Patents Examined by Christine Matthews
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Patent number: 8727964Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Timothy P. Lessek, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Mark Tsonton, Lauren S. Weaner, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Scott A. Woodruff
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Patent number: 8726911Abstract: Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. The object may include a piece of absorbent material, a transponder to wirelessly receive and transmit signals, and a cover. The cover is attached directly to the piece of absorbent material to retain the transponder. Methods of manufacturing wirelessly detectable objects are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: RF Surgical Systems, Inc.Inventor: William A. Blair
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Patent number: 8721514Abstract: An implantable applicator (10) has at least one guide channel (12) for guiding a radioactive seed or source (66) to a target region. A plurality of imageable fiducials (40) are configured for attachment to the patient adjacent the target region. Electromagnetic sensors (18, 20, 22, 20?, 42) are mounted to the applicator and the imageable fiducials. An electromagnetic tracking system determines the relative position of the applicator mounted sensors (18, 20, 22, 20?) and the fiducial mounted sensors (42). A localizing processor (52) generates a map of the sensors which is combined (56) with a high resolution image (46). A comparing processor (70) monitors for changes in sensor positions, generates a movement correction transform (72) which transforms (74) the planning image into a transformed planning image (76).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Guy Shechter
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Patent number: 8721522Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable surgical ring (1) designed to be closed on itself to form a closed loop (2) having an extension medium axis (XX?) for tightening a biological organ (3), wherein said ring (1) includes at least a first and a second ring tightening chamber (12, 13) attached to each other designed to contain a filling fluid for tightening said biological organ (3), said first and second tightening chambers being stepped along the extension medium axis (XX?), said ring being characterized in that the first and second tightening chambers (12, 13) include between them a material-free clearance area (20), in which the wall of the biological organ (3) may move without contacting the ring (1), in order to tighten said biological organ (3) at the level of at least two axially-separated contact areas (14A, 14B).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Compagnie Europeenne d'Etude et de Recherche de Dispositifs l'Implantation par LaparoscopieInventor: Jean-Paul Ricol
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Patent number: 8715201Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and monitoring body sounds in humans and animals, in which bioacoustic sensors and analyzers that are mounted downstream are used for the stationary or mobile long-term monitoring of intensive care patients' respiration, for example. The patients' lung sounds are detected and stored along with measured data which are available right away especially for the early detection of diseases and acute disturbances. Adequately monitoring intestinal sounds makes it possible to evaluate peristalsis and detect mechanical/paralytic ileus early on. An early warning system for the clinical sector immediately generates signals allowing doctors and nurses to take rapid action in case of an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Heinen + Lowenstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ulrich Koehler, Volker Gross
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Patent number: 8715152Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: EarLens CorporationInventors: Sunil Puria, Jonathan P. Fay, Lee Felsenstein, James Stone, Mead C. Killion, Vincent Pluvinage
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Patent number: 8715156Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Suitable biocompatible materials include those that undergo a phase transition within the ventricle or within the wall of the ventricle, and are thereby converted from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state. Such materials also include those which increase in volume during the transition from the liquid state to the solid state. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to effect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Swaminathan Jayaraman
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Patent number: 8715150Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Pulse Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Francis M. Creighton
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Patent number: 8715158Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a fluid access port to a patient. The system generally comprises an implantable access port with a bottom exit port and method for attaching an access port to a patient. In addition, a tube guard, flexible tube exit port, tissue guard, and porous coupling member are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.Inventors: Babak Honaryar, Marcos Borrell, Christopher S. Mudd, Joseph S. Raven, Jeff Allen, Sean Snow, Vernon L. Vincent
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Patent number: 8708885Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving one or more of an insertion tool that works in coordination with a sheath, adjusting engagements, specific implants and pieces of implants, placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region, and insertion, adjusting, and grommet management tools.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: AMS Research CorporationInventors: Chaouki A. Khamis, David J. Kupiecki, Jeffrey M. O'Hern, Shawn Michael Wignall
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Patent number: 8702587Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventors: Craig Comiter, Eugene Rhee, Bryon Merade
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Patent number: 8696543Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Kirk Promotion Ltd.Inventor: Peter Forsell
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Patent number: 8696539Abstract: A positioning device (1) for treating the inner walls of a resection cavity, which was created by surgically removing of at least a portion of a tumor in a living body, characterized by the fact that the material of the device (1), part(s) of the device and accessories of the device (1) is (are) biologically degradable in the living body. Further a surgical procedure for treating a tumor in a living body of at least one of the former claims, comprising: (a) surgically removing at least a portion of said tumor thereby creating a cavity in the living body's remaining tissue; (b) placing a biodegradable treatment device in said cavity so that the degradable device occupies said cavity; and (c) treating tissue surrounding said cavity by means of said positioning device.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Acrostak Corp. BVIInventors: Youri Popowski, Erwin Berger
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Patent number: 8696538Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Karl Otto
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Patent number: 8690745Abstract: Techniques and systems for supplying fluid to a rotating gantry portion of a radiation treatment apparatus are disclosed where a first batch fluid is supplied to the rotating gantry when the rotating gantry is stationary a first time, discontinuing the supply when the rotating gantry is rotating, and supplying a second batch of fluid when the rotating gantry is stationary a second time. A storage component on the rotating gantry allows supplied fluid to be stored in the rotating gantry and used to shape a radiation beam and/or cool an ionizing radiation source, for example, while the rotating gantry is rotating. The techniques and systems may also be utilized to discharge a first fluid from the rotating gantry and supply a second fluid to replace the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: David Rozas, John Dobbs, Robert F. Riemer, Daniel Abenaim
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Patent number: 8690746Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Theragenics CorporationInventors: Jack C. White, David Wesley Stephens, Amit Prakash Govil, Joshua J. Bergman, Nathan Christopher Griffith, Kyle Kevin Millage
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Patent number: 8690752Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting one or more oocytes from a fluid mixture includes a chamber inserted into a hollow elongate tube. An inlet channel receives an injected fluid mixture of oocytes and extraneous fluids and passes the fluid mixture to the hollow elongate tube. A separation unit positioned within the chamber includes a porous filter that selectively filters the fluid mixture to retain the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube, and a propeller for agitating the extraneous fluids for allowing unobstructed passage of the extraneous fluids into an outlet channel and for compactly collecting fibrin elements from the extraneous fluids. A flow of the extraneous fluids rotates the propeller on application of a vacuum suction force. Furthermore, the chamber includes an outlet channel for allowing passage of the extraneous fluids separated from the fluid mixture out of the chamber, and retaining the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Alison Jane Jose
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Patent number: 8684907Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment an adjustable urethral sling includes a flexible mesh support having a mesh envelope at a suburethral potion and an expansion chamber within the mesh envelope. A conduit may be provided that extends along the flexible mesh support and that is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber. When installed in a patient the sling may loop under the urethra and out exit sites. An access port may be provided in a subcutaneous pocket and attached to the conduit to allow for remote expansion of the expansion chamber from a desirable location to allow adjustment of the sling with the patient in a standing position. The mesh envelope allows tissue ingrowth around the container so that the container can be expanded for a long period of time after implantation. The expansion chamber may be U-shaped to provide lateral closing pressure to the urethra when expanded.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Jay S. Hortenstine
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Patent number: 8684899Abstract: A method for brachytherapy in a lumpectomy cavity of a breast including, positioning a distal end of a brachytherapy device within the cavity, expanding an expandable surface portion located between proximal and distal ends of the device within the cavity, the source lumen tubes defining a curved configuration within the cavity; and positioning a source of radiation sequentially within one or more source lumens of the source lumen tubes according to a brachytherapy treatment plan. The device includes an inner tube, and a plurality of source lumen tubes located around the inner tube and including distal ends secured together with the inner tube at the distal end disposed within the body cavity, the source lumen tubes comprising proximal portions sufficiently long to extend outside the breast.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Theragenics CorporationInventors: Jack C. White, David Wesley Stephens, Amit Prakash Govil, Joshua J. Bergman, Nathan Christopher Griffith, Kyle Kevin Millage
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Patent number: 8688209Abstract: A device for ambulatory monitoring of brain activity includes a patch secured to a head of a monitoring subject and an electrode secured to the head of the monitoring subject. The electrode produces a signal indicating brain activity of the monitoring subject. The device further includes a signal processor that receives the signal produced by the electrode and processes the signal to produce data. The signal processor is secured to the monitoring subject. The device further includes a display that displays the data produced by the signal processor, the display being secured to the monitoring subject. The device also includes a power source secured to the monitoring subject, the power source providing power to the electrode, the signal processor, and the display wherein the monitoring subject may ambulate unimpeded by the patch, the electrode, the signal processor, the display and the power source.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Evgeny Verbitskiy