Patents by Inventor Katie Black

Katie Black 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).

  • Publication number: 20240127714
    Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Patent number: 11869378
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
  • Publication number: 20230419862
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
  • Patent number: 11854425
    Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Publication number: 20230377482
    Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside an enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing hysterectomies and includes at least a simulated uterus and a simulated vagina. The simulated tissue model is suspending inside the enclosure with two planar sheets of silicone such that the tissue model is located between the two sheets each of which form a fold and are in turn connected to the frame. The frame may be shaped like a cylinder and located inside a cavity of a larger laparoscopic trainer having a penetrable simulated abdominal wall. The tissue model is interchangeable and accessible laterally through an aperture provided in a support leg of the trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger
  • Patent number: 11735068
    Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 11721242
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
  • Patent number: 11721240
    Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside an enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing hysterectomies and includes at least a simulated uterus and a simulated vagina. The simulated tissue model is suspending inside the enclosure with two planar sheets of silicone such that the tissue model is located between the two sheets each of which form a fold and are in turn connected to the frame. The frame may be shaped like a cylinder and located inside a cavity of a larger laparoscopic trainer having a penetrable simulated abdominal wall. The tissue model is interchangeable and accessible laterally through an aperture provided in a support leg of the trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger
  • Publication number: 20230196945
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
  • Patent number: 11587466
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
  • Publication number: 20230010780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Serene Wachli, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Publication number: 20220309955
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
  • Patent number: 11450236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Serene Wachli, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Patent number: 11361679
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Tracy Breslin, Khodr Saleh, Natasha Felsinger, Katie Black, Milan Draganov
  • Publication number: 20210327306
    Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 11049418
    Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
  • Publication number: 20210020066
    Abstract: A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside an enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing hysterectomies and includes at least a simulated uterus and a simulated vagina. The simulated tissue model is suspending inside the enclosure with two planar sheets of silicone such that the tissue model is located between the two sheets each of which form a fold and are in turn connected to the frame. The frame may be shaped like a cylinder and located inside a cavity of a larger laparoscopic trainer having a penetrable simulated abdominal wall. The tissue model is interchangeable and accessible laterally through an aperture provided in a support leg of the trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger
  • Publication number: 20210005111
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Katie Black, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Serene Wachli, Sean Kenneday
  • Publication number: 20200388195
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory K. Hofstetter, Katie Black
  • Publication number: 20200335012
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Katie Black, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Gregory K. Hofstetter