Suture, Ligature, Elastic Band Or Clip Applier Patents (Class 606/139)
  • Patent number: 10420544
    Abstract: Surgical access devices having wound closure features incorporated as part of the device are provided. The devices allow suture to be inserted directly into the device and operated to close an opening through which the device is disposed as or shortly after the device is removed from the surgical site. Further, the wound closure features allow for various orientations of wound closure to be achieved by adjusting an angle at which the suture enters tissue surrounding the opening to be closed. Some of the wound closure features provided for include openings formed in both the housing and cannula of the surgical access device, multiple openings formed in one or both the housing and cannula, locations of the openings being adjustable or otherwise movable, and various flexible seals. Other features, as well as methods of closing an opening through which the surgical access device was disposed, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Ryan A. Bledsoe, Douglas E. Withers, Craig T. Gates
  • Patent number: 10420585
    Abstract: A cannula for use in laparoscopic surgery has a central passage which may accept a trocar to create a laparoscopic incision in a body wall to an inner body cavity. A tubular section of the cannula is then pressed into the incision to form a port. The tubular section has passages through its walls for suturing needles and a source for insufflating gas. A tubular sleeve is slidably supported on the exterior surface of the tubular cannula for movement between a raised position clear of the needle passage exit ports and a lowered or rotated position blocking the exit ports to prevent insufflation gases from passing into the body wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Reza Mohajer-Shojaee
  • Patent number: 10405850
    Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, said hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; and a suture manipulation rod slidably received in said lumen of said hollow tube and selectively projectable out said distal end of said hollow tube, said suture manipulation rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said suture manipulation rod being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, wherein said first arm includes a hook comprising a proximally oriented hooking surface and a return extending proximally of said hooking surface; wherein said hollow tube and said suture manipulation rod are sized so that said suture manipulation rod may capture a suture disposed adjacent to said distal end of said hollow tube and draw the suture into said lumen of said hollow tube, and further wherein, after a suture has been drawn into said lumen of said hollow tube, distal movement of said suture manipulation rod causes t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Pivot Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daren Stewart, James Flom
  • Patent number: 10398554
    Abstract: A device for treating a body tissue having a prolapse comprising two clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly being able to clamp a free edge of the body tissue on either side of the prolapse, and a membrane connecting both clamping assemblies to each other, the membrane being able to be held taut facing the prolapse by both clamping assemblies, is provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Mustapha Ladjali
  • Patent number: 10398429
    Abstract: A tissue anchor has a body and an eyelet adapted to receive a length of suture, where the eyelet is formed through the tissue anchor off of a longitudinal axis and off of a vertical axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Neal Poucher, Sarah J. Deitch, Allen Gaynor
  • Patent number: 10391274
    Abstract: A catheter with a distal end that rotates through the conversion of linear motion to rotational motion, thus the distal end may be rotated without longitudinally advancing or retracting the distal end. The catheter includes a tube with a single helix or a dual chirality helix cut into the tube, a distal end segment, means for linear displacement of the helix, and means for coupling the junction point of the helix to the distal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Giles
  • Patent number: 10368861
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10363021
    Abstract: Vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. A combination of the body's own natural mechanism with chemical and/or biological agents is relied upon to accelerate the hemostatic process. Included are steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced by retracting and tensioning a coil spring so as to expose a chemical and/or biological region or release region of the device. The retraction and tensioning of the coil spring is limited by a coupling member. Exposure of blood and tissue to the chemical and/or biological sealing member promotes the clotting processing to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiva Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Zia Yassinzadeh, Jeffrey I. Weitz, Alan Stafford
  • Patent number: 10363039
    Abstract: An end effector is provided and includes an outer tube, a coil member, a plurality of fasteners, and an engagement member. The outer tube defines a viewing window and a lockout window. The coil member is disposed within the outer tube. The plurality of fasteners are disposed in the coil member. The engagement member is disposed proximal to the plurality of fasteners and is visible through the viewing window of the outer tube. The engagement member is configured to translate proximal to the plurality of fasteners to provide a count of the plurality of fasteners remaining in the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Mark Russo
  • Patent number: 10363024
    Abstract: A system for repairing tears in soft tissue, e.g., meniscal tissue, by employing cinch stitching. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus for meniscal repair using a suture implant construct. The suture implant construct includes a first and second implant which are connected to each other via a length of suture. The implants are designed to be loaded on external surfaces of the first and second trocars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Koogle, Jr., Ricardo Albertorio, Jacob A. Jolly, Vipool K. Goradia
  • Patent number: 10357284
    Abstract: Various surgical introducer needle and anchor systems are provided. The systems can include an introducer needle and a tissue support implant or sling device. The implant device can include one or more anchoring devices. The introducer needle device can include a handle assembly and a needle assembly. The needle assembly can include a generally hollow needle, and a wire traversable therein. The wire can include a distal tip adapted to selectively retract or withdraw from the engaged anchoring device upon deployment of the anchor and/or implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Mujwid, Kory P. Hamel, James A. Alexander, John J. Buysman, John F. Otte, Jason W. Ogdahl
  • Patent number: 10357147
    Abstract: An illuminator apparatus and method for illuminating an object field imaged by a rectangular image sensor having a first aspect ratio is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a proximal end disposed to receive a plurality of input light beams, each light beam having differing spectral properties, the optical fiber being operable to transmit the light beams along the fiber to a distal end of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes an integrating element disposed to receive the light beams from the distal end of the fiber and combine the light beams to produce a generally homogenous illumination beam at a rectangular output face of the integrating element. The apparatus further includes an illumination projector operable to project an image of the output face of the integrating element into the object field to produce a generally rectangular illuminated region of the object field substantially corresponding to the portion of the object field imaged by the rectangular image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Randal B. Chinnock, William L. Weber
  • Patent number: 10357244
    Abstract: A suturing device includes a longitudinal axis member, an operation unit, a grasp portion, a suture needle, a first engaging member, a second engaging member, a first linear member connected to the first engaging member and the operation unit and configured to switch the first engaging member and the engaging portion into an engaged state or a disengaged state, and a second linear member connected to the second engaging member and the operation unit and configured to switch the second engaging member and the engaging portion into an engaged state or a disengaged state, wherein the first and the second linear member intersect a central axis of the longitudinal axis member between the grasp portion and a distal end of the longitudinal axis member and are inserted into an insertion path to be connected to the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10349934
    Abstract: An annuloplasty stitching device (1) is disclosed for stitching at a stitch site in a patient. The stitching device comprises a support structure (2) comprising, an elongate center support (21) extending along an axial direction (27) between a proximal end and a distal end, a stitching arrangement (3) comprising, at least one elongate linkage section (31) being movably attached at a support end (25) of the linkage section to the center support, and at least one stitching member (32) arranged at a stitch end (26) of the linkage section and being movable along said axial direction by a pivoting action of the linkage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Medtentia International Ltd. Oy
    Inventors: Mark Pugh, Ger O'Carroll, Adrian Moran
  • Patent number: 10349942
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A folded surgical buttress configured to overlie each of the tissue contacting surfaces of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured to retain the surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. The surgical buttress having a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion, and middle longitudinal portion between the first and second longitudinal portions, wherein the middle longitudinal portion is folded and configured to fit within the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Richard Stevenson, Paul Scirica
  • Patent number: 10349949
    Abstract: A closed loop-type hemostatic device having built-in inner pincers which integrates holding type pincers with a device for fitting a hemostatic clip, so as to: primarily, find and temporarily perform hemostasis on a bleeding portion by using holding type pincers after confirming that the bleeding portion exists; secondarily, move a clip pressing part and a clip pressing part and enclose the bleeding portion; and then move only the clip pressing part and clip a closed loop-type hemostatic clip onto the bleeding portion so as to perform hemostasis. The amount of bleeding can be reduced by temporary hemostasis on a bleeding portion, and a hemostatic clip can be precisely clipped on the bleeding portion, thereby improving hemostatic performance. Also, because hemostasis can be selectively performed only around a damaged blood vessel wall, therefore, the physiological benefit of being able to maintain partial blood flow may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL CANCER CENTER
    Inventors: Sang Jae Park, Kwang Gi Kim, Seong Yeon Cho
  • Patent number: 10342542
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a platform, a buttress assembly, a retainer member, and a release assembly. The housing defines a gap that is configured to receive a portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler. A portion of the platform is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The buttress assembly is positioned on the platform and is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The retainer member is configured to selectively retain the first buttress assembly against the platform. The release assembly is in communication with the retainer member. The release assembly is configured to store energy. The release assembly is further configured to release the stored energy to thereby cause the at least one retainer to release the first buttress assembly from the platform in response to a clamping action of an end effector positioned in the gap defined by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Trevor J. Barton, Mark S. Zeiner, Emily A. Schellin, Prudence A. Turner, Charles J. Scheib, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely
  • Patent number: 10342529
    Abstract: Improved surgical instruments are provided including improved suture passers, improved drill guides for forming holes in bones adjacent a joint at locations referenced to the joint anatomy, and improved osteotomy guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wade Fallin, M. Mary Sinnott, Kwan-Ho Chan, Patrick M. White
  • Patent number: 10335138
    Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to method of passing a suture through a material using a suture passer. In certain embodiments, the suture passer includes a housing defining a linear motion axis, a needle mounted for translation along the motion axis, and a foot mounted to the housing. The foot has a distal portion with a proximal facing surface extending along a distal portion axis crossing the motion axis and a distal facing surface, the distal portion including an opening in the proximal facing surface aligned with the motion axis and able to receive the needle in the second position. In certain embodiments, a method includes positioning a distal portion of the foot of the suture passer behind the material, extending the needle through the material and into the opening in the distal portion, and retracting the needle to retrieve a bight of suture from the distal portion proximally through the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Mary Sinnott, Thomas Wade Fallin
  • Patent number: 10327756
    Abstract: A re-arming tool for a surgical suturing device is also disclosed. The re-arming tool includes a needle ramp having a leading edge; a needle facing surface; and a trailing edge that is biased away from the needle facing surface. The re-arming tool also has a positioning frame coupled to the needle ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude S. Sauer
  • Patent number: 10327760
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatuses and methods for using a medical instrument including a sizing and positioning adapter. The apparatus comprises an adapter for a medical instrument, the adapt having a body having a shim portion and an instrument holding portion adjacent the shim portion, wherein the shim portion provides an enlarged peripheral surface adjacent the medical instrument such that when the medical instrument is held in the instrument holding portion and the medical instrument and body are inserted through an opening in a patient tissue, at least a portion of the enlarged peripheral surface is in contact with at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the patient tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Laveille Kao Voss, Erik Kristian Walberg
  • Patent number: 10327775
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Augustus Felix
  • Patent number: 10314571
    Abstract: Systems for tissue repair are described where an elongate tissue repair device may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. A suture delivery assembly may be sized for insertion through a single incision and positioned into proximity with a damaged or ruptured tissue region. A first portion of the damaged tissue region may be positioned within or along a channel defined along the suture delivery assembly and one or more lengths of suture may be secured to the first portion via the device. A second portion of the damaged tissue region may be similarly positioned within or along the channel and one or more additional lengths of suture may be secured to the second portion via the device. The first and second portions may then be approximated and secured to one another via the sutures to facilitate healing of the damaged tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: James Rohl, Shannon M. Rush, Sheriese Rush, Michel Yoon, James McCrea, Shuo-Hsiu Chang
  • Patent number: 10314689
    Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an implant delivery system having a delivery shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion and a detachable frame coupled to the distal portion of the delivery shaft. The detachable frame includes a body portion and a plurality of attachment arms extending away from the body portion. The plurality of attachment arms are configured to be attached to an implant and the detachable frame is configured to detach from the delivery shaft in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ROTATION MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Zenz-Olson, Nathaniel Tran
  • Patent number: 10307162
    Abstract: This invention provides hermetically-sealed handle assembly with a rotating trigger for use with disposable components, such as surgical clip appliers. The rotating trigger reduces the gripping force necessary to fully control the internal actuator mechanism to operate a disposable surgical clip applier to fully ligate a vessel or other tissue. The hermetic seal on the handle assembly prevents any patient fluids and other bioburden from entering the internal structures. This reduces the possibility of cross-contamination and the costs of sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: CONMED Corporation
    Inventors: Pavel Menn, Nathaniel Rosso
  • Patent number: 10299785
    Abstract: Surgical access devices having wound closure features incorporated as part of the device are provided. The devices allow suture to be inserted directly into the device and operated to close an opening through which the device is disposed as or shortly after the device is removed from the surgical site. Further, the wound closure features allow for various orientations of wound closure to be achieved by adjusting an angle at which the suture enters tissue surrounding the opening to be closed. Some of the wound closure features provided for include openings formed in both the housing and cannula of the surgical access device, multiple openings formed in one or both the housing and cannula, locations of the openings being adjustable or otherwise movable, and various flexible seals. Other features, as well as methods of closing an opening through which the surgical access device was disposed, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Ryan A. Bledsoe, Douglas E. Withers, Craig T. Gates
  • Patent number: 10300287
    Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a tool and a tethering member extending side-by-side within an inner shaft thereof; the tool extends within a first lumen, being in sliding engagement therein, and includes a distal end coupling feature that protrudes from a distal end of the inner shaft; and the tethering member has a first segment extending within a second lumen, and a second segment extending from the first segment and distally from the distal end of the inner shaft to an end of the tethering member, which is configured to engage with a holding member of the device, and with which the coupling feature of the tool is configured to couple. A retainer may be joined to another end of the tethering member that protrudes from a proximal port of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Madden, Tomas K Kelly, John Gallagher, Gwenda Francis, Brendan Patrick Geraghty, Francis Denis McEvoy, Barry O'Connell, Rónán Wood
  • Patent number: 10299787
    Abstract: A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a housing comprising a first rotary input and a second rotary input, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a closure cam, and an opening member. The end effector comprises a jaw and an anvil comprising a cam surface. The anvil is rotatable relative to the jaw between an open position and a clamped position. The closure cam is operably coupled with the first rotary input and is configured to engage the cam surface to move the anvil toward the clamped position in response to an input motion from the first rotary input. The opening member is configured to apply an opening force to the anvil at a location other than the cam surface to move the anvil toward the open position in response to an input motion from the second rotary input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10285688
    Abstract: Surgical access devices having wound closure features incorporated as part of the device are provided. The devices allow suture to be inserted directly into the device and operated to close an opening through which the device is disposed as or shortly after the device is removed from the surgical site. Further, the wound closure features allow for various orientations of wound closure to be achieved by adjusting an angle at which the suture enters tissue surrounding the opening to be closed. Some of the wound closure features provided for include openings formed in both the housing and cannula of the surgical access device, multiple openings formed in one or both the housing and cannula, locations of the openings being adjustable or otherwise movable, and various flexible seals. Other features, as well as methods of closing an opening through which the surgical access device was disposed, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Ryan A. Bledsoe, Douglas E. Withers, Craig T. Gates
  • Patent number: 10285676
    Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument includes a case having a trigger handle, a sheath coupled to the case, an intermediate connector coupled to the sheath, an end effector removably attachable to the intermediate connector, a set of cables that control position of the intermediate connector, at least two motors coupled to the cables, and a user control module configured to control position of the intermediate connector and the end effector. The instrument further includes a pushrod disposed within the sheath and within the intermediate connector that is configured for axial motion relative to the sheath and the intermediate connector and rotational motion within the sheath and the intermediate connector. The pushrod is coupled to the trigger handle and removably coupled to the end effector, so that rotational motion of the pushrod effectuates rotation of the end effector and axial motion of the pushrod is controllable by the trigger handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Multi Scopic Instruments, LLC
    Inventor: Gerry Berkelaar
  • Patent number: 10285743
    Abstract: A surgical implant for fixing a soft tissue to a bone comprising a staple and a plate. The staple and the plate are positionable on an instrument in such a way that the plate may be manipulated with the instrument to hold the soft tissue against the bone and in such a way that the staple is fixable to the bone with the plate positioned between a bridge of the staple and the soft tissue when legs of the staple are driven through the plate and into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CC Innovation
    Inventors: Nicolas Bouduban, Beat Lechmann, Patrick Burki, Christian Fink
  • Patent number: 10278690
    Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Pivot Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Skinlo, Scott Heneveld, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs
  • Patent number: 10278689
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to engage tissue. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a tissue reinforcement member holder configured to retain a tissue reinforcement member relative to the suturing head. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and the suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. Methods of using a suture passer device to pass a suture through tissue and to attach soft tissue to bone are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Palese, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 10260135
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surgical needle produced from a wire made of a hyperelastic or superelastic alloy including a Ni—Ti alloy base includes: carrying out a cold shaping or a shaping at ambient temperature of the curved profile of the needle in an appropriate support; subjecting the needle in its support to a thermal treatment in order to memorize the imposed curved-profile geometry; cleaning the needle via a chemical stripping of the electrochemical or electrolytic polishing type or via a chemical solution in order to remove the layer of oxide deposited on the needle during its thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: SOPRANE
    Inventor: Thierry Loubens
  • Patent number: 10258324
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a cannula and a guide member. The cannula is configured for positioning within an opening in tissue. The cannula includes a base and an elongated tubular member extending distally from the base. The elongated tubular member includes an annular wall defining a longitudinal passageway and defines at least one slot extending through the annular wall. The guide member includes a guide housing configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and an elongated guide shaft configured for insertion into the elongated tubular member of the cannula. The guide member defines at least one lumen extending therethrough and is configured such that, upon engagement of the guide member with the cannula, the at least one lumen is aligned with the at least one slot of the cannula to define a guide passageway through the guide member and cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Gregory F. Tebbe, Danny R. Berry
  • Patent number: 10258322
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that can pierce and hold tissue and then pass suture through tissue. The device can have a shuttle that can removably attach to a suture and jaws that can be rotatably opened and closed with respect to each other. A method for using the device to repeatedly pass the suture through the tissue without removing the suture or device from the target site is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Maruho Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Fanton, John F. Krumme, Scott H. Heneveld, Matthew B. Newell, Luke W. Clauson
  • Patent number: 10251642
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Augustus Felix
  • Patent number: 10251666
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for cutting mucosal tissue. In particular, the present disclosure provides an endoscopic hood with an integrated wire for single-step tissue cutting. The endoscopic hood is particularly useful for performing repeated cutting, for example EMR resections, without the need for assistance by a nurse or medical technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Gray, Samuel Raybin, Kevin Scott Gell, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 10238493
    Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repairing the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a surgical delivery instrument, a valve repair device, and a gripper control mechanism. The surgical delivery instrument has at least one lumen. The valve repair device is configured to be delivered through the lumen of the surgical delivery instrument and to be attached to a native valve of a patient. The valve repair device includes a pair of paddles, and at least four gripping members. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position, and the paddles and the at least four gripping members are configured to attach to the native valve of a patient. The gripper control mechanism is configured to independently move each of the at least four gripping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Asher L. Metchik, Gregory Scott Tyler, II, Matthew T. Winston, Sergio Delgado, Lauren R. Freschauf, Eric R. Dixon, Alexander J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10231824
    Abstract: Systems and tools are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a sheath is provided having a first sidewall with proximal and distal ends and a second sidewall with proximal and distal ends. The distal ends of the first and second sidewalls can be coupled to one another by a hinge pin such that the first and second sidewalls pivot relative to one another about the hinge pin. A sheath inserter tool is also provided and it can be configured to couple to the sheath and to advance the expandable sheath, with a tendon disposed therearound, into a bone hole. An expander is also provided for expanding the sheath. In this way, a tendon or ligament is delivered into the bone hole and the sheath and tendon are locked within the bone hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÁRL
    Inventors: Justin M. Piccirillo, Gerome Miller, Sherri Sa
  • Patent number: 10231728
    Abstract: A tissue fastening device is provided. The tissue fastening device may include an elongate member having fastener guides extending between a working end and a control end and a firing aperture disposed on the working end, an arcuate needle disposed within the firing aperture of the working end and rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position, the arcuate needle including an antegrade recess configured to engagably receive an end of a fastener during advancement of the arcuate needle, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the arcuate needle and configured to, upon actuation, advance the arcuate needle in a forward rotation to engage the end of the fastener to be installed and push the end of the fastener through one of a tissue and a prosthetic material into a helical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Surgimatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai N. Chin, Gary M. Kobylewski, Jafar S. Hasan
  • Patent number: 10226273
    Abstract: A surgical system comprises an end effector including an ultrasonic blade and a capturing arm, wherein the capturing arm is movable to capture tissue against the ultrasonic blade. In addition, the surgical system includes a transducer configured to generate ultrasonic energy for transmission to the ultrasonic blade and a clamping member removably coupled to the end effector, the clamping member configured to clamp the captured tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Daniel W. Price, Donna L. Korvick, Foster B. Stulen
  • Patent number: 10220214
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sheath for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body. The delivery rod extends longitudinally from the handle body. A microstimulator docking feature is provided for selectively maintaining the electrical microstimulator on the delivery rod. The microstimulator docking feature includes at least one arm which engages the electrical microstimulator. An anchor tester is associated with the handle body for selectively sensing motion of the electrical microstimulator under influence of an applied predetermined longitudinal testing force. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: VERESSA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Tranchina, Maekele Gebrekidan, Robert K. Deckman, Jeffrey Richard Held
  • Patent number: 10219885
    Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, aspects of soft tissue anchors, adjustable length/tension slings, interconnects between slings and soft tissue anchors, delivery devices and systems for implanting supportive slings, and methods relating to anchoring, 5 adjusting and implanting supportive slings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mamo, Michael F. Weiser
  • Patent number: 10219804
    Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device includes a plate member and an anchor. The plate member having a periphery, the plate member configured to be positioned along an outer surface of the soft tissue. The anchor includes a base and six legs extending from the base, the six legs extending from the base being moveable to a curled configuration such that the six legs wrap around separate portions of the periphery of the plate member with the soft tissue therebetween. In this manner, the repair device may be anchored to the soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: CoNextions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Linder, Erik N. Kubiak, Roy M. Taylor, Zackery K. Evans, Tyler J. Cole, Scott D. Miles, Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 10206680
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for guiding surgical fasteners. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate guidance of fasteners during deployment of the fasteners into tissue. In general, the surgical device can include one or more guidance features configured to facilitate guidance of the fasteners during ejection of the fasteners from the cartridge. The one or more guidance features can be configured to reduce lateral movement of the fasteners during deployment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more guidance features can be configured to support a fastener on three sides thereof during deployment of the fastener. The one or more guidance features can be formed on the cartridge, e.g., formed on a surface thereof or formed on a sled disposed in the cartridge, and/or can be formed on a jaw that seats the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
  • Patent number: 10201346
    Abstract: A guide member configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10194920
    Abstract: The present invention provides a circular bone tunneling device, comprising: a hollow elongate body comprising a hollow elongate body head, said hollow elongate body head defining a rigid circular arc, comprising a surgical needle; an extendable and retractable support element, reconfigurable from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration; said support element, in said extended configuration, adapted to be located along said path formed by said rigid circular arc; said support element and said hollow elongate body head are adapted to grasp said bone from at least two points along the circumference of said bone; a stabilizing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MINIVASIVE LTD.
    Inventors: Mordehai Sholev, Gilad Lavi, Raphael Meloul, Ronen Raz
  • Patent number: 10194905
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on stapling or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a stapling system is introduced within the expanded prosthesis to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The stapling system may apply a force to the prosthesis to modify the shape of the prosthesis to conform to the shape of the vessel wall. The stapling system can be deflected in one or more distinct steerable segments. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Jimmy Jen
  • Patent number: 10194898
    Abstract: Suture anchors are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: VentureMD Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Kwan-Ho Chan, James Murphy, T. Wade Fallin, Patrick Michel White