Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
  • Patent number: 9289190
    Abstract: Embodiments for providing a strain image in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processing unit sets windows on a pre-compression frame and a post-compression frame, and performs a correlation operation between the first and second frames within the windows to compute displacements for a third frame, wherein the processing unit selects at least one of previously set windows at an (N?i)th row by referring to current windows positioned at a Nth row in an axial direction, computes an initial displacement based on displacements corresponding to the selected at least one of windows, and determines a range for moving the current window on the second frame in the axial direction based on the computed initial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Shik Park
  • Patent number: 9289191
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling a plurality of transducers acoustically coupled with the surface of a volume of tissue over a period of time after a light pulse at one wavelength, and after another light pulse at a different wavelength, and for processing those sinograms, reconstructing at least two optoacoustic images from the two sinograms, processing the two optoacoustic images to generate two envelope images and generating a parametric map from information in the two envelope images. In an embodiment, motion and tracking are determined to align the envelope images. In an embodiment, at least a second parametric map is produced from information in the same two envelope images. In an embodiment an ultrasound image is also acquired, and the parametric map is coregistered with and overlayed upon the ultrasound image, and then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev
  • Patent number: 9289192
    Abstract: A biopsy needle actuator assembly used with a biopsy needle for excising a tissue specimen from a target tissue in an animal includes a counter assembly for tracking the individual biopsy event associated with the actuator assembly, and tracking the cumulative number of firings of the actuator assembly to ensure the actuator assembly is replaced prior to failure. The counter assembly registers movement of the biopsy needle during use, aids an operator in proper identification of the biopsy specimen during a biopsy event, and aids the user in correlating the location and orientation of pathological findings of the biopsy specimen in the target tissue in vivo to aid in treatment of the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: 3DBiopsy LLC
    Inventor: Nelson N. Stone
  • Patent number: 9289193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Louis C. Argenta, David L. Carroll, James E. Jordan, Nicole H. Levi, Jie Liu, Michael J. Morykwas, William D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9289194
    Abstract: An insert 30 comprises a rod 32 having a proximal end 34 and a distal end 36. The insert 30 also comprises a tool 38 which is demountably coupled to the distal end 36. Proximal end 34 is formed with a ball 40 which is configured to seat and engage in a socket of a handle 12 of a laparoscopic instrument 10. The rod 32 fits within a sheath 14 of the laparoscopic instrument 10. The distal end 36 of the rod 32 is provided with an attachment head 42 to facilitate the attachment of the tool 38. A linkage mechanism 44 in the attachment head 42 converts the linear motion of the insert 30 (and in particular rod 32) relative to the outer sheath 14 to a pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jai Singh, Jiwan Steven Singh
  • Patent number: 9289195
    Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes an introducer sheath, an occlusion member with a balloon thereon, a retraction assembly, and a syringe assembly including sealing material therein. During use, the introducer sheath is introduced into the puncture. With the balloon in a collapsed state, the occlusion member is introduced through the introducer sheath until the balloon is disposed within the vessel. The introducer sheath is coupled to the retraction assembly, the balloon is expanded, and the occlusion member is partially withdrawn to seal the puncture. A sealing compound is delivered from the syringe assembly through the introducer sheath into the puncture, the syringe assembly triggering the retraction assembly, whereupon the introducer sheath is automatically withdrawn at least partially from the puncture, delivering the sealing compound along the puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Access Closure, Inc.
    Inventors: Celso J. Bagaoisan, Nicanor Domingo, Farhad Khosravi, Suresh S. Pai
  • Patent number: 9289196
    Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a dissolvable coating and a hemostatic substance enclosed within the coating. The device can have, for example, a generally spherical shape. The hemostatic substance can be particles that take any shape, such as spherical, flat sheets, cubes, or other regular or irregular shapes of any size or volume that can be used on or within a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Sirota
  • Patent number: 9289197
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of the sealing plug. In addition, torque required to tamp the sealing plug is automatically sensed and gear ratios of an automatic tamping device are automatically changed in response to sensed changes in torque. A planetary transmission may be used to automatically change gear ratios in response to the changes in torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL PUERTO RICO LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Thomas Forsberg
  • Patent number: 9289198
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for sealing a puncture in a wall of a lumen of a body comprising the steps of deploying a deployment member of a sealing device through an elastic membrane adjacent the wall of the lumen and the puncture, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing element; positioning the sealing element adjacent the wall of the lumen; retracting the deployment member relative to the sealing element to stretch the membrane away from the wall of the lumen; retracting the deployment member relative to the sealing element to allow the elastic nature of the membrane to force the sealing element against the puncture; and retracting the device from the puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Richard S. Ginn, Thomas J. Palermo
  • Patent number: 9289199
    Abstract: An eyelid speculum comprising a longitudinally Elongated support, first and second elongated members carried by the support to extend laterally, and eyelid positioning spoons carried by the members, at least one of the members having adjustable connection to the support to be selectively positioned relative to the other of the members whereby the spoons may be relatively adjustably positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Neotech Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Sami, Arnold M. Heyman, Lawrence C. Kiliszewski
  • Patent number: 9289200
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and a funnel segment extending between and coupling the outer ring and the tubular body, wherein the funnel segment provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring and the relatively smaller diameter of the tubular body, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin K. Dang, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Blaze Brown, Adam Hoke, Jacob J. Filek, Gary M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9289201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and/or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and/or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and/or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Herbert Eugene Schwartz, Francis S. Proch
  • Patent number: 9289202
    Abstract: A rotator cuff tendon injury is repaired using a flexible fastener and an anchor. The flexible fastener is attached to the rotator cuff tendon and also secured to the anchor. The anchor is attached to or supported by various locations on the humerus other than the humeral head, to provide a robust means for holding the rotator cuff tendon in the desired position against the humeral head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Syntorr, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Martin
  • Patent number: 9289203
    Abstract: A drill guide assembly for drilling a bone hole and implanting a suture anchor in the bone hole. The assembly includes a drill guide and a suture anchor. The drill guide includes a sidewall extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the drill guide. The sidewall defines a center cannulation configured to receive a drill. The suture anchor retention portion of the drill guide is configured to support a suture anchor for coupling with an inserter device pushed through the drill guide to implant the suture anchor in the bone hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Robin Brown, Daniel B. Smith, Nathan A. Winslow, David A. Nolan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9289204
    Abstract: An insertion device includes an elongate member and a stylet. The elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and defines a lumen therethrough. The stylet has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and is slidably coupled to the elongate member. The stylet is configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the elongate member. The proximal end portion of the stylet is configured to removably couple a mesh carrier thereto. A portion of the proximal end portion of the stylet is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate member when the stylet is in its first position and is disposed within the lumen when the stylet is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. H. Chu
  • Patent number: 9289205
    Abstract: Systems for tissue repair are described where an elongate tissue repair device may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. A suture delivery assembly may be sized for insertion through a single incision and positioned into proximity with a damaged or ruptured tissue region. A first portion of the damaged tissue region may be positioned within or along a channel defined along the suture delivery assembly and one or more lengths of suture may be secured to the first portion via the device. A second portion of the damaged tissue region may be similarly positioned within or along the channel and one or more additional lengths of suture may be secured to the second portion via the device. The first and second portions may then be approximated and secured to one another via the sutures to facilitate healing of the damaged tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Raptor Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: James Rohl, Shannon M. Rush
  • Patent number: 9289206
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a cutting member, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, an elongate slot, and a deck comprising a first deck surface and a second deck surface, where one of the deck surfaces is stepped up from the other deck surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of first staple cavities arranged in a first row, a plurality of second staple cavities arranged in a second row, and a plurality of third staple cavities arranged in a third row. The staple cartridge further comprises a driven element, a lateral securement member releasably positioned over the deck, and a plurality of staples. The plurality of staples comprises a first staple, a second staple, and a third staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9289207
    Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus for stapling tissue includes a staple and pledget assembly and a circular staple head operable to drive staples toward an anvil. A staple of the staple and pledget assembly has a pair of legs disposed substantially perpendicular to a crown of the staple in a first position. The pair of legs is operable to advance against a pocket in the anvil to form a staple with bent legs. The staple and pledget assembly includes the staple and a pledget configured to receive the pair of legs of the staple. The pledget comprises a bioabsorbable material. The pledget is configured to advance distal ends of the pair of legs to a position in which the distal ends are laterally offset from a plane in which the crown of the staple is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9289208
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a flexible articulation insert and at least one feeder belt extending through the articulation insert, where at least some of the staples are frangibly connected to the feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one movable feeder belt; staples fixed to the feeder belt; and a flexible articulation insert having at least one feeder belt passage defined therein, the flexible articulation insert configured to bend through a range of motion; where each feeder belt extends through a corresponding feeder belt passage, and where each feeder belt passage is shaped such that the corresponding feeder belt and staples fixed thereto are slidable along the passage throughout the entire range of motion of the flexible articulation insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Philipe R. Manoux, Michael P. Schaller
  • Patent number: 9289209
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil half-section having a distal anvil portion and a proximal handle portion and a cartridge receiving half-section having an elongated channel member. A firing assembly is releasably supported in the cartridge half-section and includes a locking member. A clamping lever having an engagement member engages a latch portion of the locking member to releasably retain the clamping lever in a clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Aditya Nanditale Gurumurthy, Arvind Kumar Gupta, Kiran Garikipati, Nagaraju Dongala, Nikhil R. Katre
  • Patent number: 9289210
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a staple sled which can be advanced and/or retracted relative to first and second jaw members, wherein the staple sled can be configured to deploy staples from a staple cartridge in one of the first and second jaw members. In at least one embodiment, the other of the first and second jaw members can include an anvil having at least one forming surface which can be configured to deform the staples as they are deployed from the staple cartridge. In at least one form of the invention, the anvil can be movably adjustable relative to the staple cartridge in order to adjust the distance in which the staples are deformed. In various embodiments, the anvil can be adjusted by a slidable adjusting plate and/or a rotatable cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, James J. Bedi
  • Patent number: 9289211
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9289212
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to battery packs for use with surgical instruments. The battery packs may comprise a plurality of cells and at least a portion of the plurality of cells may not be electrically connected to one another. The battery packs may comprise a switch or other mechanism for interconnecting the plurality of cells and may also comprise, or be used in conjunction with, a discharge switch or plug configured to electrically connect an anode of the battery pack to a cathode of the battery pack, for example, via a resistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Richard F. Schwemberger, Daniel J. Abbott, Bret W. Smith, David C. Yates, Patrick M. Schleitweiler, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 9289213
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Ahlberg, Steven R. Anderson, Edward E. Dolendo, Vincent C. Tangherlini
  • Patent number: 9289214
    Abstract: A mounting tool for mounting a flexible ring-shaped part of an anastomotic device on a rigid part of an anstomotic device is provided. The tool comprises a receiving portion (104) in a distal end of the mounting tool for receiving the flexible part thereat and a handle portion (103) proximally of said receiving portion (104). Said receiving portion (104) comprises an elongated tubular sheet element (101), and a tubular displacement element (201), arranged within the sheet element (101) to be longitudinally displaceable in relation to the sheet element (101), such that a shelf (401) is obtained circumferentially of the tubular displacement element (106) and distally of the sheet element (101). The shelf (401) is configured to receive the flexible part. A mounting tool for receiving a flexible ring-shaped part of an anastomotic device on a rigid part of an anstomotic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CARPONOVUM AB
    Inventor: Anders Grönberg
  • Patent number: 9289215
    Abstract: This invention is directed to implantable coils and, more particularly, to a coil implant having a stretch-resistant member internal to the coil. The implant of the invention is able to freely articulate and torque prior to delivery. Once delivered, the implant is no longer stretch resistant and is therefore able to substantially conform to the vascular site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Brian Michael Strauss, Todd Jeffrey Hewitt, Ramon Torres Carillo, Khoa Dang Vu, William Robert Patterson, Stacy Leon Faught, Lawrason Charles Wilbur, Scott William Brennan, Vince Divino
  • Patent number: 9289216
    Abstract: A surgical clip is provided having two clip arms and a resiliently flexible element via which the two clip arms are connected to each other. The two clip arms each have a first free end, these first free ends being held parallel to and in contact with each other with a predetermined closing force by the resiliently flexible element when the clip is in a rest position. The clip arms are held at a second end opposite the free end on the resiliently flexible element. The clip arms have between their first and second ends sections configured to cross each other. The clip arms further have stop elements configured to complement each other. The stop elements are adapted to be brought in mutual contact when the clip is transferred from the rest position to an application position in which the free ends are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Markus Nesper, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Thomas Pleil
  • Patent number: 9289217
    Abstract: A system for effecting ischemic necrosis in a foreskin of a penis includes an inner ring having an inner surface comprising an inner diameter and an outer surface comprising an outer diameter and at least one circumferential groove; and an outer ring configured to substantially fit around the circumferential groove of the inner ring, wherein the inner ring is configured to fit to a portion of a glans of the penis that lies between an inner surface of the foreskin and the glans of the penis and the at least one outer ring is configured to fit an outer surface of the foreskin, the inner ring and the outer ring thereby compressing the foreskin in the circumferential groove with a compression force, and wherein the compression force is sufficient to effect ischemic necrosis in the foreskin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CIRC MEDTECH LTD.
    Inventors: Oren Fuerst, Ido Kilemnick, Shaul Shohat
  • Patent number: 9289218
    Abstract: A surgical tool, enabling extraction of a prosthesis from a bony implantation site of that prosthesis, defines a proximo-distal axis and includes a distal end head adapted both to cut at least partially the bonding interface between the prosthesis and the bony material of the implantation site and to fix itself to the prosthesis by rotation centered on the proximo-distal axis, according to embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Tornier, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Courtney, Jr., Jeffrey M. Ondrla
  • Patent number: 9289219
    Abstract: There is provided a drill bit for use in forming holes in a material, and measuring the depth of the hole. The drill bit includes a body providing a cutting region for making holes, a cannulation along the length of the cutting region, and an insert disposed within the cannulation. The insert is movable with respect to the body so as to selectively project beyond the cannulation, and edges of the cutting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Pranesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 9289220
    Abstract: An intramedullary fixation assembly for bone fixation includes a first construct. The first construct includes a first tapered screw member fixated into a subchondral bone. The first tapered screw member is aligned along a first longitudinal axis and has a first head portion comprising a first aperture and a first shaft extending from the first head portion. Moreover, the first longitudinal axis of the first tapered screw member is aligned substantially parallel to an articular surface of a bone. The first construct also includes a first lag screw member aligned along a second longitudinal axis. The first lag screw member has a first bulbous portion and a second shaft extending from the first bulbous portion, wherein the first lag screw member is coupled to the first tapered screw member, and further wherein the second longitudinal axis of the first lag screw member is aligned generally along the length of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Extremity Medical LLC
    Inventors: Scott Wolfe, Jeff Tyber, Jamy Gannoe, Adam Mantzaris
  • Patent number: 9289221
    Abstract: The application provides patient-specific surgical guides for positioning onto a glenoid of a patient, comprising two or more patient-specific positioning elements, each comprising a patient-specific surface which conforms with at least part of one or more features of the bone on or around the glenoid, and wherein the combination of these patient-specific positioning elements ensures a secure fit of the device when positioned onto the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Gelaude, Koen Eraly
  • Patent number: 9289222
    Abstract: A system can include a sizing and drill guide having a body with a bone engaging side, an opposite side and first and second guide holes. The bone engaging side can include a profile for positioning in the trochlear groove and the guide holes can include axes that can be orientated at an acute angle. Retaining members can be positioned in bores formed in the body and can fix the guide to the femur. A cutting device can be guided by the guide holes and can include a bone engaging end having a body and first and second cutting portions. The first cutting portion can have a smaller diameter than the second cutting portion and can be axially spaced apart therefrom so as to form a stepped pocket in the femur. The body can include an outer diameter sized to be complimentary to an inner diameter of the guide holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventor: William Maxson
  • Patent number: 9289223
    Abstract: A system for performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is provided. The system includes a surgical guide instrument defining an elongate body having a hand-graspable handle and a head section including a distal phalange and a proximal open-faced slot. The distal phalange is contoured to anatomically conform to the femur and includes a notch section engageable with the intercondylar notch. The open-faced slot includes a stop member. The system further includes a guide wire operably receivable by a guide wire sheath to form a guide wire assembly. The guide wire assembly is received by the open-faced slot wherein the stop member is structured to stop the sheath from exiting the slot. The surgical guide instrument can direct the guide wire to an anatomic position on the femur and ensure a safe and usable femoral tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: DANAMED, INC.
    Inventor: Dana P. Piasecki
  • Patent number: 9289224
    Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shockwave Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Adams, Thomas G. Goff
  • Patent number: 9289225
    Abstract: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to said the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark S. Ortiz, Leslie M. Fugikawa
  • Patent number: 9289226
    Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating mechanism is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating mechanism is undeployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9289227
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced along a longitudinal axis. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passageway. A septum is configured to separate the passageway into a first conduit and a second conduit. A distal end of the second conduit terminates before a distal end of the first conduit to form a stepped configuration. An ultrasonic-driven cutting blade is disposed within the second conduit and is configured for cutting tissue such that the cutting blade vibrates ultrasonically to cut tissue. The distal end of the first conduit includes an outlet configured for delivering material to a surgical site and the distal end of the second conduit includes an inlet configured for aspirating the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KYPHON SÀRL
    Inventor: Craig E. Lauchner
  • Patent number: 9289228
    Abstract: A fluid injection device includes a fluid supply unit that accommodates and supplies fluid, a fluid injection unit that injects fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit, and a driving waveform generating device which is equipped with at least one adjusting device, a one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit that simultaneously changes plural control parameters for determining a fluid injection condition of the fluid injection unit on the basis of a signal from the at least one adjusting device, and a driving waveform generator that generates and outputs a driving waveform of the fluid injection unit on the basis of the control parameters set by the one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Seto, Kazuyoshi Takayama, Atsuhiro Nakagawa, Viren Ivor Menezes
  • Patent number: 9289229
    Abstract: The present application provides various devices, systems, and methods for removing stenotic lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary device of the present disclosure, the device comprises at least one treatment portion operable to remove at least part of a stenotic lesion, and at least one sizing portion operable to measure a first luminal size parameter when positioned and operated at a first location and further operable to measure a second luminal size parameter when positioned and operated at a second location, wherein the device comprises an elongated body selected from the group consisting of a catheter and a wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9289230
    Abstract: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a system of eccentric abrading heads attached thereto. At least part of the eccentric enlarged abrading heads in the system have a tissue removing surface—the abrading heads may be at least partially hollow. Preferably the abrading heads have centers of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the system of abrading heads to work together to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter larger than the outer resting diameter of the abrading heads when operated at high speeds. Therefore, certain embodiments comprise a system having unbalanced centers of mass to not only stimulate greater rotational diameters but also arranged in a manner whereby a debris-removing augering effect occurs. Other embodiments may comprise systems having abrading heads with balanced centers of mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew David Cambronne
  • Patent number: 9289231
    Abstract: A medical device is provided, configured to access a target site within a patient body. The device may be provided as a kit including pre-assembled components. Embodiments of the device include an elongate flexible access needle including a needle lumen disposed through at least a longitudinal length of the needle; an elongate wire guide pre-loaded into at least a lengthwise portion of the needle lumen and extending to at least near a distal end of the needle end; and a needle sheath including a longitudinal sheath lumen through which the access needle is disposed; where the distal needle end comprises a piercing tip configured for penetrating tissue to access a target site. A method of use is provided where the needle may be withdrawn over the pre-loaded wire guide after it has been directed to a target site and the sheath as been advanced over the needle's distal end, in a manner freeing the wire guide for further guidance or direction, and for introduction of another device along the wire guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Michael S. Clancy
  • Patent number: 9289232
    Abstract: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which medication or another fluid may be administered. An anesthetic or other pain relieving medication may be delivered through the lumen to lessen the discomfort of delivering the tunneling device to the desired anatomical site. The shaft may also include a retractable needle for facilitating the advancement of the tunneling device through skin or other tissue. The shaft may also be provided with an outer sheath, which may be left within the anatomy after the tunneling device has been removed. The shaft may be malleable for custom-shaping the tunneling device prior to and/or during delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Mark Siminuk, Alan Dine, Doug Carroll
  • Patent number: 9289233
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal housing having proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the housing being configured and adapted to engage a proximal portion of a flexible wound retractor. The proximal housing can be provided with a plenum chamber being defined therein, the plenum chamber being in fluid communication with at least one nozzle. The nozzle is preferably configured to direct pressurized fluid in an axial direction from the plenum chamber into a central bore of the surgical access device to provide a constant gaseous seal around a surgical instrument inserted therethrough, while inhibiting a loss of pressurized fluid from the body cavity therethrough. The plenum chamber can be adapted and configured to receive pressurized fluid and conduct the pressurized fluid to the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, James R. Parys
  • Patent number: 9289234
    Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed which includes a housing, a collar, and a plurality of deformable members. The housing defines a proximal end and a distal end and has a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The collar is repositionable between a first position and a second position with the second position being closer to the proximal end of the housing than the first position. Each of the plurality of deformable members defines a distal portion, is coupled to the collar and is transitionable through one of the plurality of lumens. The plurality of deformable members is in a retracted state when the collar is in the first position and a deployed state when the collar is in the second position. One or more of the plurality of deformable members may also include a barb attached to the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anibal Rodrigues, Jr., Greg Okoniewski
  • Patent number: 9289235
    Abstract: A bone cement apparatus (20) is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a syringe (24) and a needle (120). The syringe and needle are interconnected by a connecting tube (32). Various fittings are employed to join the syringe, needle and connecting tube. The connecting tube and fittings present a pathway along which bone cement is carried. The connecting tube, fittings, and needle are all configured such that a substantially uniform pathway is provided from the end of the syringe to the end of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Kieran P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9289236
    Abstract: This mucosa separation apparatus includes a first insertion portion inserted to the interior of a subject, an expansion portion disposed on a head portion of the first insertion portion, and which expands by infusion of a fluid, a passage formed within the first insertion portion and connected to the expansion portion, for supplying the fluid to the expansion portion, and a curving portion which makes a head portion of an instrument inserted to the interior of the subject curve with respect to a part of the instrument which is closer to a base portion of the instrument than the head portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihito Sadamasa, Yasuo Miyano, Yutaka Yanuma, Ichiro Takahashi, Kenji Shibaki, Tsutomu Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa, Yasuhito Kura
  • Patent number: 9289237
    Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Kevin Woehr, Manfred Orth, Mark Wynkoop, Matthew Kohler
  • Patent number: 9289238
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an external fixation apparatus comprising a strut having a longitudinal axis defined therein, the strut comprising a strut housing having a housing adjustment aperture, an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the strut housing, and a fastener that releasably couples the strut housing with the adjustment sleeve. An embodiment of the adjustment sleeve comprises a first and a second bore extending from a top towards a bottom surface of the adjustment sleeve, a first sleeve member with a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial bore, and a second sleeve member adjoining the first sleeve member. In an embodiment, the second sleeve member comprises a body and a beveled end that is slidably disposed within the axial bore of the first sleeve member. The adjustment sleeve further comprises a biasing mechanism between the first sleeve member and the second sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
    Inventors: John David Ross, Mikhail L. Samchukov, Alexander M. Cherkashin, John G. Birch
  • Patent number: 9289239
    Abstract: A device for the external fixation of a first bone element and a second bone element articulated to each other, comprises: a guide member equipped with a curvilinear guide; a first fastening member slidably associated with the guide and equipped with first means for releasable fastening to the first bone element; a second fastening member associated with the guide member and equipped with first means for releasable fastening to the second bone element; and relative movement means by which the first fastening member is moved relative to the second fastening member along the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CITIEFFE S.r.l.
    Inventors: Franco Mingozzi, Alan Dovesi, Thomas Gausepohl