Patents Issued in February 18, 2014
  • Patent number: 8652102
    Abstract: The present invention may provide devices suitable for insertion into a body passage. The devices may include a conduit and a distal head region located at the distal end of said conduit. A plurality of apertures on the surface of said head region and conduit may be used to direct a liquid spray outwards from said device. The apertures may be designed and spatially arranged such that when the device is inserted into a body passage, the liquid spray emitted from said apertures may be capable of both reducing the frictional contact between the device and the walls of said passage and of cleansing said passage of undesired solid and other particulate matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Jet Prep Ltd.
    Inventors: David Nitsan, Shay Dubi
  • Patent number: 8652104
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator extends proximally in the interior cavity and supports a seal member thereon. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. A punch tool is provided to form a tri-slit in the membrane of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Goral, Christopher D. Roehl, James Muskatello, Mahesh Munavalli, Jocelyn C. Michaud
  • Patent number: 8652105
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus for providing access inside a body includes a housing having a first port, a tubular member extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis therealong, wherein the tubular member includes a lumen extending therethrough. a shaft insert disposed in the lumen of the tubular member, wherein the shaft insert forms first, second, and third passageways extending along the lumen of the tubular member, wherein each of the first, second, and third passageways is adapted to receive a surgical instrument; and a first seal assembly covering the first port of the housing and defining a first passage disposed in communication with the first passageway defined by the shaft insert in the tubular member, wherein the first seal assembly is adapted to form a seal around the surgical instrument inserted through the first passage of the first seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Kevin Sniffin
  • Patent number: 8652106
    Abstract: A guidewire straightener assembly (50,200,300,400) including a guidewire tube (56,250,450) with a tubular passage therethrough having a first diameter and a distal end including a collar (58,260,462) having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A guidewire (52,202,402) having a third diameter, smaller than the first diameter is disposed within the tubular passage. When a guidewire straightener (10,210,410) is affixed to the guidewire tube distal end in a first position with its biasing member in the tubular passage, the at least one finger (26,216,416) is biased by the tubular passage into frictional engagement with the guidewire; when disposed in a second position in the collar, the at least one finger is disposed away from frictional engagement with the guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Schweikert, Kevin Sanford
  • Patent number: 8652107
    Abstract: An article prevents a drainage tube or catheter from being inadvertently moved, removed, or constricted. The article generally includes (i) a hollow conduit having a medial bend formed with an angle of between 45 and 135 degrees, and further having a lateral opening in a wall of the conduit, the opening exposing an interior space within the conduit, the wall having a means for securing a retainer in a selected position relative to the opening, (ii) a catheter positioned coaxially within the conduit, the catheter having a catheter wall, and (iii) the retainer removably secured within the opening wherein a tooth of the retainer penetratingly positioned within the catheter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: James Elist, Gene Scott
  • Patent number: 8652108
    Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided which comprises a housing, a dispensing end for dispensing a drug from the drug delivery device, a flexible container for holding the drug, the flexible container comprising an outlet, the outlet being connected to the dispensing end, and a squeezing member for squeezing the flexible container, wherein, for dispensing a dose of the drug from the drug delivery device, the squeezing member and the flexible container are axially displaceable relative to one another, the squeezing member rotating with respect to the housing during the relative axial displacement and squeezing the flexible container, thereby urging the dose of the drug from the container through the outlet. Furthermore, using a rotatable roll in a drug delivery device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Nils Basso, Thomas Nagel, René Richter, Robert Witt
  • Patent number: 8652109
    Abstract: Syringe (1) including a cylinder (2) and a piston (4), in which the outlet end (6) of the cylinder (2) is integrated with a valve male luer lock connector (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Industrie Borla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 8652110
    Abstract: In a valve-equipped hand switch and a chemical liquid introduction system, a contrast medium in a syringe is delivered to a patient line through a first port, a main passage around a spacer portion, and a second port. Furthermore, a pressure (about 300 psi) of the contrast medium delivered by a chemical liquid introduction device is transmitted as a reaction force through a third plunger from a handle portion of an operation piston held by an operator. As such, the operator can directly feel the pressure of the introduced contrast medium, which gives a sense of ease to the operator during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sugan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yamamoto, Michihiko Matsushima
  • Patent number: 8652111
    Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for delivering reduced pressure for medical purposes to a desired site and to receive fluids in one instance includes a reservoir having an interior space operable to contain the fluids. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication with the interior space for delivering the reduced pressure to the desired site. A source conduit and a pressure sensor conduit are placed in fluid communication with the interior space. A pressure sensor is placed in fluid communication with the pressure sensor conduit. A reduced-pressure source is placed in fluid communication with the source conduit. A reduced-pressure control unit is associated with the pressure sensor and the reduced-pressure source and is operable to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor and supply data from the reduced-pressure source and to determine when a reservoir-full/blockage condition exists. Other systems and methods are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Pratt, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8652112
    Abstract: An ostomy device is provided including an ostomy pouch having an entrance opening, a body attachment wafer having a through-going opening and a coupling layer, which couples the pouch to the body attachment wafer and has a central opening therein. The body attachment wafer includes a plastic film, which is coated with a layer of skin friendly adhesive on the side thereof distal to the ostomy pouch. The coupling layer is affixed to the body attachment wafer along an attachment line extending around the central opening in the coupling layer, the attachment line being distanced from the central opening in the coupling layer. The region around the entrance opening of the pouch is affixed to the coupling layer in a landing zone located between the attachment line and the opening in the body attachment wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Molnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Päranders Wärja
  • Patent number: 8652113
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article intended to be worn around the waist of a wearer includes a chassis having a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion there between, and optionally a waistband. A printed tag is arranged on the inner wearer facing side of the chassis in at least one of the front portion, back portion, and the waistband. The tag has at least one first area which is fixedly attached to the chassis and at least one second area which is unattached. The first fixedly attached area covers an area of at least 5% of the total area of the tag and the second unattached area has a length extending along a side edge of the tag of at least 5 mm and a width of at least 1 mm. The tag as described makes it easier to differentiate between the front and back of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Inge Gabrielii, Ulrika Carlson, Hans Een, Maria Bogren, Sofia Hermansson
  • Patent number: 8652114
    Abstract: A two-piece wearable absorbent article (such as a diaper) including an outer cover, and particularly, an absorbent insert for use therewith, are disclosed. The insert has a fastener component disposed at either or both a forward region and a rearward region thereof, for fastening the insert within the outer cover. The end of the insert associated with the region bearing the fastener component may have a specified stiffness, to help the insert to retain structural integrity while fastened within an outer cover and while being worn. The insert may include an end support stiffener that helps impart stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins, Joshua James Norman
  • Patent number: 8652115
    Abstract: A two-piece wearable absorbent article (such as a diaper) including an outer cover, and particularly, an absorbent insert for use therewith, are disclosed. The insert has a fastener component disposed at either or both a forward region and a rearward region thereof, for fastening the insert within the outer cover. The end of the insert associated with the region bearing the fastener component may have a specified stiffness, to help the insert to retain structural integrity while fastened within an outer cover and while being worn. The insert may include an end support stiffener that helps impart stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins, Joshua James Norman
  • Patent number: 8652116
    Abstract: A preferential bend structure may have a first face and an opposing second face. The preferential bend structure may include at least a base layer and an auxiliary layer, wherein a first deforming force applied to the first face results in a first deflection and a second deforming force applied to the second face results in a second deflection which is equal to the first deflection, and wherein the second deforming force is not equal to the first deforming force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Mark James Kline, Bruce William Lavash
  • Patent number: 8652117
    Abstract: Vaccine is administered into a nose. A pharmaceutically-acceptable aqueous saline solution carrier comprising from 0.5% to 1.9% salt is provided in a nasal device. The saline solution is administered into a first nasal cavity to rinse the first nasal cavity. The saline solution is added to the first nasal cavity until the saline solution flows via a posterior nasal aperture into a second nasal cavity. A vaccine is then administered into the first nasal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Ahnblad, Robert Halasz, Susanne Ahnblad Lagerqvist
  • Patent number: 8652118
    Abstract: An agent delivery apparatus for administering a pharmacological agent formulation to a sub-mucosal compartment of a body organ, comprising injector means having an internal formulation chamber that is adapted to receive and contain the pharmacological agent formulation therein and an elongated agent delivery member having a first end that is in communication with the internal formulation chamber and a second ejection end, the injector means including force generating means that is adapted to generate sufficient force to expel the pharmacological agent formulation from the injector means and into and through the agent delivery member, and out of the ejection end of the elongated agent delivery member. In one embodiment of the invention, the delivery member comprises a needleless delivery member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: KMG Pharma, LLC
    Inventor: Gholam A. Peyman
  • Patent number: 8652119
    Abstract: A guidewire having high rotational torque transmissibility and high pushing torque transmissibility and having favorable restorability is provided. The guidewire has an outer coil having a tapered coil portion constituted by at least one strand wound to decrease an outer diameter toward a front end of a core shaft and an inner coil arranged inside the outer coil. An outer diameter on a front side of the inner coil arranged on a front side of the tapered coil portion is smaller than an outer diameter on a rear side of the inner coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishigishi
  • Patent number: 8652120
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, comprising, according to various embodiments, an end effector comprising at least one sensor transponder. The surgical instrument also comprises a shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector and a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle comprises a control unit in communication with the sensor transponder via at least one inductive coupling. The surgical instrument may be a power-assist motorized device including a battery for powering (at least partially) the surgical instrument during use. The surgical instrument may be adapted to provide user feedback regarding the load being experienced by the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 8652121
    Abstract: A control console is disclosed for controlling one or more medical devices. The control console communicates to at least one medical device, and at least one peripheral module associated with the medical device if needed. The control console has a microprocessor for processing data to direct an operation of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Quick, Martin V. Shabaz, James H. Dabney, Daniel Kussman, Frank R. Louw, Paul Lubock
  • Patent number: 8652122
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laser device for machining material, comprising a laser beam source which supplies pulsed laser radiation, and a variable deflection unit that introduces said laser radiation into the material at different, selectable points so as to create optical breakthroughs. The inventive laser device further comprises a pulse-selecting apparatus which modifies selected laser pulses of the pulsed laser radiation regarding at least one optical parameter in such a way that no more optical breakthroughs can be created using the modified laser pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Mark Bischoff, Dirk Mühlhoff, Mario Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8652123
    Abstract: Cellulite is treated by severing septae, which interconnects the skin with the underlying muscle. The septae may be severed in connection with a liposuction procedure or independent of a liposuction procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Geoffrey C. Gurtner, Kenneth N. Horne, Drew A. Hoffmann, Gordon Saul
  • Patent number: 8652124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-seeding arrangement (100) for invasive treatment of a human or animal body comprising an elongated hollow member (102), and a first electrode (116) of which one portion is arranged near one end of the elongated hollow member (102), said first electrode (116) being connectable to an electromagnetic field generator (110), wherein the elongated hollow member (102) is arranged to be inserted into the human or animal body, control means (106, 108) arranged to control the electromagnetic field generator (110) for delivering radio frequency bursts to the first electrode (116), and sensing means (104) to sense a physical property dependent on the insertion length of the elongated hollow member (102) in the human or animal body, and wherein the control means (106, 108) is arranged to control the operation of the electromagnetic field generator (110) in dependence of the sensed physical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Neodynamics AB
    Inventors: Hans Wiksell, Gert Auer, Vilhelm Ekstrand
  • Patent number: 8652125
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an output stage configured to generate a waveform, a first input configured to adjust a cut setting representative of a cutting effect of the waveform, and a second input configured to adjust a hemostasis setting representative of a hemostasis effect of the waveform. The generator also includes a controller configured to receive cut and hemostasis settings and to adjust one of a duty cycle, a crest factor and a power level of the waveform to achieve a combined cutting and hemostasis effect based on the cut and hemostasis settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Craig A. Keller
  • Patent number: 8652126
    Abstract: A mechanism for authenticating a physiological sensor is disclosed. When a sensor is connected to a monitor, the monitor examines whether a first sensor-specific usage identifier of the connected sensor is consistent with a second sensor-specific usage identifier thereof. The first and second sensor-specific usage identifiers are indicative of the cumulative usage of the connected sensor, but may nevertheless be unequal. The first sensor-specific usage identifier is maintained in the sensor and the second sensor-specific usage identifier in a host memory external to the sensor. The use of the connected sensor is allowed when the examining indicates that the said two identifiers of the connected sensor are consistent, and rejected when the identifiers are inconsistent. The two identifiers are further updated in response to the use of the connected sensor in the patient monitor, thereby to keep the said identifiers consistent and updated for a subsequent use attempt of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Borje Rantala
  • Patent number: 8652127
    Abstract: A method of performing an ablation procedure includes the steps of inserting an antenna assembly into tissue and supplying energy thereto for application to tissue. The method also includes the step of causing contact between a first material and at least one other material disposed within the antenna assembly to thermally regulate the antenna assembly. According to another embodiment, an ablation system includes an energy delivery assembly. A first chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold a first chemical. Another chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold at least one other chemical. The first chamber and the other chamber are configured to selectively and fluidly communicate with each other to cause contact between the first chemical and the at least one other chemical to cause an endothermic reaction and/or an exothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Kyle R. Rick, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 8652128
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy and a sensor. The sensor is coupled to the electrosurgical generator and senses aerosol and/or smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and/or smoke and communicates the data to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator generates the electrosurgical energy as a function of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arlen K. Ward
  • Patent number: 8652129
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8652130
    Abstract: A method and device for fractional skin treatment. The method includes the application of a HV pulse to the skin surface through an array of pin electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Invasix Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Kreindel
  • Patent number: 8652131
    Abstract: A system for applying therapy to an eye selectively applies coolant to the corneal surface to minimize heat-related damage to the corneal surface during thermokeratoplasty. Embodiments may include an energy source, a conducting element, a coolant supply, and a coolant delivery system. The conducting element is operably connected to the energy source and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The conducting element directs energy from the energy source to the distal end, which is positionable at the eye. The coolant delivery system is in communication with the coolant supply and is operable to deliver a micro-controlled pulse of coolant to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Avedro, Inc.
    Inventors: David Muller, Ronald Scharf, Thomas Ryan, Neal Marshall, Radha Pertaub, Artie Wu
  • Patent number: 8652132
    Abstract: A grasping treatment device includes a jaw attached to a distal portion of a sheath rotatably around a rotation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, and opening/closing relative to a distal portion of the probe in open/close directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a support member provided between the probe and the sheath, and preventing contact between the probe and the sheath. The support member includes a most-distal support member located on the most distal direction side, and the position of the most-distal support member coinciding with the rotation axis of the jaw in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Tsuchiya, Yuki Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8652133
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Patent number: 8652134
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion that is configured to control an operation of the electronic apparatus and a heat-activated mechanical switch including, for example, a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material has a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the electronic apparatus is heated to a transition temperature. The shape-memory material disables the apparatus by acting on the circuit portion when the shape-memory material assumes the predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Kratoska, Kester J. Batchelor
  • Patent number: 8652135
    Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaws is moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the jaw members. A cutting assembly is disposed within a cavity defined within the first jaw member. The cutting assembly includes a cutting member that is rotatably coupled to the first jaw member and configured to rotate with respect to the first jaw member about a longitudinal axis thereof to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8652136
    Abstract: A femur fixation device including an elongated nail configured for insertion into the medullary canal of the femur and a buttress element extending from the elongated nail. The buttress element is configured to reinforce the lesser trochanter region of the femur and assist in stabilizing the head portion of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventor: Kyu Hyun Yang
  • Patent number: 8652137
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a drill head comprising a frame, punch arm with punch tip and opposing plate. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Eric J. Kovach
  • Patent number: 8652138
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for modifying tissue in a spine of a patient to treat or alleviate spinal stenosis. In one embodiment, a method may include: advancing at least a distal portion of an elongate tissue modification device into an epidural space and between target tissue and non-target tissue in the spine; positioning the tissue modification device so that at least one abrasive surface of the device faces target tissue and at least one non-abrasive surface faces non-target tissue; applying tensioning force at or near separate distal and proximal portions of the tissue modification device; and translating the tissue modification device back and forth while maintaining at least some tensioning force to abrade at least a portion of the target tissue with the at least one abrasive surface. Unwanted damage to the non-target tissue may be prevented via the at least one non-abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baxano Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka
  • Patent number: 8652139
    Abstract: A flip retrograde cutting instrument and method of retrograde drilling using such an instrument. A method of forming a socket includes providing a flip retrograde cutter, inserting the cutter into a joint with a blade of the cutter in a straight position, pivoting the blade to a non-straight flip position, locking the blade in the flip position, and retrograde drilling a socket using the blade in the flip position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Sterrett, David Koogle, Ronald C. Iannarone, Ricardo Albertorio
  • Patent number: 8652140
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing medical treatment includes a tool portion configured to operate relative to bone tissue, a handle portion to operate the tool portion, and a nerve monitoring system to detect neural elements. The tool portion includes an insulated shaft comprised of an electrically conductive member and a non-insulated tip. The shaft carries an electrical signal to the non-insulated tip. The handle portion, which is removably and operably connected to the tool portion, incorporates an operating system to rotationally operate the tool portion. Additionally, the nerve monitoring system is linked to the tip and is operable to detect a neural element as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal on the tip. Upon detection of a neural element, the nerve monitoring system provides a signal to the operating system of the handle portion directing the operating system stop rotation of the tool portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth L Neubardt, William Keith Adcox, Sharonda Felton
  • Patent number: 8652141
    Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of structural bone and joint deformity, including hallux valgus. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of a flexible or tension band for treating such deformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tarsus Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon M. Rush, Peter T. Keith, Paul M. Sand, John Avi Roop, Jason W. Lettmann, Joshua Baltzell
  • Patent number: 8652142
    Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for performing osteotomies to cut bone and, optionally, to adjust bone length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventor: William B. Geissler
  • Patent number: 8652143
    Abstract: A surgical tool for inserting an implant in a vertebral body. The surgical tool includes a shaft with a shaft thread adapted to engage the implant, a piston coupled to the shaft thread to articulate the implant from a starting linear position to a final curvilinear position, an actuator coupled to the piston to adjust a position of the implant, and an annular structure surrounding the shaft to increase a stability of an end part of the implant on an impact of insertion. A screw attached to the piston may lock the end part of the implant. A lock lever may lock the position of the piston in at least one position, and a knob may disengage the implant from the surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. McClellan, III, YoungHoon Oh, Mahmoud F. Abdelgany
  • Patent number: 8652144
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, a drill guide body, a stylus tower and a graduated stylus slidably coupled to the stylus tower. The caliper body, the stylus tower and the two drill guide body portions are configured to be slidably linked to each other, whereby as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced, in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis L of the sizing caliper, relative to the two drill guide body portions, the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8652145
    Abstract: An exemplary system for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve, a crimping device positioned around the valve and configured to reduce the diameter of the valve to a delivery configuration, and a sterile package enclosing the valve and the crimping device. The valve can be pre-assembled in a partially crimped configuration within the crimping device. After removing the sterile packaging, the crimping device can be used to crimp the valve from the partially crimped configuration to the delivery configuration, such as by twisting a knob on the crimping device. The system can further comprise at least a portion of a delivery catheter within the sterile package, wherein the valve is pre-mounted on or adjacent to an inflatable balloon of the delivery catheter, such that the valve can be crimped onto the delivery catheter using the crimping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: David Maimon, Ron Sharoni, Tamir S. Levi, Emil Karapetian, Tri D. Tran, Tung Le
  • Patent number: 8652146
    Abstract: A retrieval device with a shapeable snare shaft for use in minimally invasive medical procedures. The retrieval device may further comprise a delivery conduit configured to receive both a snare shaft and a guidewire in one or more lumens. The retrieval device may also include a snare loop at both ends of the snare shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hewitt, Ted J. Prukop, James D. Segermark
  • Patent number: 8652147
    Abstract: A tissue isolation and removal device has a containment pouch that is opened and supported by the device. The pouch has two open/close portions both able to be closed and reopened. One portion positioned away from tissue being inserted in the pouch and covering the other portion to enclose or isolate any tissue captured in the other portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 8652148
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing an area of defective tissue reduces the removal of healthy tissue at the margins of the defect. During excision of diseased or damaged tissue, the system tracks the movement and function of a tissue resection tool within a monitored surgical space. This movement is continuously recorded to create a three-dimensional set of data points representative of the excised volume of tissue. This data set is then communicated to a custom implant forming device which creates a custom implant sized to fit the void created by the excision. The system and method of the present disclosure allows a surgeon to exercise intraoperative control over the specific shape, volume and geometry of the excised area. Moreover, the surgeon may utilize a “freehand” resection method to excise only that tissue deemed to be diseased and/or damaged, because the custom-formed implant will accommodate an irregularly-shaped resection volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Zuhars
  • Patent number: 8652149
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a punctured blood vessel is described. The apparatus includes a suturing instrument adapted to apply at least one suture to at least a portion of a blood vessel in order to close a puncture wound therein. In a preferred embodiment, the suture is secured by crimping a sleeve member over the free ends of the suture with a crimping instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude S. Sauer
  • Patent number: 8652150
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed along with methods of using the same. The surgical device may include an outer sheath and a collar assembly. The collar assembly may be coupled to the outer sheath and may include a first arm coupled to the outer sheath at a first hinge; a second arm coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a collar coupled to the second arm. The collar assembly may be movable from an un-deployed position where the first arm and the second arm extend the collar distally from the outer sheath to a deployed position where the collar is aligned with the first channel of the outer sheath. Also, the first arm, the second arm, and the collar may be positioned substantially within a cross-sectional area of a distal end of the outer sheath when the collar assembly is in the un-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Swain, James T. Spivey, Charles A. Mosse
  • Patent number: 8652151
    Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns
  • Patent number: 8652152
    Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is provided for applying a ligating clip to tissue. The clip applying apparatus includes, inter alia, a handle assembly, a central body portion, an anvil jaw, and a slide member movably supported in relation to the anvil jaw. The anvil jaw and the slide member are configured to define an enclosed tissue receiving area when the slide member is in an advanced position. A method is also provided for ligating tissue using the presently disclosed clip applying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Kenneth H. Whitfield