Patents Issued in April 1, 2014
  • Patent number: 8685047
    Abstract: A scaffold is provided for managing access through tissue. The scaffold can support the tissue during medical procedures. The scaffold is placed around or proximate an opening in tissue. The scaffold can expand when medical devices are introduced through the scaffold and through the opening and retract when the medical devices are removed. When the medical devices are removed, the scaffold closes automatically to substantially close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis R. Yribarren
  • Patent number: 8685048
    Abstract: Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Adams, Russell F. Durgin, Vincent Turturro, Justin Grant, Norman May, Roy H. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8685049
    Abstract: A method of treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the lumen including inserting a plurality of cutting members and a tracking member through a first lumen of a catheter, withdrawing the catheter from the cutting members and tracking member, inserting the catheter over the tracking member and leaving the cutting members outside the catheter, and expanding a portion of the catheter to move the cutting members into cutting contact with the lesion. A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen including a plurality of cutting members and a tracking member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rex Medical L.P.
    Inventors: Israel Schur, James F. McGuckin, Jr., James Erich Bressler
  • Patent number: 8685050
    Abstract: A method of treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the lumen including inserting a cutting member and tracking member through a first lumen of a catheter, withdrawing the catheter from the cutting member and tracking member, inserting the catheter over the tracking member and leaving the cutting member outside the catheter, and expanding a portion of the catheter to move the cutting member into cutting contact with the lesion. A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen including a cutting member and tracking member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rex Medical L.P.
    Inventors: Israel Schur, James F. McGuckin, Jr., James Erich Bressler
  • Patent number: 8685051
    Abstract: An Anterior Capsule Remover (“ACR”) device allows an ophthalmologist to safely and efficiently remove an anterior portion of the lens capsule at the beginning of cataract surgery. The device allows the surgeon to safely, efficiently and consistently create a circular central opening of a predetermined diameter in the top of the lens capsule. An exemplary anterior capsule remover apparatus includes a handle and a distal shaft that holds a blade or cutter. One or more o-rings attached to a thumbwheel and to the blade allow the surgeon to easily create a circular, central opening in the anterior capsule of predetermined diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ojo, LLC
    Inventors: Liane Clamen Glazer, Paul Glazer, Lawrence Crainich, Drew Pickering, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8685052
    Abstract: Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Laurimed, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. DuBois, James T. Nielsen, Alexander Gordon
  • Patent number: 8685053
    Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a manifold positioned at a proximal end of the catheter assembly. A tether member has a proximal end region fixedly engaged to a portion of the manifold. A proximal tubular member has a first end region engaged to the manifold. The proximal tubular member is disposed about at least a portion of the tether member. At least a portion of the tether member distal of the manifold is fixedly engaged to at least a portion of the proximal tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Brown, Jason Hill, John R. Moberg
  • Patent number: 8685054
    Abstract: A valvuloplasty balloon assembly includes a balloon (50) provided with end shoulders (64, 66) preferably integral with end cones (54, 56) of the balloon (50). The end shoulders (64, 66) provide a substantially perpendicular stop shoulder (68) at either end of the cylindrical portion (52) of the balloon (50). The restraining shoulders (64, 66) act to hold the balloon (50) within a valve (16) of a heart (10), for instance. This prevents unwanted slippage of the balloon (50) during a valvuloplasty procedure and thus prevents possible damage caused as a result of such slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steen Aggerholm, Tue Thuren Bödewadt, Per Elgaard, Christina Rauf Hansen, Anders Scheel Klausen, Thomas Lysgaard, Allan Torp
  • Patent number: 8685055
    Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Atritech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A VanTassel, Robert G Hauser, Robert Schwartz, David Holmes, Gregg S Sutton, Thomas E Borillo, Jeffrey Welch
  • Patent number: 8685056
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members includes a jaw frame and a replaceable component engageable with the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes one or more engagement members configured to engage a corresponding engagement member(s) disposed on the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The engagement member(s) is transitionable from a new state to a used state, wherein, in the used state, the engagement member(s) is incapable of reengaging the corresponding engagement member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Patent number: 8685057
    Abstract: A dental tweezers with plastic tweezers main body is disclosed. A weight cavity is disposed on both tweezers arms of the main body. Weight arms of a metal weight are inserted into the weight cavities. A weight seat holds the metal weight in place on the tweezers main body. The metal weight makes the dental tweezers feel heavier and more substantial. After the dental tweezers have been used the metal weight is removed from the main body. The plastic tweezers main body is disposed of and the metal weight is retained for future use in an new plastic tweezers main body. A use indicator of the tweezers main body indicates that the dental tweezers has been used. The use indicator provides easy determination of whether or not the dental tweezers has been previously used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8685058
    Abstract: In a surgical method, an incision is formed in a layer of organic tissue defining a wall having an inner side and an outer side. The incision has a pair of opposing lips or edges. The lips or edges are retracted towards the inner side of the tissue wall and approximated to one another. Thereafter, one or more closure elements are applied to the inwardly pulled lips or edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Wilk Patent, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 8685059
    Abstract: A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway of a living being. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure device includes an anchor configured to be brought into engagement with an interior of the body passageway, a plug including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a filament coupled to the anchor and the plug. The filament may include a first extending section. The closure device further includes a lock attached to the first extending section, wherein the collar is positioned between the lock and the anchor, wherein the lock frictionally engages the first extending section of the filament so that the lock is movable along the filament only in response to application of a force on the lock that overcomes the frictional engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Essential Medical LLC
    Inventor: Greg Alan Walters
  • Patent number: 8685060
    Abstract: A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventor: Seth A. Foerster
  • Patent number: 8685061
    Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gmedelaware 2 LLC
    Inventors: E. Marlowe Goble, T. Wade Fallin, Robert W. Hoy
  • Patent number: 8685062
    Abstract: A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Ritland
  • Patent number: 8685063
    Abstract: A device for use as a portal in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery performed within a patient's body cavity includes a first elongated hollow tube having a length adjusted with a self-contained mechanism. The first elongated tube includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube and the inner tube is adapted to slide within the outer tube thereby providing the self-contained length adjusting mechanism. This length-adjustment feature is advantageous for percutaneous access surgery in any body cavity. Two or more elongated tubes with adjustable lengths can be placed into two or more adjacent body cavities, respectively. Paths are opened within the tissue areas between the two or more body cavities, and are used to transfer devices and tools between the adjacent body cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventor: Kingsley Richard Chin
  • Patent number: 8685064
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw. A bottom surface of the housing includes an aperture that defines an angulation limit of the bone screw for each azimuthal angle around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The aperture is V-shaped, with the V-shape having converging side walls that define a low-angulation direction near their intersection and a high-angulation direction opposite the low-angulation direction. In some cases, the angulation limit of the bone screw is generally constant over a range of azimuthal angles centered around the high-angulation direction. The housing may be modular, including tabs on one component that are plastically deformed to engage a lip on another component. During assembly, a mandrel advances longitudinally along a bore in the housing, and forces the tabs radially outward toward the lip to a radially outward plastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Jack A. Dant, Eric J. Lundequam, Eric P. Jerke, Deborah L. Hoch
  • Patent number: 8685065
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a single insertion and compression instrument to facilitate the implantation of a spinous process implant, such as a spinous process fixation device, between and about adjacent spinous processes. The instrument has a first leg and a second leg, each with a handle and implant engaging portions. The implant engaging portions releasably couple to the spinous process implant and have compression pads to facilitate compression of fasteners on the plates into bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Randall Mast, William Sandul, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Funk
  • Patent number: 8685066
    Abstract: Methods for delivering a spinal fixation element to a surgical site are provided herein. More specifically, the method includes delivering a plurality of percutaneous access devices to a corresponding number of spinal locations, inserting a spinal fixation element through tissue, and manipulating the element through opposed sidewall openings formed in each access device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can be optimized for position of large-scale fixation elements (e.g., greater than about 95 mm in length). In addition, a manipulation instrument configured to position such spinal fixation elements is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, David G. Anderson, Tony Tannoury, Paul G. Beaudoin, Sara Dziedzic
  • Patent number: 8685067
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, including methods, apparatus and kits for stabilizing and compressing bone fractures using a compression plate apparatus for stabilizing bone fragments with compression comprising a plate having at least two bone screw holes adapted to accept at least one bone screw each, the plate additionally having at least one elongate hole through the plate; a rack comprising rack teeth located along at least one linear edge of the elongate hole; a pinion axle assembly comprising a pinion axle having a head portion, a pinion gear having complementary gear teeth for engaging the rack teeth and a lower portion having threads for engaging bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Competitive Global Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce King, Omar Contento, Mike Lanham, Lloyd Champagne
  • Patent number: 8685068
    Abstract: A disposable single indication orthopedic trauma surgical kit has no bone plates other than a single bone plate precontoured and sized to match an anatomic shape of a portion of a bone of a patient's extremity. The single bone plate has a plurality of fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a plurality of fasteners with heads that are dimensioned to mate with the fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a disposable torque driver adapted to engage the fastener heads. The foregoing components are contained in a sterile sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Robert Sixto, Juergen Kortenbach, Jose L. Francese
  • Patent number: 8685069
    Abstract: A bone plate and plating system are for use of the same are disclosed. The bone plate includes a body having a span sufficient to overlap a portion of a bone. A screw hole extends through the body in order to receive a bone screw to attach for engaging the plate to the bone. The screw hole includes a counterbore having a beveled surface that intersects at a pinch point a bore having a conical surface of revolution that transitions into the bone engaging surface of the body. The beveled surface includes a variable geometry defining interleaved and rotationally-spaced contact and non-contact bone screw regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eminent Spine LLC
    Inventors: Steve Courtney, David Freehill
  • Patent number: 8685070
    Abstract: A faceted bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having facets that are incorporated into one or more of the leading edge, trailing edge or root of the thread. The facets are generally made up of a plurality of transitioning peaks and valleys which vary the depth of the thread and are disposed in one or more locations throughout the threaded portion of the bone screw. The facets operate to reduce the torque required to drive the bone screw into bone, while at the same time operate to assist in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Facets, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Rupp, Scott Duquette
  • Patent number: 8685071
    Abstract: A method of manufacture and medical apparatus that provides an apparatus useful in illuminating at least a portion of a lumen of a body. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible member and a polymer encasement portion encasing a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters may be electrically coupled to one another without the use of wire bonds, and in some embodiments may be coupled without intervening electrical paths or traces. A maximum cross-sectional dimension of the polymer encasement portion may be less than twice a dimension of one of the light emitters. In some embodiments the maximum cross-sectional dimension is less than or equal to the sum of the dimension of one of the light emitters and a marginal dimension by which an outer portion of the polymer encasement portion extends beyond the light emitter. Light emitters may be arranged linearly, helically or in partially overlapping back-to-back relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Purdue Pharmaceutical Products L.P.
    Inventors: Phillip Burwell, James C. Chen, Zihong Guo, Steven R. Daly, David B. Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jennifer K. Matson, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
  • Patent number: 8685072
    Abstract: A device and method for restoring functionality of blood vessels are disclosed. Laser energy is accurately and precisely applied in order to restore vessel functionality. This is accomplished by a controlled, reliable and specific shrinkage and/or strengthening of the vessel structure by controlled transport of laser radiation via an optical fiber to the treatment site. Laser wavelength is chosen according to the required penetration depth in tissue. In a preferred embodiment, wavelength of approximately 1470 nm is used. A mini-endoscope is preferably used to control the process by visual inspection from the inside of the vessel but other means may also be combined to control the procedure. Full 360° radial emission, i.e., delivery of laser radiation perpendicularly or fairly inclined relative to the veins axis, is beneficial, and is accomplished by means of a radial emitting fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd
    Inventor: Wolfgang Neuberger
  • Patent number: 8685073
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction caused by meibomian gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the meibomian gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin T. Gravely
  • Patent number: 8685074
    Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter, an inner shaft, an expandable balloon, and an elongate advancement member. The expandable balloon has an unwrapped state and rewrapped state and the advancement member has a first state and a second state. When the advancement member is in the first state the expandable balloon is in the unwrapped state, and when the advancement member is in the second state the expandable balloon is in the rewrapped state. The unwrapped state has a first length and a first diameter, the rewrapped state has a second length and a second diameter, the second length is equal to or greater than the first length, and the second diameter is less than first diameter. The advancement member in the second state extends through the interior region defined by the expandable balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracee Eidenschink, Richard Olson
  • Patent number: 8685075
    Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a stent onto a catheter system. The method includes selecting a catheter having a first end where the first end includes an inflatable portion thereat. An adhesive bond is formed between the stent and the inflatable portion causing the stent to adhere to the inflatable portion. The formed adhesive bond is such that upon release of the stent from the inflatable portion upon inflation, the adhesive bond remains with the inflatable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Stoltze, Jorgen Kamstrup-Larsen
  • Patent number: 8685076
    Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A sheath may be disposed about the inner member. The sheath may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the sheath may define a first inner diameter and the distal portion of the sheath may define a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter. A bumper may be disposed about the inner member. The bumper may have an outer diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter of the sheath and that is less than the second inner diameter of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gerdts, Karen Larson
  • Patent number: 8685077
    Abstract: A delivery system with sequential release mechanism and method of delivering and deploying an implantable stented device into a body lumen including a tabular body, a plurality of activation members extending from the distal end of the tubular body, and a plurality of disks. Each disk includes a proximal and distal surface, at least one stent engagement element attached to the distal surface of the disk and at least one aperture. At least one activation member attaches to the proximal surface of a first disk and at least one activation member passes through an aperture of the first disk and attaches to the proximal surface of a second disk. At least one stent engagement element attached to the distal surface of the first disk passes through an aperture of the second disk. Axially movement of the activation members causes sequential release of the stent engagement elements from a stented device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Laske, Timothy R. Ryan, Carolyn C. Majkrzak, Eliot Bloom, Charles Tabor
  • Patent number: 8685078
    Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerdts, Mary S. Bronson, August L. Powell
  • Patent number: 8685079
    Abstract: A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands and connectors. A first connector may overlap a second connector when the stent is unexpanded. The first connector may also overlap the second connector in an unexpanded state when the stent is subject to compressive forces in the local area of the connectors, such as when the connectors are located on the inside of a curve. The second connector may be shaped according to a rotation of the first connector about the centroid of the cell between the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Leynov, Delilah Yin Hui, David C. Barry
  • Patent number: 8685080
    Abstract: An endo luminal support structure (10) includes strut members (11) interconnected by swivel joints (15) to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve (100) within a body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Jenesis Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer K. White
  • Patent number: 8685081
    Abstract: The medical stent includes: a main body formed into an approximately tubular shape along a longitudinal axis with a first resin material; an elastic member formed of a second resin material which is larger in flexural modulus than the first resin material, and configured to have one end portion connected to an end portion of the main body and the other end portion formed to extend to the central portion side of the main body along the longitudinal axis and also to direct to the radial direction of the main body; and a treated layer formed between the end portion of the main body and the one end portion of the elastic member and configured to have a functional group for joining the end portion of the main body and the one end portion of the elastic member to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Yamagata
  • Patent number: 8685082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a base material which can be formed into valved lumen shape tissue having an ampulla and a leaflet consisting of body tissue. Specifically, the base material includes a first column 5 that forms an upstream tubular section 4 of a blood vessel 3, a second column 7 that forms a downstream tubular section 6 of the blood vessel 3, a plurality of bulges 10 for forming an ampulla 8 and a leaflet 9 of the blood vessel 3, and engagement means 11 that causes the bulge 10 to engage the first column 5 and/or the second column 7. The engagement means 11 includes recesses 15a and 15b in axial end surfaces of one or both of the first column 5 and the second column 7, and an engagement section 18 that overhangs from a bulge body 17 and engages the recesses. An outer peripheral surface of the body 17 of the bulge 10 is an ampulla forming surface 20, and a gap provided between the bulge body 17 and the first column 5 and/or the second column 7 is a leaflet forming section 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
    Inventors: Yasuhide Nakayama, Tomonori Oie
  • Patent number: 8685083
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus, system, and method for repairing heart valves. A suture line is secured to a papillary muscle, and then passed through a portion of a heart valve leaflet. A reference element is provided at a desired distance from a plane defined by the heart valve annulus. The suture line is secured to the heart valve leaflet at a position adjacent the reference element. The reference element may part of a device configured for placement on or in a heart valve annulus. The reference element may be slidingly secured to the device so that the distance of the reference element from the main body of the device can be varied by a surgeon or other user. The reference element may be a line of suture, which may be pre-installed during manufacture of the device or may be installed by the surgeon or other user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Perier, Vaso Adzich
  • Patent number: 8685084
    Abstract: A kit for implanting a prosthetic vascular conduit includes a prosthetic vascular conduit for coupling to a prosthetic valve having an annular portion. The conduit includes a terminal collar member for receiving the valve. The kit further includes a holder including a shaft and a hub including a receiving portion configured for housing a prosthetic valve. The conduit is fitted on the holder so that at least a portion of the conduit wraps over the receiving portion of the hub. A sleeve member fitted onto the conduit in a position corresponding to the receiving portion of the hub, and a portion of the collar member is wrapped or folded over the sleeve member. The sleeve member is slidable away from the hub to unwrap the collar member such that it is disposed around the annular portion of a prosthetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Rolando, Paolo Gaschino, Monica Achiluzzi, Felice Giuseppe Carlino
  • Patent number: 8685085
    Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: JenaValve Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Guyenot, Thomas Peschel, Christoph Damm, Hans-Reiner Figulla, Markus Ferrari, Johannes Jung
  • Patent number: 8685086
    Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
  • Patent number: 8685087
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides an IOL having an optic with a peripheral section including one or more visually observable markers formed on the optic peripheral section and located within the visually observable zone of a surgeon viewing the IOL in the implanted condition through the pupil. In a second aspect of the invention, the IOL peripheral section includes an edge provided with a plunger engagement segment configured to inhibit off-axis movement of a plunger tip when engaged therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Yann Vaillant, Benoit Bessiere
  • Patent number: 8685088
    Abstract: A system for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from an inserter into a patient's eye. The system includes an inserter handpiece with a holding station for receiving or storing an IOL. The IOL may be pre-loaded within the holding station during manufacture, and the inserter handpiece coupled to a delivery tube so that the entire system is ready for use by a surgeon to implant an IOL. The IOL may have an optic and leading and trailing haptics coupled to the optic, and the holding station may be capable of manipulating the haptics as desired to facilitate transfer of the IOL through the delivery tube into the eye. For instance, the holding station may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the holding station maintains the haptics in their folded positions during transfer of the IOL into the delivery tube. The holding station desirably maintains the IOL in a relaxed configuration during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R Anderson
  • Patent number: 8685089
    Abstract: A shape memory polymer (SMP) intraocular lens may have a refractive index above 1.45, a Tg between 10° C. and 60° C., inclusive, de minimis or an absence of glistening, and substantially 100% transmissivity of light in the visible spectrum. The intraocular lens is then rolled at a temperature above Tg of the SMP material. The intraocular device is radially compressed within a die to a diameter of less than or equal to 1.8 mm while maintaining the temperature above Tg. The compressed intraocular lens device may be inserted through an incision less than 2 mm wide in a cornea or sclera or other anatomical structure. The lens can be inserted into the capsular bag, the ciliary sulcus, or other cavity through the incision. The SMP can substantially achieve refractive index values of greater than or equal to 1.45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Malik Y. Kahook, Naresh Mandava, Robin Shandas, Bryan Rech
  • Patent number: 8685090
    Abstract: An auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) with a sound transmitting prosthesis body (13) has first and second coupling elements (11, 12) provided at opposite ends. A stabilizer element (14) fixes the prosthesis on a level with the plane of the tympanic membrane and stabilizes the position of the prosthesis in the middle ear. A fixation part (14.2) anchors the Y-shaped stabilizer element at one or more places of the ear canal wall. The fixation part includes two hooked anchoring elements (16) that secure the fixation part in artificially drilled holes in the ear canal wall. The auditory ossicle prosthesis has a particularly simple and compact design and stays spatially fixed within very small variations in its initial position after implantation inside the middle ear cavity, providing effective protection against post-operative dislocation, tilting or tipping and without deteriorating sound transmission properties of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
    Inventors: Robert Vincent, Uwe Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8685091
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring implant sensor data over a cellular network includes a portable computing device, a controller, and an orthopaedic prosthesis configured to communicate with the controller over the cellular network. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes one or more implant sensors configured to generate implant sensor data and a cellular transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the implant sensor data to the controller over the cellular network. The controller or the orthopaedic prosthesis may initiate the cellular communication. The implant sensor data is transmitted to the portable computing device by the controller. The portable computing device is configured to display the implant sensor data, or indicia thereof, to a user. The portable computing device and controller may also be used to update one or more programs executed by the orthopaedic prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Caylor, III
  • Patent number: 8685092
    Abstract: A biomaterial for osteoplasty has a preserved native spatial organization of collagen matrix and mineral component of bone fabrics of natural origin, for example, containing 25% collagen and 75% mineral substances. The biomaterial is demineralized (compared to original concentration) to contain from 0 to 95% of the original mineral concentration, preferably from 5 to 80%, more preferably from 10 to 60%. The proteins are composed of 99% of collagen and 1% of other proteins. The biomaterial contains bone sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), whose concentration varies from 0.3 to 3 mg per 1 cm3 of the material. The sGAG is affinity-bound to the bone matrix. The biomaterial may also include bisphosphonates, whose concentration varies from 0.2 to 10 micrograms per 1 gram of material. The biomaterial may also include bone the morphogenetic proteins (BMP), whose concentration varies from 0.001 to 1 micrograms per 1 gram of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Andrey Fedorovich Panasyuk
  • Patent number: 8685093
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing a surgical procedure using implantable sensors are disclosed. The method includes providing one or more implantable sensors, each sensor configured for implantation adjacent to an anatomical feature of a patient; imaging the patient to determine the relative positions of the one or more implantable sensors relative to the anatomical features of the patient; inserting an implant adjacent to at least one of the anatomical features; and tracking the position of the implant relative to the at least one anatomical feature during the inserting of the implant using the implantable sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent M. Anderson, Matthew M. Morrison, Thomas Carls, Eric C. Lange
  • Patent number: 8685094
    Abstract: An orthopedic device set, including: a plurality of intervertebral spacer elements, each spacer element having a different axial thickness from each other element, the axial thicknesses being selected to increase by an increment from one element to another; and an instrument for holding ones of the intervertebral spacer elements, the instrument comprising a shaft having a distal end, a selectively grasping subassembly for alternatively rigidly holding each spacer element at the distal end so that the spacer element cannot move relative to the instrument, and releasing the spacer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Stephen Tatar, Thomas J. Errico
  • Patent number: 8685095
    Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first component defining a surface. A second component is movable relative to the first component and defines a surface. An intermediate component is engageable with the first component and the second component. The intermediate component is configured for relative movement along the surface of the second component and is configured for relative movement along the surface of the first component in a first axial direction and a second, opposite axial direction such that movement of the intermediate component moves the second component relative to the first component between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Sachin P. Budhabhatti
  • Patent number: 8685096
    Abstract: A lumbar fusion implant device has a pair of first and second body structures. The first body structure has a pair of appendages with enlarged rounded ends, the appendages projecting from the opposite sides of the first body structure. Similarly, the second body structure has a pair of appendages with enlarged rounded ends with the appendages projecting from opposite sides of the second body structure. Each of the enlarged ends of the appendages fit into sockets on an opposite first or second body structure and when the first and second body structures are longitudinally connected by a threaded fastener, tightening of the fastener moves the first and second body structures closer together expanding radially outwardly each appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan S Davenport