Patents Examined by Jocelin Tanner
  • Suture clip deployment devices
    Patent number: 9549730
    Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Zenyo Oba, Michael C. Murad, Manouchehr A. Miraki, Anthony Peter Carcia, Fabian Daniel Schroeder, Raffaele Mazzei, Tyler Douglas Smith
  • Compound-shaped stylet for torque transmission
    Patent number: 9550058
    Abstract: A medical stylet for guiding a lead includes a first elongate member for attachment of the lead to the target tissue, a second elongate member to reshape the lead. The first elongate member of the medical stylet includes a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion wherein the distal end portion of the first elongate member includes a tip feature configured to engage the lead on application of torque externally. The second elongate member defines a lumen along its length. The lumen of the second elongate member can be configured to enclose at least a portion of the first elongate member. The second elongate member can have a pre defined shape. The pre defined shape of the second elongate member allows the lead to be reshaped when inserted into the lead, this reshaped lead now can be guided to an anatomical pass way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Foster
  • Emergency vessel repair prosthesis deployment system
    Patent number: 9549834
    Abstract: A deployment device to deploy a prosthesis for interconnecting vessel portions of a body vessel is described herein. The device includes a support frame and an actuation member coupled to the support frame. The actuation member is movable between a first and a second position. A retaining member is movable between a closed and a open position. In the closed position, the retaining member forms a chamber to retain a length of a prosthesis in a compressed configuration. In the open position, the retaining member is positioned to allow the prosthesis to move to an expanded configuration. Movement of the actuation member to the second position causes movement of the retaining member to the open position. One or more retractable cuffs can be positioned over the ends of the prosthesis for selectively retaining the corresponding prosthesis ends in the compressed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Amro Kamel, Eugene E. Skelton, Darren P. Corner, Shawn Nichols
  • Tissue support structure
    Patent number: 9539082
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a component having a shape memory material. The shape memory material has a first shape including a substantially elongate segment. The shape memory material has a second shape including a helix having a first ring and a second ring configured to exert a compressive force on a membrane interleaved between the first ring and the second ring and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the helix, the shape selectable based on an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Olsen, David W. Rosen, Shreyes N. Melkote, George K. Mathai
  • Methods and devices for endoscopically creating an anastomosis
    Patent number: 9539010
    Abstract: A method and devices that endoscopically create an anastomosis between two sections of the digestive tract, thereby allowing at least some chyme to bypass a section of the digestive tract while, optionally, the remaining chyme passes through the entire tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Michel Gagner, M.D.
  • Devices and methods for performing procedures on a breast
    Patent number: 9521992
    Abstract: A needle is used to mark a tissue area of interest. The needle may have one or more indicators which indicate selected angular orientations relative to the needle. The indicators may also be coupled to anchors which are deployed in the tissue to anchor the needle in the tissue. The needle may be positioned to guide an excisional device to remove tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ENCAPSULE MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Vetter, Scott C. Anderson, Jordan S. Tuttle, Daniel M. Brounstein
  • Lens delivery system
    Patent number: 9522061
    Abstract: A lens delivery system having a plunger rod with a sliding block reinforcing member. The sliding block rides on and along with the plunger rod and helps to reinforce the plunger rod against bending or buckling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: David A. Downer
  • Method and device for approximating tissue
    Patent number: 9517060
    Abstract: A wound closure device including a first tissue anchor with a first suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end, and a second tissue anchor with a second suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end. The first suture filament is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the first tissue anchor, and the second suture is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the second tissue anchor. The length of the first suture filament passes through the slip knot of the second suture and the length of the second suture filament passes through the slip knot of the first suture filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Flint
  • Surgical instrument drive element, and related devices, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 9498242
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector, and a push/pull drive element is provided. The push/pull drive element may include a head extending perpendicular to a push/pull direction of the push/pull element. The head of the push/pull drive element may have end portions each having a cross-section that differs from a cross-section of a main portion of the head between the end portions. The push/pull drive element may include an engagement portion in contact with the end effector to actuate the end effector. The engagement portion may have a first width and an end portion may have a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. A surgical instrument is also provided that may include an electrical connector connecting at least one conduit providing electrical energy to the end effector. The end effector may be in sliding contact with a portion of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Inuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel T. Crews, John Ryan Steger
  • Image-guided therapy of a tissue
    Patent number: 9492121
    Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an user of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MONTERIS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Andrews, Mark Grant, Brooke Ren, Richard Tyc
  • Multilayer balloon for bifurcated stent delivery and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 9492297
    Abstract: An expandable medical balloon useful for treatment at a vessel bifurcation, the balloon having at least one expanded state, the balloon having at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having at least one cavity therein through which the inner layer protrudes when the balloon is in its at least one expanded state, and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Stefan M. Pallazza
  • Detachable tip microcatheter
    Patent number: 9486608
    Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachably engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Karl Sutherland, Earl Howard Slee, Vitas Jonas Sipelis, Mark Anthony Siminuk, Brian Michael Strauss
  • Spray delivery system
    Patent number: 9486190
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering multiple components that is assembled using snap-fit assembly and threadless engagement of syringes and associated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Meniscal repair systems and methods
    Patent number: 9486208
    Abstract: A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cayenne Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin N. Baird, Nicanor A. Domingo, Hoang Nguyen, Brad Niese, Melissa Toman
  • Vaso-occlusive device delivery system
    Patent number: 9480479
    Abstract: A vaso-occlusive delivery system includes a vaso-occlusive coil, delivery wire assembly, and a link. The vaso-occlusive coil defines a coil lumen and has first and second coil windings defining a coil opening therebetween. The delivery wire assembly defines a delivery wire lumen, and includes an electrolytic detachment zone, a delivery wire conduit, and a delivery wire attached to the delivery wire conduit and extending through the delivery wire lumen distal of the delivery wire conduit. The link defines a link lumen and has link body including a proximal end of the link body defines an link opening in communication with the link lumen and a distal end of the link body includes a link detent extending radially from the link body, through the coil opening, securing the link body and the delivery wire assembly to the vaso-occlusive coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: STRYKER CORPORATION, STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventors: Hancun Chen, Richard Murphy, Jimmy Dao, Justin Vo
  • Apparatus and method for aortic protection and TAVI planar alignment
    Patent number: 9480561
    Abstract: An assembly for guiding a medical apparatus within a patient includes an elongated shaft and a balloon affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A mesh material may be affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon may project away from the shaft when the balloon is in the expanded condition. The mesh material may project away from the shaft when the mesh material is in the expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracee Eidenschink
  • Detachable tip microcatheter
    Patent number: 9468739
    Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachably engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Karl Sutherland, Earl Howard Slee, Vitas Jonas Sipelis, Mark Anthony Siminuk, Brian Michael Strauss
  • Reducing flow through a tubular structure
    Patent number: 9451965
    Abstract: A method for reducing or stopping flow through a tubular structure of a patient can include positioning an elongate member within a lumen of the tubular structure. The elongate member can be arranged to form a frame having a distal opening and a proximal opening. The elongate member can substantially reduce or totally obstruct, with a flow reducing member coupled to the frame, flow of at least one of emboli and fluid flowing through the lumen. The flow reducing member can comprise a one-way valve that moves in response to fluid flow to substantially prevent distal flow through the distal opening and to allow proximal flow through the distal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ArtVentive Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Rudakov, Philippe Gailloud
  • Tissue stabilization system
    Patent number: 9451961
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tissue stabilization. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue; and stabilizing members, each of which can couple a respective attachment member to the carrier member and is substantially positionally fixed relative to the carrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Erik N. Kubiak
  • Stent delivery system
    Patent number: 9452071
    Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a housing that houses a rotary roller, a support body in sliding contact with the outer surface of the rotary roller, and a resilient member composed of a coil spring acting on the support body. If, for any reason, it becomes difficult to axially move a rack member and an operator forcibly rotates the rotary roller, a load of not less than a predetermined value is applied to the rotary roller and the rotary roller moves downward while the support body is being pushed down, and meshing engagement between the rack member and the rotary roller is released. Axial movement of the rack member is thus avoided as there is no transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member. Other embodiments are also disclosed for preventing transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masakazu Shimoyama