Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
  • Patent number: 9439714
    Abstract: A surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism is provided for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. A fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface may be provided in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Atricure, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman, Earl Wayne Rogers
  • Patent number: 9439715
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument comprising an instrument shaft (10) having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly comprises first and second active electrodes (11), (14) and at least one return electrode (25), the electrodes being electrically insulated one from another by means of one or more insulation members (12). The first and second active electrodes (11, 14) each have an exposed surface for treating tissue, the exposed surface (19) of the first active electrode being such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis at a first radial position with respect to the instrument shaft. The exposed surface (15) of the second active electrode is such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis at a second radial position with respect to the instrument shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Charles Benn, Robert C. Humble, David W. Morris, Michael David Newton, Andrew John Ford
  • Patent number: 9439716
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device that can be used to remove pedunculated tissue structures such as polyps and certain uterine fibroids includes bipolar surface electrodes and a bipolar snare. The device includes a probe having a proximal end and a distal end, bipolar surface electrodes adjacent to the distal end of the probe, and a bipolar snare extending distally from the distal end of the probe and including first and second snare electrodes. The bipolar surface electrodes are separated from each other by a gap and extend over a portion of the distal end of the probe. Providing both a bipolar snare and bipolar surface electrodes advantageously reduces thermal spread from occurring (compared to the use of a monopolar snare) when using the snare to excise the tissue. The bipolar surface electrodes can be used to coagulate the point of excision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Kester Batchelor, Tracey Dobbs, Jyue Boon Lim, Nikhil Murdeshwar, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Richard Curtis
  • Patent number: 9439717
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes one or more electrically-conductive plates adapted to connect to a source of energy for supplying energy to tissue to treat tissue, a temperature sensing element, and a thermal spread control assembly coupled to the temperature sensing element. The thermal spread control assembly is configured to determine a flow rate of heat energy across the temperature sensing element and to control the energy applied to the electrically-conductive plate and/or control active cooling of the temperature sensing element in accordance with the determined flow rate of heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James H. Orszulak, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 9439718
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises: an elongated sheath, an energy probe, an elongated energy conductor, and an elongated cooling member. The energy probe is connected to the distal end portion of the sheath. The elongated energy conductor is contained within the sheath and arranged to transmit distally to the energy probe energy from an energy source. The elongated cooling member is reciprocally movable within the sheath and thermally coupled at its proximal portion to a cooler. The cooling member is movable between a proximal, non-cooling position and a distal, cooling position. In the non-cooling position, a distal end of the cooling member is displaced proximally from the energy probe so as to impede thermal conduction therebetween; in the cooling position, the distal end of the cooling member thermally contacts the energy probe so as to facilitate thermal conduction therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Peter D. Poulsen
  • Patent number: 9439719
    Abstract: An operation handle for electrocautery includes: a grip, an operation rod, a stopping part, a positioning bar, and a driven member. One end of the operation rod is jointly connected to the grip, and the other end has a pressing portion. The operation rod moves selectively from an initial position to at least one work position. The stopping part is disposed on the operation rod and adjacent to the pressing portion. The positioning bar is disposed on the grip and comprises at least one positioning groove. When the pressing portion of the operation rod is forced, the operation rod moves from the initial position to the at least one work position, and one end of the driven member is lodged in the at least one positioning groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yen-Long Sheng
  • Patent number: 9439720
    Abstract: A tissue resection device comprises inner and outer coaxial sleeves. The outer sleeve has a cutting window formed therein, and the inner sleeve has a distal cutting end that can be reciprocated past the cutting window. The sleeves comprise electrodes to provide electrosurgical cutting, and an edge portion of the window includes a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: IOGYN, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, Michael D. Walker, Benedek Orczy-Timko
  • Patent number: 9439721
    Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with tissue ablation include catheter systems having bi-modal steering mechanisms, which are capable of both linear and loop ablation. In other words, the catheter system may have two different steering modes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In the first and second steering modes, the steering actuator may cause one or more portions of the catheter shaft to bend in different planes. A steerable ablation catheter may include treatment elements such as electrodes at its distal end and along the catheter shaft, each of which may map, pace, and ablate. Optional features include a series of thermocouples for monitoring local temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Randell Werneth, Ricardo Roman, Timothy J. Corvi, Betty Hu
  • Patent number: 9439722
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a patient for the purpose of lowering blood pressure and/or treating other medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias. A catheter having an ablation element is placed inside the body of a patient and is directed to a targeted location either on in the abdominal aorta where the right or left renal arteries branch from the aorta at or near the superior junction or ostia or on the inside of the inferior vena cava near the junction with the right renal vein or in the left renal vein at a position spatially near where the left renal artery branches from the abdominal aorta. Catheters designed for use in the method where these targeted locations are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Debby Grunewald, Kristine B. Fuimaono, Tina Chan, Tom A. Ditter
  • Patent number: 9439723
    Abstract: A device and method for inserting a variable stiffness catheter into a subject with a catheter body being in relatively stiff state at a first temperature and a more flexible state at a second temperature. A temperature sensitive polymer is incorporated into the catheter that varies in stiffness depending on the temperature. The stiffness of the catheter is regulated by being in thermal contact with a circulating fluid within the catheter, or by being connected to resistive members in thermal contact with temperature sensitive alloys or polymers. The variable stiffness catheter can therefore be guided through the vasculature while in a relatively flexible state, but be changed into a relative stiff state during ablation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Abhimanyu Beri
  • Patent number: 9439724
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, systems, and devices for ablating a tumor with heat delivered from a non-ferrous metallic rod having a length adapted to support resonating radio frequency waves along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The tumor ablation may be carried out in an MRI where the radio frequency transmitter of the MRI wirelessly delivers the energy to heat the metallic rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: David C. Gross
  • Patent number: 9439725
    Abstract: A balloon ablation catheter achieves reduction in diameter of the balloon upon balloon contraction and increased reliability of the thermocouple temperature sensor, which balloon ablation catheter is less likely to be influenced by the heating liquid discharged into the balloon and able to control the balloon surface temperature with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Harada, Motoki Takaoka, Akinori Matsukuma, Takahiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 9439726
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 9439727
    Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion through a body passage into a cavity within a body of a patient. An electrode is located on the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to contact tissue in the cavity. A resilient member is contained within the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured, when unconstrained, to cause the distal end to bend away from the longitudinal axis in a curved shape and to straighten toward the longitudinal axis when subjected to a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 9439728
    Abstract: A system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises a vessel access sheath having a hollow interior and an exit port, a side access needle catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, a needle configured to be inserted into a blood vessel through the side access needle catheter, a toggle delivery catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, and a toggle apparatus configured to be delivered into a vessel through the toggle delivery catheter. The toggle apparatus comprises a shaft and a toggle member pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft. A source of RF energy or resistive heat energy may be provided for application to the toggle member and/or to a heater insert in the toggle delivery catheter, for the purpose of creating the fistula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: Avenu Medical, Inc., Baja Research, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hull, Mark A. Ritchart, David K Wrolstad
  • Patent number: 9439729
    Abstract: Radiofrequency energy emitted from and reflected back toward a thermal ablation probe may be used to detect a gradual dissolution of a reflective interface between a tumor and surrounding healthy tissue as the ablation zone passes through this interface providing a real-time guidance with respect to the progress of ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Peng Wang, Christopher L. Brace
  • Patent number: 9439730
    Abstract: A triaxial microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The triaxial microwave antenna includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a central conductor disposed about the inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed about the central conductor and a radiating portion including a high frequency radiating section and a low frequency radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 9439731
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems for reshaping a cartilage structure. Such methods comprise treating the cartilage structure with electromagnetic energy and fitting a device to the cartilage structure to retain it in the desired place, form, and/or orientation. Systems comprise an emitter of electromagnetic energy and a device to the cartilage structure to retain it in the desired place, form, and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Chondrocyte, LLC
    Inventors: Pascal Servell, Jack Savage, Shilo C. Case, Gregg D. Niven
  • Patent number: 9439732
    Abstract: An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Thomas G. Cooper, Joseph P. Orban, III, Bruce Michael Schena, Alan E. Loh, S. Christopher Anderson
  • Patent number: 9439733
    Abstract: A surgical robot system includes a slave device provided with a surgical instrument and a master device to control motion of the surgical instrument. The master device includes a master manipulation module having a manipulation tool, to which a pose recognizer is attached, and a master control module that estimates a pose of the manipulation tool using pose information acquired via the pose recognizer, generates a surgical instrument pose control signal corresponding to the estimated pose of the manipulation tool, and transmits the control signal to the slave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Sin Ha, Won Jun Ko, Young Do Kwon, Gyung Rock Kim, Byung Kwon Choi
  • Patent number: 9439734
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the location of fixed wireless assets (FWAs). The system includes at least one FWA having an asset tracking number, at least one mobile device wirelessly coupled to the FWA via a first communication link, and a database having information that associates people with locations. The mobile device is assigned to one of these people. The system also includes a computer that is coupled to the FWA via a second communication link and to the database. The FWA is configured to forward the data received from the mobile device to the computer along with the FWA's asset tracking number. The computer is configured to determine the location of the FWA based at least in part on the data received from the FWA and the information retrieved from the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Serge Beaudry
  • Patent number: 9439735
    Abstract: MRI guided cardiac interventional systems are configured to generate dynamic (interactive) visualizations of patient anatomy and medical devices during an MRI-guided procedure and may also include at least one user selectable 3-D volumetric (tissue characterization) map of target anatomy, e.g., a defined portion of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Guttman, Kimble L. Jenkins, Peter Piferi, Kamal Vij
  • Patent number: 9439736
    Abstract: A system for enabling a user to remotely control a robotic medical device system includes a motion capture apparatus to capture motion of a user in a sensing volume and generate indicative output data. The system includes a control unit configured to execute gesture recognition logic that recognizes a user gesture based on analysis of the indicative output data. The control unit executes interpreter logic that is configured to translate the recognized user gesture into a corresponding robotic medical device control command configured to control an aspect of the operation of the robotic medical device system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9439737
    Abstract: A tray for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to selected teeth of a patient is disclosed. The tray includes an outer shell having wall sections extending over facial, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of the selected teeth to form a channel including tooth cavities having a configuration matching and arranged for receiving the selected teeth. A matrix is bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and is contoured to complement the facial or lingual surface of the teeth. A stabilization member extends from the outer shell and includes an inside surface contoured to complement at least a portion of the facial surface of a tooth located adjacent the selected teeth. Orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the matrix, wherein each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Roberto J. Carrillo Gonzalez, Roberto Carrillo Fuentevilla
  • Patent number: 9439738
    Abstract: An implant device has an exterior portion forming an exterior surface of the implant. The exterior portion is made of a porous material defining passages through the exterior portion. An inner portion has an outer surface with a treated area that is accessible from the exterior surface through the passages. The treated area has a treatment for direct attachment to bone or soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Lomicka
  • Patent number: 9439739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a dental restoration (40), the method comprising the steps of providing a metallic frame (21) having an inner and an outer surface, applying one or more opaque layer(s) (23) or composition on the outer surface of the metallic frame, providing a facing precursor (31) having a volume A, mating the facing precursor on the outer surface of the metallic frame coated with the opaque layer using a mating composition to obtain a dental restoration intermediate, firing the dental restoration intermediate to a temperature where the facing precursor sinters to obtain a sintered facing having the volume B, and optionally applying a stain and/or glacing layer on the outer surface of the sintered facing. The invention also relates to a dental restoration obtainable by such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Carsten Jana, Holger Hauptmann, Bernd K. Burger
  • Patent number: 9439740
    Abstract: An oral hygiene implement is described herein. The oral hygiene implement has a handle; a head, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. The head has a plurality of contact elements. An indication element is positioned between the neck and handle of the oral hygiene element. A transmission element is positioned between the indication element and a light emitting source. The light emitting source provides electromagnetic energy to the transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Niclas Altmann
  • Patent number: 9439741
    Abstract: A replacement head for an electric toothbrush has a simplified drive construction and desired bristle carrier retention. The replacement head includes a tubular neck with a head at one end and a brush shaft disposed within the neck. An eccentric extension extends from the brush shaft parallel with the longitudinal axis and an axial extension extends parallel to the eccentric extension. The eccentric extension engages the bristle carrier to drive the bristle carrier. The brush shaft, including the eccentric extension and the axial extension, may be formed together as a single unitary piece. A pin may extend through pin retention openings in the head and a pin slot in the bristle carrier in a direction transverse to both the longitudinal axis and the carrier rotation axis to retain the bristle carrier on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ranir, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan J. Dishon
  • Patent number: 9439742
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes an inner case, made up of an inner case main body and a motor holder, mounted with various components including a motor; an outer case which interiorly accommodates the inner case and which acts as a portion the user grips with hand when brushing teeth; an eccentric shaft, configured by a shaft main body and an eccentric member, which center of gravity is arranged at a position shifted from a shaft center and which rotates by a drive force of the motor; and a vibration transmitting component for transmitting the vibration generated with the rotation of the eccentric shaft to a brush portion; where the vibration transmitting component is positioned with respect to the outer case by point contacting the inner wall surface of the outer case at a plurality of locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Shimoyama, Yasutaka Murase, Tadashi Tone, Yuji Asada
  • Patent number: 9439743
    Abstract: There is a concern that a mechanical switch could be switched OFF due to movement of a body in which the switch is embedded. If the switch is switched OFF after being embedded, it is difficult to switch the switch back ON. Provided is a fluid delivery device that is used by being embedded within a body, including a fluid delivery mechanism for discharging fluid from a reservoir that contains the fluid to outside of the reservoir; a sending and receiving section that sends and receives information relating to control of the fluid delivery mechanism to and from an external apparatus; a power supply section that supplies power to at least one of the fluid delivery device and the sending and receiving section; and a mechanical switch that is capable of changing a supply path of the power only from a cutoff state to a conductive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: PRIMETECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryosuke Ogihara, Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9439744
    Abstract: A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge or contract the restricted fecal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9439745
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9439746
    Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical implant system for repairing abdominal hernias and is particularly useful for repairing ventral hernias. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant, a delivery device and a method for implanting the implant. The implant is implanted in a substantially slackened condition relative to the ventral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Insightra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Bell, Wayne A. Noda, Giuseppe Amato
  • Patent number: 9439747
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method to deliver and place a bodily implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an insertion tool such that a portion of the insertion tool defines a lumen. The medical assembly further includes a carrier configured to be coupled to the insertion tool and including a passageway. The medical assembly also includes a flexible elongate member configured to pass through the passageway of the carrier and the lumen. The elongate member is also configured to be coupled to the bodily implant such that a portion of the elongate member between the bodily implant and the carrier defines a length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Danna, Kristina Yim Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9439748
    Abstract: A pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow interior. The pessary device has a hollow interior containing a protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Evan Joseph Durling, Robert Clark Avery, Jr., Kevin Charles Strong, Hinrich Knuth, Daniel Raymond Wiegele
  • Patent number: 9439749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an openwork prosthetic knit (1) made from a single piece based on first yarns of biocompatible polymer materials that define a first face (2) and a second face that are opposite one another and on a second biocompatible yarn that generates barbs (3) that protrude outwards from at least said first face, characterized in that said first face comprises at least one zone in which it is provided with said barbs and at least one zone (5) in which it is free of such barbs. It also relates to a process for manufacturing such a knit (1) and to a prosthesis comprising such a knit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sofradim Production
    Inventors: Julie Lecuivre, Pierre Bailly
  • Patent number: 9439750
    Abstract: An embolectomy cage having an elongate axis and a circumference comprises a plurality of paired, closely spaced, substantially parallel, elongate members collectively defining a plurality of open cells, wherein individual elongate members of the pairs are connected at nodes located between respective pairs of axially adjacent cells and circumferentially adjacent cells, and wherein at least one elongate member spans each node without forming a connection to another elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: Stryker Corporation, Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen C. Porter
  • Patent number: 9439751
    Abstract: A hemostasis valve includes a longitudinal valve housing, a gasket, a grip assembly and an interference element. A x-valve includes a valve housing, at least one sealing component and a support layer. Stent graft delivery systems include a handle, an internal lead screw assembly, a lead screw nut, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath and a hemostasis valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan White, Timothy Lostetter, Scott Lyle Rush, John C. Canning
  • Patent number: 9439752
    Abstract: A variety of configurations of implant management devices are provided. The configurations provide different combinations of features for maintaining a location of an implant with respect to the device and managing filaments of the implant. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a generally rectangular-shaped body having an implantable body retainer, an opening disposed a distance apart from the retainer and configured to receive a ligament graft therein, and a fold extending across the body and intersecting the opening. Folding one end of the body towards a bottom surface of the body along the fold can form a filament loop engaging region to hold in tension a filament loop extending from the implant. Additional filament(s) associated with the implant can be managed by various filament retention features. Methods for preparing a ligament graft for implantation by relying upon indicia formed on a surface of the device body are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventors: Jacob A. Marks, Meghan A. Pasquali, Danielle Dufour
  • Patent number: 9439753
    Abstract: A graft anchor has first and second arms each having a leading end, a trailing end, an inner surface, and an outer bone contactable surface. The graft anchor also has a resilient bridge extending between the inner surface of the first arm and the inner surface of the second arm to space apart the first arm and the second arm. The resilient bridge defines a graft receiving pathway between the inner surfaces of the first and second arms. The resilient bridge also defines a deflection point about which a force acting upon the resilient bridge in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end causes the leading ends of the first and second arms to move toward one another and the trailing ends of the first and second arms to move away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Bouduban, Beat Lechmann, Patrick Burki, Jess Snedeker, Mazda Farshad
  • Patent number: 9439754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic capsular bag and method for inserting the same. The prosthetic capsular bag helps to maintain the volume of the natural capsular bag, thereby stabilizing the effective lens position of an IOL so that refractive outcomes may be improved with cataract surgery. The prosthetic capsular bag further provides an integrated refractive surface, providing a means for experimentally determining an effective lens position prior to inserting an IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Omega Opthalmics LLC
    Inventor: Gary N. Wortz
  • Patent number: 9439755
    Abstract: The inventive is directed to a haptic for fixation to, and manufacture in conjunction with, an intraocular lens to be implanted in the natural lens capsule of the human eye. The haptic secures the lens in an appropriate position within the natural capsule so as to provide optimal visual acuity through the aphakic lens. The haptic ends are designed to position the lens neutrally, anteriorly or posteriorly within the lens envelope. At the connection point of the ribbon portion to the solid end plate of the haptic, the haptic may be notched to facilitate compressing the lens into its injector for insertion into the eye through an incision in the cornea. Once compressed and passed through the cornea, the implanted lens will be secured by the haptics in the lens capsule once all possible natural lens material and epithelial cells have been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Anew IOL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne B. Callahan, Paul S. Koch, Anna S. Hayes, Robert E. Kellan
  • Patent number: 9439756
    Abstract: An IOL injector system includes an injector; a holder for holding an IOL; and a container for holding the holder. The injector has an injection channel and a plunger movable down the channel; and a holder receiving space for snappingly receiving the holder, and the holder has a channel part with a channel forming part of the injection channel of the injector when the holder is snapped into the receiving space of the injector in line with the injection channel, the IOL being provided in the channel of the holder when holding the IOL; and opposite openings for allowing the IOL to pass, allowing the plunger to urge the IOL out of the holder and through the injection channel. The container has a reservoir for holding a storage liquid and holder; closing walls for closing the opposite openings of the holder; and retaining parts for holding the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: OCULENTIS HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Franciscus Maria Wanders, Jeroen Nicolaas Peereboom
  • Patent number: 9439757
    Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves and their methods of manufacture and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Cephea Valve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Wallace, Aaron Grogan, Spencer Noe, Peter Gregg
  • Patent number: 9439758
    Abstract: A prosthesis for locating at a branch region of a blood vessel. The prosthesis comprises a main conduit (10) having a tubular portion (11) with first and second ends (12,13), and at least one projecting portion (14,15,16) projecting from the first end of the tubular portion. One or more branch conduits (17,18) are connected to, and extend from the projecting portions or the tubular portion at a position adjacent the projecting portions. Portions of the prosthesis to which the branch conduits are attached may be more flexible and/or elastic than other portions of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Barts and the London NHS Trust
    Inventors: Thomas Keeble, Martin Rothman
  • Patent number: 9439759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: JenaValve Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Straubinger, Johannes Jung, Michael J. Girard, Arnulf Mayer
  • Patent number: 9439760
    Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HLT, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Thill, Robert Foster Wilson, John P. Gainor, Christopher M. Banick
  • Patent number: 9439761
    Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HLT, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Thill, Robert Foster Wilson, John P. Gainor, Christopher M. Banick
  • Patent number: 9439762
    Abstract: A sewing ring for prosthetic heart valves that is connected and configured to pivot outward. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least a portion of the sewing ring, and the ring may be exclusively connected to a stent with the fabric. The sewing ring may be generally planar and of uniform thickness, or may be of varying thickness. The fabric may be used to encompass both the stent and the sewing ring, and may be a single piece. A seam may be provided in the fabric as a discrete pivoting line. The sewing ring may be convertible between bi-stable positions. The ring may extend outward in a frusto-conical shape so as to enable inversion between a position facing the inflow end of the valve and a position facing the outflow end of the valve. A method of implantation, and a method of assembly of the heart valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Van Le Huynh, Michael J. Scott, Derrick Johnson
  • Patent number: 9439763
    Abstract: Embodiments of prosthetic valves for implantation within a native mitral valve are provided. One embodiment of a prosthetic valve includes a radially compressible main body and a one-way valve member. In some cases, the prosthetic valves also include ventricular anchors and/or an atrial portion coupled to and disposed outside of the main body. Methods, devices, and systems for delivering such prosthetic valves to the native mitral valve and implanting them therein are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Geist, Robert C. Taft, Travis Oba, Sam Sok, Matthew A. Peterson, Kevin M. Golemo, Mark Chau, Seung-Beom Yi