Patents Issued in October 1, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150272629
    Abstract: A receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion having a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein in a pre-locking position, a spring portion on one of the locking ring or the receiving part body engages a corresponding portion on the other one of the locking ring or the receiving part body, and the locking ring exerts a first force onto the head receiving portion, and wherein in a locking position, the locking ring exerts a second force greater than the first force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Berthold Dannecker
  • Publication number: 20150272630
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore. The bone anchoring device also includes an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the second end having a spherically shaped surface portion. The bone anchoring device further has a locking device provided to the second bore of the receiving part The locking device protrudes from an inner wall of the second bore and engages with a recessed surface portion of the second end of the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around a single axis of rotation. The locking device may comprise pins inserted into through holes formed in the receiving part, which engage with the recessed surface portion of the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20150272631
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Roger P Jackson
  • Publication number: 20150272632
    Abstract: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) in various embodiments includes a reducer, and extender, and a hollow tube. The reducer couples to the extender, which in turn couples to an elongated member, such as a rod, and to a bone fastener assembly. The reducer allows reduction of the vertebral body incrementally, and by a desired amount. The reducer may include or may be used in conjunction with a holding device or holder in order to hold or keep the amount of reduction constant or steady once the desired amount of reduction has been obtained. The reducer may use one of several embodiments, including embodiments that use threaded assemblies or members, inclining members or wedges, offset cams, scissor jacks, and/or levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew E. Seelig
  • Publication number: 20150272633
    Abstract: Screws for anchoring in cancellous or other low-quality bone are described. One type of screw addresses the problem of extravasation of bone cement when filling an area of low-quality bone. The screw includes an expandable container for retaining bone cement and anchoring the screw in low-quality bone. The screw also includes an anchoring device for holding the screw in place in the bone while it is supplied with bone cement or other appropriate filler. The screw further includes a head for connecting to a rod or other apparatus. A second type of screw uses an expandable container to deform two or more fins to compress cancellous bone and/or anchor in cancellous bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Sean Suh
  • Publication number: 20150272634
    Abstract: A device for treating fractures, comprises an intramedullary member sized and shaped for insertion along a longitudinal axis of a bone within a medullary canal thereof, the intramedullary member including an opening extending obliquely therethrough, the opening, when the intramedullary member is in a desired position within a bone, aligning with a desired axis along which an implant is to be inserted into a bone, the intramedullary member including a channel formed therewithin and opening to the opening and a locking mechanism mounted in the channel, the locking mechanism including a locking abutting structure extending into the opening in combination with an implant sized to be slidably received through the opening and inserted along the desired axis, the implant including a plurality of implant abutting structures aligned to engage the locking abutting structure preventing medial movement of the implant relative to the intramedullary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: George A. MIKHAIL, Mark Siravo
  • Publication number: 20150272635
    Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Robert Frigg, Silas Zurschmiede, Andreas Appenzeller, Jamie Manos, Daniel Vennard, Edward J. McShane, III, Joshua McManus, Thomas Keyer, Eric McDivitt, Joseph Capozzoli, Lawton Laurence, Justin Coppes
  • Publication number: 20150272636
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intramedullary nail assembly comprising an intramedullary nail and an insert sleeve. The intramedullary nail has a nail longitudinal axis and comprises a cavity being accessible from a nail proximal end, the cavity being confined by a nail inner wall, the cavity having a cavity longitudinal axis. The nail inner wall is provided with a predominantly longitudinal groove and a predominantly transverse groove, the transverse groove and the longitudinal groove communicating with each other at a junction. The insert sleeve is configured to be received within the cavity and comprises a cam radially protruding from the insert sleeve and sized to mate with each of the longitudinal and transverse grooves such that the cam is displaceable within the longitudinal groove from a longitudinal groove proximal end to the junction and is further displaceable towards a terminal end of the transverse groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andy Schwammberger, Reto Senger
  • Publication number: 20150272637
    Abstract: An orthopaedic device for repairing a portion of a body, the orthopaedic device includes an orthopaedic plate, a tissue protector, and a rotating member. The orthopaedic plate is configured to attach to at least one bone. The tissue protector is attached to the orthopaedic plate and configured to at least partially detach from the orthopaedic plate after a force is applied to the tissue protector. The rotating member is configured to connect the tissue protector to the orthopaedic plate while allowing the tissue protector to rotate relative to the orthopaedic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Glenn R. Buttermann, Frank R. Ferris, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150272638
    Abstract: A bone plate for the compression of a fracture site or osteotomy of a bone includes a bone plate body having a plurality of screw holes and bone screws accommodated in the screw holes. At least one of the screw holes is teardrop shaped having a wide portion and a narrow portion. The bone screw selected for use in the screw hole can be either a locking screw or a non-locking screw, as the screw hole can accept both types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Langford
  • Publication number: 20150272639
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate has a first end including a locking screw hole that receives a locking screw and spaced from that hole is a closed compression housing that extends from the bone-facing side of the plate and which receives a compression screw that forms an angle of from about 10° to about 70° with a longitudinal axis of the plate. The compression housing is not located on the medial line of the plate, but is peripheral to the medial line, either in the longitudinal or the medial direction of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Derek S. Lewis, Elizabeth Altenau, Gordon Bennett, Bryan D. Den Hartog, Jackson R. Heavener, Brian Hockett, Jeffrey Johnson, David B. Kay, Andrew Leither, Ellen Pokorney, Allison Wright
  • Publication number: 20150272640
    Abstract: A method for joining of biological elements is disclosed. A plate is placed over a first segment and a second segment. The plate is attached to the first segment and the second segment. A dowel channel is drilled thru a dowel hole of the plate. A dowel is inserted into the dowel channel, wherein the dowel crosses a joining plane of the first segment and the second segment. A locking screw is placed on a top side of the dowel to lock the dowel in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: NEXTREMITY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lon S. WEINER, John R. PEPPER
  • Publication number: 20150272641
    Abstract: A surgical plate system, components and methods of using are described. A surgical plate system includes a plate having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a through hole passing through the anterior and posterior surfaces. A variable fastener is configured and dimensioned to connect to the plate, the variable fastener having a head and a shaft extending distally from the head. The head is configured to assume different proximal end diameters. The head, in a first configuration allows inward flexing to reduce a diameter of the head to allow the head to pass through an entrance opening of the through hole. In a second configuration, the head is prevented from flexing inwardly thereby preventing the head from backing out of the entrance opening, while allowing articulation of the head, within the through hole, relative to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Steven E. Mather, Anis Mekhail, Thibaut Guffroy, Wagdy W. Asaad
  • Publication number: 20150272642
    Abstract: A calcaneum translation plate having two end portions, i.e. a proximal anchoring portion and a distal fixing portion, oriented in opposing directions and arranged in spaced parallel planes, the proximal and distal portions connecting to an intermediate portion having a square general profile and having two perpendicular bearing surfaces, the proximal anchoring portion extending from one of the surfaces and perpendicular thereto, whereas the distal fixing portion extends in the extension of the other bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: BIOTECH ORTHO
    Inventors: Thibaut Leemrijse, Michel Maestro, Bernhard Devos, Marc Relave, Jean-Luc Besse
  • Publication number: 20150272643
    Abstract: An arthroplasty plate and method of use to repair a fractured end of a bone are described. The arthroplasty plate comprises a fixation plate arranged to be secured to a surface of a bone and a connector assembly comprising a barrel extending from the fixation plate and having a bore which opens through the fixation plate. A connector rod is arranged to slide within the bore of the barrel. An articulation component comprises a bearing surface coupled to or arranged to couple to an end of the connector rod which extends from the barrel away from the fixation plate. The connector assembly incorporates an adjustment mechanism arranged to cause the connector rod to slide into or out of the barrel and a locking mechanism arranged to lock the position of the connector rod within the barrel to rigidly space the articulation component apart from the fixation plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID BERCHOUX, SYLVAIN GAUTHIER, ANDERS EKELUND
  • Publication number: 20150272644
    Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for orthopedic surgery, including bone distraction. The application describes a bone distraction system that can be used to both distract and retract, or increase and decrease, a gap between first and second bone segments. The instrumentation can include any one of, or any combination of, a distractor, a ratchet, a first footplate, a second footplate, a first torque application instrument, and a second torque application instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: John M. Noon, Joel Patrick Bales, Tushar Savaliya
  • Publication number: 20150272645
    Abstract: An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Daniel Fluri
  • Publication number: 20150272646
    Abstract: The invention features improved bone screws, a delivery manifold for delivering a flowable medium to a bone screw, and washers for use with the bone screw to provide compressive fixation. The invention also features methods of treatment using the bone screws, washers, and/or delivery manifold, and kits that include the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: INNOVISION, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Russell
  • Publication number: 20150272647
    Abstract: A technique for simultaneously forming a plurality of paste filled tunnels. The plurality of paste filled tunnels are connected to a surgical tube directly or indirectly and emptied one after another, until a desired amount of the paste is injected into a bone cavity, organ or a tissue via the surgical tube. The paste may be a bone cement paste, a drug powder paste, viscous fluid or gel. The injected bone cement paste will set in the bone cavity to act as a medical implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jiin-Huey Chern LIN, Chien-Ping JU
  • Publication number: 20150272648
    Abstract: A system for attaching a piece of osteosynthesis equipment against a bone tissue includes at least a screw, and a screwdriver having a handle extended by a rod with an adapater to engage the screw. A portion of the guide member of the screwdriver protrudes in front of the end-piece of the screwdriver and extends along or around a portion of the screw to guide the screw in axial translation. The guide member has a front end forming an abutment of the screwdriver against the surface of the piece of osteosynthesis equipment on completion of a predefined depth of screwing of the screw into the bone tissue. The guide member can be set at a chosen length of extension, corresponding to a predefined depth of insertion of the screw. After insertion, the screw can be severed, and optionally fused with the piece of equipment to reinforce the locking of same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Alain Leonard, Carole Leonard, Cyril Sender, Gautier Halbin, Olivier Lignon, Nouredine Sahraoui
  • Publication number: 20150272649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic fastener driver which can be used with a variable angle fixation system, and in particular in which the driver has a variable angle drive tip that is capable of screwing a fastener in an orthopedic plate assembly at a variable angle relative to the drive axis of the driver, and further wherein the driver has a drive mechanism including an interference clutch mechanism that disengages so as to limit the relative depth of the fastener in the plate assembly as to avoid driving the fastener or fastener assembly through the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Derek S. Lewis, Elizabeth Altenau, Rebecca F. Kocher, Jackson R. Heavener
  • Publication number: 20150272650
    Abstract: An instrument for preparing bone to receive an implant device is provided. The instrument includes a handle configured to be gripped by a user, a drive shaft and a support. The drive shaft extends axially from the handle. The support is configured to hold a spacer. The spacer is dimensioned in the same shape as the desired implant device. A piercing member is disposed on a distal end of the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be translated axially with respect to the spacer so as to slide the piercing member along the ramp-shaped member. The ramp-shaped member drives the piercing member beyond an outer surface of the spacer and into the bone. A stop may be mounted to the support. The stop is configured to limit the depth at which the spacer is inserted into the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Nathanial Dubois
  • Publication number: 20150272651
    Abstract: A wedge coupling for coupling a tubing to a housing is disclosed. The wedge coupling includes a base having an opening defined therein and configured to receive a portion of the tubing therethrough and a plurality of prongs disposed on the base and around an inner periphery of the opening. The plurality of prongs are configured to slidably engage the housing and to deflect inwardly to secure the tubing to a nozzle adapter disposed within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: ARNOLD V. DECARLO
  • Publication number: 20150272652
    Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Roozbeh Ghaffari, Stephen P. Lee, Brian David Elolampi
  • Publication number: 20150272653
    Abstract: Thermal therapy ablation detection uses medical diagnostic ultrasound. Since acoustically measured information becomes unreliable for temperature estimation at a temperature close the time at which treatment is complete, the information is instead or additionally used to detect a tissue condition indicating sufficient treatment, such as detecting cell death. Using multiple different types of parameters as input and/or a machine-learnt classifier, the completion of treatment from a tissue alteration perspective is detected using the transition that makes temperature estimation less reliable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Shelby Brunke, Stephen Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150272654
    Abstract: A technique allows for an electrical connection between a thermal abrasion heating catheter and the energy delivery console that utilizes serial communication. Accordingly, the serial communication allows data such as measured temperature, start/stop status, intended treatment area, device identification, device calibration parameters and/or use history to be conveyed along the same wires that deliver power to a heating element. For example, data can be conveyed along a two wire connection and provided at a frequency that is filtered out so that it is not delivered to a heating feature. In this example, one wire provides power to the heating element, one wire provided communication from the energy delivery console, and a third wire provides a common ground which the heating catheter uses to communicate with the energy delivery console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: VENCLOSE INC.
    Inventors: Brady Esch, Darius A. Przygoda, Rory Thomas Christian, Cody James Schindler
  • Publication number: 20150272655
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unintended tissue damage from the delivery of unintended bipolar radiofrequency energy. The system may include a multi-electrode ablation device and an RF delivery unit. The RF delivery unit may transmit unipolar energy to the plurality of electrodes, the energy being in phase, with all electrodes delivering the same voltage and being activated at the same time to deliver no bipolar energy. Additionally or alternatively, the RF delivery unit may transmit bipolar energy to the electrodes. Here, voltage differences between each pair of adjacent electrodes may be monitored and the level of bipolar energy being delivered may be calculated. The voltage of energy delivered to at least one electrode in each adjacent electrode pair may be adjusted if the amount of delivered bipolar energy exceeds a safety threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine R. CONDIE, Marshall L. SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20150272656
    Abstract: A multi-pole synchronous pulmonary artery radiofrequency ablation catheter may comprise a control handle, a catheter body and an annular ring. One end of the catheter body may be flexible, and the flexible end of the catheter body may be connected to the annular ring. The other end of the catheter body may be connected to the control handle. A shape memory wire may be arranged in the annular ring. One end of the shape memory wire may extend to an end of the annular ring and the other end of the shape memory wire may pass through a root of the annular ring and be fixed on the flexible end of the catheter body. The annular ring may be provided with an electrode group. The device possesses advantages of simple operation, short operation time and controllable precise ablation. The device can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary denervation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Shaoliang Chen
  • Publication number: 20150272657
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to electrosurgical systems for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. A control circuit may, for a first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal to first and second electrodes according to a first mode. In the first mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a first maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a first mode threshold. The control circuit may also, for a second application period after the first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal according to a second mode. In the second mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a second mode maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a second mode threshold. The second maximum power may be greater than the first maximum power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Mark A. Davison
  • Publication number: 20150272658
    Abstract: Vaporization electrodes having functional surfaces with non-smooth semispherical shapes, and electrosurgical devices equipped therewith. The electrodes include a base oppositely disposed from its functional surface. The non-smooth semispherical shape of a functional surface is defined by a plurality of individual planar and/or cylindrical surfaces that intersect each other to define edges therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jon D. Barrett, Gregg Alan VanDusseldorp, SR., Gregg VanDusseldorp, II
  • Publication number: 20150272659
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a closure trigger, a push plate, a clamp plate, and a firing plate. Actuation of the closure trigger rotates the push plate. Rotation of the push plate to a first rotation rotates the clamp plate and rotation between the first rotation and a second rotation rotates the firing plate. A shaft assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. An end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly defines a longitudinal slot. Rotation of the clamp plate pivotally moves a first jaw member from an open position to a closed position relative to a second jaw member. A cutting member is deployable within the longitudinal slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, John M. Sarley, Gregory A. Trees, Catherine A. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20150272660
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a push plate coupled to the trigger, wherein actuation of the trigger rotates the push plate, a clamp plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger to a first rotation rotates the clamp plate, and a firing plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger between the first rotation and a second rotation rotates the firing plate. The end effector includes a jaw assembly which includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein rotation of the clamp plate transitions the jaw assembly between an open configuration and an approximated configuration by moving at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member relative to the other one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, John M. Sarley, Gregory A. Trees, Catherine A. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20150272661
    Abstract: A pericardial needle that punctures a pericardial membrane with cautery to attain access into a pericardial space of a heart by positioning a cautery needle tip adjacent to or in contact with a parietal pericardium of the heart such that the puncturing does not damage the heart muscle. The pericardial needle punctures the parietal pericardium when the heart muscle moves towards the pericardial needle, away from the pericardial needle, is at rest and/or is in synchronization with the systolic contraction period of the cardiac cycle of the heart. The synchronization may be provided based on a surface electrocardiogram, an arterial pressure, or a sensing pressure at the tip of the pericardial needle when the pericardial needle is adjacent into the parietal pericardium of the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Fawaz ALHUMAID
  • Publication number: 20150272662
    Abstract: A medical device system for the delivery of energy to a region of a patient's anatomy is provided. An introducer tube defines a lumen therein and bears a first electrode. A second electrode is movable within the lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the second electrode is substantially disposed within the lumen. In the extended position, the second electrode extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the introducer tube. In one form, the introducer tube is configured to substantially hold the second electrode within the lumen in a predetermined orientation in the extended position, and the introducer tube prevents the second electrode from substantially rotating within the lumen of the introducer tube during movement into the extended position. In one form, the introducer tube is more flexible in a first plane than in a second plane. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Brandon J. Shuman, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, David H. Dillard
  • Publication number: 20150272663
    Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Scott J. WOLF, Andrew FRAZIER
  • Publication number: 20150272664
    Abstract: A medical system for delivering treatment or therapy to a patient has a kill switch for interrupting the delivery. The kill switch, which can disrupt the delivery directly or can cause an error message to be generated that disrupts the delivery, can be activated by the operator or remotely. In an ablation catheter system, a kill switch mechanism immediately and abruptly terminates delivery of ablation treatment or therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Todd J. COHEN
  • Publication number: 20150272665
    Abstract: An irrigated medical device, including an inlet tube configured to receive an irrigation fluid from a pressurized fluid source, at least first and second outlet tubes configured to deliver the irrigation fluid to respective outlets of the device, a manifold containing a chamber coupled between the inlet tube and at least the first and second outlet tubes, and a ball including a magnetic material contained inside the chamber. The irrigated medical device also includes a magnetic field generator disposed outside the chamber and configured to generate a variable magnetic field within the chamber so as to move the ball between at least a first position in which the first outlet tube is blocked, a second position in which the second outlet tube is blocked, and a third position, in which neither of the outlet tubes is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Publication number: 20150272666
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pains, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering of an effective amount of formulations at desired temperature to target tissue. The formulations include gases, vapors, liquids, solutions, emulsions and suspensions of one or more ingredients. The temperature may enhance safety and efficacy of the formulations for the treatments. The amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injury or damage the tissues to have a benefit of symptom relive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Lixiao WANG
  • Publication number: 20150272667
    Abstract: Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Publication number: 20150272668
    Abstract: A multi-pole synchronous pulmonary artery radiofrequency ablation catheter may comprise a control handle, a catheter body and an annular ring. One end of the catheter body may be flexible, and the flexible end of the catheter body may be connected to the annular ring. The other end of the catheter body may be connected to the control handle. A shape memory wire may be arranged in the annular ring. One end of the shape memory wire may extend to an end of the annular ring and the other end of the shape memory wire may pass through a root of the annular ring and be fixed on the flexible end of the catheter body. The annular ring may be provided with an electrode group. The device possesses advantages of simple operation, short operation time and controllable precise ablation. The device can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary denervation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Shaoliang Chen
  • Publication number: 20150272669
    Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigated ablation electrode that includes a plurality of high L/d interior fluid passageways and/or slit-shaped apertures to provide for a lower rate of fluid flow and a more uniform distribution of fluid over an exterior surface of the electrode and reduce propensity for aperture blockage. In some embodiments, the slit-shaped apertures have an aspect ratio of at least three, at least five, at least ten, or at least fifteen. Some embodiments include maintaining a pressure drop of at least 345 pascals between irrigation fluid inside the irrigated ablation electrode and fluid immediately outside the electrode when the irrigation fluid has a flow rate of no more than five milliliters per minute (5 ml/min). Some embodiments include a low-density insert with a plurality of fluid channels on its exterior surface to more efficiently cool the electrode and provide a faster thermal response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory G. Brucker, Steven D. Savage
  • Publication number: 20150272670
    Abstract: An ablation apparatus places electrodes at the perimeter of a cavity. In an embodiment, the alternating electric field is used to expose the cavity to enough energy to ablate the cavity. In an embodiment, two modes are used to expose different regions of the cavity to different amounts of power for so that the thermal effect is more uniform. In an embodiment, the electrodes have a relatively large surface area so as to avoid charring the cavity, but are shaped so as to fit within a body orifice. For example, the diameter of the sheathed housing the electrodes during penetration may be only 5.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jia Hua Xiao, Roger A. Stern, Jerome Jackson, Grant Michael Glaze
  • Publication number: 20150272671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Warren van der Weide, Fred T. Lee, JR., Paul F. Laeseke, Christopher Lee Brace
  • Publication number: 20150272672
    Abstract: A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial steps of providing an energy applicator and providing one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies. Each microwave field-detecting needle assembly includes one or more rectifier elements capable of detecting microwave field intensity via rectification. The method includes the steps of positioning the energy applicator and the one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies in tissue, transmitting energy from an energy source through the energy applicator to generate an ablation field radiating about at least a portion of the energy applicator into tissue, and adjusting the ablation field radiating about at least the portion of the energy applicator into tissue based on at least one electrical signal transmitted by the one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20150272673
    Abstract: A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft (14), the shaft having an external tubular wall (18), a radiating portion (15) disposed at the distal end of the shaft (14), a transmission line (17) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall (18), and an elongate flow dividing member (19) which co-extends with the transmission line (17) longitudinally of the shaft (14), the side wall of the transmission line (17) and the side wall of the flow dividing member (19) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall (18) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels (20, 21) inside the shaft (14). In use, cooling fluid can pass down one channel (20) and return via the other channel (21). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Cronin, Peter Clegg
  • Publication number: 20150272674
    Abstract: A laser lithotripsy method for fragmenting a kidney or bladder stone in a patient is provided. The method includes delivering a first laser energy having a first wavelength to the stone. The stone is heated in response to the delivery of the first laser energy to the stone. The method also includes delivering a second laser energy to the stone having a second wavelength that has a higher absorption by the stone or the fluid surrounding the stone than the first wavelength. The stone is fragmented in response to the delivery of the second laser energy to the stone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rongwei Jason Xuan, Thomas Charles Hasenberg, Jian James Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150272675
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a handheld laser treatment apparatus comprises: a handset including a treatment chamber, the treatment chamber having an open treatment aperture; a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber and coupled to a power source; at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array and the vacuum channel; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments are inserted into the treatment chamber through the treatment aperture. The logic enables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a first attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture. The logic disables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a second attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Igal Koifman, Uri Voitsechov
  • Publication number: 20150272676
    Abstract: An optical device including an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis and an optical fiber core with a distal end having a distal terminating end configured to discharge a first laser energy in a first direction and a second laser energy in a second direction. The optical device also includes a fiber cap having an interior cavity and an opening to the interior cavity, where the distal end of the optical fiber core is received within the interior cavity through the opening. A cladding is included on the distal end of the optical fiber core between the optical fiber core and the fiber cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hasenberg, Steven Yihlih Peng, Brian P. Watschke, Douglas L. Evans, Guangjian Wang, Rongwei Jason Xuan, Wen-Jui Ray Chia
  • Publication number: 20150272677
    Abstract: Provided herein is a light transmitting cable for laser treatment, the cable including a first optical fiber configured to generate a high energy particle by a laser beam transmitted from a light source and to transmit the high energy particle to a target; and an image transmitting cable configured to transmit an image surrounding the target, thereby being capable of treating a tumor with relatively low power output while identifying a location of the tumor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Moon Youn JUNG, Dong Hoon SONG, Won Bae CHO
  • Publication number: 20150272678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser surgical instrument for a spine surgery and a method thereof, and supply a spine surgery method which comprises ensuring a path in which a laser surgical instrument enters through a back of a patient, allowing the laser surgical instrument to access an outer surface of an intervertebral disc along the ensured path, allowing the laser surgical instrument to enter an inner side of an epidural space along an outer surface of the intervertebral disc, and irradiating laser to a direction of the intervertebral disc through the laser surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: LUTRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, Kwang Chon Ko, Hae Lyung Hwang