is further configured to evaluate the value, assign it a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generate a marker comprising the visual indicator such that the marker is indicative of the acquired value. The method comprises acquiring a value for the parameter/metric, and evaluating the value. The method further includes assigning a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generating a marker comprising the visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Valtino X. Afonso, Lubomir V. Dragnev, Sarah E. Cumming, Yitzhak I. Shai, Saurav Paul
  • Publication number: 20160128771
    Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body, a distal assembly with a shape-memory member defining a generally circular form, and a control handle adapted to actuate a deflection puller wire for deflecting a portion of the elongated body, and a contraction wire for contracting the generally circular form. The generally circular form which carries at least one ring electrode has an off-edge configuration relative to the elongated body such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated body does not intersect the circumference of the circular form and the generally circular form spirals about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Moreover, the circular form can have an on-axis configuration such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated body is axially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the circular form, or an off-axis configuration such that these axes are axially offset from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Allen Ditter, Michael Olen Zirkle, Shahram Moadebb, Diana Gallardo
  • Publication number: 20160128772
    Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Martin REINDERS, Daniel Robert WEINKAM, Roxanne Wai Tak LOUIE, Danai BISALPUTRA
  • Publication number: 20160128773
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic-treatment-instrument operation input device that includes: a grip section that is shaped so as to be capable of being gripped by the palm and at least the little finger and the ring finger of one hand of an operator; an operation section that is arranged at a position so as to be operable by the thumb of the one hand in state where the grip section is being gripped and that allows an operation command for causing a joint of the treatment instrument to actuate to be input; and a frictional fixing section that presses, and fixes in place with friction, a position midway along elongated trunk section of the treatment instrument in the longitudinal direction through use of the index finger of the one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: RYOHEI OGAWA, KOSUKE KISHI
  • Publication number: 20160128774
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20160128775
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for producing SuperContinuum (SC) light for medical and biological applications is provided. Pulses are focused from a laser system into at least one of a pressurized cell and one or more fibers. A pump pulse is converted into the SC light at a specified rate of repetition. The SC light is applied at the specified rate of repetition to tissue for medical and biological applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Robert R. Alfano
  • Publication number: 20160128776
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a laser pump chamber, including: at least one laser gain medium, at least one excitation source, and at least one diffuse reflector to direct and redirect an emission from the excitation source into the laser gain medium, wherein the at least one diffuse reflector is made from a diffuse reflector material comprising at least one of: 1) white quartz and 2) BaSO4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: John Curtis Walling
  • Publication number: 20160128777
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating mucosal tissue by concentrating a laser emission to at least one depth at a fluence sufficient to create an ablation volume in at least a portion of the mucosal tissue and controlling pulse width within the picosecond regime to provide a desired mechanical pressure in the form of shock waves and/or pressure waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Shaun Welches
  • Publication number: 20160128778
    Abstract: A pouch is formed from one or more webs of material that provide at least one absorbent surface. The pouch further includes an integral flap, which may be folded over the opening, or entrance, of the pouch so as to maintain the contents of the pouch in place and to help retain moisture within the pouch. The interior of the pouch is defined, at least partially, by its absorbent faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Westfield Medical Limited
    Inventor: Paul Hartley
  • Publication number: 20160128779
    Abstract: A cleaning product for an indwelling urinary catheterized patient including an outer packaging film and at least one washcloth disposed within the film. The at least one washcloth is infused with a cleaning solution that is compatible with the indwelling urinary catheter. A method of using the cleaning product for an indwelling urinary catheterized patient including providing an outer packaging film and at least one washcloth disposed within the film that is infused with a cleaning solution that is compatible with an indwelling urinary catheter, opening the outer packaging film to expose the at least one washcloth, removing the at least one washcloth from the outer packaging film, and cleaning a meatal and surrounding area of the patient with the at least one washcloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Sage Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer M. Allen, Gregory T. Davis, Jessica A. Farrell, Wendee E. Green, Curtis L. Hollabaugh
  • Publication number: 20160128780
    Abstract: A releasably attached surgical scissor spray shield is mounted immediately proximate to the scissor blade. The shield controls the spray at the source thus shielding not only the user, but all personnel in the vicinity when an umbilical cord or the like is cut. The mounting mechanisms for the shield releasably, yet securely attaches the spray shield to the scissors so the shield remains immediately proximate to the scissor blades and umbilical cord yet does not restrict the opening of the scissor shear blades. The shield is mounted in close proximity to the cutting operation of the scissors to thereby deflect blood spray immediately adjacent to the source of the spray. The shield does not restrict the operational movement of the scissor blades and arms during the cutting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Rod Husk
  • Publication number: 20160128781
    Abstract: A method for automatically monitoring the penetration behavior of a trocar held by a robotic arm and monitoring system is provided. The method and system automatically monitors the penetration behavior of a trocar held by a robotic arm and/or an instrument guided through the trocar into a body cavity through an incision in the surface of the body of a patient during a surgical procedure. At least one measured value is recorded, by which a change in a force effect on the surface of the body of the patient may be determined, and automatic evaluation of the measured value with regard to a reference measured value is conducted. Comparison of the change in the measured value or the change in the force effect with a threshold value is made, and an indication in the event of the threshold value being exceeded is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Lutz Blohm, Michael Martens, Philip Mewes
  • Publication number: 20160128782
    Abstract: The present teaching relates to surgical procedure assistance. In one example, a first volume of air inside a lung is obtained based on a first image of the lung captured prior to a surgical procedure. The lung has a first shape on the first image. A second volume of air deflated from the lung is determined based on a second image of the lung captured during the surgical procedure. A second shape of the lung is estimated based on the first shape of the lung and the first air volume inside the lung and second volume of air deflated from the lung. A surgical plan is updated based on the estimated second shape of the lung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Guo-Qing Wei, Li Fan, Cheng-Chung Liang, Jianzhong Qian, Xiaolan Zeng
  • Publication number: 20160128783
    Abstract: A system for performing a navigated surgery comprises a first target attached to a patient at a surgical site and a second target at the surgical site. An optical sensor is coupled to the user and detects the first target and second target simultaneously in a working volume of the sensor. An intra-operative computing unit (ICU) receives sensor data concerning the first target and second target, calculates a relative pose and provides display information. The sensor can be handheld, body-mounted or head-mounted, and communicate wirelessly with the ICU. The sensor may also be mountable on a fixed structure (e.g. proximate) and in alignment with the surgical site. The ICU may receive user input via the sensor, where the user input is at least one of sensor motions, voice commands, and gestures presented to the optical sensor by the user. The display information may be presented via a (heads-up) display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: ANDRE NOVOMIR HLADIO, ARMEN GARO BAKIRTZIAN, RICHARD TYLER FANSON
  • Publication number: 20160128784
    Abstract: A tool for inserting a marker into tissue at a biopsy site includes an elongate plunger having a blind bore. A plunger rod has a proximal end received within and secured to the blind bore so that the plunger rod moves conjointly with the plunger and a spring is secured to the distal end of the plunger rod. A cannula has a lumen that receives a distal end of the plunger rod and a crimp is formed in the cannula near its distal end. The cannula has a side exit port where a marker is ejected from the lumen. A ramp is formed in communication with the side exit port and the ramp has a preselected slope that controls the angle at which the marker is ejected. The marker is ejected from the side exit port into tissue when the spring unloads abruptly as the marker clears the crimp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Frederick Ahari
  • Publication number: 20160128785
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for identifying the arrhythmogenic circuit of a patient or subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining data for electrograms recorded at various locations of the heart while programmed ventricular pacing with extra stimuli was performed, obtaining decrement values for at least two different locations of the heart using the recorded electrograms, generating at least a portion of a decrement map using the decrement values, and identifying the arrhythmogenic circuit based on electrograms having significant decremental properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: University Health Network
    Inventors: Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar, Eugene Downar, Stephane Masse
  • Publication number: 20160128786
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical imaging system (10) for planning an implantation of a cardiac implant (42), comprising: a receiving unit (12) for receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac images (14, 14?) showing different conditions of a heart (32) during a cardiac cycle; a segmentation unit (22) for segmenting within the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?) a target implant region (38) and a locally adjacent region (40) that could interfere with the cardiac implant (42); a simulation unit (24) for simulating the implantation of the cardiac implant (42) within the target implant region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); a collision evaluation unit (26) for evaluating an overlap (46) of the simulated cardiac implant (42) with the segmented locally adjacent region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); and a feedback unit (28) for providing feedback information to a user concerning the evaluated overlap (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: FRANK MICHAEL WEBER, THOMAS HEIKO STEHLE, IRINA WACHTER-STEHLE, JOCHEN PETERS, JUERGEN WEESE
  • Publication number: 20160128787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to operating a biopsy unit. In order to provide an enhanced and facilitated way of controlling a biopsy unit, a control device (10) for controlling a biopsy unit is provided that comprises a support structure (12) with a housing (14), and a user interface unit (16) with a plurality of control elements (18). The control elements are configured to control the movement of a biopsy needle device along at least three moving direction lines. At least two of the moving direction lines are aligned to axes of a Cartesian coordinate system (20) and one moving direction line is aligned to a needle axis direction (22) of an elongated needle device of the biopsy unit, the needle axis direction being inclined to at least one of the axes of the Cartesian coordinate system. For each moving direction line, the housing is provided with a surface portion (24, 26, 28) that is aligned with a respective one of the moving direction lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Anders Richard GUNEE, Per Mattias MYRMAN
  • Publication number: 20160128788
    Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a robotic arm fixed relative to an operating room. The robotic arm comprises a mounting fixture configured to be coupled to a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system, wherein the first element is one of a source element and a detector element. The system further includes a second element of the imaging system, wherein the second element is the other of the source element and the detector element. The second element is configured to be repositionable relative to the first element and relative to a patient tissue structure. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the robotic arm, configured to receive signals from a sensing system. The sensing system detects motion of one or more sensor elements coupled to each of the first and second elements and determine a relative spatial positioning between the elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventor: Vernon Jensen
  • Publication number: 20160128789
    Abstract: Described herein is a surgical instrument guide for use with a robotic surgical system, for example, during spinal surgery. In certain embodiments, the guide is attached to or is part of an end effector of a robotic arm, and provides a rigid structure that allows for precise preparation of patient tissue (e.g., preparation of a pedicle) by drilling, tapping, or other manipulation, as well as precise placement of a screw in a drilled hole or affixation of a prosthetic or implant in a prepared patient situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Szymon Kostrzewski, Billy Nussbaumer, Roderik Berthelin, Chetan K. Patel
  • Publication number: 20160128790
    Abstract: Provided is a medical system including a first slave arm; a master arm having a joint configuration with a structure similar to that of a joint configuration of the first slave arm; a second slave arm; a manipulation-target switching unit that switches a manipulation target to be manipulated with the master arm between the slave arms; and a controller that is capable of switching between a first control mode and a second control mode in accordance with the joint configuration of the slave arm to be controlled. The first control mode is a mode for controlling rotation of joints of the first slave arm on the basis of rotation amounts of joints of the master arm. The second control mode is a mode for controlling rotation of joints of the second slave arm on the basis of a movement of a predetermined section of the master arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei OGAWA, Kosuke KISHI
  • Publication number: 20160128791
    Abstract: A method may include coupling a proximal end of a first cannula to a first manipulator of a surgical system, the first manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the first cannula, wherein the first cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the first cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis, and coupling a proximal end of a second cannula to a second manipulator of a surgical system, the second manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the second cannula, wherein the second cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the second cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Maria PRISCO, Craig R. GERBI, Theodore W. ROGERS, John Ryan STEGER
  • Publication number: 20160128792
    Abstract: A system includes a medical instrument that includes a termination fixture, an actuated element, and drive members coupled to the actuated element and extending to the termination fixture. The termination fixture provides an interface that exposes portions of the drive member to direct movement by an external system that may include a manipulator and a sterile barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20160128793
    Abstract: Described is a supporting base (1) for medical instruments (2), comprising a supporting layer (3) having a relative visible front surface (4) and a relative rear surface (5) opposite the visible surface (4); The supporting layer (3) also has a plurality of holes (6) extending from the front surface (4) towards the rear surface (5); More specifically, the supporting layer has a gripping portion (9) positioned on the rear surface (5) and irreversibly joined to the supporting layer (3) to form a single body with said supporting layer (3). The supporting base (1) has at least one opening (17) for inserting, in use, a medical instrument (2), positioned at each hole (6) and extending from the front surface (4) towards the rear surface (5) and through the gripping portion (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: ENRICO XODO, GUIDO CAPPELLINA
  • Publication number: 20160128794
    Abstract: Tissue expansion system includes a pump, a controller, and inflatable bladder, and a pressure sensor. The pump is adapted for substantially continuous operation in response to a pressure within a subcutaneously implanted inflatable bladder. The pump is thus able to deliver inflation medium to the bladder when the pressure within the bladder is below a predetermined lower threshold while stopping delivery of the fluid when the pressure rises above a higher threshold or reaches a predetermined maximum volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua Korman
  • Publication number: 20160128795
    Abstract: A user input obtainer receives an image movement instruction including identification information specifying a position shift or an image capture time shift to be performed and also including a displacement amount. When the identification information specifies the position shift, a slice position selector determines a tomographic image at a destination of the position shift based on the displacement amount from a set of tomographic images captured at the same time. On the other hand, when the identification information specifies the image capture time shift, the image capture time selector determines a tomographic image at a destination of the shift based on the displacement amount from sets of tomographic images that are identical to each other in terms of a patient, an examination portion, and a modality. A displaying image obtainer reads out the determined tomographic image from an image storage device and gives it to a display information generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: KAZUKI KOZUKA, KENJI KONDO, KAZUTOYO TAKATA
  • Publication number: 20160128796
    Abstract: This implant includes a cavity, which may be open or closed, that has a certain predetermined geometric shape and that is made of the same material as the implant, which cavity contains a material whose density is different from that of the material of which the implant is made, and which material possesses certain characteristics suitable for allowing the said cavity and/or the said material to be detected and displayed by means of magnetic resonance, ionizing radiation of the CAT (computed tomography) type, CBCT (cone beam computed tomography), or any other similar radiological examination, with the resulting determination of the position and orientation of the implants in the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Josep SOLER CEGARRA
  • Publication number: 20160128797
    Abstract: A biopsy site marker having at least one small marker body or pellet of bioresorbable material such as gelatin, collagen, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid which has a radiopaque object, preferably with a non-biological configuration. The at least one bioresorbable body or pellet with a radiopaque object is deposited into the biopsy site, by a delivery device that includes an elongated tubular body with a piston slidable within the tubular body. One end of the tube is placed into the biopsy site. At least one but preferably several marker bodies or pellets are deposited sequentially into the biopsy site through the tube. At least the bioresorbable materials of the detectable markers remain present in sufficient quantity to permit detection and location of the biopsy site at a first time point (e.g., 2 weeks) after introduction but clear from the biopsy site or otherwise do not interfere with imaging of tissues adjacent the biopsy site at a second time point (e.g., 5-7 months) after introduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Paul Lubock, Michael L. Jones, Nancy Forcier
  • Publication number: 20160128798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radio frequency identification capsule for marking an object. The capsule is characterised in that it comprises: a metal base to be attached to the object; a receiving element for holding a radio tag, the receiving element being secured to the base and overmoulded on the base in order to form a durably tight joint with the base; and means for holding the radio tag at a determined distance from the base. The invention allows an automatic inventory of a plurality of marked objects randomly arranged in a highly metal medium and in the presence of Faraday cages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Marc Bovet, Andreas Zielasch, Nicolas Gehrig
  • Publication number: 20160128799
    Abstract: A medical or a dental instrument comprises an operative portion (101) for operations according to the purpose of use of the instrument, a center portion (103) mechanically connecting to the operative portion, and a radio frequency identifier (106) located on the center portion and capable of being read from a distance of the instrument. The instrument further comprises a tubular handle portion (104) provided to surround the radio frequency identifier and at least a part of the center portion, the tubular handle portion being cast on the instrument so that the material of the tubular handle portion is adhered to the material of the center portion. Thus, the tubular handle portion acts not only as the handle portion but also as at least a part of a fixation system attaching the radio frequency identifier to the instrument. An instrument of such construction is easy to keep hygienic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Kari LEHTONEN
  • Publication number: 20160128800
    Abstract: An endo file for dental endodontic treatment includes: a head portion inserted into and detachably coupled to a hand piece; a tissue removing portion inserted, from the lower side of the head piece, into a patient's root canal for removing the nerve of a tooth; and a stress dispersion portion provided between the head portion and the tissue removing portion and having at least one horizontal penetration hole so as to buffer stress concentration generated during the rotation of the endo file, and to minimize endo file breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Hyeong Woo KIM, Gyun Hwan KIM, Sun Young KIM
  • Publication number: 20160128801
    Abstract: A clear aligner manufacturing method includes the steps of collecting a user's dental data; planning out an upper and a lower teeth correction member according to the collected dental data; using the upper and lower teeth correction members to fabricate an elastic upper and an elastic lower correction splint, respectively; fitting the elastic upper and lower correction splints onto an upper and a lower fixing mold, respectively; heating the elastic upper and lower correction splints and an elastic connecting member to 180-280° C.; causing the elastic upper and lower correction splints to fuse into a top and a bottom, respectively, of the connecting member; and removing the upper and lower fixing molds from the upper and lower correction splints to obtain a clear aligner, which can apply sufficient force to correct the user's upper and lower teeth at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: YI-SHIH KEKO
  • Publication number: 20160128802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method define a fit of a set of upper and lower teeth of a patient by generating a computer representation of the teeth; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the teeth using one or more keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti, Andrew C. Beers
  • Publication number: 20160128803
    Abstract: A segmented orthodontic aligner includes at least a first segment and a second segment. Each segment is shaped to fit over a set of teeth of a patient. The segmented aligner further includes a connector that joins the first segment to the second segment. The connector isolates the transmission of force between the first segment and the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Webber, Jennifer C. Chen, Yan Chen
  • Publication number: 20160128804
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket is disclosed, including a main body and rotor, wherein the main body includes a base body which is provided with a base groove; the rotor is provided with a rotor body and a cover, the top of the rotor body is provided with a bracket slot, the cover is adapted to cover the top of the rotor body and cover the top of the opening of the bracket slot, the rotor is adapted to be pivotably connected to the base body, and the base body is further provided with a positioning portion for securing the rotor. An orthodontics system with the bracket and an orthodontic method are also disclosed. The adjustable bracket according to the present disclosure can be adjustable in torque, tip and the direction of the torsion on the tooth, and it can achieve a good corrective effect by simple operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Li Ji
  • Publication number: 20160128805
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an individually tailored lingual orthodontic bracket comprising: fabricating a set-up model by cutting individual teeth from a malocclusion model that is modeled on the patient and rearranging the individual teeth in an ideal position; replicating the set-up model; performing pin work on the replicated set-up model and expanding the base of the bracket using a resin in accordance with the surface of teeth; locating the bracket on the base expanded using the resin; preparing casting by forming an ingate on the base expanded using the resin; embedding an investment after the preparing of casting; and burning out the resin from a casting ring in which the investment is embedded and casting a melted material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jong Ho LEE
  • Publication number: 20160128806
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket body configured to be mounted to a tooth includes an archwire slot having a base surface defining a base plane and a slide engagement track defining a translation plane. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane. A ligating slide is engaged with the slide engagement track of the bracket body and movable along the slide engagement track and parallel to the translation plae between an opened position, in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and a closed position, in which the archwire is retained within the archwire slot. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane so as to prevent the ligating slide from contacting the gingiva surrounding the tooth when the ligating slide is moved to the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Todd I. Oda
  • Publication number: 20160128807
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body having an archwire slot configured to receive the archwire and a base surface that at least in part defines the archwire slot. A movable member is engaged with the bracket body and movable between an opened position and a closed position. A resilient member is configured to engage the movable member to impose a force that biases the movable member toward the base surface of the archwire slot. A method of moving a tooth includes inserting the archwire into the archwire slot, closing the movable member to capture the archwire within the archwire slot, and imposing a force on the movable member that biases the movable member toward the base surface of the archwire slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Todd I. Oda
  • Publication number: 20160128808
    Abstract: A detachable prosthodontic device includes an abutment, a suprastructure, and a screw. The abutment includes a hollow chamber. A screw hole is arranged on an abutment wall of the hollow chamber. The suprastructure is provided with a receiving region and an inner surface surrounding the receiving region. The screw includes a screw head and a screw rod. The screw head includes a contact member and a guiding member. When the screw is mounted in the screw hole, a portion of the screw head protrudes outward from an outer surface of the hollow chamber. When the suprastructure is sleeved onto the abutment, partial area of the outer surface of the hollow chamber contacts with partial area of the inner surface of the suprastructure, and the screw head supports an opposing side of the inner surface to apply a force onto the inner surface to thereby retain the suprastructure onto the abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Main Brilliant Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahico SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160128809
    Abstract: One-part dental implant (5) with an anchoring part (10) for anchoring in the bone and with a build-on part (15) for receiving an element to be applied. The build-on part has at least one core (25) and a covering layer (30) which are visually and/or acoustically different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Arik Zucker