Patents Issued in February 9, 2016
  • Patent number: 9254121
    Abstract: Collection of biological fluids. At least some of the example embodiments are polymeric sleeves including: an elongate body that defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal central axis; a main passageway through the elongate body along the central axis, the main passageway extends from the first end to the second end, and the main passageway having a first aperture on the first end and a second aperture on the second end; a first member suspended over the first aperture on the first end, the first member having a first initial passageway substantially aligned with the main passageway; and a first plurality of stanchion portions that extend between the first member and the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Steven A. Shubin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9254122
    Abstract: A handpiece for removably attaching one of a plurality of probes including a housing, an actuation assembly arranged on the housing, a linkage assembly arranged on the housing and adapted to couple motion of the actuation assembly to actuation of the probe and an alignment feature arranged on the housing and adapted to control the orientation of a connected probe. Several probes are also disclosed in addition to method of performing a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Socorro Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Diao, Rajan Kashibhai Patel
  • Patent number: 9254123
    Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Casey Lewis, Francis MacNamara, Enrique Romo, Neal A. Tanner, William K. Yee
  • Patent number: 9254124
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing an indication as to the relative position of a vessel or artery opening thereby facilitating the choice of which several closure techniques to use. A disclosed device includes an outer tube and a collapsible foot slidably disposed within a distal end of the outer tube. The device may further include one or more threaded suture needles, a biodegradable plug or other wound closing device that is connected to another shaft. The collapsed or folded foot is pushed distally out of the tube and through the opening in the vessel whereupon the foot expands. Pulling the expanded foot in the proximal direction provides an indication as to the orientation of the opening in the vessel, which assists in determining the type of closing procedure to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC.
    Inventors: William J. Drasler, Tracee Eidenschink, Joseph M. Thielen, Mark L. Jenson, Anu Sadasiva
  • Patent number: 9254125
    Abstract: A surgical obturator adapted to penetrate a body wall includes an elongate shaft having an axis which extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A bladeless tip, disposed at the distal end of the shaft has an outer surface which extends to a blunt point. The outer surface has a pair of side sections separated by an intermediate section. The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. These side sections include a distal portion in proximity to the blunt point, and a proximal portion in proximity to the shaft. The distal portion of the side section is twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side section. The outer surface in radial cross section has the general configuration of a geometric shape which rotates in a first direction about the axis with progressive proximal radial cross sections along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Edward D. Pingleton, Matthew A. Wixey, Henry Kahle
  • Patent number: 9254126
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-rigid retractor for providing access to a surgical site, such as a patient's spine, during a surgical process. When used in spinal surgery, the non-rigid retractor allows a surgeon to operate on one or more spinal levels. The non-rigid retractor includes at least one flexible strap anchored at a first end to the spine or other internal body part at the surgical site. The body of the at least one flexible strap extends from a skin incision and is anchored at a second location external to the body to retract skin and muscle from the surgical site, allowing adequate visualization of the surgical site and providing access for implants and surgical instruments to pass through the retractor and into the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Frasier, Timothy Beardsley, Connie P. Marchek
  • Patent number: 9254128
    Abstract: A medical device enables a user to bend it into a shape to suit a specific patient need or to orient efficiently the medical device for use. The medical device includes an elongate member, a mechanism, and an actuator. The mechanism is disposed at the distal portion of the elongate member. The actuator is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and coupled to the mechanism for actuating the mechanism relative to the elongate member. The elongate member is capable of being bent into a shape by the user and of retaining the shape during use. The shape may include multiple bends, in multiple directions, as needed for an application. Thereafter, the elongate member is capable of being bent into a second shape by the user and of maintaining the second shape during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Alfred P. Intoccia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9254129
    Abstract: A surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus is to suture and tie knots on a surgical suture having a needle end and a tail end. The surgery automatic suturing and knot tying apparatus comprises a positioning board, a threading module located on the positioning board, and two thread drawing modules and two needle threading arms located on the positioning board. The two needle threading arms wind the surgical suture around the threading module, and collaborate with the two thread drawing modules to draw the surgical suture to make the surgical suture finally be separated from the threading module, thereby can tie knots automatically on the surgical suture to meet use requirements and alleviate the burden of doctors during surgical operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Kuan-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 9254130
    Abstract: Fusion devices include blade anchors. The blade anchors may slidingly penetrate a bone or bone fragment, and may induce compression of one bone to another or one fragment to another. The fusion devices may also include a body to which the blade anchors connect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Hyun Bae
  • Patent number: 9254131
    Abstract: A multi-part surgical staple assembly is provided to provide uniform compression across stapled tissues. The staple assembly generally includes a U-shaped staple, a staple plate positionable against a backspan of the staple for engagement with one side of a stapled tissue section and a platen for receipt of tissue penetrating tips of the staple and engageable with an opposite side of a stapled tissue section. The staple plate and platen are provided with holes to receive the legs of the staple. In one embodiment, the staple plate is provided with a biasing member to bias the staple plate away from the backspan of the staple and toward the stapled tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael Soltz, Kevin Sniffin, Jennifer Broom, Henry E. Holsten
  • Patent number: 9254132
    Abstract: In a method of stapling layers of tissue within a body cavity, an engaging instrument is passed between a stapler cartridge and anvil and used to engage a region of tissue. The engaging instrument is retracted to move the engaged tissue into the stapling position, and driving staples from the cartridge through at least two layers of the engaged tissue. The method and associated system may be used to form plications in body tissue, such as stomach wall tissue. Staples simultaneously driven through tissue may simultaneously capture a reinforcing elements positioned adjacent the cartridge and/or anvil prior to stapling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Crews, Brett Swope, David Cole, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 9254133
    Abstract: Cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions comprise a mixture of two cyanoacrylate monomers, including 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The monomers are stabilized and sterilized by irradiation, and do not substantially increase in viscosity after sterilization or after two years of shelf storage. These compositions have anti-microbial properties, and may be used to close wounds as well as secure catheters inserted into the body in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Adhezion Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng Zhang, Rafael Ruiz, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9254134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the implantation of occlusion helixes (3) that can be separated by electrolysis in blood vessels and body cavities, especially aneurysms (12), said device comprising an insertion aid (4), at least one occlusion helix (3) that is distally arranged in relation to the insertion aid (4) and at least one electrolytically corrodible severance element (2), with at least one stabilization helix (5) being arranged between severance element (2) and occlusion helix (3) and said stabilization helix (5) being connected with the occlusion helix (3) by an electrically isolating adhesion layer (7) such that the occlusion helix (3) becomes isolated from the voltage when an electrical voltage is applied to the severance element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Dendron GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Monstadt
  • Patent number: 9254135
    Abstract: A method of performing arthroplasty includes preparing a head of a long bone to receive a prosthesis using a reamer. The reamer includes a first cutting structure having an inner concave surface that defines a first cavity and terminates in a generally circular leading edge. The inner concave surface includes a first cutting feature that is spaced apart from the leading edge. An elongate member extends from the first cutting structure into the first cavity toward the leading edge that includes a second cutting feature. A second cutting structure is secured to the elongate member and positioned within the first cavity. The second cutting structure extends outwardly from the elongate member toward the inner concave surface and includes a third cutting feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack F. Long, Joseph P. Iannotti, Gerald R. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9254136
    Abstract: A drill head locking apparatus and a drill head are provided. The locking apparatus includes a protruding platform having a through hole, a bearing on the inner wall of a small cylinder on the protruding platform, a locking sleeve fitted on the protruding platform, and a protrusion arranged on the upper part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve. The lower part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve is a conical face. A spring is arranged between the bottom face of the conical face and an upper bottom face of the protruding platform. A press plate is connected with a screw thread on the outer wall of the top part of the small cylinder on the protruding platform and presses down on the protrusion. A conical hole is arranged on the wall of the small cylinder and communicates with the through hole of the protruding platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Chongqing Runze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Ye, Jian Zhou, Hua Feng, Fei Li, Hengyang Zhu, Congxiao Li
  • Patent number: 9254137
    Abstract: Prostheses and methods for treating spinal pathologies and more specifically, for treating articulating surfaces of facet joints. The system includes a superior implant that is configured for placement on a superior articulating facet surface and an inferior implant that is configured for placement on an inferior articulating facet surface. The method includes creating a space between a superior and an inferior articular facet, such as by using a rasp, and fixing superior and inferior implants to the superior and inferior articular facets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Lanterna Medical Technologies LTD
    Inventors: Horace Winston Hale, Dieter Grob
  • Patent number: 9254138
    Abstract: A tissue disruption device (10) for deployment via a rigid conduit (100) includes a rotary tissue disruptor (12) insertable along the conduit with its axis of rotation (14) parallel to the direction of conduit elongation (16). An angular displacement mechanism allows selective displacement of the rotary tissue disruptor (12) such that the axis of rotation (14) sweeps through a range of angular motion. A rotary drive is linked to the rotary tissue disruptor so as to drive the rotary tissue disruptor in rotary motion while the rotary tissue disruptor is at a range of angular positions within the range of angular motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: NLT Spine Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzony Siegal, Oded Loebl, Didier Toubia
  • Patent number: 9254139
    Abstract: An instrument system, associated milling or drilling guide and method include use of a trial implant of a size corresponding to an actual implant for the intervertebral space, with a milling guide mounted on the trial implant. The system also includes a cutting tool which is used to form a cutout in an adjacent vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Daniel Murrey, John P. Furda, Marc Reichen, David Gerber
  • Patent number: 9254140
    Abstract: A single probe percutaneous surgical instrument for de-bulking/removing thrombus/clog/calculi has an actuator assembly (4), a probe set (13), an operating switch (10, and a generator (12). The actuator assembly (4) has a proximal end (4a) and a distal end (4b), a cable connector (1), a suction connector (2), and actuator switch (3) mounted with the proximal end (4a) and a horn (5) mounted at the distal end (4b). The probe set (13) is mounted to the horn (5) and includes at least one disturber (6), a spring (7), a spring adjusting nut (8) and a fixed probe (9), the cable connector (1) connecting to the generator (12) through a cable, and the suction connector (2) connecting to a suction system. The actuator switch (3) controls a probe vibration mode through the generator (12), the actuator assembly (4) comprising at least two piezoelectric ceramic rings (18) assembled with a bolt (15), the horn (5) and a back plated (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Song, Shu Du
  • Patent number: 9254141
    Abstract: A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and a capture tool moveable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have at least one slot extending generally in the longitudinal direction from a distal end of the elongated tube. The at least one slot may have an open end at the distal end of the elongated tube and a closed end remote therefrom. The capture tool may be operable to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet into the at least one slot. The gathered tissue may have a pleated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Morris, John Miser, Gregory R. Furnish, Wayne Allen Johnson, Mark Griffin
  • Patent number: 9254142
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device has an outer sleeve with a distal window and an inner cutting sleeve which moves past the window to cut tissue. The inner cutting sleeve has a lumen which may have a larger proximal diameter than distal diameter. A perimeter of the window may comprise a dielectric material. A distal edge of the inner sleeve may be displaced inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: IOGYN, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, Michael D. Walker, Benedek Orczy-Timko, Balazs Lesko
  • Patent number: 9254143
    Abstract: A hollow guidewire with a shapeable distal end, for removing tissue from a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The hollow guidewire comprises an elongate, tubular guidewire body that has an axial lumen. A tissue removal assembly, such as a rotating drive shaft, is positioned at or near a distal end of the tubular guidewire body and extends through the axial lumen. Actuation of the tissue removal assembly removes occlusive material in the body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: REVASCULAR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Huynh, Nestor Aganon, Michael Carley, Victor Chechelski, Rudolfo Sudaria
  • Patent number: 9254144
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the system is configured to remove from or fragment materials in a vessel by inserting a catheter into a vessel, wherein the distal tip of the catheter is placed at the surgical site and a liquid spray is applied to materials to remove or fragment (as defined herein) the materials. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a liquid spray emanating from a fragmentation lumen and across a fragmentation opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Hoa D. Nguyen, Michael S. Mirizzi
  • Patent number: 9254145
    Abstract: A device for modifying a body lumen of a mammal in need thereof is provided, comprising a helically-cut tube comprising cutting teeth, said helically-cut tube substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said device, a ramp wire that is displaced from the longitudinal axis of said device over at least a portion of said ramp wire and is enclosed by said helically-cut tube over at least a part of the length of said ramp wire, a drive rod wherein the broach may be moved proximally, distally, and/or radially via proximal, distal, and radial motions, respectively, of the drive rod. Also provided are methods for using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED CATHETER THERAPIES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Teeslink, Dirk Hoyns
  • Patent number: 9254146
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nerve block procedure, the apparatus being composed of an echogenic needle or an echogenic soft tissue tunneling device and an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a medication. The apparatus may further include a sheath such that at least one of the needle or tunneling device and sheath is echogenic. The present invention also encompasses a system for performing a nerve block procedure, the system includes introducing an echogenic needle in the general area of a nerve bundle, positioning the echogenic needle adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, introducing an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a fluid through the echogenic needle, withdrawing the echogenic needle, positioning the echogenic catheter adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, and delivering fluid to the nerve bundle through the echogenic catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dillard Massengale, Steve S. Khalaj, Siddharth Desai, Dominic J. Cooke
  • Patent number: 9254147
    Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a trans-urethral sling delivery device for deploying a sub-urethral sling to support a urethra to treat urinary incontinence. A trocar and a delivery tube may be advanced through the urethra, and the trocar may puncture a hole in the urethral wall. The delivery tube may be configured to form a curved position such that a curved portion may extend from the hole in the urethral wall into an area surrounding the urethra near the bladder. A sub-urethral sling may be attached to a flexible delivery tool in a reduced delivery profile, and the flexible delivery tool with the attached sub-urethral sling may be advanced through the curved delivery tube. The delivery tube may be rotated to enable the delivery tool to anchor each end of the sub-urethral sling on each side of the urethra with a portion of the sling supporting the urethra from beneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: John Mathew Adams, Daniel Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9254148
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes an elongate cannula having a side wall at the proximal end that is coaxial with and movable relative to a seal-housing. A seal assembly that includes at least one seal is disposed within the seal-housing. An inflation port is formed in on the seal housing and configured to align with an opening in the side wall at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal housing is movable relative to the side wall between an open and closed configuration. In an open configuration, the inflation port is aligned with the opening in the side wall permitting fluid to flow across the cannula side wall. In a closed configuration, the inflation fort is offset from the opening in the side wall preventing fluid flow across the cannula side wall. In one variation, a resilient retention member is disposed inside the seal housing to bias the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 9254149
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system having a pedicle screw which includes (i) a shaft with external threads and a head segment on one end of the shaft; (ii) a first drive socket positioned in the head segment; (iii) a second drive socket on a shaft end opposite the first drive socket; and (iv) wherein the shaft end opposite the first drive socket has a lesser diameter than the shaft end at the head segment. The system further includes an intervertebral stabilization structure having an elongated body with rotating ring segments attached to each end of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Neurosurj Research and Development, LLC
    Inventor: Syed Aftab Karim
  • Patent number: 9254150
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Martin Meer
  • Patent number: 9254151
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust
  • Patent number: 9254152
    Abstract: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Katherine Manninen
  • Patent number: 9254153
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of fusing fractures of a femoral neck using a bone plate including the steps of: placing a bone plate on the femur; inserting an assembly of a bone screw and a locking ring in an opening in the plate; simultaneously threading the locking ring and the bone screw in the femur; threading the bone screw in the femur to compress the fracture; creating a space between the locking ring and the bone screw; and allowing the bone screw to move towards the locking ring when the femur is loaded. In another embodiment, the present invention is a bone plating system including a bone plate having a plurality of openings; at least one bone screw capable of being received through the opening and into a bone; at least one end cap fixedly insertable in the opening; and a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Simon, Jakob Kemper, Carsten Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9254154
    Abstract: A fixation device serves in facilitating reduction and repair of a fractured humerus. The fixation device includes a bone plate adapted to overlie and contact portions of a proximal humerus and a humeral shaft. The bone plate includes at least a body portion overlying the humeral shaft, and an end portion overlying a portion of the proximal humerus. The end portion can facilitate attachment of the bone plate to the lesser tuberosity of the proximal humerus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: TOBY ORTHOPAEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9254155
    Abstract: A stock instrument includes at least one guide interacting feature. A lower instrument surface of the stock instrument is placed into contact with the patient tissue. A guide has a lower guide surface contoured to substantially mate with at least a portion of an upper instrument surface of the stock instrument. A predetermined instrument orientation upon the patient tissue is defined, which is preselected responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. The guide and instrument are mated in a predetermined relative guide/instrument orientation wherein at least one guide interacting feature of the instrument is placed into engagement with at least one instrument guiding feature of the guide. The guide is moved into a predetermined guide orientation with respect to the patient tissue and concurrently the instrument is moved into a predetermined instrument orientation with respect to the patient tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. Iannotti, Wael K. Barsoum, Jason A. Bryan
  • Patent number: 9254156
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: IlluminOss Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Rabiner
  • Patent number: 9254157
    Abstract: A device and method for treating bone fractures/lesions using an inflatable body is provided. The inflatable body includes a balloon having a substantially flat horizontal surface for quick easy insertion into bone beneath the fracture so as to align misaligned fragments of the fracture and/or to collapsed bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The inflatable body has a stylet attached to it's distal end so that once the inflatable body is deflated it can be twisted about the stylet to have a smaller profile so as to be easily withdrawn from the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KYPHON SARL
    Inventors: Masourmeh Mafi, Bryan Auyoung, Todd Jenkins, Warren Sapida
  • Patent number: 9254158
    Abstract: A bending tool can be configured to bend an orthopedic implant and includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first base and a first adjustment member that is movably coupled to the first base. The second jaw assembly is movably coupled to the second jaw assembly. The second jaw assembly includes a second base and a second adjustment member that is movably coupled to the second base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Koch, Robert J. Schoutens
  • Patent number: 9254159
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft and a movable element. The shaft has a first end having an engaging member. A second end of the shaft has a stopping member. The movable element is configured to move along the shaft. The medical instrument can be used to reduce a fracture. In use, this may include engaging a fractured bone segment with the engaging member and moving the movable element along the shaft towards the stopping member to create a force on the stopping member when the movable element comes in contact with the stopping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Jiangming Li
  • Patent number: 9254160
    Abstract: An implant driver assembly includes an assembly for advancing a threaded implant over a wire. The assembly may include a driver tool with a proximal end, a distal end and a first engagement surface that has a first thread. The driver tool may also include a first wire passage. The assembly may further include a wire locking mechanism with a second engagement surface having a second thread. The second thread is engaged with the first thread to rotatably couple the wire locking mechanism with the driver tool. The wire locking mechanism may further include a second wire passage. The second wire passage may be substantially coaxially aligned with the first wire passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peyman Pakzaban, Greg Nelson, Andrew Dauster, Tyler Haskins
  • Patent number: 9254161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically to a radiolucent surgical handle system which utilizes properties of silicone and channel geometry to create a more responsive and stable medical instrument. Channel geometry is utilized to stabilize the outer silicone gripping layer, thus preventing axial, planar, lateral or angular movement of the silicone gripping layer under conditions of torque force during a surgical operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Keith A. Easter, Gao Hua
  • Patent number: 9254162
    Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods optionally treat dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and/or a wide range of additional target tissues. Embodiments apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. Treatment may be applied along most or all of the insertable length of an elongate needle, optionally by introducing cryogenic cooling fluid into the needle lumen through a small, tightly-toleranced lumen of a fused silica fluid supply tube, with the supply tube lumen often metering the cooling fluid. Treatment temperature and/or time control may be enhanced using a simple pressure relief valve coupled to the needle lumen via a limited total exhaust volume space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Burger, Ronald Williams, Lisa Elkins
  • Patent number: 9254163
    Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Chou Thao
  • Patent number: 9254164
    Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventor: Jean Woloszko
  • Patent number: 9254165
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting faults within an electrosurgical instrument having a shield and an active electrode uses multiple possible fault conditions. In one embodiment the monitoring system comprises an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and adapted to deliver power to the active electrode of the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ENCISION, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Albert Aronow, David Newton, Don R. Boyle
  • Patent number: 9254166
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal portion, the distal portion comprising a return electrode and electrode support. There is also at least one active electrode on the shaft distal portion, which has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of aspiration apertures disposed therebetween. These apertures are fluidly connected to a fluid aspiration cavity that is located within the electrode support, and the cavity is connected with a fluid aspiration element that is located along the shaft. The plurality of apertures vary in size and are generally arranged so that the larger sized apertures are disposed towards the electrode proximal portion and the smaller sized apertures are generally located towards the electrode distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Rajitha Aluru, Doug Evans, David A. Cox, Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Gerardo Molina
  • Patent number: 9254167
    Abstract: An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Terry S. Davison, Brian Warne, Martin Kwende
  • Patent number: 9254168
    Abstract: Electrosurgical therapy is provided with an electrode array configured to ablate tissue during insertion of the electrode array into tissue being treated. Once the electrode array is fully inserted, deep heating of the treated tissue can be performed by applying an additional waveform to the tissue with the electrode array. Optionally, the electrical waveform can be varied continuously during insertion of the electrode array to control the extent of coagulation at the side walls and at the bottom of the channels produced by tissue ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: Daniel V. Palanker
  • Patent number: 9254169
    Abstract: An ablation apparatus may generally comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and a non-conductive tip at the distal end, a conductive sheath at least partially surrounding a portion of the elongated body intermediate the proximal end and the tip, and an electrical conductor electrically connected to the conductive sheath. The ablation apparatus may comprise a first electrode having a first diameter and a plurality of second electrodes each having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. Methods of using the ablation apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Long, David N. Plescia, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 9254170
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue, the shaft assembly is in communication with the end effector and a portion of the shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector. The interface assembly is in communication with the shaft assembly. The interface assembly comprises a housing portion, a shaft cartridge, and a base portion. The housing portion can engage the shaft cartridge. The shaft cartridge is able to rotate and articulate the end effector, and the shaft assembly extends from the shaft cartridge. The base portion and the housing portion are able to enclose the shaft cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, David T. Martin, Gregory W. Johnson, William J. White
  • Patent number: 9254171
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft, and a handpiece. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The shaft is in communication with the end effector. The shaft includes a firing beam operable to actuate a portion of the end effector. The handpiece comprises a pivoting trigger that is operable to distally advance a firing beam driver to advance the firing beam. The handpiece also comprises an activation button and lockout assembly. The lockout assembly is movable between a locked and unlocked state. In the locked state, the lockout assembly blocks a portion of the firing beam driver from advancing. In the unlocked state, the lockout assembly allows the firing beam driver to advance. The activation button switches is operable to unlock the lockout assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Randolph C. Stewart, Alex W. Kiturkes, William A. Crawford, Patrick J. Minnelli