Patents Examined by Howie Matthews
  • Patent number: 9005272
    Abstract: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by pivot joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Jenesis Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer K. White
  • Patent number: 8998981
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossi Tuval, Raphael Benary
  • Patent number: 8992626
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis (10) provides guided motion in a wide range of motion, and in both extension and flexion. In flexion, a tibial bearing component (16) shifts to a first position in which a posterior cam (36) formed in a femoral component (12) engages a tibial spine (18) coupled to a tibial component (14). Contact between the posterior cam and the spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of flexion movement. In extension, the bearing component shifts to a second position in which an anterior cam (34) formed in the femoral component engages the spine. Contact between the anterior cam and spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of extension. The anterior and posterior cams, mobile bearing component, and tibial component-mounted spine cooperate to facilitate guided flexion and extension of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Marco A. H. Heggendorn, Roger Scherrer, Matthias Schapper
  • Patent number: 8985120
    Abstract: A first embodiment can be a method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption within an organism by reducing the inelastic collisions. A fluid containing organism can utilize an embodiment of the method wherein one or more of reversibly increasing pressure within the organs or cells, reversibly increasing the volume within the organs or cells, reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall stiffness, or reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall configuration within said organism may reduce these collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: TBI Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: David William Smith
  • Patent number: 8986397
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
  • Patent number: 8961616
    Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed, said implant having a flexible hollow body (1) which can be implanted inside the stomach (8) of a patient and which has a first tube-like end section (2) and a second tube-like end section (3), wherein the first tube-like end section (2) is dimensioned such that it can be fitted into the esophagus (7) of the patient, and the second tube-like end section (3) is dimensioned such that it can be connected to the small intestine loop (9) of the patent in a sealing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Marc O. Schurr
  • Patent number: 8936635
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioresorbable scaffold for a vascular stent comprising a nitric oxide agonist and a polymer comprising a lactide, a glycolide and a lactone. The nitric oxide agonist is a statin or a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. The nitric oxide agonist may be coated on the polymer, incorporated within the polymer or chemically bonded to the polymer. The invention also relates to a method for treating atherothrombosclerotic occlusive disease of an artery comprising implanting into the artery a stent with a bioresorbable scaffold comprising a nitric oxide agonist and a polymer comprising a lactide, a glycolide and a lactone, wherein the nitric oxide agonist is exuded from or released from the bioresorbable scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Palmetto Pharmaceuticals LLC
    Inventor: Wayne H Kaesemeyer
  • Patent number: 8926696
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an implant structure (22, 122, 1122), a rotatable structure (2900) coupled to the implant structure (22, 122, 1122) in a vicinity of a first portion thereof, and a flexible member (30). At least a first portion of the 5 flexible member (30) is disposed in contact with the rotatable structure (2900), and at least one end portion of the flexible member (30) is not disposed in contact with the rotatable structure (30). In response to rotation of the rotatable structure (2900) in a first direction thereof, successive portions of the flexible member (30) contact the rotatable structure (2900) to pull the at least one end portion of the flexible member 0 (30) toward the first portion of the implant structure (22, 122, 1122), and responsively to draw the first and second portions of the implant structure (22, 122, 1122) toward each other. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Valtech Cardio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oz Cabiri, Tal Sheps, Meir Kutzik, Amir Gross, Yossi Gross, Yuval Zipory
  • Patent number: 8920495
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-optics intraocular lens (IOL) scaffold assembly for incorporation into a capsular bag of an eye of a subject, provided with a ring platform and a protective umbrella. Several anterior and posterior ribs are hinged to the ring platform to support a posterior lens and an anterior lens. The dynamic spring elastic junctions are provided between the anterior and posterior ribs. The pendulum IOL assembly of the multi-optics intraocular lens (IOL) scaffold assembly enables a near vision of the objects using an optical system designed for a distance focusing in normal gaze. The pendulum IOL assembly has a posterior lens fixed to an equatorial ring platform and a secondary hanging lens provided with a weight at the lower end to act like a pendulum which swings with the posture of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ram Srikanth Mirlay
  • Patent number: 8906087
    Abstract: A prosthetic implantable device that offers a reduction in fluid loss when the device is punctured, such as by a dialysis needle or suture needle, and the needle is subsequently removed. The device may be made to be thin and flexible, and with longitudinal stretch, in order that it also offers good handling and kink resistance to a surgeon. While the device is preferably of tubular form, flat sheets or other forms may also be made. The device includes inner and outer layers of a porous material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by bent fibrils, and having void spaces between adjacent bent fibrils. The inner and outer layers are joined by an elastomeric adhesive that may interpenetrate the void spaces of the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer layers, that is, the inner surface of the outer layer and the outer surface of the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. House, Edward H. Cully, Daniel B. Pond
  • Patent number: 8864823
    Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling shape and/or size of an anatomical structure or lumen. The implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. The implantable device is housed in a catheter and insertable from a minimally invasive surgical entry. An adjustment tool actuates the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during or after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: StJude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Cartledge, Leonard Y. Lee, James I. Fann
  • Patent number: 8857443
    Abstract: Selection of an appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) and/or the applicable surgical parameters for optimizing the results of refractive procedures on the eye. Features of the IOL are crucial for the selection and/or adjustment of the optimal IOL, but so is the IOL selection method (and parameters) from a surgical perspective. For the method, corresponding output parameters are determined from predetermined, estimated, or measured input parameters and/or their mean values, wherein at least two input parameters are varied with one another and which have at least one input parameter as a distribution function. The resulting function is optimized by means of corresponding target values and the determined distribution function of one or more output parameters is used as a decision aid. The present solution is used for selecting an appropriate IOL and/or the applicable surgical parameters and is applicable in the field of eye surgery for implanting IOLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Martin Hacker, Martin Kuehner, Rico Fuchs, Matthias Reich
  • Patent number: 8857442
    Abstract: A high lip-line smile corrective surgical method. A first incision is made above a mucogingival junction to define a first edge. A second incision is made on attached gingiva above a gum line to define a second edge. Lift a section defined by the first and second incisions and remove the section with a micro scalp without affecting or contacting periosteum. Separate elevator muscles of the upper lip attached to the upper alveolar ridge with angulated gingevectomy scissors in reverse motion with release of tension so that the first and second edges meet. Seal the first and second edges with suture, individual stitches, or polypropylene; and cauterize the sealed the first and second edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Gloria A. Ospina
  • Patent number: 8858563
    Abstract: A device for accessing and distending a joint comprises a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint. The distraction structure also includes a lumen extending from a proximal surface to a distal portion. The device further includes a distention structure deployable through the lumen and adapted to exert a force between a first joint surface and a second joint surface and create a working space. The distention structure may, in some embodiments, include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member, a first expandable region deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position, the first expandable region adapted to exert a force between the first joint surface from the second joint surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hipco, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Philippon, David L. Bombard, John Michael Egan
  • Patent number: 8852289
    Abstract: A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Willet F. Whitmore, III
  • Patent number: 8852261
    Abstract: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Jenesis Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer K. White
  • Patent number: 8840662
    Abstract: A method for percutaneously replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of percutaneously delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration in which the anchor contacts tissue at a first anchor site; repositioning the anchor to a second anchor site; and deploying the anchor at the second anchor site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sadra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Brian D. Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Jeff Krolik
  • Patent number: 8834486
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selecting a femoral prosthetic for implantation relative to a femur using a femoral sizing guide. An extension portion of the femoral sizing guide is placed adjacent to a posterior condyle surface of the femur. A stylus is located proximate to an interior condyle surface of the femur. A first actuator disposed between the extension portion and a base portion is moved to rotatably displace the extension portion with respect to the base portion until the stylus is centrally located on top of the interior condyle. A measurement of the femur is identified with the sizing guide based on a relative location of the stylus, the extension portion and the base portion. A femoral prosthesis is selected based on the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 8801778
    Abstract: An implant having a base body, comprised either entirely or in part of a biocorrodible metallic material wherein at least the parts of the base body having the biocorrodible metallic material are at least partially covered with a coating of a crosslinked CFx layer that is nonpolymerized and has an F/C ratio in the range of 0.5 to 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK VI Patent AG
    Inventors: Baerbel Becher, Carsten Momma, Daniel Lootz, Antje Quade, Andreas Ohl, Karsten Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8707963
    Abstract: The joint implant manufacturer obtains and compiles surgeon-specific surgical and supply preference information in relation to a supplied joint implant prior to surgery. The manufacturer designates and trains at least one surgical team member using the surgeon-specific preference information and then supplies the service of the surgical team member(s) together with the supplied joint implant and supplies. The surgical team member(s) perform surgical procedures on the patient to assist the surgeon in removing a defective joint and replacing it with the supplied implant in accordance with the surgeon's surgical preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Todd O. Davis, Charles David Fargason, Jr., Onkarr Singh Narula, Craig Kessler, Jon C. Serbousek