Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
  • Patent number: 7377894
    Abstract: A method for developing a library of compounds, the compound library, a method for identifying ligands for target molecules, and a method for identifying lead chemical templates, which, for example, can be used in drug discovery and design are provided. Certain embodiments of these methods include the use of NMR spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
    Inventors: Brian J Stockman, Kathleen A Farley
  • Patent number: 7377895
    Abstract: A system for use in conducting coronary surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. The system includes a first device for engaging and repositioning the beating heart to a displaced position, and is capable of maintaining the heart in the displaced position to perform a surgical procedures. The system includes a second device adapted to engage a portion of the heart to immobilize that portion for conducting a surgical procedure in the immobilized location, while the remainder of the heart continues to beat. Both first and second devices may be adapted to be fixed to a relatively stationary object, such as a frame, which may be a sternal retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Origin Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Mark Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7377896
    Abstract: The inflatable penis ring is a device facilitating attachment of medical appliances to the penis. The device comprises an annular ring having an internal and external diameter. An array of inflatable balloons is evenly spaced around the internal diameter of the ring. A pressure control is provided to inflate or deflate the array of balloons as desired. Either air or liquid may be employed as an inflation medium. Inflation of the balloons, functions to efficiently and comfortably hold the ring in place on the penis. A rim or sleeve is mounted on the ring. Medical appliances may be attached to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: John R. Dykers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7377897
    Abstract: A portal device maintains an opening in the skin of a patient to allow for the passage of surgical device therethrough. Tabs disposed at one end of the portal device may be used to resist removal of the device, retract soft tissue from the operative site, and seal the opening to prevent the escape of gases or liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Sanford S. Kunkel, Eric F. Dahlinger
  • Patent number: 7377898
    Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C Ewers, John R Brustad, Edward D Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Payam Adlparvar, Scott V Taylor, Gary R Dulak, Michael J Dunn, Norman L Morales, Charles C Hart, Robert R Bowes
  • Patent number: 7377899
    Abstract: A transform for determining a physiological measurement is disclosed. The transform determines a basis function index from a physiological signal obtained through a physiological sensor. A basis function waveform is generated based on basis function index. The basis function waveform is then used to determine an optimized basis function waveform. The optimized basis function waveform is used to calculate a physiological measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Walter M. Weber, Ammar Al-Ali, Lorenzo Cazzoll
  • Patent number: 7377900
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering acoustic energy to a target site adjacent a body passage includes first and second elongate members, each carrying one or more transducer elements on their distal ends. The first and/or second elongate members include connectors for securing the first and second elongate members together such that the transducer elements together define a transducer array. The first and second elongate members are introduced sequentially into a body passage until the transducer elements are disposed adjacent a target site. Acoustic energy is delivered from the transducer elements to the target site to treat tissue therein. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular member and an expandable structure carrying a plurality of transducer elements. The structure is expanded between a contracted configuration during delivery and an enlarged configuration when deployed for delivering acoustic energy to a target site adjacent the body passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Insightec - Image Guided Treatment Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuki Vitek, Doron Kopelman, Yoav Medan, Dov Maor
  • Patent number: 7377901
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collection of airway gases from a subject comprising a first means for producing closure of the velum of the subject, and a second means for collection of the airway gases, wherein the first and second means need not be integral with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Optinose AS
    Inventors: Per Djupesland, Wei Qian
  • Patent number: 7377902
    Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Burbank, Richard L. Quick, Martin V. Shabaz, Paul Lubock, Michael L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7377903
    Abstract: An expression device for a lancing device of the type that directs a skin-lancing medium against a skin site to make an incision for testing bodily fluids. The expression device has a pair of skin-engaging tabs curved and oriented to make the skin taut adjacent a lancet used with the device. This increases the incision width and enhances the quantity of blood removed for subsequent testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Raney
  • Patent number: 7377904
    Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Facet Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William E. Conway, Christopher J. Ruf, John C. Irwin, Stephen J. Flynn, Avi M. Robbins, Brian D. Vanhiel, Brian D. Leutz, Richard W. LeVaughn, Michael V. Lipoma
  • Patent number: 7377905
    Abstract: Applicable to humans, animals and fish, a method for injecting thoroughly diffused ambient air or disinfectant into water prior to its delivery into a therapy tank plus an underwater PZT probe transmission of separate stable and transient cavitation signals from which a microcomputer determines, 1) the average number of transducer generated sinoidal equal amplitude alternating compression and rarefaction ultrasonic acoustic pressure waves cycles necessary to create inertial and/or transient cavitation and the required number of rectified sinoidal equal amplitude ultrasonic compression acoustic pressure waves necessary to suppress the inertial/transient cavitation and thereby maintain stable cavitation for cleaning and open-wound therapy treatment for 15-minutes, (or greater) time periods and, 2) the necessary dilution of water and disinfectant and its activation by dual-mode transient cavitation to kill the pathogens shed by the “patient” following “patient” cleaning or wound-therapy treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Vago
  • Patent number: 7377906
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection. In particular, the travel path of each the puller wire includes a U-turn or doubling-back around a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In one embodiment, the catheter has an elongated catheter body, a catheter tip section with first and second diametrically-opposed off-axis lumens, and a control handle which includes a steering assembly having a lever structure carrying a pair of pulleys for simultaneously drawing and releasing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Selkee
  • Patent number: 7377907
    Abstract: A portable insulin delivery device that supplies insulin in a pre-pressurized chamber, passes the insulin through a pressure-dropping labyrinth to a flow control valve. The valve is activated by a piezoelectric actuator. This allows for precise insulin delivery. An electronic package provides for programming of basal rates and bolus. A pressure sensor relays data concerning normal operation and pressure changes that indicate problems. The processor, keypad, displays power source, fluid pressure sensor and fluid flow control actuator are housed in a base unit. A removable cartridge unit houses the pre-pressurized fluid reservoir, flow path labyrinth, and flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nilimedix Ltd.
    Inventor: Avraham Shekalim
  • Patent number: 7377908
    Abstract: An insertion device for inserting an injection needle into a tissue including a needle holder carrying the injection needle and a protection device for covering the injection needle after the removal thereof from the tissue wherein the needle holder is mounted to move along the needle axis in relation to the protection device and for insertion of the injection needle the needle holder and protection device are moved more closely together and wherein at least one catch is provided on at least one of the needle holder and protection device, which firmly engages the needle holder with the protection device in an extended relative position. The invention encompasses a catheter head having a base body, a flexible cannula extending from the base body and the insertion device with the protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Disetronic Licensing AG
    Inventors: Markus Buetikofer, Simon Scheurer, Martin Wyss
  • Patent number: 7377909
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath is disclosed. The connection system includes an adapter fitting having a shaft defining a lumen. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. On an external surface of the proximal end of the shaft, threading is provided for engagement with the hemostasis valve. A cannula portion defines the distal end of the shaft for interfacing with a splittable sheath. A wedge is disposed on an external surface of the cannula portion for interfacing with a weakened portion of the splittable sheath. A sliding connector is disposed about the shaft for engagement with the splittable sheath. Upon a first level of engagement between the sliding connector and the splittable sheath, a fluid-tight seal is created. Upon a second level of engagement between the sliding connector and the splittable sheath, the wedge initiates separation of the splittable sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Claude L Rickerd
  • Patent number: 7377910
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an injection devices that inject a specified reagent with cells into lesions and other areas of body tissue. Particular embodiments comprise a main tube with a projection hole on its exterior, an axially-moveable needle tube with a needle at its tip, a reagent supplier configured to supply a specified reagent into the needle tube, and axially-moveable guide wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Osamu Katoh, Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Katoh, Masashi Momota, Tomihisa Kato
  • Patent number: 7377911
    Abstract: A medical needle device includes a winged shield (4) having a substantially cylindrical shaped shield cylinder (4a) and wings (5, 6) connected to the front end side thereof, a needle base (2) inserted in the shield cylinder (4a), and a needle (1). The wings have wing projections (7, 8) and the shield cylinder has through holes (9, 10) on the wall thereof. By overlaying the wings along the side surface of the shield cylinder, each of the wing projections can be inserted into the inner cavity of the shield cylinder via the through hole. Thereby, without requiring a special operation in the sticking operation, each of the wing projections can prevent the needle base from moving in the axial direction and can hold the needle base in the shield cylinder reliably in a state in which the needle protrudes from the front end of the shield cylinder by a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kunitomi, Takashi Doi
  • Patent number: 7377912
    Abstract: An administering apparatus for delivering a dosage of product including a casing with a reservoir for the product, a piston within the reservoir to deliver the product, a piston rod for engaging the piston, a drive device for driving the piston rod, and a dosage setting member mechanically engaging the piston rod and a stopper for the dosage setting member. The casing includes a front casing section containing a reservoir for the product and a rear casing section detachably connected to the front casing section. The front casing section is connected to or forms a first latching element, and the rear casing section is connected to or forms a second latching element. The latching elements are in latching engagement when the casing sections are connected. The casing sections may be axially fixed to one another by the latching engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: TecPharma Licensing AG
    Inventors: Roney Graf, Fritz Kirchhofer
  • Patent number: 7377913
    Abstract: A plug-on body which can be plugged onto a device for administering a settable dose of an injectable product, the plug-on body including a first body section extending axially in the direction of a plug-on body axis for fixing the plug-on body to a casing of the device, a shifting stopper formed by the first body section and operating by positive lock for axially fixing the plug-on body with respect to at least one shifting direction, a rotational stopper formed by the first body section and operating by positive lock for fixing the plug-on body against rotating, and a second body section extending behind the first body section in the direction of the plug-on body axis, wherein the second body section is formed by a shell body for at least one of shielding a dosing element of the device which serves to set the dosage and forming an adjustment stopper operating by positive lock for the dosing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: TecPharma Licensing AG
    Inventor: Thomas Gurtner
  • Patent number: 7377914
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending backsheet strips attached to an exterior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each backsheet strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly includes laterally opposing side flaps which may be formed by folding portions of the absorbent assembly laterally inward. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the backsheet strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Gary Dean LaVon
  • Patent number: 7377915
    Abstract: A catheter connector system that allows trimming of the proximal end of a catheter (single or multiple lumen) prior to the placement of a connector hub. In one variation, the catheter connector system comprises a catheter, a connector sheath including a soft collet, and a connector hub including a cannula for engaging the catheter and a connector hub interface for receiving the connector sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Rasmussen, Jeffrey K. Anderson, Jack R. Peterson, David W. Pierce, Scott D. Hinckley, Abraham C. Teng, William R. Barron, Catherine C. Breiter
  • Patent number: 7377916
    Abstract: An endovascular tissue removal system including an expandable mechanism introduceable to the ventricular side of a valve to support the leaflets of the valve in a closed position and a tissue removal device advanceable to the leaflets and configured to resect the leaflets as they are supported by the expandable mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: PLC Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. Rudko, Mark R. Tauscher, Richard P. Yeomans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7377917
    Abstract: A microwave thermokeratoplasty system uses an applicator having embedded sensors that provide feedback signals to a controller. The controller interprets these feedback signals to dynamically adjust or cease a keratoplasty operation. The system uses a microwave applicator that is specially adapted for direct application of energy to an eye in the course of treatment. The applicator is formed of discrete zones or sectors that are selectively controlled in an individual manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: B. Stuart Trembly
  • Patent number: 7377918
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming a lesion in body tissue includes a probe having an active region with an electrode for contacting tissue to be treated, and an inactive region including an insulative sleeve around a portion of the electrode. The temperature of the inactive region is monitored using a temperature sensor. A controller supplies radio frequency energy to the electrode and samples signals from the temperature sensor. By performing a calculation using the sampled signals and a predetermined inactive region threshold temperature, and by adjusting the supplied radio frequency power, the inactive region of the probe can be maintained at or below an inactive region maximum temperature while the controller continues to supply radio frequency energy to the electrode. The probe has a second temperature sensor, mounted at a distal end of the electrode, the controller being configured to reduce the supplied radio frequency power when the electrode temperature reaches a predetermined maximum electrode temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical Limited
    Inventor: Francis Amoah
  • Patent number: 7377919
    Abstract: An improved insulating layer for electrosurgical instruments and its use for electrosurgical instruments for reducing smoke generation at a surgical site is disclosed. The insulating layer may include a ceramic material that is substantially sealed with a coating comprising substantially of a material based on polydiorganosiloxanes or derivatives thereof that have been cured. Such an insulating layer may advantageously include one or more insulating materials with pores that have been sealed so as to prevent biological materials from entering the pores with such sealing material preferably containing one or more of silicate materials or materials that form silicates. Heat sinks may be included in various embodiments to establish a thermal gradient away from functional portions of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Surginetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Heim, James L. Brassell, Michael Olichney
  • Patent number: 7377920
    Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Kate R. Lawes, Dale F. Schmaltz, Michael J. Lands, S. Wade Lukianow, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Lap P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7377921
    Abstract: A damping element (1) includes: (a) two spring elements (2, 4) which are coaxial with or parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) and two axially end-side connectors (5, 6), where (b) the first spring element (2) exhibits a spring rate F, (c) the second spring element (4) exhibits a spring rate f, and (d) the spring rates F and f are different. A device stabilizing adjacent vertebras, comprising (a) N pedicle screws of hooks (12), where N?3 and where (b) each pedicle screw or pedicle hook (12) includes a receiving device (13) receiving a longitudinal affixation device (7) and where (c) an element (14) acting as a spring is inserted between two adjacent pedicle screws (12) or pedicle hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Armin Studer, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 7377922
    Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method for connecting a bone fastener, for example a spinal screw, to an elongated member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a body having channels to receive the fastener and elongated member is tapered and has an aperture for a locking member. A tapered washer slides over the body. The tapered washer has an inner diameter that is smaller than part of the tapered portion of the body allowing it to engage the body. The fastener passes through the body and engages the washer. An offsetting member slides over the body. The body slides over the elongated member and the offsetting member offsets the elongated member from the spinal fastener and contacts each in two differing locations. A locking member is inserted into a threaded aperture in the body to apply a compressive force that compresses all of the members preventing relative motion of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: B. Thomas Barker
  • Patent number: 7377923
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AlphaTec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
  • Patent number: 7377924
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide block has a cutting tool guide surface and a navigation mount for a navigation tracker component for computer aided positioning of the guide for a resection procedure. In various embodiments, the guide includes a rotation means. Preferably, a swivel with a pivot apparatus is provided to limit rotation to permit controlled flexion-extension angle about the pivot with respect to the cutting guide surface. A fixing member through the swivel permits for varus-valgus adjustment of the guide surface. Optionally, a positioning actuator and/or biased resistance actuator implements more regulated flexion-extension angle adjustment with the swivel. Various traversing mechanisms, such as a threaded wheel or pivoted cam tool permit controlled proximal-distal adjustment of the cutting guide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Raistrick, Knute C. Buehler, Carlos E. Collazo
  • Patent number: 7377925
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for fragmenting and extracting stones includes an outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner core longitudinally extending through the core and longitudinally movable relative to the core. The outer sheath has a basket sized for entrapping the stones and located near the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is longitudinally moveable from a retracted position within the basket to an extended position past the distal end of the outer sheath. The distal end of the inner core is also adapted to engage and fragment the stones. Longitudinal movement of the inner core relative to the outer sheath transforms the basket from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition to entrap stones within the basket and provide a small profile for insertion and withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Minimally Invasive Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne L. Poll
  • Patent number: 7377926
    Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Depuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Topper, Brett Bannerman, Tom Weisel, J. Terry Benson
  • Patent number: 7377927
    Abstract: A method of suturing patient tissue together is provided. The method comprises positioning a suture placement device adjacent patient tissue, the suture placement device having a body and a suture holder releasably attached on the body. The method further comprises actuating the suture placement device, causing the suture placement device to pass an end portion of at least one suture element through patient tissue in response to actuating the suture placement device and causing the end portion of the at least one suture element to be held on the suture holder of the device after the end portion has been passed through the patient tissue. The method further comprises detaching the suture holder from the body of the device while the end portion of the at least one suture element is held thereon. A suture placement device and a suture placement system which can be used in the method of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Albert Burdulis, Jr., Katherine Whitin
  • Patent number: 7377928
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a surgical stapler to provide a reinforced surgical staple line. The apparatus includes an applicator that carries a first and second bioimplantable material connected by a hinge. An applicator clip may be provided to releasably secure the first and second bioimplantable material onto the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Joesph W. Zubik, Chad S. McAlexander, Umesh H. Patel
  • Patent number: 7377929
    Abstract: An inguinal hernia repair device in the form of an implantable plug that is affixed at one end to the center region of a sheet of implantable material. The plug takes the form of a plurality of hollow members, arranged so as to be in substantially parallel relationship when implanted into a defect. The hollow members are preferably tubular members and are preferably bundled together by various means, such as bonding or wrapping a band or strand about the plurality of hollow members to maintain them in adjacent and contacting relationship during insertion into a defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald M Crawley, John M Herman, William D Montgomery, Charles F White
  • Patent number: 7377930
    Abstract: The device is a tube for placement around a living, human nerve fiber to protect the nerve from external damage. The device includes two concentric tubes, each of which are semi-circular in cross section. The lining tube rotates within the outer tube. Each of the lining tubes has a channel that extends the length of the tube. When the channels of the two tubes are aligned, the spine-protecting device can be slipped over a nerve without injuring the nerve. Once the nerve is safely inside the lining tube, the two tubes can be rotated relative to each other and locked into place, thus forming a protective tube that extends 360 degrees around a section of nerve. This device can be inserted into the opening between the vertebrae through which the nerve extends. Other runs of nerve in the human body can also be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Loughran
  • Patent number: 7377931
    Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition comprises a catheter having at least one lumen, a stem received within a distal portion of the lumen, a sealing member positioned on the stem, and a balloon operably attached to a distal portion of the catheter. The stem includes a proximal body portion, a sealing portion, and a shoulder portion. The sealing member is movable with hydrodynamic force from an initial air-release position on the proximal body portion of the stem to a sealed position on the sealing portion of the stem. A method for purging a balloon catheter prior to use comprises injecting a liquid into a proximal end of a balloon catheter lumen. The injected liquid forces air through a gap between the lumen wall and a sealing member. The liquid then contacts the sealing member and repositions it to a sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc
    Inventor: Celso J. Bagaoisan
  • Patent number: 7377932
    Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member having a lumen therethrough and being slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device is retained within the delivery catheter by a mechanical interlocking mechanism which includes an engagement member which is attached to the distal end of the pusher member and extends through a retaining ring at the proximal end of the embolic device. A detachment member extends through an aperture at the distal end of the engagement member thereby locking the embolic device onto the pusher member. When the embolic device is advanced to the predetermined site within the vessel, the detachment member is withdrawn from the aperture to thereby release the embolic device at the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cordis Neurovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, Juan A. Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 7377933
    Abstract: Surgical instrument which has a main part (10) with a shaft (12) and a fixed handle part (14), on which a moveable handle part (20) is supported pivotably. The pivotable handle part (20) engages through a slit (18) of the main part (10) and is linked to a slider (16). The slider (16) is guided axially shifted on the shaft (12) so that it cannot be removed. At the proximal end of the work stroke the slider (16) can be removed from the guide and shaft. Spring tongue (50) arranged on the pivotable handle part (20) comes against the main part (10) when the handle parts (14, 20) are spread apart and prevents the slider (16) from entering the cleaning position in which it is released from the shaft (12). The spring tongue (50) can be pressed against the moveable handle part (20) in order to enter the slit (18) of the main part and to release the locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: S.U.A. Martin GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eugen Martin
  • Patent number: 7377934
    Abstract: A device is designed to anchor a tissue to a bone. The device comprises a contractible implant, one or more sutures attached to the implant, and a pasty medicine capable of solidification. The implant is made of a flexible wall and provided with a holding portion and an injection port. The flexible wall is provided with a plurality of pores, each having a diameter smaller than 0.1 millimeter. The pasty medicine is injected into the holding portion of the implant upon completion of insertion of the contracted implant into the bone, thereby resulting in expansion of the contracted implant. The implant is thus securely lodged in the bone upon solidification of the pasty medicine to facilitate the anchoring of the tissue to the bone by suturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: A-Spine Holding Group Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-I Lin, Kwan-Ku Lin
  • Patent number: 7377935
    Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises a cover for covering at least a portion of a patient's body and a compliant support adapted to underlie and generally conform to the shape of the portion of the patient's body to define a well adjacent to the patient's body portion for accumulating heat transfer liquid. The cover and compliant support cooperatively define an enclosure for receiving the portion of the patient's body and are constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Life Recovery Systems HD, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Schock, Marc Cote
  • Patent number: 7377936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a septal defect closure device (10) having a first occluding disk (30) having a first flexible membrane (32) attached to a first frame (34) and a second occluding disk (20) having a second flexible membrane (22) attached to a separate second frame (24). The first frame has at least two outwardly extending loops joined to one another by flexible joints. These loops are attached to the first membrane to define taut fabric petals when the first disk is in a deployed configuration. A central portion of the first membrane is joined to the central portion of the second membrane via a joining segment, which may comprise a conjoint disk. The flexible joints of the first frame are received within the joining segment. This septal defect closure device provides enhanced retrievability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ev3, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gainor, Jeff Helgerson, Richard S. Kusleika, Dennis L. Olson, II
  • Patent number: 7377937
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stent-graft assembly. The assembly comprises at least one stent framework and a graft member. The graft member is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the stent framework and everted over an outer surface of the stent framework to enclose at least a portion of the stent framework. The assembly may further comprise a therapeutic agent that is enclosed by the graft member. Elution openings may be formed in the graft member to preferentially elute a therapeutic agent into the wall rather than the lumen of a vessel into which the stent-graft assembly is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dolan
  • Patent number: 7377938
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve for replacing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member and at least two valve leaflets made of a first layer of biological material selected from peritoneal tissue, pleural tissue or pericardial tissue. A second layer of biological material is attached to the support member. The second layer is also made from peritoneal tissue, pleural tissue or pericardial tissue. The second layer includes a radially inwardly facing surface that defines a conduit for directing blood flow. The valve leaflets extend across the conduit to permit unidirectional flow of blood through the conduit. Methods for making and implanting the prosthetic valve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Timur Paul Sarac, Nicholas G. Smedira
  • Patent number: 7377939
    Abstract: Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SyneCor, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Williams, Robert S. Langer, Yadong Wang
  • Patent number: 7377940
    Abstract: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve annulus. The annuloplasty band preferably has a low profile (e.g., a thickness less than 3 mm). In embodiments intended for mitral valve repair, the eyelets are particularly adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to the antero-lateral trigone and postero-medial trigone. A holder and sizer device useful with the annuloplasty band are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R Ryan, Joseph C. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7377941
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include an anterior portion, a posterior portion and two lateral portions corresponding to intersections of the anterior portion and the posterior portion. The devices have a first shape in a first configuration and a second shape in a second configuration and are configured to transform from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to an activation energy applied thereto. The transformation is configured to reduce a distance between the anterior portion and the posterior portion without substantially decreasing a distance between the two lateral portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Micardia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S. Rhee, Emanuel Shaoulian, Shahram Moaddeb, Samuel M. Shaolian
  • Patent number: 7377942
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for interposition in a space left by one or more excised vertebral posterior structures. The prosthetic device comprises a lamina bridge having an inferior portion for replacing an excised lamina; at least one inferior facet replacement device, connected to the inferior portion of the lamina bridge, to replace an excised inferior articular process; and at least one superior facet replacement device to replace an excised superior articular process. The at least one superior facet replacement device articulates with the at least one inferior facet replacement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bret M. Berry
  • Patent number: 7377943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic implant, which has vitreous-crystalline bioactive material on the surface thereof. According to the invention, a metallic implant base body arranged on the surface of the particles has a bioactive, vitreous-crystalline material consisting of 15-45 wt. % CaO, 40-45 wt. % P2O5, 10-40 wt. % ZrO2 and 0.7-3.5 wt. % fluoride, having apatite and calcium zirconium phosphate as main crystalline and a glass phase as an auxiliary component. Said vitreous crystalline material contains at least 35 wt. % main crystal phases and at least 5-15 wt. % auxiliary compounds. All of the percentage data is expressed in relation to the total weight of the vitreous crystalline material and the particle size of the vitreous crystalline material is between 60-350 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin, Charite Universitaetsklinikum, BAM Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und - pruefung
    Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Müller, Georg Berger