Patents Issued in September 1, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160249869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to providing X-ray image data of an object. In order to provide a medical X-ray imaging system with improved practicability, a medical X-ray imaging system (100) is provided, comprising at least one X-ray detector (110), an X-ray source arrangement (120), and a patient table (130). The patient table is configured to receive an object for imaging a region of interest (140) of the object. The at least one X-ray detector is movably mounted above the patient table; and the at least one X-ray detector and the X-ray source arrangement are movable independently. The X-ray source arrangement is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the region of interest from a number of positions (150) forming a concave open trajectory (160), wherein a middle portion (170) of the trajectory is located below the patient table; and wherein two end regions (180) of the trajectory are extending on the two lateral sides of the table and above the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: CHRYSI PAPALAZAROU, GEREON VOGTMEIER, KLAUS JUERGEN ENGEL, HERMAN STEGEHUIS
  • Publication number: 20160249870
    Abstract: It is possible to improve convenience for a user. A radiation imaging system includes radiation detectors which have an imaging surface, on which radiation is incident, and generate a radiation image of an imaging target according to radiation transmitted through the imaging region as an imaging target of an object and incident on the imaging surface, a grid for normal imaging which has an effective area narrower than the imaging surface and eliminates scattered radiation included in radiation transmitted through the imaging target and incident on the effective area, and a moving unit which functions as a holding unit capable of holding the grid for normal imaging at a plurality of positions along the imaging surface where the imaging surface and the effective area overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Publication number: 20160249871
    Abstract: A support structure and an imaging component are provided in an imaging system. The imaging component comprises a port extension that frames an opening for x-ray emission. The support structure comprises a recess for receiving the port extension, the recess also framing an opening for x-ray transmission. The imaging system may be a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, x-ray diagnostic system, or other imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Brandon Smith, Edward Emaci
  • Publication number: 20160249872
    Abstract: An X-ray system (2) for acquiring an image of an object has an X-ray detector (8), which is segmented into a plurality of neighboring detector tiles. In particular, the image can be a two-dimensional projection image but also a three-dimensional volume of the object reconstructed from a tomosynthesis acquisition. An X-ray detector moving mechanism (18) is adapted for moving the X-ray detector (8) at least between a first X-ray detector position and a second X-ray detector position during operation of the X-ray system. An X-ray source (4), a collimator (22) and the X-ray detector (8) of the X-ray system (2) are adapted for acquiring a plurality of partial X-ray images through the adjacent detector tiles while irradiating the object with X-ray beams from a plurality of tomographic angles a. The processing unit is adapted for generating a two-dimension image of the object and/or for reconstructing a three-dimensional volume of the object from the acquired partial images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael GRASS, Klaus ERHARD, Ewald ROESSL
  • Publication number: 20160249873
    Abstract: To provide a technique which can reduce a working load and a mistake of the operation when introducing a radiation detector, a control apparatus has: a display control unit for causing a display unit to display a selecting screen for presenting a list of registered radiation detectors and receiving a selection from the list; and an associating unit for associating in such a manner that when an unregistered radiation detector is registered, imaging information regarding a radiation imaging associated with the radiation detector selected through the selecting screen is associated with the unregistered radiation detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kawanishi
  • Publication number: 20160249874
    Abstract: A method for determining the velocity of a fluid in a volume to be imaged of an examination object with the aid of an imaging method is described. Attenuation values are acquired based upon image data of the volume to be imaged, depending on location and time. A temporally and spatially delineated region is specified based upon the acquired attenuation data, in which the acquired attenuation data behaves approximately linearly. Subsequently, temporal and/or spatial gradients and/or a combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient are determined based upon the attenuation values associated with the temporally and spatially delineated region. Finally, the velocity of the fluid is calculated based upon the determined temporal and/or spatial gradients or from the combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient and from the temporal gradient. A fluid velocity determining device, non-transitory computer readable medium and a computed tomography system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Johannes Georg KORPORAAL, Rainer RAUPACH
  • Publication number: 20160249875
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image processing device including: a scattered radiation correction data acquisition section that acquires scattered radiation correction data as a result of radiation being irradiated onto a radiographic imaging device that images a radiographic image; a pixel region acquisition section that acquires information indicating a size of an effective pixel region of the radiographic imaging device; an exposure range acquisition section that acquires information indicating an imaging exposure range of radiation for imaging an imaging subject with the radiographic imaging device; an image data acquisition section that acquires image data as a result of imaging a radiographic image of the imaging subject; and a correction section that corrects the image data acquired by the image data acquisition section using the scattered radiation correction data, in a case in which the imaging exposure range includes an area outside of the effective pixel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jun ENOMOTO, Takashi TAJIMA, Yasufumi ODA, Takeshi KUWABARA, Daiki HARADA, Yuichi HOSOI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20160249876
    Abstract: To improve use convenience to the user who executes imaging work in an imaging environment where plural X-ray generating apparatuses exist, a control apparatus for controlling X-ray irradiations performed by the plural X-ray generating apparatuses has: an obtaining unit for obtaining identification information for uniquely identifying one X-ray generating unit of the plural X-ray generating units, which is specified as a control target which is allowed to emit X-rays; and a control unit for, based on the obtained identification information, controlling so that, for a period of time during which the one X-ray generating unit is specified as the control target, processes regarding the X-ray irradiations by the other X-ray generating units are restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tomohiko Haraguchi
  • Publication number: 20160249877
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog pixel value into a first digital pixel value. The imaging system also includes an index value source configured to receive the first digital pixel value from the analog-to-digital converter and to generate a digital index value based on a comparison of the first digital pixel value to a digital reference value. In addition, the imaging system includes a transmitter in communication with the index value source and configured to transmit the digital index value. Further, the imaging system includes an image processing component configured to receive the digital index value and to generate a second digital pixel value based at least in part on the received digital index value and a lookup table of the image processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Richard Larry Anderton, Brian James Grekowicz, Bela Janos Kiraly
  • Publication number: 20160249878
    Abstract: Needle deployment and imaging system includes a sheath, an imaging core, and interventional core. The imaging core and interventional core are received in first and second axial passages in the sheath and at least one of said cores will be removable and replaceable within the sheath. The imaging core may be extended from the sheath or be sealed within the first axial passage of the sheath. The interventional core will typically be advanced laterally or axially from a location near the distal end of the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jessica GROSSMAN
  • Publication number: 20160249879
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing ultrasound data are provided. The disclosure includes using at least one computer hardware processor to perform obtaining ultrasound data generated based, at least in part, on one or more ultrasound signals from an imaged region of a subject, the ultrasound data comprising fundamental frequency ultrasound data and harmonic frequency ultrasound data, calculating shadow intensity data based at least in part on the harmonic frequency ultrasound data, generating, based at least in part on the fundamental frequency ultrasound data, an indication of bone presence in the imaged region, generating, based at least in part on the shadow intensity data, an indication of tissue presence in the imaged region, and generating an ultrasound image of the subject at least in part by combining the indication of bone presence and the indication of tissue presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frank William Mauldin, JR., Kevin Owen
  • Publication number: 20160249880
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting electromechanical wave propagation within a body structure of a patient in a series of image frames representing movement the body structure are provided. Image data is acquired comprising a series of image frames corresponding to the movement of a body structure. A correlation calculation is performed on the image frames to generate a displacement map representing the relative displacement between the first and second image frames. A video is generated comprising a series of displacement maps. The parameters of movement of the body structure are detected by analysis of the displacement maps. The image acquisition can detect the movement of the body structure without inducing such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Elisa E. Konofagou, Jean Provost
  • Publication number: 20160249881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a patient's relative ocular distention as an indicator of eye, brain, and systemic hemodynamic and physiological conditions are provided. Ocular distention is measured and displayed continuously through the closed eyelid by strain imaging techniques, for example with ultrasound or optical computed tomography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Derrick Aguren
  • Publication number: 20160249882
    Abstract: An intracardiac imaging system has an intracardiac echography catheter with an internal volume, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter includes an atraumatic tip disposed on the distal end of the catheter, a pair of inductively coupled coils proximal the atraumatic tip, at least one CMUT on CMOS volumetric imaging chip disposed between the pair of coils, and a cable lumen disposed within the volume and configured to small number of electrical connections due to significant multiplexing in the CMUT on CMOS chip. The catheter can be made of MRI compatible materials and can include active cooling channels. The CMUT on CMOS chip has a plurality of Tx elements transmitting imaging pulses, a plurality of Rx elements, disposed on the chip to have a large aperture and a plurality of electronics interfacing with the Tx elements for beamforming and the Rx elements to produce radio frequency output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Fahrettin Levent Degertekin, Coskun Tekes, Robert Jay Lederman, Ozgur Kocaturk, M. Wasequr Rashid, Maysam Ghovanloo
  • Publication number: 20160249883
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a data acquiring unit transmitting an ultrasound signal to a region of interest (ROI) of an object and then receiving an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the ROI of the object, and a control unit calculating a shear modulus of at least one point in the ROI and a strain of the at least one point, based on the received ultrasound echo signal, and calculating a stress applied to the at least one point by using the shear modulus and the strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyoung-ki LEE, Dong-geon KONG, Jun-ho PARK, Ki-wan CHOI
  • Publication number: 20160249884
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method includes controlling, with a transmission control section, a transmission of an ultrasonic push pulse to biological tissue in a subject. The apparatus and method includes controlling, with the transmission control section, transmission of an ultrasonic detecting pulse for detecting shear waves generated in said biological tissue by said push pulse. The apparatus and method includes calculating, with a measurement-value calculating section, a measurement value regarding elasticity of said biological tissue based on echo signals of said ultrasonic detecting pulse. The apparatus and method includes creating, with a Doppler processing section, Doppler data based on said echo signals of said ultrasonic detecting pulse. The apparatus and method includes displaying an image based on the Doppler data on a display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Shunichiro Tanigawa
  • Publication number: 20160249885
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method enable the automatic acquisition of standard view planes of the heart in real time, such as the AP4, AP3, and AP2 views. A 3D image of the heart is acquired and the processed in conjunction with a geometrical heart model. The heart model is fitted to the heart in its acquired pose to segment the desired image planes from the 3D image data. During successive image acquisition intervals the image planes are tracked through successive image data as multi-plane system to update a display of the multiple images. The successive image acquisitions can be volume image acquisitions or multi-plane acquisitions of just the tracked image planes during each acquisition interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: ROBERT JOSEPH SCHNEIDER, MARY KAY BIANCHI, ROBIN S. BROOKS, MICHAEL DANIEL CARDINALE, DAVID PRATER, LYDIA RIVERA, IVAN SALGO, SCOTT HOLLAND SETTLEMIER, JEAN MARGARET WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20160249886
    Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus including a signal processor for processing a signal to be received from or to be transmitted to a vibrator constituting a probe, and a controller for controlling a signal processing parameter of the signal processor to lower a performance of the signal processor when a motion parameter showing a characteristic of a motion of the probe is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: TATSUMI SAKAGUCHI, NOBORU SHIBUYA
  • Publication number: 20160249887
    Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive system and method for determining a target glycogen score value for a target muscle and potentially at least one indicator muscle. The method includes receiving an ultrasound scan of a target muscle; evaluating at least a portion of the ultrasound scan to determine glycogen store value within the target muscle; recording the determined glycogen store value for the muscle as an element of a glycogen value data set for the muscle; evaluating the glycogen value data set to determine a value range; and in response to the range being at least above a pre-determined threshold, establishing a target score for the muscle as based on an upper portion of the value range. The method may be repeated to identify ranges for a plurality of muscles, the muscle with the greatest range being identified as an indicator muscle. An associated system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Hill, Pierre Sarnow, Thomas M. Moretto, JR., Sean M. McNamara
  • Publication number: 20160249888
    Abstract: A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an organism upon being driven by an actuator into the organism, the collector comprising of a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a biopsy sample and a plunger retained to the punch in a manner to allow it to move relative to the cutter to remove a cutter retained biopsy sample from the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Stuart GARDNER, Roy Victor BLADEN
  • Publication number: 20160249889
    Abstract: A needle for collecting a tissue samples includes a needle body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end including a sharp tip for penetrating a target tissue. The needle body includes a channel extending therethrough for collecting a tissue sample therein when the distal end is inserted into the target tissue. A distal portion of the needle body has a first stiffness and a proximal portion of the body has a second stiffness of the proximal portion less than the first stiffness. The needle also includes a sleeve extending along a length of the needle body to cover the pattern along the proximal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Peter L. Dayton, Matthew B. Hollyer, Douglas C. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20160249890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy assembly for obtaining a tissue sample, comprising an outer tubular cannula provided with an oblique distal tip, and a stylet adapted to be disposed axially within said cannula and having an oblique distal tip. The stylet is provided with a recess arranged along a side of the stylet which is adapted to receive the tissue sample. The assembly further comprises a housing for guiding and manipulating the proximal ends of the cannula and the stylet and is provided with a rotating member configured to rotate the stylet or cannula around a common axis, such that the cannula and the stylet are rotated relative to one another. The rotating member is configured to rotate the stylet and cannula relative to one another prior to tissue sampling, such that a most distal edge of the oblique distal tip of said cannula is arranged at the same side as the recess when the tissue sampling is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: APRIOMED AB
    Inventor: Dan AKERFELDT
  • Publication number: 20160249891
    Abstract: A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an organism upon being driven by an actuator into the organism, the collector comprising a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a biopsy sample, and a unique identifier on or in the collector, the identifier being machine or human readable at the time of use of the collector to take the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: SNPSHOT TRUSTEE LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Stuart GARDNER, Roy Victor BLADEN
  • Publication number: 20160249892
    Abstract: A biopsy sampler comprising a body carrying a ram able to be actuated to move along a path relative the body between a primed position and a second position, the body having a magazine receptacle at where a magazine, carrying a plurality of sample collectors that can cut and retain a biopsy sample from an organism in a magazine retained position, can be held in a movable manner to allow each sample collector retained by the magazine to be selectively presented in the path of the ram and be actuated by the ram and be moved at least partially from the magazine to take a sample from an organism as the ram moves to its second position and back to its magazine retained position, carrying a sample, as the ram moves from its second position back to its primed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Stuart GARDNER, Roy Victor BLADEN
  • Publication number: 20160249893
    Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes an outer needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes an inner needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including an opening extending laterally in and along a length thereof. The inner needle is sized and shaped to be slidably received within the lumen of the outer needle and movable relative thereto between an insertion configuration, in which the opening is covered by the outer needle, to a tissue collecting configuration, in which the opening is exposed. In addition, the device includes a handle assembly for adjusting a throw length of the inner needle relative to the outer needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Devon N. Arnholt, Jonathan P. Fettig
  • Publication number: 20160249894
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be introduced to a biopsy site through an introducer in which the introducer is vented and/or a certain ratio of introducer inner diameter and biopsy device outer diameter is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: JJ DOGS, LLC
    Inventors: Deborah R. Beck, Dan C. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20160249895
    Abstract: An aspiration apparatus includes a barrel having a needle receiving end and a piston receiving end. The barrel has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The piston receiving end of the barrel has substantially the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the barrel. The barrel has an opening therein through a sidewall of the barrel. The opening is between the needle receiving end and the piston receiving end. The opening is distant from the needle receiving end. The aspiration apparatus also includes a needle sealingly attached to the needle receiving end of the barrel, and a piston having an end which substantially seals to the inner diameter of the barrel. The piston is capable of a number of positions including a first position near the needle receiving end, a third position past the opening in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Zine-Eddine Boutaghou, Peter Crane
  • Publication number: 20160249896
    Abstract: A wound closure apparatus can be a self-contained device for delivery and deployment of a tissue engineered wound plug that can secure fascial closure of laparoscopic port-site wounds. The wound plug can include a subfascial rivet head, a suprafascial rivet head, and a compressible column. Once in the wound, the wound plug may be deployed with the subfascial rivet head below the fascia of the wound and the suprafascial rivet head above the fascia of the wound. As this occurs, the column of the wound plug can be stationed within the opening of the wound. Once the wound plug is secured above, below, and within the fascial defect, the rivet heads may be interlocked within an inner channel of the column and remaining elements of the apparatus may be removed and discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Peter E. BIPPART, Diane S. KINDRED
  • Publication number: 20160249897
    Abstract: Drug eluting vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. The devices and methods rely on a combination of the body's own natural mechanism to achieve hemostasis with chemical and/or biological agents to accelerate the hemostatic process. One method includes the steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A chemical and/or biological sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced so as to expose a chemical and/or biological region or release region of the device. At least one chemical and/or biological agent is thereafter released from the device and into the tissue tract to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Zia YASSINZADEH, Jeffrey I. WEITZ, Alan STAFFORD
  • Publication number: 20160249898
    Abstract: An occluder comprising of at least one occluding body, a multiple of elongate members forming an expanding unit capable of expanding into at least one fixation structure for fixing the occluding body within the passage thereby expanding the occluding body), the elongate members penetrating the occluding body, a locking unit for locking the expanding unit in its expanded state, fixation bushes for restricting relative movement between the elongate members and the occluding body, each fixation bush surrounding one single elongate member and abutting the occluding body, at least one thread and wherein at least one of these fixation bushes is fastened to the at least one occluding body with this at least one thread, the thread penetrating the at least one bush and the occluding body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: CARAG AG
    Inventors: Beat Widmer, Andreas Mellmann
  • Publication number: 20160249899
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for occluding an aperture in a body, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), including a first side adapted to be disposed on one side of the septum and a second side adapted to be disposed on the opposite side of the septum. The device has an elongated, low-profile delivery configuration and a shortened, radially expanded deployment configuration. The first and second sides are adapted to occlude the aperture upon deployment of the device at its intended delivery location. The device also includes a radially expandable center portion. In some embodiments, the center portion includes a plurality of ribs provided by slits in device. The ribs expand radially when the device is deployed. The expandable center portion facilitates the positioning of the device in the aperture. The device can be secured in the deployed configuration using a catch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Ryan Cahill
  • Publication number: 20160249900
    Abstract: An expansible elastic tube (1) in which gas is encapsulated, a medical instrument (an endoscopic camera 2) secured to the tip of the elastic tube (1), a non-expansive tube (3) that is connected to the other end of the elastic tube (1) in such a way as to communicate therewith, the non-expansive tube (3) in which gas is encapsulated, an inextensible body (4) having flexibility, the inextensible body (4) fixed to the elastic tube (1) in a longitudinal direction, a connecting tube (5) having the shape of a hollow circular cylinder and having flexibility and a non-expansive property, the connecting tube (5) connected to the non-expansive tube (3), and a control device (20) which performs variable control of the air pressure inside the elastic tube (1) are provided, and the air pressure is controlled by the control device (20), whereby the elastic tube (1) is made to expand and contract on the side opposite to the inextensible body (4) and the elastic tube (1) is curved at an arbitrary angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Hitoshi AOKI, Kazunori MORITA, Kazuhiro TANIGUCHI, Masazumi OKAJIMA, Satoshi IWAKI
  • Publication number: 20160249901
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion with an articulation direction. The elongated shaft assembly may also include a tubular member with a flexible portion with a preferential bending direction and a direction of bending resistance. The tubular member may permit articulation of the elongated shaft assembly when the preferential bending direction is aligned with the articulation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Augustus Felix
  • Publication number: 20160249902
    Abstract: A trocar has an elongate body and a tissue-penetrating tip. One or more radially extending blade(s) are provided near the tissue-penetrating tip of the trocar body so that they automatically open as the trocar is advanced through tissue. The blades will enlarge the penetration which was formed by the tip of the trocar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: John Lunsford, Fiona Sander, Hoang Phan
  • Publication number: 20160249903
    Abstract: A skin button used for wound healing is provided, which includes a one-piece formed structure with upper layer and lower layer consisting of a 1st skin button and a 2nd skin button. A through hole is provided in a junction of the 1st skin button and the 2nd skin button, which runs through the 1st skin button and the 2nd skin button, so as to form a duct connected the 1st skin button and the 2nd skin button to an outside. The 2nd skin button enters into dermis via a wound, and adheres to a medial wall of dermis at the wound. The 1st skin button is fixed out of epidermis at the wound, and a position of through hole on the 1st skin button is sealed and isolated from the outside. This invention is capable of effectively solving various problems in the existing technologies, with simple structure and easy operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Lizhong Sun
  • Publication number: 20160249904
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus for fixating anchors to a body tissue, comprising a housing, two or more interconnected anchors mounted inside the housing and configured to be reinforced to the body tissue, wherein the housing has a first position in which the housing forms an aperture that enables release of an anchor of the two or more interconnected anchors and a second position preventing release of an anchor of the two or more interconnected anchors. The apparatus may be used to close openings in the abdominal cavity or to reinforce a mesh to a body tissue. The anchors released from the apparatus may be connected by filaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Yehuda Bachar
  • Publication number: 20160249905
    Abstract: A surgical assembly, the assembly including a first guidewire, a second guidewire, in which each of the first guidewire and the second guidewire are configured to be received by a bone block, a first suture loop, a second suture loop, a first locking component, and a second locking component, in which the first locking component is coupled to the first suture loop and the second locking component is coupled to the second suture loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wyman, Daniel Ellis, Graham Smith, Ettore Taverna
  • Publication number: 20160249906
    Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw, and further wherein the spring comprises a recess for receiving the suture therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: David Skinlo, Scott Heneveld, Thomas Weisel, Daren Stewart, Andrew Lantz, Roger Pisarnwongs
  • Publication number: 20160249907
    Abstract: A medical device is described, the medical device comprising a moveable member, moveable between a first position and a second position; an actuating member coupled to the moveable member, directly or indirectly, for manipulating the moveable member, that is for causing the movement of the moveable member; and an indicator mechanism coupled, directly or indirectly, to the actuating member, said indicator mechanism comprising at least two components that interact to produce an indication; the indicator and actuating member being cooperatively operable such that the interaction between the at least two components of the indicator mechanism occurs automatically to automatically indicate advancement of the moveable member to the second position from the first position upon a predetermined actuation of the actuating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Harrison, Jeffery Arnett, Neil Godara, Laura Man Yee Yu
  • Publication number: 20160249908
    Abstract: A battery assembly is disclosed which includes a housing and one or more battery cells position in the housing. The battery assembly further comprises features configured to absorb an impact force and protect the battery cells. The battery assembly further comprises features configured to accommodate the thermal expansion of the battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris, Andrew T. Beckman
  • Publication number: 20160249909
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed which comprises a handle and a battery positioned in the handle. The system can further include a power adapter which can be exchanged for the battery and can supply power from an alternate power source. In other instances, the system can include a power adapter which is engageable with the battery to supply power from an alternate power source. The power adapter can be placed in series with the battery. Alternatively, the engagement of the power adapter with the handle can electrically decouple the battery from the handle. Also disclosed herein is a supplemental battery which can be attached to the handle to provide additional power to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, Andrew T. Beckman, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20160249910
    Abstract: A combination is disclosed which comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure, a removable, rechargeable battery pack connectable to the handle module for providing electric power to the handle module during a surgical procedure, and an intelligent charging station for charging and discharging the battery pack when the battery pack is removed from the handle module and inserted into the charging station. The battery pack comprises a memory for storing charging and discharging data for the battery pack. The intelligent charging station charges and discharges the battery pack based on the charging and discharging data stored in the memory of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, David C. Yates, Chester O. Baxter, III, Andrew T. Beckman
  • Publication number: 20160249911
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20160249912
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier includes a variable drive mechanism disposed within a housing and operably coupled between an input member and an output member, the variable drive mechanism being transitionable between at least a first condition, wherein rotation of the input member by a fixed amount effects rotation of the output member a first amount, and a second condition, wherein rotation of the input member by the fixed amount effects rotation of the output member a second amount different from the first amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Fischvogt
  • Publication number: 20160249913
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical staple may include a base including a first end and a second end; a single tine extending from the second end of the base; and a barb extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base. An end of such a staple may be frangibly affixed to a feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one staple including a base including a first end and a second end, a first tine extending from the second end of the base, and a second tine extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Philipe R. Manoux, Bryan D. KNODEL
  • Publication number: 20160249914
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical stapler comprising: a support base; a trigger; a handle; a retaining pin operatively connected to and extending distally from a support base, the support base being operable in the surgical stapler to cause the stapler to position staples near tissue; and a unit lockout rotatable about a pivot fixed to the handle. The unit lockout comprises an upper end near and under at least one blocking plate in the stapler; and another end facing the trigger to prevent it from firing when the upper end is blocked from upward movement by the at least one blocking plate. Whereas the upper end of the unit lockout is moved relative to the at least one blocking plate so that the upper end of unit lockout is no longer under the at least one blocking plate to permit the unit lockout to rotate about the pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Zhang, Shan Wan, Xiangchun Hong
  • Publication number: 20160249915
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors for sensing the performance of the electric motor, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to monitor a performance parameter of the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors by monitoring whether the performance parameter is outside an acceptable performance band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Anil K. Nalagatla, John A. Hibner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20160249916
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure and an inspection station for connection to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a handle module memory circuit for storing handle module usage data for the handle module. The inspection station comprises an inspection station processor circuit for determining one or more service recommendations for the handle module based on the handle module usage data stored in the memory of the handle module and based on service recommendation criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20160249917
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module and a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors and the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to control the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is also programmed to track and/or count an end-of-life parameter for the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Anil K. Nalagatla, Robert L. Koch, JR., John A. Hibner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20160249918
    Abstract: A combination comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure, a first removable, rechargeable battery pack connectable to the handle module for providing electric power to the handle module during a surgical procedure and a charging station for charging the first battery pack when the battery pack is removed from the handle module and inserted into the charging station. The charging station comprises means for rapidly charging the first battery pack when a rapid charge user input for the battery pack is received by the charging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, David C. Yates, Chester O. Baxter, III, Andrew T. Beckman