Patents Examined by Javier Blanco
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Patent number: 9795488Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Patent number: 9788984Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Stack, Richard A. Glenn, Trevor J. Moody, Fred E. Silverstein, Nathan Every, William S. Eubanks
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Patent number: 9782264Abstract: Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry, David L. Nichols, Marc R. Viscogliosi, Hallett Mathews
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Patent number: 9782260Abstract: Implants for prevention of cold welding, corrosion and tissue overgrowth on surfaces between medical implant components include a first medical implant component having a first implant contact surface, a second medical implant component having a second implant contact surface positionally interfacing with the first implant contact surface of the first medical implant and a separation coating material on at least one of the first implant contact surface and the second implant contact surface. Methods for prevention of cold welding and/or corrosion between and/or tissue/bone overgrowth on implant components and methods of sealing an interface between a first implant component and a second implant component in a prosthesis system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Inventor: Lucas Anissian
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Patent number: 9775708Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis has an annular body (2) and with several flap elements (4) which are movably connected to the annular body (2) via joints (10). The joints (10) engage on the flap elements (4) at their ventricular surface (18).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Hans-Hinrich Sievers
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Patent number: 9763771Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Omega Ophthalmics, LLCInventors: Gary N. Wortz, Rick William Ifland
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Patent number: 9763796Abstract: An orthopedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with features designed for use with small-stature knee-replacement patients. The tibial prosthesis may include a shortened tibial keel, tibial keel fins which define a large angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the keel, and/or tibial keel fins which extend along less than the entire longitudinal extent of the keel.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Mary S. S. Wentorf, Calie B. Grey, Shaun R. Cronin, Scott Dykema
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Patent number: 9757239Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry
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Patent number: 9757226Abstract: A method of inserting and securing a corneal implant in engaging and fluid-flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea, such as to treat edema. The method includes securing a corneal implant in fluid flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea through an incision in the eye and securing it in place by a variety of steps such as corneal insertion or laser bonding, and preferably by inserting a removable corneal implant including a central region and a plurality of retention member(s) disposed on the periphery thereof into the eye so as to releaseably and removably engage a portion of the eye and thereby retain the corneal implant in abutting and engaging relation with the posterior cornea. The retention members of the corneal implant may also comprise haptic leg(s) extending from the central region.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: ENDOSHIELD, LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Goldberg, Jean-Marie Parel, Francisco Fantes
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Patent number: 9744028Abstract: A haptic combination comprising at least one optical element adapted to provide at least two optical functions including provision of a fixed optical power and provision of variable optical power. The haptic combination comprises at least a first haptic adapted to provide anchoring and positioning of at least one of the optical elements and at least a second haptic adapted to provide transfer of movement from at least one driving means in the eye to at least one of the optical elements. Movement of the second haptic is independent from movement of the first haptic.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Akkolens International B.V.Inventors: Aleksey Nikolaevich Simonov, Michiel Christiaan Rombach
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Patent number: 9730785Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The body includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise between the ends. The insert includes a convex upper surface extending lengthwise along the insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
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Patent number: 9730788Abstract: A device for optically representing intraocular pressure, having an arrangement which is implanted into the eye with a membrane that curves outwards when the intraocular pressure changes, and a contact surface, these altering the polarization for a spectral range of incident and reflected light in the region of their contact with one another, as well as a read-out arrangement that optically reproduces a planar image of the light which is reflected by the photonic crystal and whose polarization has been altered, and that comprises a polarization filter for the irradiated light and the light reflected by the photonic crystal. Also, a method for measuring intraocular pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Christian-Alberts-Universitaet zu KielInventors: Yousef Nazirizadeh, Martina Gerken, Torben Karrock, Johann Roider
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Patent number: 9717588Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: REFOCUS GROUP, INC.Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
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Patent number: 9717589Abstract: An accommodating intraocular artificial lens with variable optical power, comprising two optical elements which are adapted to mutually shift in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis wherein the optical elements have such a shape that the optical elements exhibit, in combination, different optical powers at different relative positions. Flanges are adapted to position the anterior section of the haptics in the sulcus of the eye or, alternatively, the ciliary body is enclosed by a combination of anterior and posterior flanges. Also disclosed are methods to provide for an accommodating intraocular lens which is adjustable post-implant to ensure emmetropia of the eye.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Akkolens International B.V.Inventors: Aleksey Nikolaevich Simonov, Michiel Christiaan Rombach
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Patent number: 9713533Abstract: A glenoid implant can include a body, a first fixation member, a second fixation member, and a third fixation member. The body can include an articular surface and a scapula-engaging surface opposite from the articular surface. The first, second and third fixation members can extend from the scapula-engaging surface. The third fixation member can include a porous titanium material and be disposed between the first and second fixation members, such that the first, second and third fixation members define a substantially linear configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Robert Taylor, Benjamin I. Joseph, Thomas M. Vanasse
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Patent number: 9707084Abstract: System, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for replacement of the proximal end of a radial bone with a prosthesis having a floating articular member. The prosthesis may include a head portion connected or connectable to a stem portion. While the stem portion remains operatively connected to the head portion, the head portion and/or an articular member thereof may be permitted to float in position relative to the stem portion. The head portion/articular member may float transversely (e.g., translationally) and/or rotationally with respect to the stem portion. The articular member may articulate with a humeral bone or both a humeral bone and an ulnar bone. In some embodiments, the head portion may include a fixed member for articulation with an ulnar bone and a floating member for articulation with a humeral bone.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Acumed LLCInventors: Randall J. Huebner, Jeff A. Bergquist, Kara J. Budor, Larry W. Ehmke
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Patent number: 9707081Abstract: Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry
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Patent number: 9700406Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body and an insert. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end. The insert, when placed between the first portions, keeps the first portions separated and prevents the first portions from being pushed together and reducing the width of the first end.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne
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Patent number: 9687363Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Hugh Miller Herr
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Patent number: 9687339Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) a pair of first portions that form the first end and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated along at least about half of a total length of the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The ends are wider than the remainder. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed between the first portions and to substantially fill the empty space. The insert, prior to insertion, includes one or more slots. The first portions include one or more ridges configured to engage with the one or more slots of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Refocus Group, Inc.Inventors: Harry R. A. Jacobson, Jack C. Griffis, III, Mark A. Cox, Douglas C. Williamson, Gene W. Zdenek, Peter J. Richardson, Michael K. Smolek, Barrie D. Soloway, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Timothy J. Payne