Patents Issued in September 1, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160249969
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for plaque stabilisation by cryotherapy, the catheter comprising: a first tube with a first end for receiving a flow of a coolant and a second end for supplying the flow of the coolant to a cooling element; a second tube, with a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the second tube is configured to receive a flow of the coolant from the cooling element such that the second tube provides a flow path of the coolant from the second end of the second tube to the first end of the second tube; an inflatable flexible heat transfer element on the outer surface of the catheter; and a conduit for supplying an inflation fluid for inflating the flexible heat transfer element, wherein, when the flexible heat transfer element is inflated by the inflation fluid, the cooling element is configured to be within the balloon and in thermal conductivity with the inflation fluid; wherein the cooling element comprises an elongate tubular wall defining an elongate cooling chamber therei
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Domenic Santoinanni, Stewart Maddison Fox, Daniel Nahon, Peter Kyone Park
  • Publication number: 20160249970
    Abstract: An endovascular near critical fluid based cryoablation catheter for creating an elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in tissue comprises an elongated shaft, a flexible distal tissue treatment section, and a distal tip. A plurality of flexible tubes extend through the distal treatment section to transport a near critical fluid to and from the distal tip. The distal treatment section is controllably articulated to match the contour of an anatomical region to be treated. In embodiments the distal treatment section includes a superelastic material and assumes a pre-set shape when released from an outer sleeve member. When the catheter is activated, heat is transferred between a target tissue and the distal treatment section of the catheter thereby creating the elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Yu, Steven W. Kovalcheck, Alexei V. Babkin
  • Publication number: 20160249971
    Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
  • Publication number: 20160249972
    Abstract: An electrosurgery arrangement, including: an electrosurgical probe having a rod-shaped probe body, an outer surface and also one distal and one proximal electrode, wherein the distal electrode and the proximal electrode each form an electrically conductive section of the outer surface and are electrically insulated from one another, and wherein an expandable, electrically insulating probe separator is arranged between the distal electrode and the proximal electrode; and a guide sleeve having a lumen into which the electrosurgical probe is removably introduced and having an expandable, electrically insulating sleeve separator, wherein the guide sleeve has at least one respective radial opening both proximally and distally relative to the sleeve separator, and a method for operating such an electrosurgery arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventor: German KLINK
  • Publication number: 20160249973
    Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Louis CORNACCHIA
  • Publication number: 20160249974
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps device, including a first arm having a first distal end. A second arm having a second distal end is included, the first arm and the second arm being pivotally coupled together. The first arm includes a first electrode at the first distal end and the second arm includes a second electrode at the second distal end. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to deliver bipolar radiofrequency energy to the tissue. At least one moveable finger grip is disposed on at least one the first arm and the second arm. The device is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the first arm and the second arm are configured to grasp tissue between the first end and the second end, and a second configuration, in which at least one of the first arm and the second arm defines scissors configured to mechanically cut tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Tony Asher, Eliot F. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20160249975
    Abstract: A thermocoagulation/cutting device 11 includes an exothermic part 13 made of a meta; a first current supply portion 41 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13; a second current supply portion 42 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13; and a third current supply portion 43 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13. The thermocoagulation/cutting device 11 includes a controller 16. The controller 16 is capable of causing an electric current to flow between the first current supply portion 41 and second current supply portion 42, between the first current supply portion 41 and third current supply portion 43, or between the second current supply portion 42 and third current supply portion 43.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sumihito KONISHI, Tsuyoshi HAYASHIDA, Yoshitaka HONDA
  • Publication number: 20160249976
    Abstract: A device and method for transvaginal or transrectal treatment of a bladder pathology. The device includes an elongate body that includes a longitudinal axis, a handle at one end of the body, a head at the other end of the body, and a shaft between the handle and the head. The head includes a substantially flat surface and one or more retractable needle electrodes extending through the flat surface. The method includes inserting a probe into a vagina or rectum of a patient, where the probe includes a head portion comprising one or more retractable needle electrodes; heating one or more pelvic nerves supplying the patient's bladder by emitting radiofrequency energy from the one or more needle electrodes; and as a result of the heating, damaging the one or more pelvic nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Gamal Ghoniem
  • Publication number: 20160249977
    Abstract: A radio-frequency ablation electrode device with double-layered umbrella-shaped probes. The ablation electrode device comprises a temperature measuring tube (7) and a sleeve (5) sleeved outside of the temperature measuring tube (7). The head of the temperature measuring tube (7) is fixed to a first set of umbrella-shaped probes (8) in a welding mode, and a first fastening pipe (10) is fastened to the first set of probes (8) in a welding mode. The outside of the rear portion of the first set of probes (8) is coated with an insulating material layer, the outside of the insulating material layer is fixedly connected with a second set of umbrella-shaped probes (9), and a second fastening pipe (11) is fastened to the second set of probes (9) in a welding mode. The first set of probes (8), the human body and the second set of probes (9) form a radio-frequency current circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: MedSphere International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Zhai, Bo Xiao, Jie Qin, Weizhong Tang
  • Publication number: 20160249978
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing a region within a patient's body and performing a procedure therein that includes a catheter including a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, an imaging assembly on the distal end, and a substantially transparent expandable member attached to the tubular member distal end such the imaging assembly is disposed within an interior of the expandable member, the imaging assembly imaging through a surface of the expandable member. The tubular member includes a drainage lumen communicating one or more drainage ports on the tubular member distal end proximal to the balloon for aspirating fluid from the patient's body. The catheter may be used to access a pericardial space and an ablation probe may be introduced through the catheter to treat heart tissue while fluid is infused and/or aspirated via the drainage ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Randall J. Lee, Stephen A. Leeflang, Christian S. Eversull
  • Publication number: 20160249979
    Abstract: An irrigated medical device, including an inlet tube configured to receive an irrigation fluid from a pressurized fluid source, at least first and second outlet tubes configured to deliver the irrigation fluid to respective outlets of the device, a manifold containing a chamber coupled between the inlet tube and at least the first and second outlet tubes, and a ball including a magnetic material contained inside the chamber. The irrigated medical device also includes a magnetic field generator disposed outside the chamber and configured to generate a variable magnetic field within the chamber so as to move the ball between at least a first position in which the first outlet tube is blocked, a second position in which the second outlet tube is blocked, and a third position, in which neither of the outlet tubes is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Publication number: 20160249980
    Abstract: A system and method using a gas discharge to provide for dermatological treatments, such as hair removal. The system provides for varying the spectral output of the gas discharge lamp by varying the current density through the lamp. This ability to control the spectral output is particularly beneficial where the a variety of different skin types and hair types are being treated for hair removal. By changing the current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp can be changed. Thus, where a power supply provides the ability to control the amount of current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp is controlled and selected for a particular skin type being treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Scott A. DAVENPORT, Gregory J. R. SPOONER
  • Publication number: 20160249981
    Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and a lumen defined therebetween, a conductive member at least partially disposed within the inner lumen of elongate shaft, conductive member being selectively deployable relative to a distal end of elongate shaft from a first condition wherein a distal end of conductive member at least partially abuts the distal end of elongate shaft to a second condition wherein the distal end of conductive member is spaced relative to the distal end of elongate shaft and a first dielectric material disposed between elongate shaft and conductive member, wherein a portion of conductive member is distal to the distal end of elongate shaft and adapted to penetrate tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: MANI N. PRAKASH, EMILIE JOHNSON, TAO NGUYEN, BRIAN SHIU
  • Publication number: 20160249982
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (100) comprising: a light source (10) constructed and configured for generating linearly polarized probe light (12) and linearly polarized treatment light (22), a polarization modulator (30) constructed and configured for controlling a polarization direction of the probe light and a polarization direction of the treatment light, a polarization sensitive sensor (40) constructed and configured for sensing a level of depolarization of the probe light by sensing an intensity of back-scattered probe light (42) from the target position (210) in a predefined polarization direction of the polarization sensitive sensor, and a controller (60) being configured for scanning the polarization direction of the probe light over a predefined range while receiving the measurement signal (Sm) and for selecting an optimum polarization (P1) direction for which the depolarization of the probe light is at a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Babu VARGHESE, Rieko VERHAGEN, Martin JURNA, Jonathan Alambra PALERO
  • Publication number: 20160249983
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (200) comprising: a light source (10) constructed for emitting treatment light (15), an optical system (20) constructed for focusing the treatment light along an optical axis (OA) to a focus position (320) inside the skin tissue (300), and an indenter (30) comprising a skin contact surface (34) having an aperture (A1) at a distance from the optical system for allowing the treatment light to be focused through the aperture into the skin tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: JONATHAN ALAMBRA PALERO, MARTIN JURNA, BABU VARGHESE, MARGARET RUTH HORTON
  • Publication number: 20160249984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a CT system (1) comprising an image fusion unit (12) for generating a fusion image being a fusion of a CT image of an object (5) within a CT imaging region (6), particularly within a bore (13) of the CT system, and of an optical image of the object, which is generated, after the object has been moved out of the CT imaging region, particularly when the object is located in front of the bore. The fusion image further shows a path, along which an interventional instrument (26) should be moved within the object (5) and which has been provided based on the CT image. By looking at the fusion image a user can accurately move the instrument along the path, without needing to acquire many additional CT images for position checking purposes. This can reduce the radiation dose and time needed for an interventional procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: ERIK JOHANNES MARIA JANSSEN
  • Publication number: 20160249985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for acquiring the position of points for navigated surgery, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: —acquiring, on the basis of detecting a first tracked device, first point position data for each of at least two points, wherein the first point position data comprise point position information describing the three-dimensional position of the point within a first co-ordinate system assigned to the first tracked device; —acquiring first co-ordinate transformation data for each of at least two points, wherein the first co-ordinate transformation data comprise co-ordinate transformation information describing a transformation of the three-dimensional position of the point from the first co-ordinate system to a second co-ordinate system; —acquiring second co-ordinate transformation data for each of at least two points, wherein the second co-ordinate transformation data comprise co-ordinate transformation information des
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Haimerl, Mario Schubert
  • Publication number: 20160249986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument with an instrument handle, an instrument shank connected to the instrument handle, an instrument tip with a work point, which instrument tip is connected to the instrument shank, and a first locator arranged on the instrument handle or the instrument shank. During a use of the surgical instrument, the instrument shank can be deflected, e.g. on account of transverse forces, at least between the first locator and the work point. A second locator is arranged at a distance from the first locator and, by comparison with the latter, closer to the work point, wherein the second locator is designed to detect five degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Timo KRÜGER, Dirk MUCHA
  • Publication number: 20160249987
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation to determine the relationship between the three-dimensional coordinates of an anatomy of a patient and those of an electronic guidance system. These coordinates are required to assist in the determination of the angles with respect to which components, such as, an acetabular prosthesis, are inserted into a body of the patient. In one such example, during hip replacement surgery, a surgeon receives guidance of how to place an acetabular prosthesis in the body of the patient, specifically in the pelvis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andre Novomir HLADIO, Armen Garo BAKIRTZIAN, Richard Tyler FANSON, Eric RYTERSKI
  • Publication number: 20160249988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical referencing apparatus, comprising a marking device having at least two or more surgical marker elements which are configured for reflecting and/or emitting radiation, wherein the marker elements form a marker element arrangement for defining a reference on the body of a patient, and comprising a fixing device for fixing the marking device in place on the body of the patient. In order to provide such a referencing apparatus that allows less invasiveness when fixing the referencing apparatus to the body of a patient, the invention proposes that the marker element arrangement be of non-rigid configuration, wherein two or more marker elements are variable in position relative to one another. Furthermore, the invention relates to a surgical navigation system and a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Tobias Pfeifer, Holger Broers, Sascha Beneke
  • Publication number: 20160249989
    Abstract: Data representative of a physical feature of a morphologic subject is received in connection with a procedure to be carried out with respect to the morphologic subject. A view of the morphologic subject overlaid by a virtual image of the physical feature is rendered for a practitioner of the procedure, including generating the virtual image of the physical feature based on the representative data, and rendering the virtual image of the physical feature within the view in accordance with one or more reference points on the morphologic subject such that the virtual image enables in-situ visualization of the physical feature with respect to the morphologic subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Chandra Devam, Zaki Adnan Taher, William Scott Edgar
  • Publication number: 20160249990
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for steering of a flexible needle into tissue using a steering robotic platform for manipulation of the needle shaft, and by use of a semi-active arm for locating and orienting of the steering robot on the patient's body. As opposed to other steering methods, the robot does not hold the base of the needle, which is its proximal region, but rather grips the shaft of the needle by means of a manipulatable needle gripping device, near its distal end. The needle gripper attached to the robotic platform may be equipped with a traction assembly to provide motion to the needle in its longitudinal direction, such that it co-ordinates the entry of the needle with the desired entry angle. The gripping of the needle at its distal end, close to its insertion point, provides the needle manipulator with a low profile, with concomitant advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: DANIEL GLOZMAN, GONEN DASKAL, MOSHE SHOHAM, MICHAEL ARAD, YOAV PINSKY
  • Publication number: 20160249991
    Abstract: A system and method for ensuring safe and tolerable insertion of a needle into a subject's body according to a preplanned or continuously monitored sequence of insertion steps. The system comprises a gripping device for gripping the needle in order to perform robotic insertion steps, yet for releasing the grip between such insertion steps, until the next insertion step is initiated. Thereby, the robot has full control of the needle during insertion steps, but does not constrain the needle between insertions, such that movement of the subject can cause neither damage nor discomfort. The gripping and insertion steps may be coordinated to keep in synchronization with the subject's breathing cycles, such that the insertion steps may be performed in the same segment of each cycle of motion of the subject's chest. The gripper can either fully disconnect from the needle, or can partially disconnect but constrain motion within limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel GLOZMAN, Gonen DASKAL, Moshe SHOHAM, Michael ARAD, Yoav PINSKY
  • Publication number: 20160249992
    Abstract: A robotized surgery system (10) comprises at least one robot arm (11) which acts under the control of a control console (12) intended for the surgeon. The console (12) comprises an eye tracking system (21) for detecting the direction of the surgeon's gaze and for entering commands depending on the directions of the gaze detected. The console (22) comprises advantageously a screen (23) with at least one zone (23) for viewing the operating field and, among the commands which can be performed depending on the gaze directions, there is advantageously an automatic command for enabling or disabling the movement of the robot arm (11) when a gaze direction which falls within or outside of said zone (23) of the screen is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: TRANSENTERIX ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Emilio RUIZ MORALES, Damien BRASSET, Paolo INVERNIZZI
  • Publication number: 20160249993
    Abstract: A tool adapting device attaches to a robotic surgery arm, and receives a manual surgical instrument, and translates movement by the robotic surgery arm into multiple degrees of freedom of the manual surgical instrument, to interact with a tissue under surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Farzam Farahmand, Alireza Mirbagheri, Saeed Behzadipour, Alireza Alamdar, Shahrzad Hanifeh, Seyed Mohsen Khadem, Mohamad Mehdi Moradi
  • Publication number: 20160249994
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The interface assembly is operable to drive the end effector. The interface assembly comprises a base and a plurality of drive shafts. The base is configured to couple with a dock of a robotic control system. The drive shafts are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. A first drive shaft may be operable to rotate the shaft assembly relative to the base. A second drive shaft may be operable to drive the articulation section. A third drive shaft may be operable to drive a clamping arm to pivot toward the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Foster B. Stulen
  • Publication number: 20160249995
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a caddy configured to receive medical implants coupled to respective holders. The medical implants and holders may be oriented and/or located in the caddy based on one or more of size, shape, and other configuration of the medical implants and holders and the openings in the caddy through which the medical implants are received. Another embodiment of the invention includes a medical implant having an implant body portion and a detachable marking portion that is connected to the implant body portion by a frangible region structured to provide selective separation of the implant body portion from the detachable marking portion upon application of a force or torque to the implant body portion, and the detachable marking portion including one or more markings that correspond to identifying information associated with features or characteristics of the implant body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ritchey, Kevin Belew, Phillip Frederick
  • Publication number: 20160249996
    Abstract: A vertical organizational system for use in the operating room during surgery to hold surgical instrumentation is provided. The system includes a vertical support including a height and angle adjustable portion; vertical support assembly, a back panel, a pivoting spine assembly, a base interface member, casters, a base, an interactive user display, a tray shelf, a receptacle container, a primary working shelf, a formed base, a custom sterile drape, an identification system, a telescoping mayo stand, telescoping step stool, a light assembly, a sterile aerosol assembly, an instrument tray attachment device, telescoping cross rail extensions and a ceiling mounted boom assembly. The cantilever shelves are detachably attachable from the cross rails and helps maintain the sterile state of the instrumentation trays even if the rest of the rack is not maintained in a sterile state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerstner, Gregory Bonisteel
  • Publication number: 20160249997
    Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a medical instrument, comprising at least one supporting surface which is configured to provide support for a medical instrument which is brought into contact with at least one of the one or more supporting surfaces for a calibration procedure, wherein the calibration device comprises means which exert at least one force on the medical instrument, the at least one force being directed towards the at least one of the one or more supporting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Feilkas, Christian Lechner, Johanna Woeste
  • Publication number: 20160249998
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of balancing a joint during a surgical procedure, to both maximize the range of motion of the joint and to reduce the likelihood of follow-up procedures. The method includes outputting a signal including a first data set associated with at least one of a force, a position, a displacement or a rotation associated with an apparatus disposed between a first bony structure and a second bony structure, the apparatus including a first portion configured to be coupled to the first bony structure, a second portion configured to be disposed between the first portion and the second bony structure, and a transducer and an actuator disposed between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Clifford W. Colwell, JR., Darryl David D'Lima
  • Publication number: 20160249999
    Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160250000
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object are provided. One example apparatus includes a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channel member that has a first base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base to form a first channel therebetween. The first fastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securingly clamp a surgical object in the first channel of the first channel member. The apparatus further includes a housing that has at least a first cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions of the first channel member, a first passageway that receives the first fastener and permits the first fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity, and a second passageway to receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: William A. Blair
  • Publication number: 20160250001
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a dental implant (1) comprising:•—a main body (2) suitable for being implanted in a primary implant seat formed in a mandibular or maxillary bone of a patient, in order to form an artificial root for an artificial tooth;•—an auxiliary plate (10) comprising one or more portions (11) laterally protruding relative to the main body (2) and foldable by deflection, so that they can be positioned at secondary bony fixing zones at a distance from the primary implant seat when the main body (2) is implanted in the primary implant seat;•—means (12) for fixing the one or more auxiliary plates (10) protruding portions (11) in corresponding one or more auxiliary implant seats formed in the secondary bony fixing zones, wherein said one or more protruding portions (11) of the auxiliary plate (10) comprise respective second through holes (13) for fixing by means of fixing screws (12) the auxiliary plate (10) in the one or more auxiliary implant seats formed in the secondary bony fixing zones,
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Massimo ZANNA
  • Publication number: 20160250002
    Abstract: A one piece custom made dental device for holding multiple teeth comprises a mono block of dental Implants (4), Abutments (1), Supracrestally or supragingivaly Connecting bars (2) and pontics (3). Implant (4) is made up of flat and broad base (4.1) and implant body portion (4.4) having vertical thread (4.3), inverted thread (4.2), crestal supporting thread (4.5). Implant (4), Abutments (1) and pontics (2) are fabricated according to the individuals' bone and gum data to form mono block structure without any screw and joints in such a manner to distribute stress and strain on integrated dental implants. Multiple implants are integrated through supracrystally or supragingivally connecting bars (2). The dental device of the present invention is designed to achieve faster placement and implantation process with minimal bone loss and minimal micro movements. The present device reduces time required for healing and cost of whole implantation and prosthesis process drastically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: MARVIN COTA
  • Publication number: 20160250003
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for releasable attachment of a removable dental prosthesis to a head part of an implant or of an abutment that can be anchored in an implant, comprising a retention matrix (1) having a receptacle that accommodates a circular-ring-shaped retention element (2) that has at least two clamping arms (22), which is disposed so as to be displaceable along a center axis of the retention matrix (1), wherein the at least two clamping arms (22) form a mantle surface that widens conically toward the outside, and that the receptacle for the retainer element (2) has two sections (14, 15) having a different inside diameter, against the transition of which the at least two clamping arms (22) lie. The invention furthermore relates to a dental implant system, having such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: ZL Microdent-Attachment GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volkhard-Hagen CLOSTERMANN, André MANKE
  • Publication number: 20160250004
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide predictability and standardization in the field creating dental models. Embodiments of the invention are capable of accommodating multiple variations and goals of dental impressions, including but not limited to creating dental models for study models, mouth guards, night guards, whitening trays, sleep apnea/snoring devices, etc. Embodiments may incorporate single arch and dual arch impression trays, as well as base model formers and articulators, among other devices of varying shapes, dimensions, sizes and manufacturers. Embodiments of the invention use standard dimensions for accommodating various components. To adapt embodiments of the invention for multiple purposes, and to standardize the process, embodiments of the invention include a shell that allows for standardized dental models to be suspended in the shell during the process of creating dental molds, creating a reservoir for the dental mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: James C. DiMarino
  • Publication number: 20160250005
    Abstract: Dental articulators for use with dental models are described. In one embodiment, a dental articulator may include a fixed portion configured to be fixedly coupled to a dental model. The fixed portion may have a first coupling. The dental articulator may also include a removable portion configured to be coupled to a hinge. The removable portion may have a second coupling configured to be removably coupled to the first coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Pallavi MEHTA, Ashwin MEHTA
  • Publication number: 20160250006
    Abstract: A method for placing and using design guides in a virtual environment for use in dental treatment includes steps of obtaining a 3D representation of a dental setup a patient, obtaining a 2D image of at least a part of the face of the patient, aligning the 2D image and the 3D representation, generating at least one design guide based on facial features in the 2D image, and applying the at least one design guide to the 3D representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventors: Rune Fisker, Danni Liljekrans, Kristoffer Rath Petersen
  • Publication number: 20160250007
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making dental prostheses including a matrix housing that has a plurality of interconnected walls, one of which defines an aperture. The matrix housing houses a dental model of a set of teeth, a wax model of a clasp, and a matrix that defines a sprue. The aperture provides access to the sprue. The matrix housing may be used with a cartridge for containing thermoplastic resin and a resin discharging device. The discharging device includes a body defining a through hole, a cartridge mount attached to the body, a ratchet push rod inserted through the through hole and including a plurality of teeth, a trigger pivotably attached to the body, and a drive tooth connected to the trigger and the body. The drive tooth cooperates with the teeth of the push rod to control the pressure asserted by the push rod to the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: TCS, INC.
    Inventor: JORGE POSCA
  • Publication number: 20160250008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant replica (10) for a physical dental model (36), the dental implant replica comprising: a coronal end (14); an apical end (18); a coronal portion (12) extending to the coronal end; an cylindrical apical portion (16) extending to the apical end and including a circumventing indentation (20); an anti-rotation portion (26) located between the coronal portion and the apical portion and including at least one external convex element (28; 28a-c) extending in a longitudinal direction of the dental implant replica; and a prosthetic connection interface (34) located at the coronal end. The present invention also relates to a system comprising a dental implant replica and a physical dental model, a 3D printed or milled dental model, and a method of installing a dental implant replica in a dental model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Philipp Brun
  • Publication number: 20160250009
    Abstract: A hand held flossing device with a handle that is asymmetrically curved, such that when the device is oriented to clean between the lower back teeth, the axis of the handle is curved sideways and downwards away from the mouth. The curvature of the handle may also continue into the neck of the device. The handle also has a bulbous portion having an enlarged surface area for gripping firmly with minimal force. This provides for improved comfort and easier use, allowing the user's wrist joint to be used for manipulating the device. Further features are a common channel for guiding the floss and a common fastening point, allowing both ends of the floss to be guided and attached simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Taciuk, Sebastian Jesus Munoz
  • Publication number: 20160250010
    Abstract: An attachment 10 mountable to an electric toothbrush handle 62 having a drive shaft 60 comprises a neck member 16 having an elongated body 40 with a principal axis 42 and a cavity 44; a slide member 12 with an engagement surface 22; a guide sleeve member 14 having a cavity 84, a first outer surface 88 with an engagement opening 90, and a transition surface 92; and a collar member 18. The guide sleeve member, with slide member moveably inserted within the engagement opening, is moveably inserted within the neck member cavity. Insertion of the drive shaft into cavities of the collar member and guide sleeve member from (a) a first radial position along an axis offset and parallel to the principal axis to (b) a second radial position in-line with the principal axis, via the transition surface, results in the drive shaft being held in frictional contact with the engagement surface of the slide member to enable reliable transfer of force/motion from the drive shaft to the neck member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: SCOTT E. HALL, RAVITEJA SENADHIPATHI, BARATH KUMAR SOUNDARARAJAN, DHARSHAN MANJUNATH
  • Publication number: 20160250011
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for whitening teeth, comprising a dispenser (11, 311) equipped with a zone to be gripped (13) by the user and a nozzle (14, 314) for ejecting a flow of whitening product, characterised in that it comprises a tank (16, 316) of at least part of the whitening product, fixed to said dispenser (11, 311) in such a way as to move together with said dispenser during the movements of the hand of the user, and a pressure energy source (219, 319) of the type which can be used until finished (219, 319), designed to allow the whitening product to come out. The above-mentioned device comprises both a tank (16) for at least part of the whitening product in solid or semi-solid form, and a tank (17) of a product in liquid form and means designed to mix said products in powder form and in liquid form before they come out of said nozzle (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Chiara Domenica SERGI
  • Publication number: 20160250012
    Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter system includes a cuff, a pump, and a conduit provided to fluidly couple the cuff to the pump. The cuff is integrated to have a first compartment and a storage compartment. The first compartment is configured to contact the urethra and the storage compartment is fluidly coupled to the first compartment independent of the conduit. The pump is operable to cause a liquid to move between the first compartment and the storage compartment. The cuff is a pressurizable reservoir that is sized to be placed around a urethra of a user and configured to coapt the urethra in treating urinary incontinence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Steven McClurg
  • Publication number: 20160250013
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical device and methods of using the same. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress formed of nucleophilic buttress components and electrophilic buttress components which react to both form the buttress and provide the buttress with self-sealing capabilities after a staple or some other fixation device is placed therethrough, thereby enhancing its hemostatic properties. In other embodiments, the medical device is a hernia patch formed of a fibrous substrate, nucleophilic precursor components and electrophilic precursor components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Walter Skalla, Lauren Vernlund
  • Publication number: 20160250014
    Abstract: A support assembly for a replacement ligament is disclosed, for positioning the ligament in a bone tunnel formed in a joint between two adjacent bones and reinforcing the joint. The support assembly has a particular use in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Williams, Jonathan Lorrison, Bahaa Botros Seedhom, David John Beevers
  • Publication number: 20160250015
    Abstract: Disclosed are a stretchable electronic device for artificial skin and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the stretchable electronic device for artificial skin includes a first encapsulation layer, a heater disposed on the first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer disposed on the heater, a first sensor array layer disposed on the second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer disposed on the first sensor array layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Daehyeong KIM, Taeghwan HYEON, Jaemin KIM, Mincheol LEE, Hyungjoon SHIM
  • Publication number: 20160250016
    Abstract: The present application has as its object a medical device, specifically for breast reconstruction, made from a biomaterial, characterized from a flat original shape of plane geometry, with sections, which when sutured together, define the front part, lateral, upper and lower of a box element, at least one of the aforesaid sections having at least one appendix adapted to define the rear part of the aforesaid box element, said box element being adapted to enclose or containing integrally a breast prosthesis, said box element being interposed between the skin and the pectoralis major muscle and being suturable to the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Giovanni Bertoli
  • Publication number: 20160250017
    Abstract: Improvements for use with tissue expanders are provided. A first aspect includes a tissue expander device provided with a colorant inside a shell before the shell is inflated with fluid, wherein the colorant mixes with fluid upon injection of fluid into the shell. A second aspect includes a tissue expander device provided with a tread on an exterior surface of the shell. A third aspect includes a system having: a computing device with a visual display screen; a detector connected to the computing device that is configured to detect a port of a tissue expander that is implanted under skin of a patient; and software running on the computing device that receives signals from the detector and causes the visual display screen to show a visual representation of a location of the detected port of the tissue expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: William T. MCCLELLAN
  • Publication number: 20160250018
    Abstract: A novel method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient includes placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and directing a radiation beam to the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: John Corbitt, Lori Anthony