Patents Issued in June 10, 2014
  • Patent number: 8747438
    Abstract: A suture thread having: a thread-shaped main body with spikes and a stopper cylinder having a diameter enlarged with respect to the main body is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Assut Europe S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Longo, Federica Scacchia, Francesco Lazzaro, Feliciano Crovella
  • Patent number: 8747439
    Abstract: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: P Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, Matthew J. Cremens, Kevin Ruholl
  • Patent number: 8747440
    Abstract: A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Yue
  • Patent number: 8747441
    Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bidirectional attachment to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, Thomas V. Doherty, Alexander D. Grinberg, Eric D. Kolb
  • Patent number: 8747442
    Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Jorge L. Orbay, Javier E. Castaneda, Robert Graham, Robert Sixto, Jr., Jose Luis Francese, Marcus Bourda, Edward Mebarak, Cesare Cavallazzi
  • Patent number: 8747443
    Abstract: A spinal plate system includes a screw, spinal plate and cap. A head of the screw includes a portion of a first sphere that has a first center and a portion of a second sphere that has a second center approximately concentric with the first center. A body of the screw extends from the first sphere. The spinal plate includes an opening through the spinal plate and an associated recess in the spinal plate that is eccentric with the opening. The cap includes an alignment opening and is configured to be rotationally engaged in the recess between a first rotational configuration and a second rotational configuration. In the first rotational configuration, the body threads into a vertebra in a selected trajectory through the alignment opening and the opening in the spinal plate and the head engages at least a portion of the opening in the selected trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: International Spinal Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Aferzon
  • Patent number: 8747444
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Daniel Glozman
  • Patent number: 8747445
    Abstract: An enclosure device connecting a pedicle fixation device with an elongated spinal fixation member. The enclosure device can include an enclosure member and an elongated guide member affixed to the enclosure member and defining a fracture region for breaking off the guide member from the enclosure member. The enclosure member can have a spherical outer surface rotatably received within a receiver portion of the pedicle fixation device. The enclosure member can include an internal bore capable of slidably receiving the fixation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8747446
    Abstract: A hair restoration caring device includes a treatment hood, a suspension member and a hair caring device. The treatment hood is to be disposed over a user's head. The suspension member is fastened to the treatment hood. The hair caring device is attached to the suspension member and is movable with respect to the user scalp. The hair caring device includes an outer casing mounted slidably on the suspension member, and has several downward combing projections and several light emitters installed above the combing projections respectively for radiating light waves. Each combing projection is aligned with a respective light emitter and is formed with an axial passage to permit past through of light waves of the respective light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Chung-Yang Chen, Craig Nabat
  • Patent number: 8747447
    Abstract: Method and apparatus in which optical sources deliver light to small specific areas of the cochlea for purposes of stimulation, which brings the advantage of increased spectral fidelity because the stimulation illumination can be more specifically placed than electrical-stimulation signals. In some embodiments, a plurality of light sources or light delivery devices are placed at finely-spaced locations along the cochlea but only a fraction of them are used within any short period of time due to the limitation of power delivery to the optical emitters and a restriction on heat within the cochlea due to the absorption of the optical stimulation signals. The ability to choose which optical sources are used at any given time frame provides the ability to choose the sources that illuminate and thus stimulate the particular small areas of the cochlea that generate nerve signals perceived as the semitone frequencies found in Western music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Stafford, James W. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8747448
    Abstract: A stent graft delivery system including a tip assembly, a middle member tube, a sheath assembly, and a unitary front grip. The sheath tube is axially slideable within the distal front grip lumen, the threaded assembly distal end is disposed in the proximal front grip lumen and fixed to the unitary front grip, and the first threaded tube portion and the second threaded tube portion are radially compressed together by the unitary front grip. The sheath handle engages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a first configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through rotation of the sheath handle and disengages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a second configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through axial motion of the sheath handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Argentine
  • Patent number: 8747449
    Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device (1) comprises first and second separately manipulable introducers (3, 5) with a laparoscopic conduit (80) having first and second ends (83, 84) and an intermediate portion being mounted onto the introducers in a substantially U shape. The first end and a first portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained onto the first introducer and the second end and a second portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained on the second introducer and the intermediate portion extends between the first and second introducers. A main sheath (42) is over the first and second introducers. The endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device is introduced to a body cavity through an endoscopic or laparoscopic port (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David Ernest Hartley, Michael Lawrence-Brown, Shirley Jansen
  • Patent number: 8747450
    Abstract: A method for assembling a stent graft onto a balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Leon V. Rudakov
  • Patent number: 8747451
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Helmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael C. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8747452
    Abstract: A method for implanting a balloon expandable stent at a site within a passageway of a curved coronary article. The stent includes at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings. At least one longitudinally extending connector extends between adjacent rings. The connector has at least one turn back portion that can expand or contract in length while being passed through a curved passageway. The stent is disposed on a stent delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent delivery catheter and the stent is delivered through the passageway to the site of implementation with the connector member expanding or contracting in length to facilitate delivery and placement of the stent. The stent is expanded at the site of implantation by inflating the balloon to force the stent radially outward against the wall of the coronary artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Tim A. Fischell
  • Patent number: 8747453
    Abstract: A stent/stent graft for reinforcement of vascular abnormalities and an associated method are provided. According to on embodiment, the stent/stent graft includes a flexible tubular structure comprising proximal and distal ends and having a heat set configuration. The tubular structure is configured to engage a lumen upstream and downstream of a vascular abnormality, such as an aneurysm, and a portion between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular structure is configured to engage the aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AGA Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Amplatz, John C. Oslund, Patrick Russo, Xiaoping Gu
  • Patent number: 8747454
    Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CardioKinetix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Khairkhahan, Hugh R. Sharkey, Serjan D. Nikolic
  • Patent number: 8747455
    Abstract: An endovascular prosthetic system comprising an prosthetic device with a major lumen extending therethrough, a major wall, at least one opening in the major wall; at least one branch extending into the major lumen of the prosthetic device having a minor lumen, a minor wall, and a fenestration in the minor wall in communication with the major lumen; and at least one guide wire extending through the fenestration and out of the prosthesis through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Roy K. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 8747456
    Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a main balloon arranged to reside within the main vessel, and a branch balloon configured to extend from the main vessel into the branch vessel. A stent may be situated around the main balloon and may include a branch aperture at a location between proximal and distal open ends of the stent. The branch balloon may extend from within the stent, through the branch aperture, and into the branch vessel. The branch balloon, when inflated, may extend into the branch vessel. The main balloon, when inflated, may also expand the stent within the main vessel. In some arrangements, the branch balloon, when inflated, can function as an anchor within the branch vessel that resists radial and axial movement of the stent relative to the branch vessel and main vessel during expansion of the stent by the main balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Baim, David L. Friesen, Richard Gunderson, Andrzej Malewicz, Michael Meyer, Daniel Quillin
  • Patent number: 8747457
    Abstract: A stent (10) has wrapped therearound a barb element (12) formed of a length of wire provided with first and second ends (14, 16) forming barb prongs. In intermediate zone (22), the barb element (12) is wrapped or coiled. The two pronged ends (14, 16) extend out of the graft element (26) to provide an anchoring function to the medical device. As well as being wrapped onto a strut of the stent (10), the barb element (12) is sutured to the stent (10) and to the graft material (26) by suture stitching (28). The turns of the coiling or wrapping in section (22) assist in fixing the barb element (12) relative to the suture (28) and thus to the stent graft (24). The barb elements (12) could be made of any suitable material, including Nitinol. This structure of barb elements provides an effective arrangement which is easy to manufacture, which provides strong barbs able to withstand the high processing temperatures required for setting shape memory elements of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jesper Schade Petersen
  • Patent number: 8747458
    Abstract: A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the stent-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosi Tuval, Yuri Sudin, Ido Kilemnik, Igor Kovalsky, Rafhael Benary, Guy Ezekiel
  • Patent number: 8747459
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable prosthesis frame. The valve may be delivered transluminally or transmyocardially using a thorascopic or other limited access approach using a delivery catheter. Preferably, the initial partial expansion of the valve is performed against the native valve annulus to provide adequate anchoring and positioning of the valve as the remaining portions of the valve expand. The valve may be delivered using a retrograde or antegrade approach. When delivered using a retrograde approach, a delivery catheter with a pull-back sheath may be used, while antegrade delivery is preferably performed with a delivery catheter with a push-forward sheath that releases the proximal end of the valve first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic CoreValve LLC
    Inventors: Than Nguyen, Jacques Seguin, Stan Komatsu, Hung Nguyen, Georg Boertlein
  • Patent number: 8747460
    Abstract: A method for implanting a valve prosthesis at a native cardiac valve complex of a subject comprises implanting a distal fixation member of the valve prosthesis downstream of a native valve of the native valve complex such that two or more engagement arms of the distal fixation member apply, to a downstream side of the native valve, a first axial force directed upstream. The method also comprises implanting a proximal fixation member of the valve prosthesis at least partially upstream of the native valve, such that the proximal fixation member applies, to an upstream side of the native valve, a second axial force directed downstream, such that application of the first and second forces couples the valve prosthesis to the native valve complex. The engagement arms and the proximal fixation member capture leaflets of the native valve therebetween without folding over leaflets of the native valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosi Tuval, Ido Kilemnik, Raphael Benary
  • Patent number: 8747461
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a cardiac valve prosthesis system (10; 40) for implantation into the body of a mammal. The prosthesis system (19; 40) comprises a valve (16) mounted on an stent element (18) to form a stented valve element (12), and an anchoring element (14) to be arranged within the aorta of the mammal to be treated with the prosthesis and spaced-apart form the stented valve element (12). Further, the anchoring element (14) comprises a cylindrical tube element composed of fabric (22) supported by a metal mesh, and the stented valve element (12) and the anchoring element (14) represent two constructional distinctive elements being associated by ligament-like connecting means (30; 50), such, that the connecting region (28) between the stented valve element (12) and the anchoring element (14) is generally free from foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NVT AG
    Inventor: Marcos Centola
  • Patent number: 8747462
    Abstract: An annuloplasty device includes a plurality of corkscrew anchors. The annuloplasty device further includes a core wire extending along the length of the device and at least one corkscrew wire which is operably connected to the corkscrew anchors to screw the corkscrew anchors into heart tissue. One or more of the corkscrew wires can include a drive key; the corkscrew anchors are connected to a sleeve with a keyway that engages the drive key on the corkscrew wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Hill, Mark L. Jenson
  • Patent number: 8747463
    Abstract: Devices for fixturing a prosthesis to a first mass and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Complementary fixturing devices and methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. The devices can be used to attach a heart valve gasket body to a biological annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, Ernest Lane, Neil Holmgren, Federico Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8747464
    Abstract: A device for assisting and/or taking over the pumping function of the heart, with a multilayer sheathing part configured for compressing the heart at least in certain sections, wherein the sheathing part has at least one stabilization layer for shaping the sheathing part and at least one inner extensible augmentation layer, and wherein at least one cavity is formed between the stabilization layer and the augmentation layer, the cavity being inflatable and deflatable by a fluid, for cyclic compression of the heart. Provision is made for the stabilization layer to be inflatable with a fluid, at least in certain sections, in order to convert the sheathing part from a coiled and/or collapsed insertion state of the device in the body into an arched functional state, wherein the heart, in the functional state of the sheathing part, is at least partially sheathed and/or encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: PPA Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Andreas Klein
  • Patent number: 8747465
    Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device which dramatically reduces the possibility that a plunger damages an intraocular lens, and which can safely and surely insert an intraocular lens into an eye is provided. An intraocular lens insertion unit comprises a lens disposing part for disposing an intraocular lens, a plunger for pushing out the intraocular lens disposed at the lens disposing part, a transition part for deforming the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and a nozzle for ejecting the deformed intraocular lens. The plunger has a lens contact part for contacting the outer edge of the intraocular lens, and a protrusive part for pushing the lens contact part downward the intraocular lens by the deformation of the intraocular lens, both lens contact part and protrusive part are provided at the leading end of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Someya, Takashi Ichinohe, Kazunori Kudoh
  • Patent number: 8747466
    Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed, which includes a diffractive element with a relatively low add power. The add power may be less than about 2 Diopters, may be less than about 1 Diopter, or may be in the ranges of 0.5 to 2.5 Diopters, or 1.0 to 2.0 Diopters, or 1.5 to 2.0 Diopters, or 1.0 to 1.5 Diopters. The low-add-power diffractive element increases the depth of the focus of the intraocular lens, for example, compared to a similarly shaped intraocular lens without the diffractive element. In one embodiment, the depth of focus is defined in terms of a threshold MTF value at a particular spatial frequency. The threshold may be an absolute threshold, such as 0.10, 0.15, 0.17, 0.20, 0.25 or 0.30, or may be a relative threshold, such as a particular percentage of the peak value. The spatial frequency may be 25 line pairs per mm, 50 line pairs per mm, 100 line pairs per mm, or any suitable value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AMO Groningen, B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik A. Weeber, Patricia Ann Piers
  • Patent number: 8747467
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: RTI Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Randal Mills, John R. Bianchi, Michael R. Roberts, David T. Cheung, Chandrasekaran Nataraj, John W. Howell
  • Patent number: 8747468
    Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Jon I. Montcrieff, Dennis W. Connelly
  • Patent number: 8747469
    Abstract: A graft fixation device (1) comprising a sheath (2) having a body (9) that defines an inner longitudinal bore (8) and a member (3) for receipt within said bore (8), wherein said sheath (2) comprises at least one projection (15) moveably connected to said sheath body (9) and said at least one projection (15) is arranged so as to be displaceable radially outwardly of said sheath body (9) upon receipt of said member (3) within said bore (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Chizari Mahmoud, David Martyn Snow
  • Patent number: 8747470
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Beck, Jr., Jose E. Lizardi
  • Patent number: 8747471
    Abstract: An implant for insertion into a patient includes a superior surface disposed at a first end of the implant and an inferior surface disposed at a second, opposite end of the implant. The superior and inferior surfaces of the implant are constructed with curvatures that approximately match the morphology of vertebral endplates. The inferior surface and superior surface may include the same or different radii of curvature within the coronal and sagittal planes. The inferior surface and superior surface may be defined by spherical radii. The radius of the superior surface may be about 60 percent to 74 percent of the radius of the inferior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Albans, Eric S. Heinz
  • Patent number: 8747472
    Abstract: Assemblies for implantation across one or more spinal motion segments to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of intervertebral disc space through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Baxano Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Leighton J. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 8747473
    Abstract: A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into an intervertebral space. The modular lateral expansion device includes a first member and a second member. The first end and the second end comprise a first extension and a second extension respectively. The first extension and second extension outwardly protrude from the first member in a same direction and are positioned at an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a plurality of outwardly extended arms and a first passage positioned between the plurality of outwardly extended arms. The first end of the second member is dimensioned and configured to couple to the first end of the first member. The second end comprises a second passage dimensioned and configured to accommodate the second extension of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Burd, Mahmoud P. Abdelgany
  • Patent number: 8747474
    Abstract: Spinal plate positioning system including a spinal plate, centering member and implant, is used to position and center a spinal plate over an implant in an intervertebral space. Implant may include a centering feature which may engage a surface of centering member or spinal plate to aid in placement of spinal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8747475
    Abstract: A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Spineology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patricia Kacian Kuslich
  • Patent number: 8747476
    Abstract: An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Amiram Steinberg
  • Patent number: 8747477
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for cranial fixation following a craniotomy and treatment for increased intracranial pressure. The cranial fixation device comprises two heads connected by a telescopic extension with one head attached to the skull and the other to the bone flap. The telescopic extension provides constrained movement of the bone flap relative to the skull to accommodate an increase in the intracranial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Rohit Khanna
  • Patent number: 8747478
    Abstract: A prosthetic patellar implant has a posterior articulation surface and an anterior attachment surface. The anterior attachment surface has a medial attachment surface and a lateral attachment surface. The medial and lateral attachment surfaces can be planar and angled relative to one another, meeting at a common intersection medially offset from the sagittal centerline of the implant. The medial and lateral attachment surfaces can include convexities. The anterior attachment surface can have one or more pegs and/or recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: IMDS Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ries, Nicholas Slater, Joshua A. Butters, Jordan Hoof, Bjorn Rindal
  • Patent number: 8747479
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a tibial component having shock absorbing features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. McShane, Donald J. Hackman
  • Patent number: 8747480
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Victor V. Cachia
  • Patent number: 8747481
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Ted Maurer
  • Patent number: 8747482
    Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a curved outer surface configured to abut a patient's bone when the orthopaedic prosthesis is implanted therein. The outer surface may or may not be electrically conductive. A channel is defined in the outer surface in which one or more electrical conductors are positioned. A switch is positioned at a first location on the outer surface and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the outer surface (e.g., an electrical trace) and/or another electrical conductor when the first location of the outer surface is pressed against the patient's bone. The switch may be embodied as an end of the electrical conductor or a more complex switch such as a push-button type switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Said Gomaa, Jason Sherman
  • Patent number: 8747483
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for closing a septal defect including a flap of tissue partially detached from a septum of a heart. A needle is advanced through a patient's vasculature within a delivery apparatus until the needle is disposed within a first chamber adjacent the septum. The needle is directed through the flap of tissue until the needle is disposed within a second chamber opposite the septum. A filament attached to an intermediate region of the needle is pulled, thereby causing the needle to pivot about the intermediate region such that the ends of the needle straddle the septal opening. A locking element is secured to the filament to secure the flap of tissue against the septum, and the filament is cut. Alternatively, the filament is biased to coil to engage the flap of tissue and secure the needle against the septum to close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Promed, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Ginn
  • Patent number: 8747484
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for regenerating connective tissue by administering a scaffold comprising collagen fibers extracted from a soft coral. The length of the soft coral collagen fibers following stretching by about 15% is identical to the length of the fibers prior to stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd., Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventors: Yehuda Benayahu, Dafna Benayahu, Yoel Kashman, Amira Rudi, Yoram Lanir, Ido Sella, Einat Raz
  • Patent number: 8747485
    Abstract: An artificial ankle joint having a universal joint and shock absorbers is provided. The artificial ankle joint enables distribution of vertically applied weight of a human body to ground, and enables an artificial foot connected to the artificial ankle joint to move in multiple axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Rene Nunez
  • Patent number: 8747486
    Abstract: A humanoid electric hand includes a metacarpophalangeal joint and an interphalangeal joint. The interphalangeal joint bends or extends together with a bending or extending operation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, by linking a finger motor for driving a finger to a worm deceleration mechanism, an output gear of which moves rotationally to bend or extend the metacarpophalangeal joint, and by linking the metacarpophalangeal joint to the interphalangeal joint via a link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Gifu University, Dainichi, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Kawasaki, Tetuya Mouri, Tatuya Hara, Hisayuki Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8747487
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Eric J. Minor, Marcia L. Santaga