Patents Issued in November 24, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160338755
    Abstract: A plasma-generation device for applying plasma to a human body, having a reservoir containing a gas, a plasma zone in fluid connection with the reservoir, and means for generating a plasma by electrical discharge in the plasma zone. The gas has a composition of 92% to 99.9% Argon and 0.1% to 8% Krypton; or 95% to 99.5% Argon and 0.5% to 5% Hydrogen; or 92% to 99.5% Argon and 0.5% to 8% Nitrous Oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Bickford Holbeche, Rodney Stewart Mason
  • Publication number: 20160338756
    Abstract: A medical device for treating tissue includes a tissue-contacting surface and a solid state heating element that is thermally coupled to the tissue-contacting surface. The solid state heating element is configured to generate heat to thermally treat tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: CRAIG A. KELLER, ROBERT B. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20160338757
    Abstract: A method for heat treating biological tissues includes providing a pulsed energy source having energy parameters selected so as to raise a target temperature to a level to achieve a therapeutic effect, while the average temperature rise of the tissue over a prolonged period of time is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue. Application of the pulsed energy source to the target tissue induces a heat shock response and stimulates heat shock protein activation in the target tissue so as to therapeutically treat the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Ojai Retinal Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Luttrull, David B. Chang, Benjamin W. L. Margolis
  • Publication number: 20160338758
    Abstract: A method is provided for ablating brain tissue of a living mammal comprising: placing first and second electrodes in a brain of the living mammal; applying a plurality of electrical pulses through the first and second placed electrodes which are predetermined to: cause irreversible electroporation (IRE) of brain tissue of the mammal within a target ablation zone; and cause a temporary disruption of a blood brain barrier (BBB) within a surrounding zone that surrounds the target ablation zone to allow material in a blood vessel to be transferred to the surrounding zone through the temporarily disrupted BBB. Such methods are useful for delivering large molecule material within a blood vessel of the brain across the BBB, where the large molecule is otherwise blocked by the BBB from passing through the blood vessel into the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, Paulo A. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20160338759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a neutral electrode device for use in the application of an RF current to a biological tissue, comprising: a supporting structure (40) having a first and a second side; at least one electrode (34, 34?), which is arranged on the first side of the supporting structure (40); a phase change material (PCM) for absorbing heat, which is arranged on the second side of the supporting structure (40), wherein the phase change material is formed at least in part as blocks (37, 37?) and the blocks (37, 37?) are arranged on the second side of the supporting structure (40) at least partially distanced from one another in order to form spacing gaps (38, 38?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Uwe Schnitzler, Peter Selig
  • Publication number: 20160338760
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Daniel W. Price, Gavin M. Monson, Hitesh Jain
  • Publication number: 20160338761
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Chornenky, Ali Jaafar
  • Publication number: 20160338762
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: CRAIG V. KRASTINS, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, JESSICA E.C. OLSON, JASON G. WEIHE
  • Publication number: 20160338763
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom and supporting an end effector, a knife, and a trigger assembly. The knife is configured to translate between retracted and extended positions. The trigger assembly includes a trigger movable relative to the housing between un-actuated and actuated positions, and a linkage including an apex and first and second bases. The apex is rotatably coupled to the housing about a pivot. The first base is disposed on a first side of the apex and coupled to the trigger. The second base is disposed on a second side of the apex and coupled to the knife. In response to movement of the trigger from the un-actuated to the actuated position, the first base is moved proximally, the apex is rotated about the pivot, and the second base is moved distally to move the knife from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, CRAIG V. KRASTINS, JESSICA E.C. OLSON, JASON G. WEIHE
  • Publication number: 20160338764
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and end effector, a drive plate, and a knife member. The shaft defines a rectangular configuration. The end effector includes first and second jaw members coupled to one another via a pivot pin extending between long sides of the shaft and movable about the pivot pin between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The drive plate is configured such that translation of the drive plate through the shaft and relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members. The drive plate defines surfaces that are parallel to the long sides of the shaft. The knife member is configured to translate through the shaft and relative to the end effector assembly between retracted and extended positions. The knife member defines surfaces that are parallel to the surfaces of the drive plate and the long sides of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: CRAIG V. KRASTINS, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, STEPHEN J. STAMM, JESSICA E.C. OLSON, JASON G. WEIHE
  • Publication number: 20160338765
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, a tool assembly, and an electrical energy source. The handle assembly includes an actuation knob. The elongate body extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. In particular, tool assembly is operatively coupled to the handle assembly and extends from a distal end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members each including an electrically conductive cutting element. The cutting elements are operatively coupled to the actuation knob. In particular, the cutting elements are movable between a first position in which the cutting elements are disposed within the respective jaw members and a second position in which the cutting elements extend out of the respective jaw members and are in general vertical registration with each other such that electrical energy can be transferred from the first jaw member to the second jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Csaba L. Rethy, Gregg C. Krehel
  • Publication number: 20160338766
    Abstract: An actuator for use in a surgical instrument, the actuator includes an upper portion configured to be actuated by one or more fingers, wherein the upper portion has an upper distal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a first mode of operation, and an upper proximal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a second mode of operation, and wherein the upper distal portion and the upper proximal portion have different respective tactile configurations for informing the user of the first and second modes of operation, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Fred GINNEBAUGH, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Rohit GIROTRA, Ryan ABBOTT, Kenny L. DANG, Justin WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20160338767
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is moveable between an activated position to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector and a deactivated position to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector. A switch activation member is configured to move the switch between an activated position and a deactivated position. A switch control member is configured to maintain the switch in the activated position during at least partial movement of the actuating mechanism from the actuated position to the unactuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: TONY MOUA
  • Publication number: 20160338768
    Abstract: An improved thermocouple includes a drawn coaxial thermocouple wire pair having a more precise “hot” junction at which a first and second metallic material electrically connect with each other for measuring temperature. Adapted for use with an electrophysiologic catheter, the improved thermocouple comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes a core of a first metallic material, a first coaxial layer of ceramic material, and a second coaxial layer of a second metallic material. The thermocouple further includes a solder cap on the distal end, the solder cap electrically connecting the core and the second layer at the distal end. A method of manufacturing includes drawing the body through a die, and applying solder on a distal end of the body to electrically connect the two metallic materials at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS BEECKLER
  • Publication number: 20160338769
    Abstract: A catheter has an electrode assembly adapted for use on an ostium and a stabilizing assembly movable between a stowed position within the catheter and a deployed position in the tubular region of the ostium. The stabilizing assembly has a balloon member that can be extended distally into the tubular region and inflated to wedge itself in the tubular region for anchoring the electrode assembly. The balloon member is mounted on an elongated extender that extends through the catheter and is provided with longitudinal movement to advance and withdraw the balloon between the stowed and deployed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick O'Fallon, Tom Allen Ditter, Hamid Massoud
  • Publication number: 20160338770
    Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a catheter having a distal end and a predefined outer diameter. The apparatus also has a plurality of elastic filaments, each filament having at least one electrode fixed thereto and having two ends fixed within the catheter distal end to hold the filament as a loop. The loop intertwines with one or more other loops of the other filaments so that the plurality of the filaments forms an open lattice, which expands when uncompressed to a lattice diameter at least 5 times greater than the outer diameter of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: MEIR BAR-TAL, Ariel Garcia, Erica Evelyenne Lovejoy, Debby Esther Highsmith, Lior Botzer, Roee Haimovich
  • Publication number: 20160338771
    Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes a sheath which is extended along a longitudinal axis; a pre-curved portion which is disposed at a distal portion of the sheath; a knife wire lumen which is formed along the longitudinal axis of the sheath; a first communication hole and a second communication hole which are open on an outer circumferential surface to communicate the outer circumferential surface positioned with the knife wire lumen; a wire-shaped cutting portion which is protruded from the first communication hole and the second communication hole, and is extended in a position spaced from the outer circumferential surface and the virtual plane; a fixing portion which is provided to fix an end portion of a wire connected to the cutting portion inside the knife wire lumen, and a bending portion which is provided to bend the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa KOBAYASHI, Yuji SAKAMOTO, Hiroyuki MORISHITA, Isamu NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160338772
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium can have instructions executable by a processor. The instructions can include an electrogram reconstruction method to generate reconstructed electrogram signals for each of a multitude of points residing on or near a predetermined cardiac envelope based on geometry data and non-invasively measured body surface electrical signals. The instructions can include a phase calculator to compute phase signals for the multitude of points based on the reconstructed electrogram signals and a visualization engine to generate an output based on the computed phase signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: RÉMI DUBOIS, BRIAN P. GEORGE, CHARULATHA RAMANATHAN, QINGGUO ZENG, MARIA STROM, VENKATESH VASUDEVAN, RYAN BOKAN, PING JIA
  • Publication number: 20160338773
    Abstract: Method and systems for ablating nerves including measurement of physiological parameters and/or electrical conduction. The method may include ablating nerves within an artery of a patient such as the renal artery and may include advancing a catheter into the artery, measuring a physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse into a wall of the artery, measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse, ablating the artery wall, then repeating the steps of measuring the physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse, and measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse. The change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse before ablation may be compared to the change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse after ablation to determine the degree of nerve ablation achieved and whether or not to perform further ablation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jin Shimada, Gregory G. Brucker, William J. Rissmann
  • Publication number: 20160338774
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and method for performing pulmonary artery denervation are disclosed. An ablation device is positioned in a pulmonary artery trunk of a patient. Target tissue is ablated in the pulmonary artery trunk under conditions effective to affect a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The target tissue includes at least one of the distal portion of the main pulmonary artery, the proximal portion of the left pulmonary artery, or the proximal portion of the right pulmonary artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Shaoliang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160338775
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an offset catheter are provided. In some embodiments, an offset catheter includes a guidewire tube and a catheter coupled with an elastic and/or compressible rib. The compressible rib provides an offset or separation between the catheter and the guidewire tube in its resting state. The rib has an initial resting state, but may be forced into a compressed state. When released from the compressed state, the rib returns to its resting state. An offset catheter may be compressed and slid through a sheath. When the offset catheter emerges from the sheath, the distal tip will return to its resting state providing an operation offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis M. Sauro, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20160338776
    Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and performing image free implant revision surgery are discussed. For example, a method for generating a revision plan can include collecting pre-defined parameters characterizing a target bone, generating a 3D model, collecting a plurality of surface points, and generating a reshaped 3D model. Generating the 3D model of the target bone can be based on a first portion of the pre-defined parameters. Generating the reshaped 3D model can be done based on the plurality of surface points collected from a portion of the surface of the target bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Branislav Jaramaz, Alberto Gregori
  • Publication number: 20160338777
    Abstract: A computerized visual orientation surgery assist system and method receives initial anatomic image information of a patient scan taken at a registration position of the patient; receives initial positional information from a sensor positioned on the patient at a registration position, where the positional sensor senses spatial position in three dimensions and transmits the positional information; establishes the initial positional information as an origin in three-dimensional space for the initial anatomic image information; displays a visual representation of the initial anatomic image information on a computerized display; receives subsequent positional information from the sensor associated with movement of the patient; and updates the computerized display to reflect the subsequent positional information with respect to the initial positional information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Radlink, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Penenberg, Wenchao Tao
  • Publication number: 20160338778
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing an area of defective tissue reduces the removal of healthy tissue at the margins of the defect. During excision of diseased or damaged tissue, the system tracks the movement and function of a tissue resection tool within a monitored surgical space. This movement is continuously recorded to create a three-dimensional set of data points representative of the excised volume of tissue. This data set is then communicated to a custom implant forming device which creates a custom implant sized to fit the void created by the excision. The system and method of the present disclosure allows a surgeon to exercise intraoperative control over the specific shape, volume and geometry of the excised area. Moreover, the surgeon may utilize a “freehand” resection method to excise only that tissue deemed to be diseased and/or damaged, because the custom-formed implant will accommodate an irregularly-shaped resection volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Joel Zuhars
  • Publication number: 20160338779
    Abstract: A system (102) includes an interventional instrument (104) and an imaging apparatus (106). The interventional instrument includes an interventional instrument event tracking transmitter (116) that transmits an interventional instrument event signal in response to a predetermined interventional instrument event by interventional instrument in connection with an interventional procedure for a region of interest of a subject. The imaging apparatus (106) includes an imager (132) that generates image of the region of interest of the subject. The imaging apparatus (106) further includes a receiver (126) that receives the interventional instrument event signal. The imaging apparatus (106) further includes an instrument event mapper (128) that maps the predetermined interventional instrument event to the image based on the received interventional instrument event signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Louis POULO
  • Publication number: 20160338780
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Publication number: 20160338781
    Abstract: An interface for a surgical system includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument. The instrument drive unit includes a connection hub and at least one drive shaft rotatably supported in the connection hub. The at least one drive shaft extends between a first end and a second end having an oblique end surface. The surgical instrument is releasably connectable to the instrument drive unit and includes a connecting member and at least one driven shaft rotatably supported in the connecting member. The at least one driven shaft extends between a first end and a second end. The second end has an oblique end surface corresponding to the oblique end surface of the at least one drive shaft. The oblique end surfaces are configured such that the connecting member is connectible with the connection hub via a first connection pathway and a second connection pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Jaimeen Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160338782
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for manipulating an anatomy with a tool include defining a first virtual boundary associated with the anatomy and a second virtual boundary associated with the anatomy. The first virtual boundary is activated in a first mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the first virtual boundary in the first mode. The first virtual boundary is deactivated in a second mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the second virtual boundary in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: David Gene Bowling, John Michael Stuart, Jerry A. Culp, Donald W. Malackowski, Jose Luis Moctezuma de la Barrera, Patrick Roessler, Joel N. Beer
  • Publication number: 20160338783
    Abstract: A medical robotic system includes a base having a first opening, and a first protrusion next to the first opening, a first rotary member configured for detachably coupling to a component of the medical robotic system in a manner such that the first rotary member is rotatable relative to the base and at least a part of the first rotary member is located in the first opening of the base when the first rotary member is coupled to the system component, and a cover coupled to the base, wherein the first rotary member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending between the first and second ends, and a flange disposed circumferentially around a part of the body, the flange having a first circumferential slot for receiving the first protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Enrique Romo, J. Scot Hart, JR., Travis Covington
  • Publication number: 20160338784
    Abstract: Provided is a manipulator system including: a flexible inserted portion; a manipulator that has a joint portion that is driven at the distal end of the inserted portion; a drive portion that drives the joint portion on the basal-end side of the inserted portion; a shape estimating portion that estimates the shape of the inserted portion; and a control portion that controls the drive portion based on the shape of the estimated inserted portion, wherein the shape estimating portion is provided with detection targets that are arranged, with spaces therebetween, in the inserted portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, a position detection portion that detects three-dimensional positions of the detection targets, and a shape calculating portion that calculates, on the basis of the three-dimensional positions of the detected detection targets, the shape of the inserted portion by dividing the inserted portion into sections in the longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya HATAKEYAMA, Masatoshi IIDA, Hiroshi WAKAI
  • Publication number: 20160338785
    Abstract: Various exemplary drive apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for driving an elongated member, e.g., a catheter, sheath, or guidewire. An exemplary drive apparatus may include a first component and a moveable component, each configured to selectively grip the elongated member. In some examples, the first and moveable components may each include a gripping device. The moveable component may be configured to selectively move axially and rotationally with respect to a support surface to effect axial movement and rotation movement, respectively, of the elongated member with respect to the support surface within a range of motion of the moveable component. The moveable component may be configured to move the elongated member across a predetermined movement having a magnitude greater than the range of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: ARKADY KOKISH, J. SCOT HART, ALAN YU, ENRIQUE ROMO
  • Publication number: 20160338786
    Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system may comprise a plurality of teleoperated surgical instruments; a user input device; and a controller operably coupled to the user input device and to the plurality of surgical instruments. The user input device may be configured to transmit an activation command to cause activation of a function of a first one of the plurality of surgical instruments in response to input at the user input device, the function being supported by remote-control supply equipment. The controller may be configured to output a feedback command to cause feedback to a user, the feedback indicating the first one of the plurality of surgical instruments is configured for activation in response to the activation command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. ROBINSON, Thomas R. NIXON, Michael HANUSCHIK, Randal P. GOLDBERG, Jason HEMPHILL, David Q. LARKIN, Paul MILLMAN
  • Publication number: 20160338787
    Abstract: A robotic actuation system for sensorless force control of an interventional tool (14) having cable driven distal end (e.g., a probe, a steerable catheter, a guidewire and a colonoscope). The system employs a robotic actuator (30) having one or more motorized gears operate the cable drive of the interventional tool (14). The system further employs a robotic workstation (20) to generate motor commands for simultaneous actuation position and contact force control of the interventional tool (14). The motor commands are a function of an actuation position measurement and a motor current measurement of the at least one motorized gear for a desired actuation position of the interventional tool (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: ALEKSANDRA POPOVIC, DAVID PAUL NOONAN
  • Publication number: 20160338788
    Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an articulation attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a driving mechanism at the proximal end of the shaft. The articulation comprises a plurality of joints for articulating an end effector, the plurality of joints driveable by at least first and second pairs of driving elements. The driving mechanism comprises a pulley arrangement and a pulley drive. The pulley arrangement comprises first and second pulleys attached together such that their separation is fixed, wherein the first pair of driving elements is constrained to move around the first pulley, and the second pair of driving elements is constrained to move around the second pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Luke David Ronald Hares
  • Publication number: 20160338789
    Abstract: A master interface device for remotely controlling at least one instrument mounted in an endoscope. The device includes at least one control handle device in the form of a subassembly able to be manipulated in the same degrees of freedom as the associated control instrument. The control device includes on the one hand a gripping and manoeuvring shaft, designed for gripping with the whole hand by the operator, and on the other hand a mounting bracket supporting said shaft. Translation and pivoting of the bracket controls respectively translation and rotation around itself of the associated instrument, and the pivoting of the shaft relative to the bracket controls the bending of the end of the instrument concerned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Michel De Mathelin, Florent Le Bastard, Florent Nageotte, Philippe Zanne, Lucile Zorn
  • Publication number: 20160338790
    Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a stethoscope is provided and the cover assembly includes a head overlay element and a pre-deployment protection component. The head overlay element is operable to overlay the stethoscope head in a deployed disposition of the assembly in which the cover assembly is releasbly retained on the stethoscope. The pre-deployment protection component advantageously protects the head overlay element against the detrimental effects of moisture, debris, or other substances that would degrade the operation of either the cover assembly or the stethoscope once the cover assembly is deployed on the stethoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Jon Krupnick
  • Publication number: 20160338791
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a device for creating a sterile environment when using an o-shaped or a c-shaped multidimensional surgical imaging system. The device may comprise a drape configured to drape over a patient, a cover removably attached to the drape, and an adhesive seam configured to pull apart to disassemble the drape after. The drape may have a puncture configured to engage with a spine reference clamp, a reference frame, each of the puncture and the reference frame positioned along a center line of the drape, and the cover may be removably attached to the drape to cover the puncture and the reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventor: Frederick Smith
  • Publication number: 20160338792
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical equipment structure intended to be used chiefly by medical or paramedical personnel in an extra-hospital environment, comprising at least a work tray (500), as well as a raised hook-up system and attachment means allowing care waste storage accessories to be attached, characterized in that said structure further comprises a platform (10) having a top surface, a bottom surface, and several lateral surfaces, the platform (10) being connected at its bottom surface to folding legs and, by a pivot means, to at least one work tray (500), in that said platform (10) has a mast (300) passing through it, and in that it comprises a means (600) for holding, all of this allowing the collection of these various elements to be transported and set up quickly, stably and level both on flat ground and on uneven ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel Mercier
  • Publication number: 20160338793
    Abstract: A tissue displacement/separation device includes a seamless bladder constructed of a biodegradable polymer. The bladder is expandable from a collapsed or rolled state for insertion into a body between a first and second tissue to an expanded state for separating the first and second tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Shaul Shohat, Adrian Paz
  • Publication number: 20160338794
    Abstract: A system for managing use of medical devices (3) comprises: an apparatus (1) intended to be used in combination with one or more medical devices (3); one or more processing units (10); authorizing means (2), which may be associated to a medical device (3) and comprising one identifier parameter able to uniquely identify said device (3). The processing unit (10) comprises: one reader module (11) configured for acquiring the identifier parameter from the authorizing means (2); one enabling (13) module configured to allow or inhibit use of the device (3) with the apparatus (1) on the basis of control parameters; and at least one calculation module (21) configured for setting the number of uses of the device (3). The control parameters comprise the identifier parameter acquired and the number of uses calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: FILIPPO BASTIA
  • Publication number: 20160338795
    Abstract: Medical illumination systems and devices for illuminating a target surgical area with a pre-selected type of multispectral light to aid tissue differentiation as viewed by the human eye, especially in open-surgery settings, and methods for practicing the same. A light source may have multiple settings selectable to provide various types of multispectral light configured to reduce reflection from corresponding tissue types relative to full-spectrum light. A pre-selected type of multispectral light may be configured to reduce reflection from blood. An illumination system or device can have one more illumination elements, including combinations of LEDs, lasers, and filtered broadband light sources. The multispectral light may be or comprise one or more of a continuous or pulsed wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Alex Vayser, Gaston Tudury, John Black
  • Publication number: 20160338796
    Abstract: A light attachment device for removable attachment to an electrosurgical pencil and/or an electrosurgical pencil attachment such as a shroud for an electrosurgical pencil. The light attachment device may be automatically turned on and off in conjunction with the activation and deactivation of the electrosurgical pencil and/or electrosurgical pencil attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Ioan Cosmescu
  • Publication number: 20160338797
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus to provide updated images during a robotically-implemented surgical procedure, 3D data are obtained of a volume of a patient, which includes anatomy involved in the procedure. The anatomy is segmented from a reconstructed image of the volume. During the procedure, the surgeon applies forces on the anatomy, causing a geometric change of the anatomy. Force sensors in the surgical robot detect these forces, which are supplied to a processor that controls display of the segmented anatomy at a display screen. From the applied forces and the physical properties of the anatomy, the processor calculates the geometric change of the anatomy that has occurred and modifies the appearance and/or position of the displayed segmented anatomy on the display screen in real time during the procedure, so as to visualize the geometric change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicants: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC., SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mahdi Azizian, Lutz Blohm, Holger Kunze, Christine Niebler, Jonathan Sorger
  • Publication number: 20160338798
    Abstract: A wearable, wireless and battery-free continuous health monitor includes an RFID tag used as an On-Off Keying Device to measure the heart rate. The tag's returned signal strength variations are used to calculate the respiration rate. Machine learning algorithms are employed to determine the health parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Shrenik Vora, Timothy Kurzweg
  • Publication number: 20160338799
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable media, and systems for adjustment of tooth position in a virtual dental model. Virtual dental modeling can include detecting space and/or collision between posterior teeth of an upper jaw and posterior teeth of a lower jaw in a virtual dental model that has been set in a preliminary target position. An energy function can be defined including the space and/or collision, tooth root movement, and align points. Weights can be assigned for each variable in the energy function. A position of the posterior teeth of the upper jaw and the posterior teeth of the lower jaw can be adjusted in six degrees of freedom to minimize the energy function. The detection, definition, assignment, and adjustment can be repeated until the energy function converges. The weights can be adjusted to reduce the space and/or collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Fuming Wu, Vadim Matov, Artem Borovinskih, Rene M. Sterental, Pavel Agapov, Anton Spiridonov, Anatoliy Boltunov
  • Publication number: 20160338800
    Abstract: A thin-form mouthguard can be formed from a U-shape planar sheet. The sheet can be made of expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene and have a thickness between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches. The sheet can also include instructions for modification of the mouthguard printed thereon. A method for preparing a mouthguard is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Nord Andresen
  • Publication number: 20160338801
    Abstract: A tooth implant comprises a tooth body sized to correspond to a tooth to be replaced and a layer of microscopic protrusions on an outer surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Sergei Anatolievitch Agafontsev
  • Publication number: 20160338802
    Abstract: An insert for a dental prosthesis screwed onto an implant, in particular of the type having a superstructure and an implant to be integrated in the bone, which are reciprocally joined by a screw. The insert is composed of an element made of a damping material interposed between the coupling surface of the superstructure and the implant. With an insert according to the invention, a dental prosthesis screwed onto an implant is obtained, which reproduces the natural anchoring state of the tooth to the bone, so that the stress peaks on the superstructure are damped before being discharged onto the implant and consequently also onto the bone. An insert according to the invention also offers the advantage of sealing the contact area between the superstructure and the implant, thus preventing dangerous bacterial infiltrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: HERAEUS KULZER GMBH
    Inventors: Bruno Piasini, Antonio Maria Scotti
  • Publication number: 20160338803
    Abstract: There is provided according to some embodiments, a system, device and method for a three dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning of at least a portion of a tooth. An intraoral scanner may include a shadow casting object extending between a light emitter and the portion of the tooth. An imaging module may image the portion of the tooth and/or the projected shadow of the shadow casting object. A method to construct a 3D model may include illuminating at least a portion of the tooth with a light emitter; casting a shadow on the portion of the tooth by an object located between the emitter and the tooth; imaging the portion of the tooth, including at least a part of the shadow; and determining a location of a point on the tooth and related to the shadow, using the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: DENTLYTEC G.P.L.LTD
    Inventor: Benny PESACH
  • Publication number: 20160338804
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mouthpiece-type intraoral scanner which is including a mouthpiece-like housing extended along a set of teeth of a patient, a sensor module including a light source built in the housing to light an intraoral structure in a patient's mouth and a sensor installed to detect light reflected from the intraoral structure, and a main processor that is separate from the mouthpiece-like housing, generates three-dimensional information of the intraoral structure based on detection results of the sensor module, and controls the sensor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicants: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keun Yeong KIM, Tae Woo KIM, Yong Joo YANG, Sung Il CHOI