Patents by Inventor Gregory K. Hofstetter
Gregory K. Hofstetter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10987132Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Serene Wachli, Tracy Breslin, Steven C. Kessler, Nikolai Poulsen, Nathan Collins, Alexandra Do, Eduardo Bolanos, Boun Pravong, Patrick Elliott, Matthew Wixey, Wayne Young, Jacob J. Filek, Kevin B. Castelo, Adam Hoke, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Jacqueline DeMarchi, Amy Garces, Heidi Holmes, Alexander Sheehan
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Publication number: 20210085364Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Serene Wachli, Tracy Breslin, Steven C. Kessler, Nikolai Poulsen, Nathan Collins, Alexandra Do, Eduardo Bolanos, Boun Pravong, Patrick Elliott, Matthew A. Wixey, Wayne Young, Jacob J. Filek, Kevin B. Castelo, Adam Hoke, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Jacqueline DeMarchi, Amy Garces, Heidi Holmes, Alexander Sheehan
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Publication number: 20210043115Abstract: Simulated tissue structures for practicing surgical techniques and methods of manufacturing those structures are provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or simulated tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structures include a polyp simulation having a suturable mesh layer that is separable from a defect layer. A simulated colon model with interchangeable and suturable tissue pods is also provided as is a fully suturable rectum model and a rectum model with integrative suturable and removable polyp zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Khodr Saleh
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Publication number: 20210005111Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. The simulated tissue model includes one more components and is interchangeably connected to the frame with fasteners configured to pass through apertures in the frame to suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The enclosure of the frame is increasingly laterally constricted along the longitudinal axis to progressively increase the confinement of the components of the simulated tissue model.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
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Publication number: 20200388195Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
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Patent number: 10842530Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Serene Wachli, Tracy Breslin, Steven C. Kessler, Nikolai Poulsen, Nathan Collins, Alexandra Do, Eduardo Bolanos, Boun Pravong, Patrick Elliott, Matthew A. Wixey, Wayne Young, Jacob J. Filek, Kevin B. Castelo, Adam Hoke, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Jacqueline DeMarchi, Amy Garces, Heidi Holmes, Alexander Sheehan
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Publication number: 20200357305Abstract: Simulated tissue structures and methods of making them are disclosed. An elastic first material is placed in tension. An elastic second material is adhered to the first material while the first material is in tension. The adhered second material and the first material in tension forms a first shape of the simulated tissue structure. Tension on the first material is released. In releasing the tension of the first material, a force is exerted on the adhered second material bring the combination of the first material and the second material into a second shape. The first shape is maintained by a mold or mandrel and the second shape is the desired shape of the simulated tissue structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventor: Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Patent number: 10818201Abstract: Simulated tissue structures for practicing surgical techniques and methods of manufacturing those structures are provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or simulated tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structures include a polyp simulation having a suturable mesh layer that is separable from a defect layer. A simulated colon model with interchangeable and suturable tissue pods is also provided as is a fully suturable rectum model and a rectum model with integrative suturable and removable polyp zones.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Khodr Saleh
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Publication number: 20200335012Abstract: A simulated dissectible tissue model for practicing surgical skills is provided. The simulated tissue comprises a simulated anatomical structure, such as one or more artificial vessel, embedded with a silicone gel layer between two silicone layers. The simulated dissectible tissue, with or without a simulated anatomical structure, is connected to one or more artificial organ via a fiberfill layer. The fiberfill layer includes a plurality of entangled fibers embedded between two adjacent silicone layers. The fiberfill layer creates a dissection plane that permits the one or more artificial organ to be removed by spreading apart and selectively dissecting the chains of entangled fibers. Artificial nerves may be included in fiberfill layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Katie Black, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Publication number: 20200312192Abstract: A surgical training device is provided. The training device includes a model for practicing the passage of needle and suture. The model includes a base with a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of suture tabs. The suture tabs are made of elastomeric material. Some suture tabs includes pre-formed tab apertures for the passage of a suture. Other suture tabs include a penetrable area through which a suture needle may penetrate for passing a suture. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to orientate them at different angles with respect to the base. The base itself may include portions that are angled with respect to each other. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to pull, expose or open the tab apertures and surfaces. Some of the tab apertures are slits that open upon being pulled relative to the base requiring the user to practice holding the tab while passing the needle through the tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
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Patent number: 10755602Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
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Patent number: 10720084Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. The simulated tissue model includes one more components and is interchangeably connected to the frame with fasteners configured to pass through apertures in the frame to suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The enclosure of the frame is increasingly laterally constricted along the longitudinal axis to progressively increase the confinement of the components of the simulated tissue model.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
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Patent number: 10706743Abstract: A simulated dissectible tissue model for practicing surgical skills is provided. The simulated tissue comprises a simulated anatomical structure, such as one or more artificial vessel, embedded with a silicone gel layer between two silicone layers. The simulated dissectible tissue, with or without a simulated anatomical structure, is connected to one or more artificial organ via a fiberfill layer. The fiberfill layer includes a plurality of entangled fibers embedded between two adjacent silicone layers. The fiberfill layer creates a dissection plane that permits the one or more artificial organ to be removed by spreading apart and selectively dissecting the chains of entangled fibers. Artificial nerves may be included in fiberfill layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Katie Black, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Patent number: 10685586Abstract: Simulated tissue structures and methods of making them are disclosed. An elastic first material is placed in tension. An elastic second material is adhered to the first material while the first material is in tension. The adhered second material and the first material in tension forms a first shape of the simulated tissue structure. Tension on the first material is released. In releasing the tension of the first material, a force is exerted on the adhered second material bring the combination of the first material and the second material into a second shape. The first shape is maintained by a mold or mandrel and the second shape is the desired shape of the simulated tissue structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventor: Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Patent number: 10679520Abstract: A surgical training device is provided. The training device includes a model for practicing the passage of needle and suture. The model includes a base with a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of suture tabs. The suture tabs are made of elastomeric material. Some suture tabs includes pre-formed tab apertures for the passage of a suture. Other suture tabs include a penetrable area through which a suture needle may penetrate for passing a suture. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to orientate them at different angles with respect to the base. The base itself may include portions that are angled with respect to each other. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to pull, expose or open the tab apertures and surfaces. Some of the tab apertures are slits that open upon being pulled relative to the base requiring the user to practice holding the tab while passing the needle through the tab.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
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Publication number: 20200043374Abstract: A system for training surgical camera navigation skills is provided. A plurality of two-dimensional targets is printed on an upper surface of a flat sheet of material. The sheet is easily transportable and placed onto a base of a typical box trainer that defines a simulated abdominal cavity between the base and a top. A scope is inserted through a port in the top and the targets are viewed on a live video feed displayed to a trainee on a screen with the targets being otherwise obscured from view by the box trainer. The trainee can move the scope back and forth, roll and angulate the scope about the port in order to view the targets on the sheet at different angles and distances. The trainee is instructed to follow a sequence of targets marked on the sheet and manipulate the scope to align consecutively each target with the edges of the screen in the sequence provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventor: Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Publication number: 20190333410Abstract: Simulated tissue structures and methods of manufacturing are provided. The simulated tissue structures are particularly useful for placement inside abdominal simulators for practicing laparoscopic surgical techniques. One simulated tissue structure includes a combination of two materials that are attached together wherein one of the materials forms a hollow anatomical structure configured to contain the other material. The two materials are attached in an anatomically advantageous manner such that the inner surface of the outer material closely conforms to the outer surface of the inner material. Another simulated tissue structure includes a plurality of layers wherein at least one layer is applied by printing the layer with at least one stencil to impart one or more functional characteristic to the simulated tissue structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventor: Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Publication number: 20190287425Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
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Patent number: 10354556Abstract: Simulated tissue structures and methods of manufacturing are provided. The simulated tissue structures are particularly useful for placement inside abdominal simulators for practicing laparoscopic surgical techniques. One simulated tissue structure includes a combination of two materials that are attached together wherein one of the materials forms a hollow anatomical structure configured to contain the other material. The two materials are attached in an anatomically advantageous manner such that the inner surface of the outer material closely conforms to the outer surface of the inner material. Another simulated tissue structure includes a plurality of layers wherein at least one layer is applied by printing the layer with at least one stencil to impart one or more functional characteristic to the simulated tissue structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventor: Gregory K. Hofstetter
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Patent number: 10332425Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black