Patents Issued in February 11, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160038103
    Abstract: A radiation attenuation system is provided. The radiation attenuation system includes a first shield panel formed of a first radiation attenuating material, a second shield panel formed of a second radiation attenuating material, and a frame disposed below the first shield panel and the second shield panel. The frame includes a first end portion defining a first array of slots and a second end portion defining a second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are configured to receive the first shield panel and the second shield panel such that the second shield panel is spaced apart from the first shield panel to form a first trough sized to fit a limb of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: WORLDWIDE INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Cadwalader, William P. Radtke
  • Publication number: 20160038104
    Abstract: Provided is an intraoral sensor including an image sensor configured to bendable and to generate an electrical signal by detecting an X-ray; and a case configured to receive the image sensor and to limits a bending level of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Sung Kyn HEO, Jin Pyo CHUN
  • Publication number: 20160038105
    Abstract: The present invention is related to system and method for capturing dental images, for example, an aiming and positioning device for capturing dental images of a patient's teeth using a collimator. The system includes an image receptor holding device with an elongated arm adapted to receive and couple the receptor holder to a collimation structure. The elongated arm extends between the collimator and the receptor holder with one end coupling to the rear portion of the receptor holder and another end coupling to the collimator, and aligns the receptor with the collimator opening in an unobstructed manner. A biting portion or surface is present on the elongated arm adjacent to the receptor holder such that when the receptor is positioned behind the teeth on which the images are being taken, the biting surface is gripped by the teeth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Hayman, Ekram Khan, Michael Paloian, Anthony Orchard
  • Publication number: 20160038106
    Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided that includes a first gantry having a plurality of first detector units coupled within a bore of the first gantry such that the first detector units form a first field of view (FOV) of the first gantry. The first detector units are configured to acquire SPECT data. Further, the medical imaging system includes a second gantry having a plurality of second detector units coupled within a bore of the second gantry such that the second detector units form a second FOV of the second gantry. The second detector units are configured to acquire x-ray CT data. The second gantry is positioned adjacent to the first gantry. The medical imaging system also includes a patient table movable through the bores and a controller unit configured to control a rotation speed of the first detector units and the second detector units around the examination axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yulim Zingerman
  • Publication number: 20160038107
    Abstract: A method for assembling a phase contrast x-ray imaging system includes fabricating a phase grating and an absorption grating according to a preselected pitch of the gratings. The actual obtained pitches are measured and a source grating is then fabricated according to a desired design point of the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Pavlo Baturin, Mark E. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20160038108
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an X-ray CT apparatus which comprises high voltage generation processing circuitry configured to selectively generate a first voltage and a second voltage higher than the first tube voltage; a first filter formed from a material having substantially the same atomic number as that of a contrast material to be administered to an object and configured to perform radiation quality adjustment; a second filter formed from a material different from the contrast material and configured to perform radiation quality adjustment; a filter switching mechanism configured to switch between the first filter and the second filter to be interposed between a X-ray tube and the object; and control processing circuitry configured to control the high voltage generation unit and the filter switching mechanism to synchronize switching between the first voltage and the second voltage with switching between the first filter and the second filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Emi TAMURA, Yasuo SAITO, Takuzo TAKAYAMA, Hiroaki MIYAZAKI, Hiroaki NAKAI
  • Publication number: 20160038109
    Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry suitable to perform the radiological imaging. The gantry includes a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. The radiological imaging device further includes a control station suitable to control the functioning of the source and the detector. Also, the radiological imaging device includes an articulated arm suitable to move the gantry in relation to the control station to define various configurations. These configurations include an operating configuration wherein the gantry is distanced from the control station and a rest configuration wherein the gantry is alongside the control station limiting the overall dimensions of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Publication number: 20160038110
    Abstract: A supporting device according to an embodiment includes a holder, a supporter, and a controller. The holder holds a terminal device that includes a detection surface that detects an input operation by an operator. The supporter is connected to the holder and is movably provided so as to locate a terminal device at a predetermined position, the terminal device being held by the holder. The controller fixes the supporter in a state where the supporter is located at a predetermined position when the detection surface detects the input operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu HAYASHI, Shigeyuki ISHll, Kousuke SAKAUE, Takuya SAKAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160038111
    Abstract: Contrast agents for x-ray imaging including stabilized metal nanoparticles and encapsulated nanoparticles, as well as methods for imaging tissue with these agents, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of dual energy x-ray imaging using metal nanoparticle contrast agents or encapsulated metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Inventors: ANDREW D.A. MAIDMENT, ANATOLIY V. POPOV, E. JAMES DELIKATNY, ANDREW TSOURKAS, ROSHAN KARUNAMUNI, AJLAN AL ZAKI, SARA GAVENONIS, DAVID CORMODE
  • Publication number: 20160038112
    Abstract: A digital image (40) comprises pixels with intensities relating to different energy levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: RAFAEL WIEMKER, THOMAS BUELOW, ANDRE GOOSSEN, KLAUS ERHARD, MARTIN BERGTHOLDT, HARALD SEPP HEESE
  • Publication number: 20160038113
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a computed tomography (CT) acquisition unit and a processing unit. The CT acquisition unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector configured to collect CT imaging data of an object to be imaged. The X-ray source and CT detector are configured to be rotated about the object to be imaged and to collect a series of views of the object as the X-ray source and CT detector rotate about the object to be imaged. The processing unit is operably coupled to the CT acquisition unit and configured to control the CT acquisition unit to vary a view duration for the views of the series. The view duration for a particular view defines an imaging information acquisition period for the particular view, wherein the series of views includes a first group of views having a first view duration and a second group of views having a second view duration that is different than the first view duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jiahua Fan, Jed Douglas Pack, Guangzhi Cao, David Joseph Pitterle, Grant Morey Stevens
  • Publication number: 20160038114
    Abstract: An AEC unit of an electronic cassette sets a dose target value and a short-circuited pixel used for AEC based on a radiographing condition. When a control unit of the electronic cassette detects start of irradiation of X rays, the AEC unit starts integration of a cumulative dose of X rays which are incident to a target region based on a dose detection signal output by the short-circuited pixel. The AEC unit predicts a stop timing at the time point t1, waits until the time point t2 which is a predetermined time earlier than a scheduled stop time, and sends a stop timing notification to an X-ray generation device at the time point t2. When the stop timing notification is received, a X-ray source control device immediately inputs an irradiation stop command so as to stop an operation of an X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi TAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160038115
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a bed that has a top board on which an object is placed, a console configured to manipulate an actuation of the bed in an inverting direction, in which the object is inclined to locate a head lower than a foot, and an actuation of the bed in a raising direction, in which the object is inclined to locate the head higher than the foot, and a processing circuitry configured to receive an input from the console and control an actuation of the bed, and the processing circuitry determines whether the head of the object is located closer to one shorter side of the bed or to another shorter side of the bed, and changes a control of an actuation of the bed programmed in the console based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Norimitsu KOSUGI
  • Publication number: 20160038116
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide markers, phantoms, and associated methods of calibration which are suitable for use in both medical resonance imaging and radiographic imaging systems. A marker includes a first component having a first hydrogen proton density and a first mass density; and a second component having a second hydrogen proton density different than the first hydrogen proton density, and a second mass density different than the first mass density. The first and second components are non-magnetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Martin SELL, David MILLS, Julian BYRNE, John ALLEN, David Anthony ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20160038117
    Abstract: An ultrasonic blood pressure measuring device measures the blood pressure of a blood vessel by performing transmission of an ultrasonic wave and reception of a reflected wave with respect to the blood vessel using an ultrasonic probe. A blood vessel position determination unit determines the position of the blood vessel with respect to the ultrasonic probe based on the reception signal of the ultrasonic probe. A blood pressure measurement execution unit executes blood pressure measurement based on the relative position of the blood vessel determined by the blood vessel position determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Natsumi TAMADA
  • Publication number: 20160038118
    Abstract: A side-fire ultrasonic probe includes an alignment feature that, when used to connect the probe with a needle guide for intra-cavity medical procedures, enables alignment of a needle in an imaging plane of an ultrasonic transducer. The alignment feature is configured such that alignment of the needle within the imaging plane is accomplished when a protective sheath is disposed between the alignment feature and the needle guide. This configuration can be used with high frequency ultrasonic arrays having frequency distributions centered at about 20 MHz, and for medical procedures, such as biopsying organs or other bodily intra-cavity structures, and delivering intra-cavity therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: N. Chris Chaggares, Eric Michael Rieder
  • Publication number: 20160038119
    Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound unit including: an ultrasound probe (20) for acquiring an anatomical image of a human body and for locating a medical instrument (5) with respect to said image, the ultrasound probe (20) including a first set of imaging transducer elements (550) and a second set of localisation transducer elements (551A, 551B), wherein the first set of imaging transducer elements are distinct and disjoint from the second set of localisation transducer elements, wherein: the first set of imaging transducer elements are configured to: produce ultrasound imaging transmissions into the human body, wherein the ultrasound imaging transmissions are focussed into an image scan plane (25), and receive reflections of the ultrasound imaging transmissions for generating a two-dimensional anatomical image corresponding to the image scan plane; and wherein the second set of localisation transducer elements are configured to produce ultrasound localisation transmissions into the human body for lo
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: UCL BUSINESS PLC
    Inventor: Adrien Desjardins
  • Publication number: 20160038120
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array having a plurality of ultrasonic element rows each including a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged along a first direction and electrically connected to each other, the plurality of ultrasonic element rows being arranged along a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and a plurality of common electrode wirings each configured to independently supply a common voltage to at least one of the ultrasonic element rows, the common electrode wirings extending along the first direction, one of the common electrode wirings being arranged between a pair of the ultrasonic element rows with respect to the second direction, the common electrode wirings being non-overlapped with the ultrasonic elements as viewed in a thickness direction of the substrate that is a normal direction of a surface of the substrate over which the ultrasonic element array is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kazuyuki KANO
  • Publication number: 20160038121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system (10) comprising:—an image processor (34) configured to receive at least one set of volume data resulting from a three-dimensional ultrasound scan of a body (12) and to provide corresponding display data,—an anatomy detector (38) configured to detect a position and orientation of an anatomical object of interest within the at least one set of volume data,—a slice generator (40) for generating a plurality of two-dimensional slices from the at least one set of volume data, wherein said slice generator (40) is configured to define respective slice locations based on the results of the anatomy detector for the anatomical object of interest so as to obtain a set of two-dimensional standard views of the anatomical object of interest, wherein the slice generator (40) is further configured to define for each two-dimensional standard view which anatomical features of the anatomical object of interest are expected to be contained, and—an evaluation unit (42)
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: IRINA WAECHTER-STEHLE, JUERGEN WEESE
  • Publication number: 20160038122
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: a data acquisition unit configured to acquire volume data for a head of an object; an image processor configured to detect a mid-sagittal plane (MSP) from the volume data, generate an MSP image corresponding to the MSP, detect at least one measurement plane based on the MSP, and generate at least one measurement plane image corresponding to the at least one measurement plane; and a display configured to display the MSP image and the at least one measurement plane image on a single screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-hee LEE, Sung-yoon KIM, Jun-sang YOO
  • Publication number: 20160038123
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an enhanced image of a volume of tissue, comprising: emitting acoustic waveforms toward the volume of tissue; detecting acoustic signals derived from acoustic waveforms interacting with the volume of tissue; generating a reflection rendering of a region of the volume of tissue; generating at least one of a sound speed map and an attenuation map of the region of the volume of tissue; generating a transfer map derived from a set of sound speed parameter values of the sound speed map and/or a set of acoustic attenuation parameter values of the acoustic attenuation map, the set of sound speed parameter values and the set of acoustic attenuation parameters associated with the set of elements of the region of the volume of tissue; and rendering an enhanced image of the volume of tissue, derived from processing of the reflection rendering with the transfer map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Nebojsa Duric, Peter Littrup, Cuiping Li
  • Publication number: 20160038124
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of creating a three-dimensional image that expresses the shading effect due to leakage, absorption or others of light. The apparatus displays a three-dimensional image of an object based on luminance volume data, and includes: a light source information setting unit configured to set light source data indicating a property of a light source that is set in a three-dimensional space; an optical property setting unit configured to set a weight coefficient indicating an optical property of the luminance volume data with respect to the light source; an illuminance calculation unit configured to calculate an illuminance at a position corresponding to a coordinate of the luminance volume data, based on the optical data and the weight coefficient, and to create illuminance volume data based on the calculated illuminance; and a volume rendering unit configured to create the three-dimensional image from the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Takehiro TSUJITA
  • Publication number: 20160038125
    Abstract: Embodiments for aligning a volume to a standard alignment are provided. On example method includes accessing three images, each image representing a respective plane of three intersecting planes of a volume, identifying a feature of interest in each of the three images, outputting one or more guidance indicators that indicate how the three images are to be aligned with respect to the feature of interest to correspond with the standard orientation, and adjusting the three images according to the one or more guidance indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas Haas, Christian Zillner, Seyed Ebrahim Dehghani Bonaki, Christian Stoeckl
  • Publication number: 20160038126
    Abstract: The elongated substantially tubular introducer extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a sharpened distal end. The introducer includes at least one side window positioned at a predefined location along the longitudinal axis from a distal tip. The elongated stylet is adapted to be received in a lumen of the tubular introducer to provide structural support for the introducer during insertion and removal. The introducer can be inserted as part of a procedure that includes generating a first image to identify target tissue for biopsy, inserting the introducer into the location of the target tissue based on the first image and then taking a second image, in a substantially transverse or orthogonal direction from the first image in order to ensure proper alignment of target tissue in relation to the at least one side window or to allow for repositioning of the introducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey BROOKS
  • Publication number: 20160038127
    Abstract: There is provided herein a biopsy probe, comprising an outer elongated hollow body having a distal end configured to penetrate a sampling region, a proximal end and an opening located between said distal end and said proximal end, and an inner needle for obtaining one or more tissue samples, wherein at least a part thereof is located is an inner part of said outer elongated hollow body, wherein in a first configuration thereof, said inner needle extends along an insertions axis of said probe and in a second configuration thereof, at least a part of said inner needle extends through said opening, creating an angle relative to said insertion axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Rami Hashimshony
  • Publication number: 20160038128
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable fistula treatment devices and related methods. In some embodiments, an implantable fistula treatment device may comprise a suture and a proximal anchor. The proximal anchor may comprise a tissue anchor and a suture tensioner. The suture tensioner may be configured to resiliently maintain the suture in tension over a range of distances between the proximal anchor and a distal anchor. In some variations, the suture tensioner may have a deformable elastic structure. The suture tensioner may have a tensioned configuration and a neutral configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Harold F. CARRISON
  • Publication number: 20160038129
    Abstract: A seal assembly that seals opening in the wall of a blood vessel has a first sealing element for placing inside the lumen of the blood vessel and to engage the interior wall surface, a shaft integrally formed with the first sealing element and fixed in a predetermined configuration relative to the first sealing element, an outer floating element slidingly movable along the shaft; and a second sealing element, the second sealing element slidingly movable relative to the first sealing element along the shaft to engage the outer floating element and position the outer floating element against the exterior surface and the first sealing element against the interior surface of the blood vessel to seal the opening in the blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: John I. Shipp
  • Publication number: 20160038130
    Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Laurent Schaller, Joseph Trautman
  • Publication number: 20160038131
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a guiding instrument; a protector comprised of a protective material held in a non-protecting state by the guiding instrument and having a protection state; and an actuator connected to the protector that is configured to advance the protector along the guiding instrument such that the protector is allowed to assume the protection state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventors: John R. White, Gregory J. Denham
  • Publication number: 20160038132
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retractor including an enclosure extending from a first open end to a second open end to form a lumen extending along an axis therebetween and that is accessible from the first open end and the second open end. The retractor further includes a first aperture formed at first angular position in the enclosure, and a second aperture formed at second angular position in the enclosure and opposing the first aperture to form a passage extending transverse to the axis from the first aperture, through the lumen, and to the second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture are located proximate to the first open end and sized to arrange the passage along a spine of a patient to receive a trocar for delivering a graft material to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Nathaniel P. Brooks, Meghan A. Anderson, Hannah O. Meyer, Hannah Pezzi, Andrea Schuster, Amy R. Slawson
  • Publication number: 20160038133
    Abstract: A tissue retractor for attachment to an elongate member of a medical device. The tissue retractor includes a cap having a central longitudinal axis. The cap includes an attachment section adapted to attach to a distal end of the elongate member. The cap further includes a moveable component pivotally attached to the attachment section at one or more pivot points, and an actuator connected to the moveable component to transition the moveable component across the central longitudinal axis from an insertion state to an actuated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul SMITH, Mary Ann CORNELL, Samuel RAYBIN, Robert DEVRIES, Meghan E. SOENS, Niklas ANDERSSON, Shawn RYAN, Matthew R. JAGELSKI, Ray H. TONG, Celine CHIN, Jon TAYLOR, Daniel E. HAMILTON, Robert CHARLES
  • Publication number: 20160038134
    Abstract: A device useful for accessing the left atrium is provided. The device comprises an elongated tubular body and a dilating tip. The tubular body has an axis, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. The dilating tip is slidably mounted on the distal end of the tubular body. The dilating tip comprises a segmented surface that is generally transverse to the axis of the tubular body, and a generally rigid tube extending distally from the segmented surface and having a sharp distal end. Distal movement of the tubular body relative to the dilating tip exerts a force on the segmented surface to thereby open the segmented surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yaron Keidar
  • Publication number: 20160038135
    Abstract: A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Todd Deutch
  • Publication number: 20160038136
    Abstract: A solid, monolithic shaft member has an engagement end. The engagement end has a proximal end a distal end. The proximal end has a first cross-sectional geometry, and the distal end has a second cross-sectional geometry. The first cross-sectional geometry of the proximal end is different from the second cross-sectional geometry of the distal end. The cross-sectional geometry of the distal end transitions to the a cross-sectional geometry of the proximal end along a longitudinal axis of the engagement end of the solid, monolithic shaft member. This transition provides a gradual, blending, continuously transitioning cross-sectional geometry along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the engagement end of the solid, monolithic shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Edwin Housman
  • Publication number: 20160038137
    Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Richard Cartledge, Korey Kline, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez
  • Publication number: 20160038138
    Abstract: A surgical anchor comprises a plurality of plates configured into a stack with successive plates within the stack being vertically arrayed with respect to the stack. The stack has an undeployed configuration, and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration one or more of the plates is positioned outwardly more laterally with respect to the stack than in the undeployed configuration so as to retain the anchor in a bone hole. A biasing member between the plates in the stack biases the one or more plates toward the deployed configuration. The biasing member can provide a torsional force to induce the plates to rotate and fan outwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Steven N. Bittenson
  • Publication number: 20160038139
    Abstract: A medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery, includes: a handle having a proximal end configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal end for manipulation during the surgery, an internal passageway extending through the handle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, and a longitudinally-extending slot extending longitudinally through the handle from its outer surface to the passageway for side-loading the handle with a manipulatable member to be manipulated during surgery. A shield is located within the passageway in the handle. The shield is secured along one edge to the inner surface of handle defining the passageway, and includes an elastic section normally covering the longitudinally-extending slot. The elastic section of the shield is yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but to prevent a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: DEPUY MITEK INC.
    Inventors: Ran OREN, Eran ZAKAI, Yaron FUERST, Aryeh MIROCHINIK, Ian CROOKENDEN, Kevin McKENNEY, Meghan SCANLON, Makoto OHIRA
  • Publication number: 20160038140
    Abstract: A suture device includes: a longitudinal member extended along a longitudinal axis; a first grasping member and a second grasping member provided at a distal portion of the longitudinal member and configured to enable opening-closing movement; an opening-closing mechanism configured to open and close the first grasping member and the second grasping member; a delivery mechanism configured to deliver a distal member between the first grasping member and the second grasping member, the distal member to which a suture thread is fixed; and an engage portion supported by one of the first grasping member and the second grasping member so as to protrude from a distal end of at least one of the first grasping member and the second grasping member and having an engaging-surface capable of engaging the suture thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Shinji TAKAHASHI, Tatsutoshi HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160038141
    Abstract: A minimally invasive suture insertion device utilizing small gage needles is provided for threading one or more sutures through subcutaneous tissue, both locally and from remote access points, to support, attach, sever, ligate or constrict tissue, vessels, ligaments, nerves or other anatomical features, or for pulling another device into position defined by a suture pathway. A manually operated suture transfer device and method are provided for use in various surgical applications. The suture transfer device operates as an instrument for inserting sutures into and through desired pathways. Tethered cannulas are coupled to the positioned sutures and dock, transversely, with a captured component having a capacity for engaging a single suture or multiple sutures, together or in turn within subcutaneous tissue from local or remote access points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: David E. LEVINE, Neal B. COHEN, Daniel S. LEVINE, Marshall S. LEVINE
  • Publication number: 20160038142
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Dino Kasvikis
  • Publication number: 20160038143
    Abstract: The limit of crush or bend occurring at a needle tip is extended or the strength of a needle tip portion is improved without having a bad influence on operation performed by a medical doctor in a suture surgery. The medical suture needle (A) wherein the needle tip (1) to be thrust into a biomedical tissue is formed at the tip is characterized in that the dimension (d) of the needle tip (1) in the direction of the thickness of the material of the medical suture needle has a value not larger than 5% of the thickness (D) of the material of the medical suture needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kazuaki KATO
  • Publication number: 20160038144
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20160038145
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20160038146
    Abstract: A vascular device having a plurality of struts having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the struts are retained in a converged position. The struts diverge radially outwardly. A plurality of vessel penetrating members extend from the proximal portion of the struts for engaging the internal wall of the vessel, wherein release of the retention of the distal portions of the struts causes the distal portions to move outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and the proximal portions of the struts to move inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the vessel engaging members pull the internal wall of the vessel radially inwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventor: John D. Leedle
  • Publication number: 20160038147
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for reducing the incidence and/or severity and/or delaying the onset of heart dysfunction/failure and improving overall survival through the use of remote ischemic per-conditioning and post-conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: The Hospital for Sick Children
    Inventor: Andrew Redington
  • Publication number: 20160038148
    Abstract: An occluding device for occlusion of fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel manufactured by wedging fibers between adjacent coil windings of a primary coil so that the fibers extend generally radially across the primary coil body between the primary coil windings and outward therefrom. An elongated adhesive is inserted applicator into the primary coil lumen and subsequently proximally withdrawn while simultaneously depositing along the primary coil windings. The fibers and the adhesive are placed in overlapping locations so that the fibers extend through the adhesive. The fibers are thus blocked from slipping along their length relative to the coil body by the adhesive adhering to the fibers inside the primary coil lumen. The adhesive extends radially outward from the coil lumen no farther than the outer primary coil radius. The adhesive adheres to the fibers and may or may not adhere with the primary coil windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kurt Tekulve
  • Publication number: 20160038149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp for treating a bodily tissue having a prolapse, the clamp including a body and at least two flexible arms for clamping the prolapse protruding with respect to the body, each clamping arm comprising a proximal end connected to the body and a free distal end opposite to the proximal end. The clamp includes at least one flexible member for crushing the prolapse, the crushing member protruding from the body or from one of the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Mustapha LADJALI
  • Publication number: 20160038150
    Abstract: An embolic device deployment system includes a catheter having a first lumen and proximal and distal ends. A notch is disposed in the first lumen, forming a second lumen. An embolic device has a retaining ring at the proximal end. An engagement member includes a distal loop extending through the retaining ring, and a proximal loop extending into the first lumen. An elongated detachment member can be disposed through the loops and have a detachment member bump disposed between the loops. When the detachment member is disposed within the distal loop and the distal loop is disposed within the retaining ring, the embolic device is engaged. When the detachment member is pulled proximally, the detachment member is withdrawn from the distal loop, and the detachment member bump contacts the proximal loop. These acts assist in the disengagement of the distal loop from the retaining ring to release the embolic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Juan LORENZO
  • Publication number: 20160038151
    Abstract: Detachment of a medical device from a delivery assembly can utilize features of electrolytic detachment and features of mechanical detachment. Detachment zones can facilitate mechanical retention of the medical device as well as electrolytic corrosion of portions of the delivery assembly to allow mechanical release of the medical device. Such a delivery system, can include an implant comprising a hub, the hub defining an aperture having an aperture cross-sectional dimension; and a delivery wire comprising (i) a core member extending through the aperture and (ii) a stopper positioned distal to the aperture, the stopper having a first cross-sectional dimension larger than the aperture cross-sectional dimension, and the stopper being electrolytically corrodible to reduce the first cross-sectional dimension to a second cross-sectional dimension smaller than the aperture cross-sectional dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Madhur Kadam
  • Publication number: 20160038152
    Abstract: Detachment of a medical device from a delivery assembly can focus activity of electrolytic detachment to enhance detachment procedures. Electrolytic activity can be focused by insulating nearby areas of a core wire and pre-treating a detachment zone to reduce crystallinity of the detachment zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jianlu Ma, Vincent Divino