Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8663237
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to eliminate mechanical stimulation caused by insertion and extraction of such devices as a bladder endoscope and a urethral catheter into and from a urethra. It is a further object of the present invention to make it possible to simultaneously insert such devices as a bladder endoscope and a urethral catheter into the urethra without causing pain. A urethra protection device of the present invention which can be inserted into a urethra includes a first hollow tube in which a bladder endoscope can be inserted, a second hollow tube in which a urethral catheter can be inserted, and a flange provided on an outer peripheral part of the urethra protection device at a position separated from a forward end thereof which is first inserted into the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: N.M.A. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 8663238
    Abstract: A treatment tool used with an endoscope includes a flexible sheath having an internal insertion through hole which extends in the axial direction of the sheath; one or more holes that are placed in a distal end portion of the sheath, and that penetrate a wall portion of the sheath so as to allow the insertion through hole to communicate with the outside of the sheath; a wire that passes from the insertion through hole in the sheath through the hole portion so that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the sheath; and a wire restricting portion that is provided in the vicinity of at least one hole portion from among the one or more hole portions, and that prevents the wire which is passing through the hole portion and extending to the outside of the sheath from shifting from the radial direction of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Goto
  • Patent number: 8663239
    Abstract: The invention is incorporated into a tissue removal and manipulation device for vaginal hysterectomies and related surgeries. The present invention solves the suturing problem of the prior art devices by providing a device that not only can manipulate the uterus during surgery but remove the uterus without the need for suturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Blake Hess
  • Patent number: 8663240
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a hybrid hair removal device that comprises an electrical hair removal device having a body that is intended for being gripped by a user's hand and a head that is intended for contact with a user's skin during regular operation, and an attachment that comprises a handle structure that detachably envelopes at least a part of the outer surface of the body and a skin treatment unit mounted at the handle structure. Such a hybrid hair removal device allows easily detaching the attachment from the hair removal device. The invention is also concerned with such an attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Kling, Bernhard Sikora, Bernd Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8663241
    Abstract: A full-thickness resection system is disclosed. In an embodiment for the resection system, the system may include a flexible shaft, a flexible guide member disposed within the flexible shaft, a stapling mechanism disposed around the flexible guide member, and a grasper. The stapling mechanism has an elongated portion that is at least partially disposed within the flexible shaft. The stapling mechanism includes a stapling arm and an anvil arm. The stapling arm has a longitudinal axis and includes a stapling head having a longitudinal axis. The anvil includes an anvil head. The stapling arm and anvil arm extend from the elongated portion of the stapling mechanism and are moveable with respect to each other between a tissue receiving position and a stapling position. The grasper extends through the flexible shaft and is adapted to grasp a portion of a tissue that is to be excised from an organ in the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Adams, Roy H. Sullivan, Gerhard F. Buess, Marc O. Schurr
  • Patent number: 8663242
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a surgical needle (17) comprising a long hollow body (18) and two ends (19, 20). The body (18) comprises a ventral wall (21) and a dorsal wall (22) which are connected to one another. According to the invention, the dorsal wall (22) and the ventral wall (21) extend along the long axis of the needle (17). Each of the two ends (19, 20) comprises a hollow beveled tip (23, 24). The needle (17) also comprises a hole (25) which is provided in the dorsal wall (22) of the body (18) and a slit (26) which is provided in the ventral wall (21). In this way, a suture (30) can slide inside the hollow body (18) of the needle, the suture being retained in position by the knot (29) or means for stopping thereof. For said purpose, the smallest diameter (27) of the hole (25) is greater than the largest width (28) of the slit (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Cumbo
  • Patent number: 8663243
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for compressing, cutting, incising, reconfiguring, remodeling, attaching, repositioning, supporting, dislocating or altering the composition of tissues or anatomical structures to alter their positional or force relationship to other tissues or anatomical structures. In some applications, the invention may be used to used to improve patency or fluid flow through a body lumen or cavity (e.g., to limit constriction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate gland).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NeoTract, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Lamson, Joshua Makower, Joseph Catanese, III, Jacqueline Nerney Welch, Amrish Jayprakash Walke, Claude Vidal, Russell J. Redmond, Michael Collinson
  • Patent number: 8663244
    Abstract: An applicator for applying a barbed fastener to a body tissue-is provided. The applicator comprises an elongated tubular portion having a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a tube interior sized and configured for receiving the barbed fastener. An elongate driver is disposed at least partially inside the tube interior, the driver having a driver engaging portion at its distal end. The driver engaging portion is adapted to engage the barbed fastener in a firing position adjacent the distal end of the elongated tubular portion. The applicator also comprises; a driver actuator assembly adjacent the driver at its proximal end, the driver actuator assembly being adapted for selectively imparting an impulse force to the driver. The driver is configured for transmitting the impulse force to the barbed fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Laprotx LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Reeser
  • Patent number: 8663245
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. The system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. The system can also provide a tissue-grasping tool that is separable from the ring applicator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Francischelli, Roderick E. Briscoe, Leonard H. Leuer, Daniel C. Haeg, Tom P. Daigle, David Kim, Mark T. Stewart, Andrew L. Olson, Patrick J. Cloutier, Christopher W. Smith, Michael J. Hobday, Tessy Kanayinkal, Douglas H. Gubbin, Paul T. Rothstein, Joseph E. Cardinal, Jessica L. Foley, Christopher J. Plott
  • Patent number: 8663246
    Abstract: A method of deforming a plurality of surgical fasteners is provided. The method includes the step of providing a surgical instrument having a loading unit supporting the plurality of surgical fasteners in an array, the surgical instrument having a handle, a distal link, an intermediate link, and a proximal link. The method further includes the steps of moving the handle in a direction to pivot the intermediate link to a position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a fully-extended position, compressing a spring disposed adjacent the proximal link, deforming the surgical fasteners, moving the handle further in the direction, pivoting the intermediate link to another position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a deflected position and releasing the surgical fasteners from the loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith Milliman, Kevin Sniffen, Joseph P. Orban, III, Lisa W. Heaton
  • Patent number: 8663247
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Russell F. Durgin, Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasiliy P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly
  • Patent number: 8663248
    Abstract: A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one pin associated with a distal end the shaft. A flexible guidebody extends from the distal end of the shaft, while a foot associated with the device is movable with respect to the shaft through the pin connected to at least one slot of the foot. Another device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of feet are disposed proximate the distal end of the shaft, the plurality of feet being movable with respect to the shaft. The device further includes a flexible guidebody extending from the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Michael Zung, Jasper Jackson
  • Patent number: 8663249
    Abstract: An automatic suturing apparatus comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of the tissue of a patient. An automatic suturing apparatus also comprises triggers that activate suturing and securing of a valve to tissue of a patient. The automatic suturing apparatus can be used in systems and kits. An automatic suturing apparatus can be used in methods of suturing a tissue or a valve to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Vinay Badhwar
  • Patent number: 8663250
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for passing suture in tissue repair and other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a handle assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and two needles mounted on the handle assembly and through a cannulation of the shaft. A dual-needle actuator communicates with the two needles. A suture is placed at the tip of the lower jaw. By advancing the dual-needle actuator relative to the body of the instrument, the two needles are pushed forward to capture the suture and advance it through the tissue to be sutured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Weber
  • Patent number: 8663251
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for passing suture in tissue repair and other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a handle assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the handle assembly and through a cannulation of the shaft. A suture is placed in a slot at the tip of the lower jaw. By advancing the needle relative to the body of the instrument, the needle is pushed forward to capture the suture and to pull it through the tissue to be sutured in a direction about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, Robert M. Weber
  • Patent number: 8663252
    Abstract: A surgical device for suturing body lumen is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device can include a body having a shaft and a foot for insertion into an opening in a body lumen. The body can include tissue ports between the shaft and the foot configured to receive tissue of the body lumen surrounding the opening. The foot can include a suture secured to needle capture devices. Needle can be advanced within the shaft, through tissue within the tissue ports, and into the needle capture devices. The needle capture devices cuffs can then be withdrawn, thereby harvesting the suture, which can then be used to close the opening in the body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Fortson
  • Patent number: 8663253
    Abstract: Methods of repairing knee meniscus tears are described which use suture passer devices and suture shuttles. These methods may be used with continuous suture passing, so that the suture passer device may remain on or in the tissue while passing a suture shuttle, and therefore a suture, back and forth from one side of the tissue to the other. These methods may be used minimally invasively for repairing meniscus tissue while avoiding further damage to the meniscus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Saliman
  • Patent number: 8663254
    Abstract: A self-piercing blind rivet is provided for apposing biological tissue together with a device for setting the same, especially through the instrumental channel of a flexible endoscope. Without the help of further instruments, it is possible to fix, approximate and appose tissue layers, the contact force while connecting the tissue layers being adjustable. The rivets are stored in the setting device, so that they can be applied in order. The rivet and setting device enable the surgeon to combine tissue discontinuities conveniently by means of an endoscope. The surgical procedure is simplified further because the rivets can remain in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Technische Universitaet Muenchen
    Inventors: Hubertus Feussner, Joachim Heinzl, Ulrich Hausmann, Robert Paspa
  • Patent number: 8663255
    Abstract: A gastric band comprises a bladder having an opening, an insertable component to fluidly seal the opening, and a strap that may be overmolded onto the bladder. The insertable component may be a grommet or a plug. Additionally, the insertable component may be coupled to a support member via a living hinge. In another configuration, the insertable component comprises a grommet and a suture loop at least partially formed within the grommet. A band may be provided instead of the strap, with the band having a grommet aperture formed through a deck such that the grommet may be inserted into the opening of the bladder. An overmolded shell having a latching member may be overmolded onto the deck to secure the grommet and a portion of the suture loop therein. The gastric band may further be coupled to a flexible conduit and an injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Torain, Harry E. Payne, Jeffrey P. Wiley, Lauren S. Weaner
  • Patent number: 8663256
    Abstract: A method of laparoscopically repairing a hernia defect comprises inserting into the patient's abdomen a surgical mesh sheet larger than the hernia defect and having a fixation fin with its proximal edge attached to a surface of the sheet. The mesh sheet is manipulated into position with the sheet surface in place at the peritoneal surface of the patient's abdominal wall and the fixation fin disposed in the hernia defect. The method reapproximates opposing edges of the defect by suturing them together with the fixation fin between them, after which the distal edge of the fixation fin is below the external surface of the patient's abdomen. The sheet is then laparoscopically positioned and anchored to the abdominal wall peritoneal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: George C. Christoudias
  • Patent number: 8663257
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an anastomosis device to repair severed tissues resulting from a surgical medical procedure such as a radical prostatectomy, ilio-orthotopic neobladder construction, cystoprostatectomy, cystectomy, urethral anastomosis, or ureteral anastomosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kory P. Hamel, Vincent G. Copa
  • Patent number: 8663258
    Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Bettuchi, David N. Fowler, Robert Ahmad Hadba, Christopher J. Criscuolo
  • Patent number: 8663259
    Abstract: A rotational thrombectomy wire for breaking up vascular thrombus or other obstructive material having a core having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion has a smaller diameter than the proximal portion. A cable extends distally of the core. The cable has a first covering material positioned external thereof. A first coil is attached to a distal portion of the cable and has a diameter larger than a diameter of the cable and has a second covering material positioned thereover. The wire is rotatable by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rex Medical L.P.
    Inventors: Marc-Alan Levine, Michael Leedle, John D. Leedle
  • Patent number: 8663260
    Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from the iliac artery of a patient. The device comprises a flexible, rotatable drive shaft having an elongated proximal portion, an elongated distal portion. An abrasive element is mounted to the drive shaft between the elongated proximal and distal portions of the drive shaft and between and spaced away from a pair of counterweights which are mounted to said elongated portions of the drive shaft. The eccentric abrasive element and the counterweights are configured for rapid rotation together with the drive shaft, the drive shaft is configured to extend throughout an entire length of the iliac artery to be treated. One elongated portion of the drive shaft extends out of the patient through a first access opening located in a femoral artery which is ipsilateral to the treated artery. Another elongated portion of the drive shaft extending through a second access opening located in another peripheral artery of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cardio Flow Inc.
    Inventor: Lela Nadirashvili
  • Patent number: 8663261
    Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue (3) from the iliac artery (1) of a patient. The device comprises a flexible, rotatable drive shaft (10) having an elongated proximal portion, an elongated distal portion, and an abrasive element (16) mounted to the drive shaft between the elongated proximal (11) and distal (14) portions of the drive shaft and configured for rapid rotation together with the drive shaft. The drive shaft is configured to extend throughout an entire length of the iliac artery to be treated and one elongated portion of the drive shaft extends out of the patient through a first access opening located in a femoral artery (9) which is ipsilateral to the treated artery. Another elongated portion of the drive shaft extends through a second access opening located in another peripheral artery (19) of the patient. A method for treating an iliac artery of a patient using such a rotational atherectomy device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cardio Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Lela Nadirashvili
  • Patent number: 8663262
    Abstract: A battery assembly is used in battery-powered surgical instruments with handles having a battery chamber and different handle types. The battery assembly includes a housing having an exterior shape formed to removably connect with the battery chamber of the handles and a voltage-control circuit. The housing has at least one energy storage cell operable to power a signal generation assembly of the surgical instruments and a battery/handle interface having a plurality of connectors shaped to mate with a plurality of corresponding connectors within the battery chamber of the handles. The voltage-control circuit is operable to communicatively couple with and provide power to the signal generation assembly, detect which one of the handle types is connected to the housing, provide a first output in response to a detection of a first handle type, and provide at least a second output in response to a detection of a second handle type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 8663263
    Abstract: A surgical penetrating system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula has an outer wall arranged about a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal opening. At least one substantially linear penetrating member is mounted with respect to the outer wall of the cannula and extends in a general longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. The penetrating member is adapted to facilitate passage of the cannula through tissue. Another embodiment of the surgical penetrating system includes a cannula having a longitudinal bore and a penetrating member at least partially and slidably mounted within the longitudinal bore of the cannula. The penetrating member has at least one leg and is axially movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. Moreover, the penetrating member can be mounted for movement relative to the leading end of the cannula and within the longitudinal bore of the cannula between a non-deployed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8663264
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Cesarini, Karen Drucker, Rafal Jezierski, Roger R. Cassidy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8663265
    Abstract: A lancing device includes a main body having a drive spring, hammer, trigger mechanism and a lancet holder 22. A lancet 34 may be pushed to engage in snap fit with forwardly extending arms 28 of the lancet holder. Whilst free to move axially, the lancet 36 is held against rotation and, following use, is released from the lancet holder by rotating the lancet holder to disengage the lancet from the forwardly extending arms 28 thus freeing the lancet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Owen Mumford Limited
    Inventors: Clive Nicholls, Robert Michael Wozencroft
  • Patent number: 8663266
    Abstract: A wire protector to cover an exposed portion of a device inserted into an organism comprises a removable backing layer removably joined to an attachment layer, and a transparent covering layer. The wire protector has a first end and a protector strip, the first end including a site wall and a connector wall, the site wall defining an insertion site therein, the site wall further comprising one or more prongs, the prongs facing the insertion site, the protector strip comprising one or more strip walls, such that when the backing layer is removed from the attachment layer, first end is positioned over the device insertion site, the protector strip is positioned over the exposed portion of the device, the protector device covers the exposed device portion. The wire protector stabilizes and protects needle localization wires used in breast biopsies, and can be used for other implanted devices. Also disclosed is a method for covering such exposed portion of such inserted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Danette M. Obsuth
  • Patent number: 8663267
    Abstract: An obturator assembly for use in dissection of tissue includes an obturator housing, an obturator member mounted to the obturator housing and an obturator sleeve coaxially mounted about the obturator member and adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The obturator member includes an obturator rod and a penetrating end. The obturator sleeve has a nose adjacent the penetrating end. The penetrating end defines outer edges leading toward a distal end surface. The outer edges are at least partially exposed from the nose when in the extended position of the obturator sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8663268
    Abstract: A method for accessing the left atrial appendage with a balloon-tipped transseptal sheath is disclosed. A transseptal sheath is delivered to the left atrium through the intraatrial septum from the right atrium. The balloon tip may be inflated to prevent the transseptal sheath from falling proximally into the right atrium. The inflated balloon tip permits safe probing and exploration of the left atrial appendage and facilitates safe maintenance of the position of the transseptal sheath within the left atrial appendage while delivering an implantable device to the left atrial appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Atritech, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Quinn, Jin Shimada
  • Patent number: 8663269
    Abstract: A pivot tipped rod forceps instrument for surgical procedures is provided. The rod forceps has handle members attached at a pin. A pivoting jaw assembly having a pivoting tip is disposed at a distal end of each handle member. The pivoting jaw assembly is opened to receive a surgical rod or other object to be placed by the surgeon. The jaw assembly is then closed to engage the object. The pivoting tips are contoured to tightly engage the surgical rod. Once the rod is held by the tips, the whole pivoting jaw assembly can be rotated to a desired angle to aid the surgeon in manipulating the rod or other item as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Holmed Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Patent number: 8663270
    Abstract: A jaw movement mechanism for surgical tools has improved mechanical efficiency and other advantages. The jaw movement mechanism controls the orientation and position of a movable jaw relative to a fixed jaw through a range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain a parallel orientation throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain an angular relationship throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Donnigan, Eric Sugalski, Erik Holverson, Randall Koplin, Michael Gregor
  • Patent number: 8663271
    Abstract: An in-dwelling port for providing repeated entry to a body during and/or after an operation is described. The port may include an external portion secured to a body outside an incision and a collapsible insertion portion that is inserted through the incision. The collapsible portion collapses when no instrument or lumen is present to permits the body to return to substantially a normal profile around the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Northgate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Mantell
  • Patent number: 8663272
    Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing an opening in a blood vessel are disclosed. A device can include: an elongate, tubular non-stick outer sheath, the non-stick outer sheath having a distal end that is insertable into a vessel of a patient through the opening in the vessel wall, and having a proximal end remaining outside the patient; an elongate, tubular non-stick inner sheath disposed within the non-stick outer sheath; and an elongate, tubular adhesive film disposed between the non-stick outer sheath and the non-stick inner sheath, the adhesive film having both inward-facing and outward-facing adhesive surfaces and being supportable by the non-stick inner sheath during insertion into the vessel of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, Michael Pikus
  • Patent number: 8663273
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Atritech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander K. Khairkhahan, Andrew G. C. Frazier, Alan R. Klenk, Marc S. Kreidler, Stewart M. Kume, Darrell H. Ogi, Chad C. Roue, Erik J. van der Burg, Dino DeCicco, Michael D. Lesh
  • Patent number: 8663274
    Abstract: A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Adams
  • Patent number: 8663275
    Abstract: A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canica Design Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. O'Malley, Michael S. G. Bell, Timothy Maxwell, James Henderson
  • Patent number: 8663277
    Abstract: A suture assembly and a method for making the same is provided. The suture assembly includes a plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements intertwined with one another and at least one barbed filamentary element having a longitudinal axis and having plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction less than 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis. According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one barbed filamentary may be intertwined along its length with the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements, and the plurality of barbs extending outwardly beyond the unbarbed filamentary elements, or the primary outer periphery of the at least one barbed filamentary element may be contained within the intertwined unbarbed filamentary elements with the plurality of barbs extending through and outwardly from the plurality of unbarbed filamentary elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Collier, David C. Lindh, Sr., Jesse G. Nawrocki, Krasimira Hristov
  • Patent number: 8663278
    Abstract: An organ fixing equipment includes a securing part formed by bundling a suturing thread into a bar, and a fixing part composed of the suturing thread forming the securing part and a continuous suturing thread. By pulling the fixing part relative to the securing part with a force of not less than a predetermined magnitude, the suturing thread forming the securing part can be unraveled. A set of organ fixing equipment is provided with an insertion equipment, for inserting the organ fixing equipment and taking-out equipment for taking out the organ fixing equipment from the patient body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mabuchi, Shigeaki Funamura
  • Patent number: 8663279
    Abstract: A method and device for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel anchor having a rotatable implant is used to capture suture for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. The implant may be provided with a conical metal tip which is self-punching and avoids the need for pre-drilling a hole in bone. The implant includes a closed aperture to allow free sliding of a suture strand. The swivel anchor is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, over the body of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen S. Burkhart, Peter J. Dreyfuss, John A. Sodeika
  • Patent number: 8663280
    Abstract: A method of using a knotless suture anchor includes boring a nest in a bone, driving the suture anchor into the nest, tensioning an unknotted suture; and securing the unknotted suture in an anchor body by contacting the unknotted suture with an inner bottom surface of the well and a bottom face of an anchor plug, where the suture anchor includes the anchor body including a well, a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore proximal to the inner bottom surface of the well, and he unknotted suture threaded through the transverse bore; where the well includes an outer surface; an inner surface; and the inner bottom surface; and where the anchor plug includes a post; and the bottom face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lee D. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 8663281
    Abstract: Apparatus and instruments for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott McLean, Tim E. Adamson, David Boisvert, Andrew E. Bernhardt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8663282
    Abstract: A new intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced. One example for our presentation is a device with 2 or 3 pieces, with each piece with 2 clamps, symmetrically located on each side of each piece. The main piece has at least 2 screws which engage into 2 or more grooves in the side piece, to get attached to the side piece. The 3rd piece, as an optional piece, is the bottom piece, which is similar to the side piece, and gets attached to the main piece, using same or different screws. Each piece is attached to the human body, during back surgery, with corresponding clamps. This improves the quality of the surgery and the result for the patient. More examples are given here.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Saied Jamshidi
  • Patent number: 8663283
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a spinal stabilization system and method for stabilizing at least two vertebrae. The system holds together the vertebrae while allowing a limited amount of relative movement between the vertebrae. The system may include a flexible braid having two free ends, at least one spacer interposed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, and a securing mechanism for securing the two ends of the braid to hold the at least one spacer between the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may comprise parts movable relative to each other. Portions of the braid may be placed between the movable parts. A mechanical member may cause the movable parts to move towards each other to secure the two ends of the braid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventor: Karl Pierre Belliard
  • Patent number: 8663284
    Abstract: A connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone attachment device, a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone attachment device and an at least partially flexible intermediate section. The intermediate section is arranged between the first and the second attachment section and is in the form of a strip-like, winding leaf spring element having at least one recess. A desired spring stiffness is maintained as precisely as possible, especially in the intermediate section independently of possible manufacturing tolerances arising from the manufacturing process. At least one of the two leaf spring element surfaces of the leaf spring element includes at least one stiffness-modifying element. The connecting element may be part of an improved spinal column fixation system and made by an improved method of manufacturing a connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Jens Beger, Fabian Hoefer, Berthold Hohl, Stefan Schmid, Josef Heine
  • Patent number: 8663285
    Abstract: An expansion device is disclosed which, when mounted on an appropriate support, can make controlled advancement relative to the support in response to activation from a remote site. The device comprises first (6) and second (8) elements coupled for relative movement along an axis defined on a support 2. An expandable chamber is defined between the elements, in which chamber is a flexible and elastic membrane (24). A resilient mechanism urges the two elements towards each other to define a minimum volume for the chamber. The chamber can be expanded to separate the elements, and hold mechanisms typically in the form of latches, are provided for selectively restricting movement on the respective elements relative to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dalmatic Lystrup A/S
    Inventors: Vagn-Erik Dall, Cody Eric Bunger
  • Patent number: 8663286
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a plurality of contiguous segments, said plurality of contiguous segments configured to apply a torque to a degenerate spinal segment in any of three orthogonal axes. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to said degenerate spinal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Anton E. Bowden, Larry L. Howell, Peter A. Halverson, Eric M. Stratton
  • Patent number: 8663287
    Abstract: Spine fixation constructs are configured to receive and retain a spinal rod onto a vertebral bone screw. The spine fixation constructs provide for 360° rotation about a bone screw and variable axial placement about the bone screw. In one form, a rod holder of the spine fixation construct is configured to be axially received onto the bone screw. Axial positioning of the rod holder on the bone screw is fixed through cooperation of the rod holder with a fixation component. The fixation component is axially received onto the bone screw. Retention of the spinal rod by the spinal rod holder is also provided via the fixation member. In one form, spinal rod retention is provided upon axial retention of the spinal rod holder onto the bone screw through cooperating action between the fixation mechanism and the spinal rod holder. According to an embodiment, a member of the rod holder is caused to pivot and capture the spinal rod upon receipt of the fixation member onto the bone screw and rod holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Michael J. Milella, Jr.