Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Patent number: 8500747
    Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant. The extractor instruments can include a shaft assembly, an actuator assembly at a proximal end of said shaft assembly, and an engaging assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The engaging assembly includes a support member fixedly coupled with and extending distally from the shaft assembly and a clamping member coupled with at least one of the shaft assembly and the support member. The actuator assembly is operably linked to the clamping member with the shaft assembly to move the clamping member toward the support member with the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. DeRidder, Brian Robert Thoren
  • Patent number: 8500748
    Abstract: A component with an engaging mechanism is disclosed. The component comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to cooperate with a tool. The proximal end comprises an outer portion configured for cooperating with the tool and an inner portion configured for cooperating with the tool, wherein the inner portion comprises an engaging element configured for cooperating with a distal portion of the tool so that the engaging element provides a temporary engagement between the component and the distal portion of the tool. A system for engaging a component with a tool also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Wasaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kidong Yu
  • Patent number: 8500749
    Abstract: An instrument for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes an upper and a lower ramp each having a respective proximal and a distal end. A bracket assembly is coupled to the upper and lower ramps at the proximal ends. The bracket assembly biases the upper and lower ramps closed at the distal end. A drive member has a longitudinal axis and a screw thread thereon. The drive member is disposed between the upper and lower ramps and extends through a passage in the bracket assembly. An adjustable spreader is operably coupled to the drive member and movable between the upper and lower ramps along the longitudinal axis by rotation of the drive member. The adjustable spreader separates the upper ramp from the lower ramp during forwardly movement along the longitudinal axis. An implant holder is coupled to the adjustable spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Prescient Surgical Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Randall F. Lee, Jack E. Zigler, Richard D. Guyer, Michael J. Mojica
  • Patent number: 8500750
    Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC., DePuy International Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Varieur, Thomas J Runco, Daniel Adams, Christopher Gowland
  • Patent number: 8500751
    Abstract: A method for treating a bifurcation or trifurcation aneurysm (201) occurring on a first artery, the first artery and a second artery joining to a third artery, the method comprising: inserting a medical device (202) such that it is at least partially located in the first artery and is at least partially located in the third artery; expanding the medical device (202) from a first position to a second position, said medical device (202) is expanded radially outwardly to the second position such that the exterior surface of said medical device (202) engages with the inner surface of the first and third arteries so as to maintain a fluid pathway through said arteries; and positioning the medical device (202) such that a membrane (203) of the medical device (202) is located against an aneurysm neck of the aneurysm (201) to obstruct blood circulation to the aneurysm (201) when the medical device (202) is expanded to the second position, and at least a portion of the membrane (203) is secured to the medical device (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Merlin MD Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Leon Rudakov, Michael O'Connor, Deepak Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8500752
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing an implantable lead within tissue of a patient includes a base adapted to be secured to a patient's skull adjacent a craniotomy. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface with a central passage therebetween. The central passage is adapted to receive the implantable lead therethrough. The apparatus also has a cover that is releasably coupled to the base so as to substantially cover the central passage and capture the implantable lead therebetween. A first rotating member is also coupled with the base and the first member is rotationally movable so as to meet and engage the implantable lead at a plurality of positions within the central passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cranial Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Purvis Bedenbaugh
  • Patent number: 8500753
    Abstract: A manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system, comprising an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on a base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly is attached to a remote center positioner (300) for constraining the instrument to rotate a point coincident with the entry incision and an inclinometer (350) for preventing gravitational forces acting on the system's mechanisms from being felt by the surgeon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Philip S. Green, Joel F. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8500754
    Abstract: A skin care element holder for use with a handheld body having a receptacle includes a substantially circular plate having a diameter between about 20 and about 60 mm. The substantially circular plate has a first surface for coupling to the skin care element; a second surface; and an outer peripheral edge. The second surface of the substantially circular plate has at least one spacer leg; a plurality of engagement arms; and at least one key. Each of the at least one spacer leg, engagement arms and key extend from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface. The at least one spacer leg supports the plate in the receptacle. At least one of said engagement arms includes a snap-fit projection for engagement with a recess in the receptacle. The key is arranged and configured to fit into a notch in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Hull, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8500755
    Abstract: A fastener delivery tool includes a loading chamber for receiving a fastener having a pair of tines overlapping one another to define a loop in a parent or relaxed state. A retaining member retains the fastener in the loading chamber. The fastener delivery tool also includes a tongue, pusher member, and an ejection track communicating with the loading chamber. An actuator causes the tongue to move to engage the tines of the fastener to transform the fastener from the relaxed state to a constrained state defining a U-shape. The actuator also causes the pusher member to release the retaining member and advance the fastener down the ejection track in the constrained state. The tool also includes a trigger for ejecting the fastener completely from the ejection track. The fastener may be used to secure a prosthetic heart valve or components thereof into surrounding tissue, e.g., within a tissue annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Harry Ino, Michael J. Drews, Donnell W. Gurskis
  • Patent number: 8500756
    Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a handle attached thereto and the distal end has a suturing body attached thereto. The handle is operatively connected to the suturing body. The suturing body includes a suture housing in which a needle and drive assembly are housed for movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about an arcuate path facilitating application of a suture to tissue. A mechanism is provided for accommodating and operating different sized needles and different sized sutures while maintaining the operative connection between the handle and the suturing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo. Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Papa, Michael J. Stokes, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8500757
    Abstract: A system for forming a purse string suture, including a suture applicator having a proximal handle, a length of suture wound on a spool, and a hollow suture needle extending from a distal end of the handle. The suture needle projects distally from the handle in a helical shape and terminates in a sharp distal tip with an opening in one side close to the distal tip. A free end of the length of suture may extend out of the distal tip and back into the hollow suture needle through the opening. The suture needle may have a deflection segment adjacent the distal tip that is more flexible than the rest of the helical distal portion of the suture needle. A linear hollow pivot shaft extends from a distal end of the handle substantially along an axis of the helical distal portion of the suture needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Manouchehr Miraki, Yoon H. Kwon, Frank Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8500758
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for a puncture needle allowing an easier manipulation of puncture needles as well as being capable of improving the suture stability. The auxiliary device for a puncture needle comprises a plate-shaped auxiliary device main body on the surface of which parallel guide grooves were formed, and a plate-shaped rotating-sliding contact part rotatably attached to one of the edge parts of the auxiliary device main body. Moreover, a stabilization plate was provided at the lower end part of the auxiliary device main body. And, a window part for confirming an insertion-puncture needle-outer needle and a pullout-puncture needle were provided at the lower part side portion of the auxiliary device main body. Moreover, a projecting edge part was formed at the upper end part of the auxiliary device main body, and an opening side width of a portion located at the projecting edge part of the guide grooves was made wider than the width of the other portion of the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Hisataka Harada, Kazuhiro Koike, Mihoko Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8500759
    Abstract: A hernia mesh support device includes an outer ring, an inner ring and a plurality of ring support members extending between and interconnected to the outer ring and inner ring. On a first axial side of the outer ring and inner ring is situated a layer of mesh material. On a second axial side of the outer ring and inner ring is situated an anti-adhesion barrier. A plurality of barbed pins or hollow needles extend from the first axial side of the outer ring. A removable protective cover covers the plurality of barbed pins or hollow needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya S. Koyfman, Uri Herzberg
  • Patent number: 8500760
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a tacking device for engaging tissue, which may be useful for coupling a graft to tissue or facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one embodiment, the tacking device comprises a main body having proximal and distal ends, and further comprises at least one proximal deployable member and at least one distal deployable member, each having contracted and expanded states. The proximal deployable members extend proximally from the proximal end of the main body, while the distal deployable members extend distally from the distal end of the main body. In one embodiment, a hook member extends from at least one of the proximal deployable members. In use, the hook member may be engaged, for example, using a loop member coupled to a stylet, thereby facilitating controlled release of the tacking device and allowing repositioning of the tacking device after at least partial deployment of the distal deployable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Tyler E. McLawhorn
  • Patent number: 8500761
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Vascular
    Inventors: Eric A. Goldfarb, Alfred H. Raschdorf, Jr., Jaime E. Sarabia, Syliva Wen Chin Fan, Kent D. Dell, Jan Komtebedde, Ferolyn T. Powell
  • Patent number: 8500762
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixating means (200) adapted for use in hernia repair surgeries in attaching a mesh (2) and mesh deployment means (3); said fixating means are attached to said mesh deployment means (3); said fixating means (200) comprising: (a) a first portion (200a) coupled to said deployment means (3); and, (b) a second portion (200b), comprising a coil (252) having a predetermined retracted shape; said coil is reconfigurable from a plurality of unretracted positions to a plurality of retracted positions and from said plurality of retracted positions to said plurality of unretracted positions; wherein said attachment between said deployment means (3) and said mesh (2) is obtained by reconfiguration of said coil (252) from at least one of said unretracted positions to at least one of said retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Davol, Inc. (a C.R. Bard Company)
    Inventors: Mordehai Sholev, Ruth Zajdman, Itay Ben-Nun
  • Patent number: 8500763
    Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Elemtents, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 8500764
    Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having an open distal end. The drive shaft comprising a fluid impermeable wall, an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from its distal end, the fluid impermeable wall being formed from a torque transmitting coil and at least one fluid impermeable membrane which define a lumen for the antegrade flow of pressurized fluid through the drive shaft and into a distal fluid inflatable support element to inflate said fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element is located at the distal end of the drive shaft and has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cardio Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Shturman
  • Patent number: 8500765
    Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a fluid impermeable lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft, the distal support element being inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is at least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cardio Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Shturman
  • Patent number: 8500766
    Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner. The inventive oral care implement comprises different kinds of soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded in-mouth cleaning. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a structural body having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a basin formed into the rear surface of the structural body, the structural body comprising a protuberance extending upward from a recessed floor of the basin, the basin surrounding the protuberance; a first cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue located within the basin, the protuberance of the structural body extending through a central hole of the first cleaner; and a second cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue, the second cleaner located on the protuberance of the structural body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Michael Rooney, Robert Moskovich, Jacob Pringiers, Luca Casini, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
  • Patent number: 8500767
    Abstract: A surgical blade is disclosed for use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The surgical blade comprises a rotatable support arm capable of being rotated by the surgical tool and a detachable curved cutting blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. The surgical tool causes the curved cutting blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the curved cutting blade is detached from the rotatable support arm. The curved cutting blade is then removed from the incision by pulling the curved cutting blade forward out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Schachar, Donald P. Cudmore
  • Patent number: 8500768
    Abstract: A steerable catheter system to perform a transseptal puncture procedure comprises a steerable catheter shaft with at least one inner lumen, and an inner element slidably positioned within a shaft lumen, wherein the distal tip of the shaft can be deflected, counter-deflected, rotated, and counter-rotated and wherein the inner element can be deployed or retracted. In one embodiment, a single steerable catheter is capable of performing an intended procedure and a transseptal procedure all in one, wherein the catheter comprises an outer steerable catheter and an inner element which can be deployed to perform a transseptal puncture, and wherein, once the inner element crosses the inter-atrial septum, the catheter itself can slide forward without advancement of the inner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Inventions Unlimited Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8500769
    Abstract: A surgical tool system with a handpiece and a cutting accessory that has inner and outer hubs. The handpiece has a spring biased lock ring that abuts a complementary stop member integral with the accessory outer hub to hold the accessory to the handpiece. An RFID chip is disposed against an inner wall of the accessory outer hub. An elastomeric seal pressed against the inner wall of the accessory outer hub provides environmental protection for the RFID chip. The seal has a rib that extends around the outer perimeter of the proximal end of the outer hub so as to form a seal between the accessory and an adjacent inner wall of the handpiece. Stop tabs extend inwardly from the seal to prevent the drive hub disposed inside the outer hub from falling out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Wenjie Deng
  • Patent number: 8500771
    Abstract: A rectal balloon apparatus comprises a shaft having a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A rectal gas relieving lumen may be positioned with the shaft for removal of rectal gas. A motion detecting sensor and a radiation detecting sensor may be positioned with the balloon, the shaft, and/or the rectal gas release lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: RadiaDyne, LLC
    Inventor: John Isham
  • Patent number: 8500772
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, devices and methods for protecting the body from downstream embolization. In one embodiment, a distal protection device comprises a shaft and a jacket with the shaft being received within the jacket. The device also includes a filter, which is supported by a wire cone that has one end attached to the jacket and an opposite end attached to the shaft. The shaft is rotatable relative to the jacket to reduce the size of the cone for capturing embolic debris within the wire cone. The invention also provides such devices in combination with instruments (e.g., balloon stent catheters) for treating stenosis and other similar conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Ram H. Paul, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8500773
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering an implantable device to a target site, using a detachable link. The system can include an embolic coil mated to a delivery wire via a detachable link comprising first and second engaging members. When the detachable link is delivered through a catheter, the first and second engaging members are configured to self-detach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nardone, Nicholas Fedas
  • Patent number: 8500774
    Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first distal region terminating at a first end and a second proximal region terminating at a second end of the filter and movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the filter portion and includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region has a retrieval hook and a spacer forming a looped region extending radially from the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: James F. McGuckin, Jr., James E. Bressler, David M. Schaller
  • Patent number: 8500775
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Surefire Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Chomas, Leonard Pinchuk, John Martin, Aravind Arepally
  • Patent number: 8500776
    Abstract: A surgical patch system for closing a wound includes a first surgical patch, a second surgical patch, a cord operably associated with the first and second surgical patches, and a port operably associated with the second surgical patch. The first surgical patch is positionable adjacent internal tissue of an underlying tissue site of an open wound. The second surgical patch is positionable adjacent external tissue relative to the underlying tissue site of the open wound. The external tissue is adjacent the internal tissue. The cord is configured and dimensioned to interconnect the first and second surgical patches. The port is positioned to enable the application of negative pressure to the open wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Timothy D. Ebner
  • Patent number: 8500777
    Abstract: Methods for approximating and fastening tissue by application of one or more tissue fasteners are provided. In one embodiment, spaced apart tissue locations are engaged by tissue penetrating members of a deformable fastener, one of more of the engaged tissue locations is moved toward another engaged tissue location to approximate the spaced apart locations, and the deformable fastener is deployed to secure the approximated tissue locations. These methods may be used in laparoscopic plication gastroplasty procedures for forming an invaginated tissue fold, to close holes in the gastrointestinal lumen, and in a variety of interventional procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Longevity Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Harris, Barry Hal Rabin
  • Patent number: 8500778
    Abstract: An interspinous process spacer is generally rectangular and may have an upper face that generally opposes a lower face, front and back sides that generally oppose each other, an end side, and a nose that generally opposes the end side. The spacer preferably has rounded edges between the upper face and the front, end, and back sides and between the lower face and the front, end, and back sides. The nose of the spacer is preferably asymmetrical and tapers integrally, distally, and inwardly from the first and second faces to form a generally pointed or rounded distal tip. A spacer may be inserted laterally into the interspinous space through a small, posterior midline incision, allowing the preservation of the supraspinous ligament. One or more spacers may be placed between spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, and result in distraction of the spinous processes which may limit extension of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Jackson, David Chow, Robert J. Delurio
  • Patent number: 8500779
    Abstract: For minimally-invasive therapy for spinal canal stenosis, a therapeutic device capable of stationing an interspinous process spacer without the need of large skin incision or ligamentous tissue incision and also without the need of detaching of the paraspinal muscle from the spine. The interspinous process spacer includes a conoid screw region (2) to be screwed into a processus spinosus interspace; a spacer region (3) in the longitudinal direction of the screw region (2); head region (4) capable of free interlocking with a tool arbitrarily; and through-hole (5) passing through the axial centers of screw region (2), spacer region (3) and head region (4). The processus spinosus interspace is enlarged by screwing of the screw region (2) into the processus spinosus interspace. The spacer region (3) is pinched upon passing of the screw region (2) through the processus spinosus interspace to attain enlarging and fixing of adjacent processus spinosus interspaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Kobe University
    Inventor: Kotaro Nishida
  • Patent number: 8500780
    Abstract: A connecting element for a spinal fixing system that connects at least two implantable connection assemblies including a rod including a flexible part extended at one end at least by a rigid part, the flexible part including a cable at least partly surrounded by a polymer envelope, the cable including at least one elastic strand coaxial with the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Spinevision
    Inventors: Dominique Petit, Thomas Droulout
  • Patent number: 8500781
    Abstract: Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Yale University, Rachiotek, LLC
    Inventors: Manohar M. Panjabi, Jens P. Timm, George Malcolmson, II
  • Patent number: 8500782
    Abstract: A fixation plate system includes a plate with elongated slots, and first and second anchors for attaching the plate to vertebrae. The first and second anchors have different head configurations that are selected by the surgeon to control how settlement occurs at each fused segment. The head of the first fastener is insertable in any of the slots and resists translation. The head of the second fastener is insertable in any of the slots in free sliding engagement to allow translation of the head in that slot. In one method of use, the surgeon selects a segment where settling needs to be limited, and uses the first fastener to fix the plate near the segment and limit settling at that segment. The first and second fasteners have a built-in spring that assists in securing the fasteners in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Kovach, David W. Wimberley, Scott Leary, Paul Weaver, Andrea Peukert
  • Patent number: 8500783
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic cervical plate system that may be adjusted to length, locked in place to provide compression, and will automatically shorten its length to maintain compression. The system includes spinal cages coupled to the plate which provide intervertebral spacers for excised discs. The cervical plate system has a flat elongated shaft adapted to span the intervertebral space and has at least two screw receivers spaced along the length of the plate. The screw receivers each have screw holes for accepting the heads of bone screws. The spinal cage is coupled to the plate and interposed between the screw receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew G. Baynham
  • Patent number: 8500784
    Abstract: A bone fixation element comprises a shaft extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and a head connected to the proximal end of the shaft. The head includes a radially outer abutting structure deformable to lockingly engage an inner wall of an opening through a bone plate. Deformation of the abutting structure permits the head to lock the bone fixation element within the opening at any user-selected angle with respect to a central axis of the opening within a permitted range of angulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Hulliger, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 8500785
    Abstract: A catheter including a tube and a coil at least partially surrounding the tube is disclosed. The coil can include a first portion including a first material, and a second portion including a second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8500786
    Abstract: There is disclosed a radiopaque marker comprising a binary alloy of titanium and one binary element selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold. There is also disclosed various medical devices, such as stents, guidewires and embolic filters, that have the radiopaque marker attached thereto. Methods of attaching the radiopaque marker to the medical devices, such as by welding, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: John A. Simpson, John F. Boylan
  • Patent number: 8500787
    Abstract: There is disclosed medical devices, such as stents, guidewires and embolic filters, comprising a binary alloy of titanium and one binary element selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold. There is also disclosed a radiopaque marker comprising the disclosed binary alloy, as well as medical devices having the radiopaque marker attached thereto. Methods of attaching the radiopaque marker to the medical devices, such as by welding, are also disclosure also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: John A. Simpson, John F. Boylan, Wayne E. Cornish
  • Patent number: 8500788
    Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Aaron Lee Berez, Quang Quoc Tran
  • Patent number: 8500789
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a device (1) for moving an elongate member relative to an. elongate body through which it extends, the device comprising: a housing (10) connectable to the elongate body; a mover (20) associated with the housing and connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing and relative to a connected elongate body; and a pre-mover (40) for adjusting an elongate member connected to the mover relative to an elongate body connected to the housing in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover. There is also disclosed a related surgical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Wuebbeling, Michael Vogel, Jurgen Dorn
  • Patent number: 8500790
    Abstract: Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CardioKinetix, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Khairkhahan
  • Patent number: 8500791
    Abstract: System including a delivery catheter and a stent disposed at a distal end of the delivery catheter. The stent includes a plurality of radially expandable rings disposed adjacent to one another to define a tubular member having a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, and a middle portion, each of the radially expandable rings including a plurality of strut members. The middle portion of the tubular member include a plurality of interconnection members extending between longitudinally adjacent expandable rings, the number of the plurality of the interconnection members being greater than that of the end portion of the tubular member. The stent also includes a transition section between the end portion and the middle portion, the transition section including at least one open cell and at least one closed cell. The stent can be self-expandable or balloon expandable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Hao-Ming Hsiao, Keif Fitzgerald, Boris Anukhin
  • Patent number: 8500792
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering and deploying stents with proximal and distal apices includes a “guidewire lumen, a distal apex release lumen, a proximal apex release lumen, a distal apex capture device and a proximal apex capture device. The distal and proximal apex capture devices include a first distal capture portion and a second distal capture portion fixedly connected to the guidewire lumen and distal apex release lumen, respectively, and a first and second proximal capture portions, respectively. The first proximal capture portion is fixedly connected to the distal end of the apex release lumen and has fingers extending toward the first distal capture portion in a distal direction. The second proximal capture portion is fixedly connected to the distal end of the proximal apex release lumen and has fingers extending toward the second distal capture portion in a distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Humberto Berra
  • Patent number: 8500793
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of an implantable medical device with a high degree of flexibility is shown and described. One aspect includes an implantable stent having an intermediate portion with a helical winding and first and second end portions. The implantable stent further includes a coupling portion with a helical winding, and bridges joining struts of defining the helical windings. The stent also includes a paddle providing a bridge joining the ends or the helical windings. Another aspect relates to a radially self-expansible stent with a plurality of radiopaque markers attached to it. The markers are shaped and located at the stent end such that the compressive stress exerted on the end annulus of the stent during release of the stent is shared between the markers and the inflection zones that do not carry a marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Achim Zipse, Andreas Block, Pauline Weise, Martin Schlun
  • Patent number: 8500794
    Abstract: The stent of the present invention combines a helical strut band interconnected by coil elements. This structure provides a combination of attributes that are desirable in a stent, such as, for example, substantial flexibility, stability in supporting a vessel lumen, cell size and radial strength. The structure of the stent of the present invention provides a predetermined geometric relationship between the helical strut band and interconnected coil elements in order to maintain connectivity at any diameter size state of the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Beach, Janet Burpee
  • Patent number: 8500795
    Abstract: Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CardioKinetix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Khairkhahan, Serjan D. Nikolic, Hugh R. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 8500796
    Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections, each of which can be covered with a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation to expose the covered projection. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Case, Charles W. Agnew
  • Patent number: 8500797
    Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a medical device or a medical device component includes contacting a non-fluid first member and a second member, the first member comprising a first polymer and an alignable material different from the first polymer; aligning the alignable material; and bonding the first and second members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Olson, Michael S. Arney, Scott R. Schewe