Injecting Gas Into Body Canal Or Cavity Patents (Class 600/560)
  • Patent number: 11957407
    Abstract: Hysteroscopic system includes a hysteroscope having a main body coupled to an extension portion. The extension portion may be a shaft configured to extend transcervically to a patient's uterine cavity. First, second, and third channels extend from the main body to a distal end of the extension portion. A fluid source is coupleable to a proximal end of the first channel, and a pressure sensor is coupleable to a proximal end of the second channel. A tissue resecting probe is configured for introduction through the third channel. At least one resistance feature is included which is configured to provide a selected level of resistance to axial sliding of the probe through the third channel while permitting rotation of the probe within the third channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MINERVA SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 11707179
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an automated probe system includes a probe configured to be reversibly inserted into a live body part, a robotic arm attached to the probe and configured to manipulate the probe, a first sensor configured to track movement of the probe during an insertion and a reinsertion of the probe in the live body part, a second sensor configured to track movement of the live body part, and a controller configured to calculate an insertion path of the probe in the live body part based on the tracked movement of the probe during the insertion, and calculate a reinsertion path of the probe based on the calculated insertion path while compensating for the tracked movement of the live body part, and send control commands to the robotic arm to reinsert the probe in the live body part according to the calculated reinsertion path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Vadim Gliner, Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 11648359
    Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Sias, Alexandra Do, Nikolai Poulsen, Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Timothy McMorrow, W. F. Anthony Miles
  • Patent number: 11547787
    Abstract: Disclosed cannula systems can detect the tissue type within which the cannula tip is located in real time using electrodes adjacent the cannula tip. The sensing cannula system can differentiate when the cannula tip is in adipose tissue or muscle based on electrical impedance. The system can be used in fat grafting and liposuction procedures, for example. An operator can detect if the cannula tip enters muscle by watching for an indicator light or audible alarm that is automatically activated by the device based on a change in sensed impedance. The device may also stop the flow of fat through a pump halting injection into the sub-muscular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: David Turer, William W. Clark, April Lawrence, Ehsan Qaium, Joseph P. Rubin, Cameron Dezfulian
  • Patent number: 11510589
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify the locations of intraluminal structures and medical devices during non-surgical medical techniques, by determining the conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 11497502
    Abstract: A surgical stapler apparatus or assembly comprises a surgical stapler device having an internal channel extending from a stapler actuating handle to a stapler head of the device and a gas insufflation device having a pressurized gas supply connected to the internal channel of the stapler device via an inlet port at a handle portion intersecting with the channel in order to supply pressurized gas to the channel as the stapler shaft is inserted into the lumen of a colon, rectum or the like. Pressurized gas travels along the channel and out of the stapler head at the distal end of the stapler device in order to inflate the lumen ahead of the advancing stapler head, easing insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HUGO BARRERA, M.D., INC
    Inventor: Hugo Barrera
  • Patent number: 11419974
    Abstract: A method for using CO2 as a contrast material in medical imaging procedures is disclosed. The method includes providing a source of pressurized CO2. The step of providing includes connecting the source of pressurized CO2 to a compressed gas unit for controlling delivery of the CO2. The method also includes regulating pressure of the CO2 delivered by the compressed gas unit, transmitting the pressurized CO2 from the compressed gas unit to a control valve assembly for delivery to a patient in controlled dosages, and sequentially processing the CO2 with the control valve assembly and delivering the CO2 to the patient as a contrast media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Frank Levy, Kimberley Levy
  • Patent number: 11350966
    Abstract: A method for controlling gas composition in a surgical cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure includes monitoring for a plurality of gas species in a gas flow from a surgical cavity of a patient. The method includes measuring the plurality of gas species in the gas flow from the surgical cavity and determining if the gas species measured in the gas flow from the surgical cavity are each present and/or within a respective desired range. The method includes adding gas into the surgical cavity if one or more gas species in the plurality of gas species is outside of the respective desired range so as to bring a composition of gas species in the surgical cavity within the respective desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Mikiya Silver, Gary Tegan
  • Patent number: 11331440
    Abstract: A surgical humidification system includes a source of gas flow and a humidifier that receives the gas flow and outputs a humidified gas to a delivery conduit. The delivery conduit has an outlet and a suitable interface, such as a diffuser, is connected to the outlet. The interface can be positioned near or within an open surgical cavity of a patient to supply the humidified gas to the cavity. The system also includes a pressure relief arrangement that operates to relieve pressure from the system above a normal operating pressure. The pressure relief arrangement can be located in a non-sterile portion of the system, such as upstream from the humidifier, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Paul David Phillips, Jonathan Stuart McFedries, Colette Marie Hanley
  • Patent number: 11083494
    Abstract: A method for controlling gas composition in a surgical cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure includes monitoring for a plurality of gas species in a gas flow from a surgical cavity of a patient. The method includes measuring the plurality of gas species in the gas flow from the surgical cavity and determining if the gas species measured in the gas flow from the surgical cavity are each present and/or within a respective desired range. The method includes adding gas into the surgical cavity if one or more gas species in the plurality of gas species is outside of the respective desired range so as to bring a composition of gas species in the surgical cavity within the respective desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventor: Mikiya Silver
  • Patent number: 11033299
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure, which includes an insufflation conduit for delivering a continuous flow of insufflation gas to the body cavity at a flow rate through a flow path that communicates with a pneumatically sealed trocar which prevents over-pressurization of the body cavity, and an insufflator for driving gas flow through the insufflation conduit at a driving pressure, wherein the system can be configured so that either the gas flow rate through the insufflation conduit or the driving pressure required to maintain the specified flow rate can vary depending upon body cavity pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventor: Mikiya Silver
  • Patent number: 11020574
    Abstract: Disposable gynecologic instrument for dilation of body cavities by fluid injection, the construction according to the invention, include the instrument body (1) to which it has from the bottom tightly fixed a handle (2) with the reservoir (3) whilst is on the frontal part of the instrument body (1) projected is the trigger (4) positioned slidingly and designed for pressing with two fingers, which is by screw (41) connected to the main piston (42) movable within the cylinder, around which is placed a bigger spring (43) and where the outlet of cylinder is connected to one branch of the three-way pipeline (44), the other two of which are connected, one on the upper irreversible valve (12), and the other to the lower irreversible valve (22); and where is also on the front side of the instrument body (1) by screw thread and sealingly attached the main pipe (5), formed with longitudinal ribs (51) positioned crosswise and a series of aslope placed ribs (52) of circular perimeter, which increase the stiffness of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: INOVE DOO BEOGRAD
    Inventor: Dobrivoje Rajkovic
  • Patent number: 11020045
    Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's uterine cavity and detecting perforations in the uterus includes an elongated probe having a flow channel extending to a terminal outlet in a distal region of the probe. A fluid source is coupled to the flow channel, and a seal on the probe is positionable in an endocervical canal. The probe may be trans-cervically inserted into the uterine cavity, and a fluid may be introduced through the channel to flow outwardly from the terminal outlet into the uterine cavity. A parameter of said fluid flow is monitored to detect a perforation in the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Filloux, Dave Clapper, Eugene Skalnyi, Akos Toth, Sean Darby, Tejas N. Mazmudar, Estela Hilario
  • Patent number: 10913930
    Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus and method for treating bone tissue has a controller, an enclosure, a reagent supply system, a draining configuration, and a gas relief valve is controlled by the controller. A bioactive agent may be applied through the reagent supply system. Optionally provided is a gas evacuation assembly, a gas supply unit, a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases, a sonication unit, any or each operated by the controller. The method provides for programming controller to effect a treatment procedure. In an embodiment of the present application the treatment procedure effects demineralization of the bone material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Subhabrata Bhattacharyya, David R. Kaes, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Patent number: 10898225
    Abstract: A fluid management system for use with a fluid reservoir includes an inflow pump and an outflow pump. The inflow pump is connectable to a probe for delivering a distention fluid to a body cavity. The outflow pump removes the distention fluid through the same probe, thus establishing a re-circulating volume of distention fluid within the body cavity. The removed fluid is filtered and returned to a fluid reservoir for eventual recycling to the body cavity. A controller adjusts the flow rates of the inflow pump and the outflow pump to maintain a pre-selected fluid pressure or volume within the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Csaba Truckai, Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, John H. Shadduck, Michael D. Walker, Benedek Orczy-Timko, Balazs Lesko
  • Patent number: 10874542
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Split Rock Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hermanson, Amit Rajguru
  • Patent number: 10842976
    Abstract: Valves and valve systems are provided that are useful for integration with inflatable indwelling medical devices to prevent over-inflation of retention balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Mingliang Lawrence Tsai
  • Patent number: 10799131
    Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter for monitoring intrauterine pressure comprising an elongated body configured and dimensioned for insertion into a uterus of a patient, the catheter having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a first balloon at a distal portion. The first lumen communicates with the first balloon and the second lumen has an opening within the uterus for injection of x-ray dye or other fluid into the uterus for imaging the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes of a patient. The first balloon contains a gas to form along with the first lumen a chamber to monitor pressure within the uterus to thereby determine if excessive pressure is being applied to the fallopian tubes of the patient. A sensor is in communication with the first lumen to measure pressure about a circumferential area of the balloon to measure pressure in the uterus to provide readings of intrauterine pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy McKinney, Marc-Alan Levine
  • Patent number: 10639433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating and humidifying gas for laparoscopy by means of magnetic induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: W.O.M. WORLD OF MEDICINE AG
    Inventors: Bernd Mueller, Yves Koeth
  • Patent number: 10493219
    Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Sias, Alexandra Do, Nikolai Poulsen, Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Timothy McMorrow, W.F. Anthony Miles
  • Patent number: 10384021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insufflator with a flue gas extraction, which is configured such that the abdominal pressure remains substantially constant during the extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: W.O.M. WORLD OF MEDICINE GMBH
    Inventors: Yves Koeth, Sebastian Stegemann
  • Patent number: 10201670
    Abstract: A surgical humidification system includes a source of gas flow and a humidifier that receives the gas flow and outputs a humidified gas to a delivery conduit. The delivery conduit has an outlet and a suitable interface, such as a diffuser, is connected to the outlet. The interface can be positioned near or within an open surgical cavity of a patient to supply the humidified gas to the cavity. The system also includes a pressure relief arrangement that operates to relieve pressure from the system above a normal operating pressure. The pressure relief arrangement can be located in a non-sterile portion of the system, such as upstream from the humidifier, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul David Phillips, Jonathan Stuart McFedries, Colette Marie Hanley
  • Patent number: 10195372
    Abstract: A pneumoperitoneum apparatus includes: a gas feeding conduit; a gas feeding flow rate variable section; a first pressure measurement section coupled with the gas feeding conduit; a conduit for pressure measurement; a conduit for pressure measurement coupling part coupled with the conduit for pressure measurement; a second pressure measurement section coupled with the conduit for pressure measurement coupling part, and configured to measure pressure in the conduit for pressure measurement; a gas leaking part configured to communicate the gas in the conduit for pressure measurement to an outside to leak the gas in the conduit by a predetermined leakage; and a control section configured to determine that the conduit for pressure measurement is crushed when pressure measured by the second pressure measurement section is smaller than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunitoshi Hiraga, Takefumi Uesugi, Koji Yamaoka, Yuma Kasuya
  • Patent number: 10159809
    Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
  • Patent number: 10092234
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters and patient sensory perception. A pain input detector, a pain transducer, and a processor are provided. A gas pressure transducer and flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect perceived patient pain, volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. An indication of perceived patient pain is processed by the processor to generate data that may used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used as a diagnostic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
    Inventor: David J Vining
  • Patent number: 10073001
    Abstract: A leak test arrangement (1) for testing a structural component (2) or a closed package/object (2?+21?, 2?*) with a wall to be tested for tightness, including: a test chamber (3) in which the structural component (2) or the package/the object (2?+21?, 2?) is arranged during the leak testing, a test gas space (4) which is formed on a first side of the wall of the structural component (2) and of the test chamber (3) or which corresponds to the interior of the package/of the object (2?, 2?*), a testing space (5) which is formed on a second side of the wall of the structural component (2) and of the test chamber (3) or is formed between the wall of the package/object (2?+21?, 2?*) and the test chamber (3), a test gas supply (6) for supplying compressed air (DL) and/or a test gas (TG) into the testing space (5), a test gas measuring arrangement (7) for measuring or detecting the test gas (TG) in the testing space (5) with a sensor system (72) and a testing space vacuum arrangement (51) for evacuating the testing sp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Luedolph Management GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Luedolph, Wolfgang Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 10046122
    Abstract: An insufflation system configured to supply a predetermined gas into a body cavity of a subject includes: an automatic air supply conduit line configured to automatically supply a gas into the body cavity to maintain a predetermined pressure in the body cavity; a manual air supply conduit line configured to supply a gas into the body cavity by a manual operation; a function selection button provided in an endoscope; and a control unit configured to cause, in accordance with an operation of the function selection button, an air supply conduit line selected by an operation of the function selection button to be in a communication state, and cause a non-selected air supply conduit line to be in a disconnection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: FUJIFILM Corporation, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kentaro Hayashi, Kiyokazu Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9981116
    Abstract: Computerized oral prescription administration (COPA) devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a substance dispensing apparatus, comprising a mouthpiece having a recess customized to match with an intended user's unique dentition; a user verification mechanism configured to determine whether the intended user's unique dentition is positioned within the recess; and an actuator coupled to the mouthpiece and in communication with the user verification mechanism, the actuator configured to dispense a substance from a reservoir coupled to the mouthpiece in response to the user verification mechanism determining that the intended user's unique dentition is positioned within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: BERKSHIRE BIOMEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Rouse, Susan B. Owen, Christy Corey
  • Patent number: 9956358
    Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Sias, Alexandra Do, Nikolai Poulsen, Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Timothy McMorrow, W. F. Anthony Miles
  • Patent number: 9937304
    Abstract: Handheld carboxy therapy applicators are disclosed. In one implementation, a handheld carboxy therapy applicator includes a heater module, a humidification module, and a hypodermic needle. The heater module is configured to receive a flow of gas and to warm gas within the flow of gas. The humidification module is in fluid communication, such as in a serial connection, with the heater module. The humidification module is configured to receive the flow of gas from the heater module and to humidify the gas within the flow of gas. The hypodermic needle is in serial connection with the humidification module. The hypodermic needle is configured to receive the flow of gas from the humidification module and to inject the flow of gas into a tissue of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NORTHGATE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Patent number: 9814520
    Abstract: A wall of a uterus is ablated by expanding a structure in the uterus and applying energy across the wall of the structure into the uterine wall. An exterior surface of the structure conforms to an inner wall of the uterus, and the energy may cause vapor to collect between the wall and the structure. The vapor is released by providing a barrier to release which is inflated at a pressure above which the barrier at least partially collapses to allow the vapor to leave the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 9681858
    Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hamel, Michael D. Baycura, Michael G. Hilldoerfer, Vasudev Nambakam, Salmaan Hameed, William H. L. Chang
  • Patent number: 9662435
    Abstract: A method for using CO2 as a contrast material in medical imaging procedures is disclosed. The method includes providing a source of pressurized CO2. The step of providing includes connecting the source of pressurized CO2 to a compressed gas unit for controlling delivery of the CO2. The method also includes regulating pressure of the CO2 delivered by the compressed gas unit, transmitting the pressurized CO2 from the compressed gas unit to a control valve assembly for delivery to a patient in controlled dosages, and sequentially processing the CO2 with the control valve assembly and delivering the CO2 to the patient as a contrast media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Levy, Kimberley Levy
  • Patent number: 9616185
    Abstract: A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling for a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a second coupling for a secondary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a third coupling for a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings; and at least one valve member to be operable in at least first and second operating positions, the first operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to a coupled primary trocar assembly while preventing pressurized fluid from the source from flowing to at least a coupled secondary trocar assembly, and the second operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to the coupled primary trocar assembly and to at least the coupled secondary trocar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SURGIQUEST, INC.
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Raymond Y. Tang, Ralph Stearns, Kenneth Blier
  • Patent number: 9283151
    Abstract: An enteral feeding device and methods of using such device to unclog a feeding tube are described herein, wherein the device includes a first tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The first tube defines a feeding lumen that extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the first tube. The first tube has at least one distal opening capable of allowing introduction of nutrients and/or medicaments from within the feeding lumen through the opening into a gastrointestinal area of a patient when the enteral feeding tube is implanted in a patient. The device also has a wall having a distal end and a proximal end, which extends longitudinally within at least a portion of the first tube. The wall has an exterior surface and an interior surface. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the wall contacts the feeding lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Louis O. Porreca, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9134217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Sharma, Paul S. Heipp
  • Publication number: 20150080757
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus includes: a gas supply conduit for supplying a gas to a digestive tract; a pressure detecting device which detects a pressure in the digestive tract; a flow regulating device which regulates a gas amount supplied from the gas supply source to the digestive tract via the gas supply conduit; a first control device which controls the flow regulating device according to a result detected by the pressure detecting device to supply the gas into the digestive tract so that the pressure inside the digestive tract becomes a set pressure; a second control device which controls the flow regulating device to supply a fixed gas amount into the digestive tract; and a gas supply mode switching device which switches between gas supply modes including a mode for executing control by the first control device and a mode for executing control by the second control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicants: OSAKA UNIVERSITY, FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki TORISAWA, Kentaro HAYASHI, Manabu MIYAMOTO, Kiyokazu NAKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8926587
    Abstract: The pneumatic system for intussusception treatment, i.e., invagination of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, includes a pressurized gas supply connected to a series of filters, valves, regulators, and sensors connected to a rectal insertion tube to introduce gas at moderate pressure into the intestine of the patient. A computerized control and monitoring subsystem is included. The system preferably includes a heating system to warm the gas as desired. The system also preferably includes an exhaust portion to relieve internal intestinal pressure as required or desired. The exhaust portion of the system preferably includes a filter to absorb undesirable fecal odors that accompany the exhausted gas. At least the rectal insertion tube and the odor filter may be separable from the remainder of the system for convenient disposal. An alarm may be provided to alert the doctor or medical professional of conditions other than normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs
    Inventors: Abdulrahman Musa A. Al Faif, Hesham Mohammed Al Shaalan
  • Publication number: 20140350384
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters and patient sensory perception. A pain input detector, a pain transducer, and a processor are provided. A gas pressure transducer and flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect perceived patient pain, volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. An indication of perceived patient pain is processed by the processor to generate data that may used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used as a diagnostic tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Vining
  • Patent number: 8840580
    Abstract: A gas supply system appropriate for an abdominal cavity and a luminal cavity is provided. The gas supply system reduces a pressure of gas, supplied from a source of gas for supplying gas of a predetermined kind, to a predetermined pressure value upon which gas, whose pressure is reduced, is controllably lowered to a first pressure value appropriate for a body cavity of a first kind of a specimen to allow gas to be supplied to the body cavity of the first kind. In the meantime, gas, supplied from the source of gas, is lowered to a second pressure value appropriate for a body cavity of a second kind of the specimen to allow gas to be supplied to the body cavity of the second kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takefumi Uesugi, Daisuke Sano, Atsuhiko Kasahi, Kenji Noda
  • Patent number: 8784338
    Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring the size of a body lumen and a method for ablating tissue that uses the measurement to normalize delivery of ablational energy from an expandable operative element to a luminal target of varying circumference are provided. The method includes inserting into the lumen an expandable operative element having circuitry with resistivity or inductance that varies according to the circumference of the operative element, varying the expansion of the operative element with an expansion medium, measuring the resistivity of the circuitry, and relating the resistivity or inductance to a value for the circumference of the operative element. In some embodiments the sizing circuit includes a conductive elastomer wrapped around the operative element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael P. Wallace, Robert Garabedian, Brent C. Gerberding
  • Patent number: 8702620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring system and method for use with a body of a subject. The system comprises a medical device, having a portion thereof configured to be placed inside the subject's body, said portion of the medical device being configured to be propelled by fluid pressure through a body lumen; at least two pressure sensors accommodated remotely from the subject's body at two different spaced-apart positions outside the subject's body and configured and operable to detect pressure at the two spaced-apart remote positions; said at least two pressure sensors being in fluid communication with at least one site inside the subject's body, a relation between the pressure at said at least one site and the pressures at said two spaced-apart remote positions being thereby indicative of the fluid pressure at said at least one site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: G.I. View Ltd.
    Inventors: Ra'anan Gefen, Tal Sheps, Reuven Eshel, Ran Mendelewicz, Noam Kinrot
  • Publication number: 20140081169
    Abstract: A system and method of wireless controlled CO2 insufflation for use in colon capsule endoscopy. The system includes a device to inflate the colon through the use of a swallowable capsule including a first compound and a second compound for generating a biocompatible chemical reaction that provides a level of insufflation to enhance visualization and to allow for magnetic locomotion within the colon. The chemical reaction achieves relevant colon insufflation (enough to enable diagnostic relevance) by producing CO2 (carbon dioxide).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jason Gerding, Byron Smith, Keith L. Obstein, Pietro Valdastri
  • Publication number: 20140024965
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed to detect or verify fallopian tube occlusion. Devices include an elongated body, a continuous open space extending between proximal and distal openings, a first pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or fluid flow within the continuous open space, at least one seal member protruding from the outer wall of the elongated body, and a second pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or flow meter within a space created by the at least one seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: Russell Layton
  • Patent number: 8608715
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Roberts, John Henry Burban, Duane E. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20130331730
    Abstract: An anatomical probe system comprises an elongated flexible body and an operational component extending within a channel of the flexible body. The system also comprises a support member at a distal end of the elongated flexible body. The support member includes a fluid director adapted to direct a fluid from the channel toward the operational component. The fluid may be automatically directed towards the operational component in response to detecting a material obstruction of an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Carolyn M. Fenech, Anoop B. Kowshik, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Christopher Allenby
  • Publication number: 20130331731
    Abstract: A visual insufflation obturator is provided. The obturator includes seals, valves, screens and/or various other tip features to eliminate the ingress of fluids, matter and/or gas that can disrupt the visual field of the laparoscope disposed within the obturator. The obturator provides additional features such as lens and anti-fog features to further increase visibility of the scope, efficiently insufflate the patient and ultimately provide an access channel into the insufflated abdomen once the visual insufflation obturator is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Scott V. Taylor, Paul W. Balschweit, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Gary M. Johnson, Said Hilal, Zoran Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20130310705
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Akos Toth
  • Publication number: 20130281880
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO.sub.2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Akos TOTH
  • Publication number: 20130253368
    Abstract: A portable laparoscope is disclosed. In implementations, the portable laparoscope includes a housing and an elongated tube coupled to the housing. A lighting source and a camera are disposed proximate to an end of the elongated tube opposite the housing. The camera is configured to capture an image in a viewing area that is illuminated by light provided by the lighting source. The portable laparoscope includes an image display apparatus configured to display the images acquired by the camera and/or to transmit the images to a remote display device. The housing may be configured to hold and position an insufflator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Chandrakanth Are, Madhuri Are, Dennis Alexander