Patents Assigned to Aesculap AG & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20030199888
    Abstract: An aneurysm clip (1) is provided with two arms (2, 3) which are resiliently pivotable towards each other and carry at their free end clamping bars (12, 13) which are resiliently clamped against each other by the spring force of the arms, with outwardly curved sections of the arms adjoining the clamping bars and jointly forming a receiving space (10) for a vessel (11). In order to improve the safety of the application and the possibility of varying the application of the aneurysm clip, the clamping bars protrude from the arms towards both sides and thereby project laterally on both sides over the width of the arms in the outwardly curved sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Manfred Fischer, Thomas A. Kopitnik
  • Patent number: 6622871
    Abstract: The present invention involves a plate-shaped filter holder for use with a sterilizing container. The filter holder comprises a peripheral outer pressure rim, a central pressure region, a mounting device for fixing the filter holder on the sterilizing container and including webs between the outer pressure rim and the central pressure region which leave open breakthroughs therebetween. In order to prevent undesirable deformations in the filter holder, the webs extend at least partially in a direction which comprises a component in the peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lorenz Gabele, Wolfgang Schwanke
  • Patent number: 6613090
    Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower supporting surface for abutment with adjacent vertebral bodies, having a concave dorsal longitudinal side, a ventral longitudinal side lying opposite the latter, having a rounded contour at the two end faces connecting the longitudinal sides and having at least one hole extending through the implant from the upper to the lower supporting surface, in order to facilitate the introduction of bone material after insertion of the intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space it is proposed that in the region of the middle portion of the ventral longitudinal side at least one introduction channel for bone material, which extends through the implant, exits from the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Konstantin Fuss, Ronald J. Sabitzer, Stephan Eckhof
  • Patent number: 6599294
    Abstract: In order, in the case of a surgical instrument for introducing intervertebral implants into the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies, to facilitate the introduction of the intervertebral implant even when access is difficult, it is proposed that the surgical instrument comprises two mutually opposing guide bodies, which each have a guide directed towards the other guide body and together form between them a guideway, along which an intervertebral implant is insertable laterally into the intervertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Konstantin Fuss, Ronald J. Sabitzer, Stephan Eckhof
  • Publication number: 20030105489
    Abstract: In a suture anchor system for joining pieces of tissue, in particular, for repairing meniscal tears, comprising at least two arrow-shaped or pin-shaped anchor implants joined to one another by a flexible suture fastened to the anchor implants, in order to facilitate installation of the anchor implants, it is proposed that at least one of the anchor implants have a continuous longitudinal passageway for receiving a longitudinally displaceable core, that a suture guide for receiving a suture common to all anchor implants for longitudinal displacement in the suture guide be disposed on this anchor implant, that a clamping device for securing the suture in the suture guide be associated with the suture guide, and that the clamping device be inactive so long as the core is located inside the longitudinal passageway and only become active when the core is pulled out of the longitudinal passageway. An instrument for inserting such anchor implants is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Eichhorn, Nicola Giordano, Karl-Ernst Kienzle, Gerhard Kirmse
  • Patent number: 6562072
    Abstract: An implant for insertion between vertebrae of the verterbral column having a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section and covering faces adapted to face the adjacent vertebrae which are porous and/or designed with a profile. The implant has such a width that it substantially covers at the maximum the rear half of the vertebrae facing the spinous process, preferably at the maximum the rear third of the vertebrae facing the spinous process, and such a length that it substantially covers the rear region of the vertebrae. The limiting surface of the implant facing the inside of the vertebrae and extending in the direction of the adjacent vertebrae is convex. This enables an adequate and reliable supporting function to be achieved with only one implant and can easily be inserted sideways from behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Konstantin Fuss, Ronald J. Sabitzer
  • Patent number: 6558384
    Abstract: In order to improve the cutting properties of surgical bipolar scissors with two scissor blades pivotable relative to each other, the first of which consists of an electrically conductive material and the second of an electrically insulating material on the side thereof facing the first scissor blade, but of an electrically conductive material on the side facing away from the first scissor blade, it is proposed that the second scissor blade comprise a ceramic shaped body in the form of a complete scissor blade which extends beyond a bearing point of the two scissor blades, that a metallic support blade which similarly extends beyond the bearing point rest against the outer side of the shaped body over the surface thereof, and that the shaped body and the support blade be permanently connected to each other at their contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rupert Mayenberger
  • Publication number: 20030074001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for immobilizing adjacent bone segments. An osteosynthesis plating system is provided for fixing or immobilizing several pieces or segments of bone utilizing screws which may be screwed into the segments of bone through openings provided in the osteosynthesis plate. The osteosynthesis plate is pressed against the bone surface by the screws and fixed thereto. In particular, the invention relates to an osteosynthesis extension plate for immobilizing adjacent segments of bone in a second surgery wherein the removal of a previously implanted osteosynthesis plate is avoided. In this manner the disadvantages associated with removal of the previously implanted plate are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ronald I. Apfelbaum, Stephan Eckhof, Alexander Haas
  • Publication number: 20030056385
    Abstract: To make available a method for checking a marking element for displacement in relation to a holding structure, in particular a bone, on which this marking element is fixed, said marking element being used for determining position in navigational surgery, and said marking element functioning with the greatest possible precision, it is proposed to choose a point of orientation which is in a unique relationship to the holding structure and to monitor the position of the point of orientation in a reference system of the marking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Francois Leitner, Benoit Mollard
  • Patent number: 6537277
    Abstract: To design as simply as possible an implant for fixing a bone plate in an opening of a bone plate and to avoid use of a complicated applicator, it is proposed that the implant be designed as a U-shaped clip, with a bridge and two contact arms protruding transversely from the bridge, the contact arms being capable of receiving a bone plate between them and thereby fixing the clip on the bone plate with the contact arms lying against the upper side and the lower side, respectively, of the bone plate, and with at least one projection on the outer side of the bridge facing away from the contact arms for fixing the clip on the other bone plate, so that a displacement of the clip relative to the other bone plate in the longitudinal direction of the bridge is prevented in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ingo Vom Berg, Ulrich Fink, Manfred Fischer, Theodor Lutze, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20020183784
    Abstract: In a bipolar grasping instrument with two clamping jaws movable relative to each other, electrically isolated from one another and each connectable to a pole of an electric high-frequency voltage source, each of the clamping jaws comprising two clamping elements arranged in spaced relation to one another, forming between them a longitudinal slot and each having a clamping surface, and with a cutting device comprising a cutting element displaceable in the longitudinal slots of the clamping jaws and having a cutting edge, in order to improve the design of the drive mechanism and the operability, it is proposed that the cutting element be arranged in the longitudinal slot of the one clamping jaw such that its cutting edge is contained in the longitudinal slot between the clamping elements of this clamping jaw and does not extend beyond its clamping surfaces in the direction towards the other clamping jaw, and that the clamping elements of this clamping jaw be elastically movable relative to the cutting element o
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Rupert Mayenberger, Christoph Rothweiler, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20020165554
    Abstract: With an insertion catheter for inserting a vascular prosthesis into a vessel, with an elongate, substantially tubular catheter cover having a proximal and a distal end, with an outlet for the vascular prosthesis provided at the distal end, in order to make insertion of the vascular prosthesis into the vessel particularly safe and simple, in particular, to provide the vascular prosthesis with protection against twisting, it is proposed that the outlet have a cross-sectional shape differing from a circular shape, and that the cross-sectional area defined by the outlet area be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the vascular prosthesis inserted in the vessel in the opened, unexpanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Dworschak, Theodor Lutze, Thomas Weik, Dieter Weisshaupt, Jens-Rainer Allenberg
  • Publication number: 20020156475
    Abstract: In order to configure, in such a way as to be capable of being employed in a simple and secure manner and produced cost-effectively, a surgical connecting element for fixing adjacently arranged bone plates, comprising a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a coupling element, by means of which the first and second bearing element can be coupled to each other in such a way that bone plates lying between the first and second bearing element can be fixed, it is proposed that the second bearing element and the coupling element be so designed and adapted to each other that, by relative movement between the coupling element and the second bearing element transversely to a clamping direction, the bone plates are fixable between the first and the second bearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Dieter Lerch, Manfred Fischer, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 6460700
    Abstract: In order to reliably configure the positioning of the clip in the cartridge in any phase, even during removal, in the case of a cartridge for receiving U-shaped clips having a web and two arms projecting therefrom, with a support abutting the underside of the web and with clamping members, which abut the web laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from this web transversely to the plane of the clip, it is proposed that additional clamping members are provided, which abut the arms laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from these arms transversely to the plane of the clip, and which are pressed elastically against the arms independently of the clamping members abutting the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 6447551
    Abstract: A flat implant for use in surgery is described. The implant includes a flexible fabric comprising two sides and having on one side a substantially closed surface and on the other side a three-dimensional microstructure permitting a growing in of cells. The implant can be more particularly used for the treatment of wall defects in body cavities, such as abdominal wall defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Goldmann
  • Publication number: 20020123752
    Abstract: In order to produce a bone screw having a screw body which is provided with an external thread and which comprises flow-through means for bone cement that is used for the production of a cement jacket around the bone screw, such that the bone screw will be anchored in a highly stable manner after being implanted in a bone and especially after being implanted in a bone of reduced quality, it is proposed that the flow-through means should comprise at least one longitudinal recess which is formed in the screw body such that it extends transversely relative to the radial direction and transversely relative to the peripheral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Schultheiss, Lutz Claes, Lothar Kinzl
  • Publication number: 20020111643
    Abstract: In order to simplify the structure and production in the case of a surgical clip with two clamping arms, which may be swivelled relative to one another around a rotational axis and in one clamping position have a clamping region where they essentially abut one another, said clamping arms respectively having a free end and an end provided with a bearing, wherein a joint shaft defining the rotational axis is disposed in the two bearings, and with a tension element assigned to the two clamping arms and holding these under prestress in the clamping position, it is proposed that the shaft is formed by the tension element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gebhard Herrmann, Markus Nesper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20020099388
    Abstract: An instrument for placing U-shaped surgical clips comprising a magazine that has a distal and a proximal end in which several clips are arranged one behind the other in a guide that can be pushed in longitudinal direction. On the lower side of the magazine, a feeding plate which by means of flexible lugs is in contact with the back sides of the clips and can be pushed forwards and backwards by means of a pushing device over at least a distance between one clip and the next clip parallel to the guide of the magazine is provided. The movement of pushing forward shifts all the clips in the direction of the distal end of the magazine. When the feeding plate is pushed forwards, the pushing device contacts said feeding plate at a point which is at a distance of at least half a length of the feeding plate away from the proximal end of the feeding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rupert Mayenberger
  • Publication number: 20020099386
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a bone screw 20 to a clamping element 30 of an osteosynthesis holding system 5 is provided. The bone screw 20 has a circumferential groove 25 located on a top portion of the screw 20 below a screw head 22. Snap catches 35 protrude from a bone-contacting surface 38 of the clamping element 30 and interlock with the groove 25 in the screw 20 when the screw 20 is inserted into the clamping element 30 (e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal device 90 is provided for removing the screw 20, as a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screw 20 from the locking mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Beger, Rudolf Zepf, Rudolf Beisse, Michael Potulski
  • Patent number: D476423
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Picot, Gilles Thevenot