Patents Examined by Robert A. Lynch
  • Flexible-manipulator guide member and flexible manipulator
    Patent number: 10786322
    Abstract: A flexible-manipulator guide member is provided in an inserted portion of a flexible manipulator including the elongated flexible inserted portion, the movable portion disposed at the distal end of the inserted portion, a drive portion disposed at the base end of the inserted portion, and the elongated driving-force transmitting member that transmits motive power of the drive portion to the movable portion, and is provided with a lumen through which the driving-force transmitting member passes in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lumen has a twisted shape about the longitudinal axis of the inserted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoji Hyodo, Kosuke Kishi, Noriaki Yamanaka
  • Rotational driver
    Patent number: 10786245
    Abstract: A rotational driver that comprises a interactive portion, wherein each interactive portion comprises a first extended member and a second extended member, a rotational system and a linear motion system, wherein the rotational driver permits a left or right handed surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the angled suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted. Also the rotational driver comprises several configurations at the interactive portion ends to provide selected angles for the needle during the suturing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ergosuture Corp.
    Inventor: Luis Jose Almodovar
  • Specimen retrieval device
    Patent number: 10772614
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is having a housing, an outer shaft, and an inner shaft releasably supporting a pouch. The device may further include a stripper plate operably coupled to the inner shaft for movement between a retracted configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are within the outer shaft, and a deployed configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are outside of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may define major and minor axes, wherein the dimension along the major axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft, and the dimension along the minor axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may include one or more apertures, e.g., to receive a support mechanism of the device, or a suture. The device may also include structure preventing premature deployment of the pouch and the stripper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Thomas Zammataro, Cody Pereira
  • Surgical instrument shaft
    Patent number: 10772693
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a shaft, a force transmission mechanism, and an end effector. The shaft may have a proximal end and a distal end. The force transmission mechanism may be coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector may be coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may include a body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may surround a lumen configured to receive a drive member that extends through the lumen. The outer surface of the body may form an outer surface of the shaft. The body may be made of a single material from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicole Kernbaum, Samuel T. Crews, Harsukhdeep Singh Ratia
  • Tension management devices for stented prosthesis delivery device
    Patent number: 10772727
    Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering a stented prosthesis to a target site are disclosed. Disclosed delivery devices include a handle assembly including an actuator, an inner shaft assembly interconnected to the handle assembly, and are configured to releasably retain the stented prosthesis to the delivery device with at least one elongate tension member. The delivery devices further include a tension management device that is configured to limit the amount of tension that can be applied via the actuator to the at least one tension member. Certain embodiments are configured to apply different tension limits to different tension members that are controlled by a one or more actuators. Other various embodiments include one or more tension adjustors to selectively adjust one or more tension limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Brendan Vaughan
  • Systems and methods for endoluminal valve creation
    Patent number: 10758335
    Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods for creation of autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body are disclosed. One example of a device for creating a valve flap from a vessel wall includes an elongate tubular structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first lumen having a first exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a second lumen having a second exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a recessed distal surface on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure, wherein the recessed distal surface is located distally to the first exit port; and an open trough on the recessed distal surface extending longitudinally from the first exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: InterVene, Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher T. Wilson, Douglas Sutton, Christopher Scott Jones, Benjamin K. Cline, Mariel Fabro
  • Atrial appendage blood filtration systems
    Patent number: 10751158
    Abstract: Instrumentation for percutaneous delivery of blood filtration devices to atrial appendages includes a curved access sheath and a delivery tube. A compressed filter device attached to a tether wire is loaded in the delivery tube. The access sheath and the delivery tube can be mechanically locked and moved together to place the device in a suitable deployment position. The device is deployed by expelling it from the delivery tube either by retracting the delivery tube over the tether wire, or by moving the tether wire forward through the delivery tube. A filter membrane in the deployed device extends across the appendage ostium to filter blood flow through the ostium. The filter membrane is configured to present a flat surface to atrial blood flow past the ostium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Atritech, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg S. Sutton, Jeffrey Welch, Dean A. Peterson, John B. Bridgeman, Bruce R. Youngberg
  • Cosmetic and therapeutic injection safety systems, methods, and devices
    Patent number: 10743942
    Abstract: A system for providing a real-time indication of a location of the distal tip of a medical device in living tissue. The system may include an injection scanning printer that provides a visual indication of detected features to improve the injecting process. Safety needles configured to detect nerves, arteries, veins, or other physiological features upon needle placement but prior to injecting are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Truinject Corp.
    Inventors: Clark B. Foster, Gabrielle A. Rios
  • Suturing systems and methods
    Patent number: 10743864
    Abstract: A suturing system is provided. In an embodiment, the suturing system includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. A needle is disposed distal the sheath in a pre-deployed configuration with a needle tip of the needle being orientated proximally towards the sheath. A body is disposed within the sheath, the body comprising a guide reducing an outer cross-sectional dimension of the body at the guide and forming a space between the body and the sheath, the guide being configured to receive the needle and direct the needle proximally toward the proximal end of the sheath. A suture is attached to the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Laveille Kao Voss, Aaron M. Fortson, Wouter E. Roorda, Stephanie Henze, Kristopher M. Konawalik, Leah M. Davis
  • Blockage removal
    Patent number: 10722267
    Abstract: A device is configured to clear a bolus of food impacted within an esophagus, the device including a catheter tube having a hollow interior and a distal end configured to core the bolus of food and a proximal end configured to be coupled to a source of suction to clear the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Piranha Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Ganz, Mark Anders Rydell
  • Implant remover
    Patent number: 10722259
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for removing an implanted item from beneath the skin, the tool comprising: a clamping device configured to engage with the skin to retain the implanted item in a known position relative to the tool; a cutting device for cutting an opening in the skin; and a gripping device configured to move through an opening in the skin and grip an implanted item; such that, in use, the implanted item is retained by the clamping device substantially in the known position and the cutting device creates an opening in the skin through which the gripping device then passes to grip an implanted item. Advantageously, the tool reduces the complexity of an implant removal process and does not require significant operator skill to use. It further reduces the time required and the variation in the outcome of such a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: REMOVAID AS
    Inventors: Marte Bratlie, Erik Tandberg Askevold, Erik Elwing, Emma Widehäll, Anna Arlbrandt, Fredrik Ejdehag, Ronny Brakya
  • Endoscopic stitching device
    Patent number: 10709439
    Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device includes a handle assembly having a main rod and first and second blade control members, and an elongate shaft assembly having first and second blade drive members, an axial rod, and an end effector. The first and second blade drive members are received in respective first and second grooves of the first and second blade control members and rotated about the first and second blade control members to be secured with a circumferential groove of the first and second blade control members, such that the first and second blade control members are movable with the respective first and second blade drive members. The axial rod is detachably coupled with the main rod for concomitant movement therewith. The end effector includes jaws operatively coupled with the axial rod, and needle receiving blades operatively coupled with the respective first and second blade drive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Low profile electrodes for a shock wave catheter
    Patent number: 10709462
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating shock waves. The device may comprise an elongated tube and a conductive sheath circumferentially mounted around the elongated tube. The device may further comprise first and second insulated wires extending along the outer surface of the elongated tube. A portion of the first insulated wire is removed to form a first inner electrode, which is adjacent to a first side edge of the conductive sheath. A portion of the second insulated wire is removed to form a second inner electrode, which is adjacent to a second side edge of the conductive sheath. Responsive to a high voltage being applied across the first inner electrode and the second inner electrode, a first shock wave is created across the first side edge and the first inner electrode, and a second shock wave is created across the second side edge and the second inner electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SHOCKWAVE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Hoa D. Nguyen, Khanh Vo
  • Devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for anchoring a suture to a bone
    Patent number: 10709562
    Abstract: Embodiments of devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for repairing a human joint by suturing biological tissue to the articular surface of a bone at the joint (e.g., repairing defects in the humerus at the glenoid joint after an anterior shoulder dislocation) are described herein. Biological tissue may include hard tissue such as bone or a joint socket or soft tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscle tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ARTHROSURFACE, INC.
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven Ek
  • Stroke prevention devices, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 10695199
    Abstract: Deflection devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke. Devices hereof comprise an extension portion and an anchor portion, both of which are configured to prevent the device from advancing into the artery extending from the aortic arch in which the device may be positioned. Additionally, a retrieval system is provided, the system comprising a sleeve catheter and a retrieval device slidably disposed therein. The distal end of the retrieval device comprises one or more attachment portions configured to engage at least a portion of the anchor portion of a device positioned within an artery extending from the aortic arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CVDevices, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Hyo Won Choi, Jose A. Navia, Sr.
  • Tissue repair device
    Patent number: 10695050
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, William R. Davis, Scott Freedman
  • Suture system and method
    Patent number: 10695096
    Abstract: A suture system including a suture construct having a first reduction construct configured to be selectively arranged in an expanded state and a reduced state. The first reduction construct includes a first locking limb, a first contractible loop, and a first opposed loop disposed generally opposite to the first contractible loop, wherein reduction of the first opposed loop contracts the first contractible loop from the expanded state into the reduced state and secures the suture construct in the reduced state. The suture construct may also include a second reduction construct. Optionally, the suture system includes a first and a second pusher tube defining a first and a second lumen, respectively, wherein each pusher tubes are advanced over portions of opposed loops, respectively, and wherein distal portions of opposed loops extend beyond the pusher tubes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • Vacuum closure device
    Patent number: 10695472
    Abstract: This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favours the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Bryan Greener
  • Apparatus and methods for tissue closure
    Patent number: 10695051
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. The resiliently flexible target material may be included as part of a removable mating component for use with a movable wing. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh Pai, James Dreher
  • Devices and methods for the treatment of vascular defects
    Patent number: 10675037
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Maria G. Aboytes, Arturo S. Rosqueta