Patents Examined by David Isabella
  • Metallic implantable grafts and method of making same
    Patent number: 9668852
    Abstract: Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Vactronix Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Banas, Julio C. Palmaz
  • Contractible annuloplasty structures
    Patent number: 9662209
    Abstract: A method is provided, including positioning an annuloplasty structure along an annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a subject, the annuloplasty structure including a sleeve having a lumen. The annuloplasty structure is fastened to the annulus. Thereafter, an elongate member is advanced into the lumen, such that an elongate contraction-restricting element of the elongate member occupies a longitudinal contraction-restricted portion of the sleeve. Thereafter, a contractible portion of the sleeve is contracted, while the contraction-restricting element restricts contraction of the contraction-restricted portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: VALTECH CARDIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Amir Gross, Tal Sheps, Tal Hammer, Tal Reich, Ehud Iflah
  • System and method for modifying talocalcaneal relationship in a foot
    Patent number: 9655733
    Abstract: A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: FOOT INNOVATIONS, LLC.
    Inventors: Roy W. Sanders, Sergio Gutierrez
  • Intervertebral spinal implant
    Patent number: 9655746
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine is provided. The upper surface and the lower surface of the implant each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the upper and lower surfaces define a through-hole having an inner surface extending through the spacer body. A first and second sidewalls extend from a front end and a back end, wherein the first and second sidewalls are configured with engagement portions positioned in close proximity to the front end and the back end. The front end and the back end are configured with a threaded hole for receiving an instrument for inserting the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jody L. Seifert
  • Surgical heart valve flexible stent frame stiffener
    Patent number: 9655719
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame having annularly spaced commissure portions and an annulus portion disposed near an inflow edge, a fabric covering at least a portion of the frame and a valve assembly connected to the frame at the commissure portions, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. A stiffening member is disposed about the frame to limit ovalization of the frame when a radial force is applied to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Marie Board, Jeffrey Ross Ambrus, Joseph Donald Smith, Deborah Ann Wojcik, Mai Sia Vue, Aaron J. Chalekian
  • Stents for prosthetic heart valves
    Patent number: 9649191
    Abstract: A stented valve including a stent structure having a generally tubular body portion, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, an first end, an second end, and an outer surface; at least one outflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stent adjacent to the first end of the stent structure and toward the second end of the stent structure; at least one inflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stent adjacent to the second end of the stent structure and toward the first end of the stent structure; and a valve structure attached within the interior area of the stent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Padraig Savage, Gianfranco Pellegrini, Finn Rinne, Matthew Rust, Michael Krivoruchko
  • Demineralized cancellous strip DBM graft
    Patent number: 9642936
    Abstract: An osteoimplant includes at least partially demineralized cancellous bone as a substrate, which is impregnated with demineralized cortical bone matrix (DBM). The implant may include a binding agent to adhere the DBM to the cancellous bone substrate, and may also include a soft tissue barrier that covers a portion of the external surface of the implant. The cancellous bone substrate may be selectively demineralized, so as to provide regions with greater malleability, and other regions with greater structural properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Nelson L. Scarborough
  • Artificial hip joint replacement system
    Patent number: 9642709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial hip joint replacement system. The system includes an acetabulum portion having a cup suitable to be received by a subject's acetabular bone. The cup includes a rigid portion and an elastic portion attached to the rigid portion. Also included in the system is a ball received within the cup and in contact with the elastic portion and a femoral stem attached to the ball. The elastic portion is positioned to cause expansion and allow contraction of a space between the ball and the rigid portion of the cup so they are further apart from one another during periods of low mechanical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Boedo, John F. Booker
  • Intraocular lens having an optical and a haptic part, method for making an intraocular lens and method for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye
    Patent number: 9629710
    Abstract: An intraocular lens has an optical part and a haptic adjoining the optical part. At least one additional fixation element that differs from the haptic is formed on at least an upper side of the intraocular lens. The additional fixation element is formed to fix the position of the intraocular lens in the capsular bag of an eye. A method for making an intraocular lens and a method for implanting an intraocular lens in a capsular bag of an eye are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Hartkens, Marco Wilzbach, Michael Stefan Rill, Frederik Siegmann
  • Apparatus and methods for treating cardiac valve regurgitation
    Patent number: 9629720
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repairing a cardiac valve, e.g., a mitral valve, are provided. The apparatus may include an expandable frame defining a curved structure in the expanded deployed state and a membrane coupled to the expandable frame. The membrane may curve around a native leaflet, e.g., the posterior leaflet, in a first plane and curve around another leaflet, e.g., the anterior leaflet, in an orthogonal plane. The membrane may be adapted to be suspended in the flow path of the cardiac valve such a first surface of the membrane abuts the native leaflet during systole and a second surface of the membrane abuts the other native leaflet during systole, thereby reducing cardiac valve regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Jacques Seguin
  • Intraocular lenses for variable focus
    Patent number: 9622852
    Abstract: A novel lens for variable focus has two optical elements which simultaneously move in a lateral and an axial direction. The lens also includes variable corrective optics to correct for undesired variable optical aberrations. The lens can be used as an accommodating lens for implantation in the capsular bag. The lens can be driven by either the surfaces of the capsular bag as well as the rim of the capsular bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Akkolens International B.V.
    Inventors: Aleksey Nikolaevich Simonov, Michiel Christiaan Rombach
  • Revision implant augments, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 9622871
    Abstract: A revision implant component comprising a body having a plurality of screw holes and a tapered head configured to engage a talar dome component of a multi-component ankle prosthesis. A surgical method is disclosed which includes creating an incision in a patient, exposing a multi-component ankle prosthesis implanted in a patient, disassembling at least one component of the multi-component ankle prosthesis, affixing a revision implant component to non-damaged bone using screws, and coupling the revision implant component to a talar dome of the multi-component ankle prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth J. Sander
  • Implantable valve prosthesis and method for manufacturing such a valve
    Patent number: 9615919
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable valve prosthesis, optionally comprising a support structure and at least one valve leaflet. The valve prosthesis comprises a material structure of unidirectional reinforcing elements of drawn ultra high molecular weight polyolefin, extending in at least two directions, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the polyolefin reinforcing elements is at least 60 GPa. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such an implantable valve. The valve is easily manufactured and has an improved durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Marissen
  • Precision hip replacement method
    Patent number: 9610092
    Abstract: A method for accurately positioning the acetabular cup in a minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA), comprising the steps of (a) placing the cup in roughly the correct position in the acetabulum using a acetabular component placement tool, (b) taking a first abduction reading and a first anteversion reading using a gyroscopic positioning unit aligned with the acetabular component placement tool, (c) taking an image of at least a portion of the cup using a radiography unit, (d) using the image to determine the actual orientation of the cup and required position of the cup to properly orient the acetabular component, (e) incrementally altering the position of the cup by using a striking tool, (f) taking new abduction and anteversion readings using the gyroscopic unit to determine the relative movement of the cup caused by the tapping, and (g) repeating any of the steps as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Orthopedics Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Brad L. Penenberg
  • Leaflet abrasion mitigation
    Patent number: 9610157
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent extending in a longitudinal direction and having a plurality of commissure features. A valve assembly is secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. Each of the leaflets has a pair of attachment regions and a free edge extending between the attachment regions. A deflection feature disposed in each attachment region is configured and arranged to prevent the free edges of the leaflets from contacting at least one of the stent or the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Kent J. Smith, Andrea L. McCarthy, Yousef F. Alkhatib
  • Mitral valve inversion prostheses
    Patent number: 9610156
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for heart valve prostheses are described. An implant is inserted proximate a mitral valve, and has a tubular body and a plurality of piercing members, the tubular body comprising an upper diameter and a lower diameter. Tissue proximate the mitral valve is engaged by the plurality of piercing members and the tubular body transitions from a first structural configuration to a second structural configuration by application of an expansive force to the tubular body proximate the upper diameter, the first structural configuration having the upper diameter smaller than the lower diameter and the second structural configuration having the upper diameter larger than the lower diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Millipede, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Lashinski
  • Intravascular stent
    Patent number: 9603727
    Abstract: An expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The link pattern is optimized to reduce strain on the links and enhance longitudinal flexibility and security of the stent. The stent includes a distal end ring and a proximal end ring that have a length that is shorter than the length of the body rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Diem Uyen Ta, Timothy A. Limon, Andy E. Denison
  • Orthopaedic cutting block
    Patent number: 9603604
    Abstract: A bone cutting block includes: a plurality of saw slot plates each including a plurality of ends opposing one another, each of the plurality of ends including a locating feature, the plurality of saw slot plates defining at least one slot therebetween which is configured for receiving a bone saw blade therethrough to make a predefined cut in a bone; and two side plates opposing one another, including a plurality of locating features, and supporting the plurality of saw slot plates, each locating feature of the plurality of saw slot plates being connected with a respective one of the plurality of locating features of the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Lazar, Richard A. Lane, Chris Bremer
  • Humeral trial and implant assembly and method of use
    Patent number: 9597191
    Abstract: A humeral trial and implant assembly for use in total shoulder arthroplasty is provided along with a method for using the same. The humeral trial and implant assembly includes a humeral fixation component, an adapter assembly, a humeral trial, a humeral implant, and a positioning guide. The humeral trial is coupled to the adapter assembly when the humeral trial and implant assembly is assembled in a trialing configuration. The humeral implant is coupled to the adapter assembly when the humeral trial and implant assembly is assembled in an installed configuration. A temporary connection releasably couples the humeral trial to the adapter assembly and provides separation of the humeral trial and the adapter assembly without requiring disassembly of the adapter assembly. A permanent connection fixedly couples the humeral implant to the adapter assembly. The temporary connection may be a magnetic connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Muir, Nathan Winslow
  • Prosthetic renal valve
    Patent number: 9597205
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a valve (34) that includes valve leaflets (33) and a non-branched valve frame (31) configured to support the valve leaflets, the frame defining a single longitudinal axis thereof, the longitudinal axis being a generally straight line along a full length of the frame. The valve (34) is placed at least partially within a renal vein of a subject. The valve defines an open state thereof in which the valve leaflets (33) allow generally unimpeded antegrade blood flow therethrough, and a closed state thereof in which the valve leaflets (33), in a passive manner, reduce venous pressure within the renal vein relative to central venous pressure of the subject. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: MAGENTA MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Yosi Tuval