Patents Issued in September 27, 2016
  • Patent number: 9451984
    Abstract: A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The recanalization catheter includes first and second mechanically actuatable wings positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft of the catheter that are actuatable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In the retracted position the mechanically actuatable wings are positioned in first and second elongate channels defined in the elongate shaft, and in the expanded position the mechanically actuatable wings extend outward from the first and second elongate channels. The actuatable wings extend in an arcuate path away from the elongate shaft in the expanded position to be positionable in a circumferential orientation within a subintimal space formed in a vessel wall to automatically orient a lateral port of the elongate shaft toward the true lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Pu Zhou, Huisun Wang
  • Patent number: 9451985
    Abstract: A general uterine manipulator (10) incorporates an elongated hollow tube (12) defining an internal passage (14). Tube (12) has opposite first and second ends (16) and (18), formed with internal threads T1 and T2; and a smooth continuous outer surface (20) of constant outer diameter. A first fitting comprising a tail screw (22) is screwed into thread T1 and a second fitting cervical screw (24) is screwed in thread T2. An inner manipulator rod (26) extends through the first fitting (22), tube (12), and second fitting (24). A range of alternate first and second fitting is (10) provided. A forceps holder (70) is attachable to the tube (12) between ends (16) and (18). The manipulator (10) may also support a cervical funnel (90) and a plug (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventors: Jiwan Steven Singh, Jai Singh
  • Patent number: 9451986
    Abstract: An implantable device including a tapered body having a sidewall, an internal cavity, a first end, and a second end, the sidewall including a frusto-conical inner surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first end including a first end opening and the second end including a second end opening, a first side opening extending through the sidewall, a second side opening extending through the sidewall, the second side opening arranged diametrically opposite the first side opening, an external thread arranged helically about a central longitudinal axis of the tapered body, the external thread having a continuously decreasing outer diameter along the tapered body, a first ancillary member operatively arranged to be inserted through the first end opening and then the first or second side opening, and a second ancillary member operatively arranged to be inserted through the first end opening and then the first or second side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Michael R. Stoffman
  • Patent number: 9451987
    Abstract: Methods of correcting a spinal deformity, including securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and/or derotating the spine and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Seme, Thomas J. Gisel, Matthew S. Stenulson, John F. Otte
  • Patent number: 9451988
    Abstract: A rod-shaped implant for stabilizing bone structures, in particular the spinal column includes a rod-shaped implant having a rod-shaped member with a first end and a second and a longitudinal axis. The rod-shaped member is at least partly made from a plastic material exhibiting flexibility and includes a longitudinal bore. A reinforcing rod is accommodated in the bore and is made from a material which is more rigid than the material of the rod-shaped member itself. The reinforcing rod is slidable in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms, Helmar Rapp, Berthold Dannecker
  • Patent number: 9451989
    Abstract: An improved dynamic longitudinal connecting member includes a rod portion joined with a tensioned cord portion, for use in a medical implant assembly having at least two bone attachment structures, a spacer covering the join of the rod and cord portions and extending between the at least two bone attachment structures, a sleeve, a bumper and a cord blocker. The spacer and bumper are compressed. The cord portion is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone attachment members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Roger P Jackson
  • Patent number: 9451990
    Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Daniel E. Gerbec
  • Patent number: 9451991
    Abstract: A bone fixation system with variable z-axis translation is provided. The bone fixation system includes an outer tulip coupled to a bone fastener. An inner tulip, which provides a seat for an elongate fixation rod, is located inside the outer tulip. The inner tulip together with a seated rod is permitted to translate along the z-axis in an unlocked position. Also in the unlocked position, the bone fastener is free to angulate relative to the outer tulip. The bone fixation system includes a locked position in which the z-axis position of the inner tulip and rod relative to the outer tulip is fixed. Also in the locked position, the bone fastener is locked with respect to the outer tulip. The system may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions by way of a set screw or independently by rotation of the inner tulip relative to the outer tulip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: VertiScrew, LLC
    Inventors: Muralidhara Rudhra Raju, Amir Ali Akhavi
  • Patent number: 9451992
    Abstract: A fixation apparatus comprises a holder and a tension sleeve receiving a bone screw, wherein the bone screw has a shaft with a front thread and a head at the rear end, and the holder has a through borehole with a receiving seat, in which the tension sleeve is mounted and able to swivel, while the shaft has a thickening in a rear region, to the front of the head, whose width increases toward the head, and the width of the tension sleeve is larger than the width of the shaft immediately before the thickening and smaller than the greatest width of the thickening. When screwed in, the thickening widens the tension sleeve so that it is pressed by its envelope against the wall of the receiving seat. In this way, an angle-stable pressing is achieved for any given orientation of the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Facet-Link Inc.
    Inventors: Harm-Iven Jensen, Helmut D. Link
  • Patent number: 9451993
    Abstract: A cervical polyaxial bone anchor includes a longitudinal connecting member receiver structure and a cooperating shank. The shank has a body and an integral head with first and second spherical surfaces of different radii and a plurality of spaced curvate apertures for receiving portions of the longitudinal connecting member to result in a greater angle of inclination of the shank with respect to the receiver. The receiver has an upper channel and a lower cavity that further includes an expansion area and an operational seat for a split retainer ring that captures and fixes the shank head within the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9451994
    Abstract: A spinal implant revision device has a revision connector and a tulip member. The revision connector is configured for attachment to a pre-existing rod in a patient. The revision connector has a slotted opening configured to receive a first or a pre-existing rod. The tulip member is pivotally connected to the revision connector and movable in angularity within predetermined ranges in a first plane. This first plane is parallel to a rod to which the revision connector is attached. A second plane which is non-parallel to that first plane allows a second or new rod to be received in the tulip and allows the second rod to pivot relative to the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Whipple, Jason Hayes Tillett, William C. Tally, Kaveh Khajavi
  • Patent number: 9451995
    Abstract: The anterior cervical plate includes multiple pairs of holes passing therethrough including at least a pair of caudal holes and a pair of cephalad holes. The caudal holes pass through the anterior cervical plate at a fixed angle extending both in a caudal direction and toward a midline of the anterior cervical plate. The cephalad holes are configured to allow fastening screws to pass at differing angles through the cephalad holes. Windows are provided passing through the plate at locations between the pairs of caudal and cephalad holes. Locking plates are provided which pivotably attach to the plate in positions either covering or exposing the pairs of holes, to assist in keeping fastening screws securely attached to the anterior cervical plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Presidio Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Olson
  • Patent number: 9451996
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is provided. The apparatus may include a first connection device configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient. Additionally, the apparatus may include a second connection device configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a plate configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices are positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot configured to engage the first connection device and a second slot configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot may be perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Jarolem
  • Patent number: 9451997
    Abstract: A spine implant includes an insert positioned between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. In various embodiments, the insert is configured to exert a distraction force on one or more facets of the zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise one or more members having one or more opposing facet interfacing portions. A securing member is configured to interface with the insert to secure the facets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen L. Carl, Dan Sachs, Meir Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9451998
    Abstract: An extender comprises an inner member including a wall defining a thread form and at least one extension defining a first axial cavity and a second axial cavity, each cavity including first, second and third portions. An outer member includes an actuator and at least one arm having projections disposable with the portions of the axial cavities. The actuator is rotatable to axially translate the inner member such that the projections are disposable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry McBride, Nicholas Benson
  • Patent number: 9451999
    Abstract: A surgical instrument adaptor comprises a member that defines a longitudinal axis. The member is configured for connection to an image guide that is configured to generate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. The member extends between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of an actuator. The second end includes a second mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of the surgical instrument. Systems and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Simpson, William A. Rezach, Nicholas M. Benson, Grant D. Foy, Thomas V. McGahann
  • Patent number: 9452000
    Abstract: A rod reducer apparatus is disclosed and includes a housing, an anvil coupled to a shaft, a plurality of arm members, and a button. The housing has an opening extending therethrough for receiving the shaft. The anvil is coupled to one end of the shaft. The button is slidably disposed in the housing and transitionable between first and second positions. The button is engageable with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft is translated into linear movement of the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Barrus
  • Patent number: 9452001
    Abstract: A disposable device for treatment of infections of human limbs, particularly limbs having long bones susceptible to stabilization by intramedullary nailing. The device includes a tubular member made of a relatively rigid and biologically compatible material, having pores for impregnation with drugs or medicaments for infection treatment prior to or during insertion thereof in the stabilization site. An assembly for treatment of human limb infections including such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TECRES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Faccioli, Soffiatti Renzo
  • Patent number: 9452002
    Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body, a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient, the distal head having a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body is sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. It has a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Arrowhead Medical Device Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Roman, Thomas J. Twardzik
  • Patent number: 9452003
    Abstract: A device for preventing a hip fracture includes: a shaft having a first end and a second end and an expanding means for engaging the femoral head at the first end. The shaft is positioned in a hole of a predetermined depth in a femur. The hole extends from the greater trochanter to the femoral head of the femur, such that the first end is positioned in the femoral head and the second end is positioned in the greater trochanter. The device is oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the femoral shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Voor
  • Patent number: 9452004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moving together and compressing two bone parts, consisting of: a) a plate (2) provided with a plurality of through-openings (12, 14, 16, 17); and b) a means (3, 4) for moving said two bone parts together, including: a base (20), suitable for being attached to said plate (2), comprising at least one oblong through-opening (28), at least one of the side edges (28b) of which comprises a rack (28b?); and a control tool (4) including a head (46) provided with (i) an end rod (47) to be inserted into a hole made in said bone material and (ii) a pinion (48) for meshing with said rack (28b?) of the base (20), such that rotating said head (46) about said stationary axis of rotation (4?) causes the translation of said base (20) and of said associated plate (2) relative to said head (46), so as to achieve the sought action of moving together and compressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: D.L.P.
    Inventors: Gregoire Larche, Jean-Pierre Podgorski
  • Patent number: 9452005
    Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a central axis. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head toward the distal end. The head defines a first ridge, a second ridge spaced from the first ridge, and a groove disposed between the first and second ridges. The groove can receive at least a portion of the inner wall to couple the bone fixation element to the bone implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Daniel Fluri, Johann Fierlbeck, Alfred Niederberger
  • Patent number: 9452006
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a shank and a head, a receiving part including a rod receiving portion, and a head receiving portion having a first end and an open second end with a bounding edge, wherein the head receiving portion is configured to be rotatably connected to the rod receiving portion and is flexible for introduction and clamping of the head, and a locking ring configured to be mounted around the head receiving portion, wherein the head is insertable into the head receiving portion from the second end, is pivotable in the head receiving portion at a larger maximum pivot angle relative to the receiving part at a first location of the bounding edge, and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by compressing the head receiving portion with the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Timo Biedermann, Berthold Dannecker
  • Patent number: 9452007
    Abstract: A cannulated driver includes a handle, a barrel coupled to the handle, and a drive tip coupled to the barrel and having an outer surface and an engagement end that engages within a head of a cannulated screw. The driver is configured to removably retain a corresponding cannulated screw onto the driver. The drive tip includes a passageway disposed generally in a radial direction with respect to the driver's longitudinal axis. An engagement pin is movably mounted for travel in the passageway between an extended position wherein an exposable end of the pin protrudes radially beyond the outer surface of the drive tip and a retracted position wherein the pin does not thus protrude. In the extended position, the exposable end of the pin protrudes into a corresponding recess in the head of a special cannulated screw to removably retain the screw onto the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventors: David A. McGuire, Bruce D. Sunstein
  • Patent number: 9452008
    Abstract: Joint temperature monitoring and control systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. The controller coupled to the probe can also be configured to set temperature limits and treatment times as well as moderating joint temperature by altering the electrically conductive fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrocare Corporation
    Inventors: Duane W. Marion, Katherine Knudsen, Robert DeCou
  • Patent number: 9452009
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device: forceps having: a first working arm, a second working arm, wherein the electrosurgical device has a first electrosurgical configuration where the first working arm and the second working arm are in an opposed position so that the forceps deliver a first therapy current that flows between the first working arm and the second working arm; and wherein the electrosurgical device has a second electrosurgical configuration when the first working arm, the second working arm, or both are repositionable relative to each other so that the first working arm is extended with respect to the second working arm or vice versa and a second therapy current is delivered from the first working arm to a remote electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Nikhil M. Murdeshwar, Jyue Boon (Jonas) Lim, Dennis G. Lamser, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Richard J. Curtis, Theodore Blus, Riyad Moe, Ryan Windgassen
  • Patent number: 9452010
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: AERIN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Scott J. Wolf, Andrew Frazier
  • Patent number: 9452011
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: (i) a first working arm and (ii) a second working arm; (b) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the first working arm and the second working arm of the forceps are immobilized in the second electrical configuration so that both the forceps and the first therapy current are disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Nikhil M. Murdeshwar, Jyue Boon (Jonas) Lim, Dennis G. Lamser, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Richard J. Curtis, Ryan Windgassen, Theodore Blus, Riyad Moe
  • Patent number: 9452012
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm may be disposed in the first forceps arm housing and the second forceps arm may be disposed in the second forceps arm housing. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps jaws. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Kogent Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, John M Schallert
  • Patent number: 9452013
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods that use heat and/or electromagnetic radiation for dermatological treatment and more particularly to a method that uses heat and/or electromagnetic radiation in combination with chromophores for fractional wounding and, in particular, discontinuous fractional damage of skin tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Dieter Manstein
  • Patent number: 9452014
    Abstract: An interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, or both; and blade circuitry having: one or more control buttons, one or more switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functions of the interchangeable tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Edwards, Jay A. Casey, Vlad Bluvshtein, Lori E. Lucke, Dan W. Vahle, Moussa Sane, David C. Church
  • Patent number: 9452015
    Abstract: A device for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises an elongate member, a distal member connected to the elongate member and movable relative to the elongate member, and a heating member disposed on at least one of the movable distal member and the elongate member. The distal member comprises structure for capturing tissue to be cut to create the fistula, and the heating member is adapted to cut through the tissue to create the fistula. The elongate member comprises an elongate outer tube. A shaft connects the distal member to the elongate member, and is extendable and retractable to extend and retract the distal member relative to the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: Avenu Medical, Inc., Baja Research, LLC
    Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, David Trottingwolf Aldridge, David K. Wrolstad, Mark A. Ritchart, Jeffrey E. Hull
  • Patent number: 9452016
    Abstract: A manipulable portion of a catheter system advances out of a lumen of a catheter sheath at a distal end of a shaft, which is also within the lumen of the catheter sheath. The catheter system causes different advancement and retraction trajectories of a manipulable portion out of and into the lumen based at least upon different relative movements between the catheter sheath and the shaft. A projection and a corresponding receiver may be used to control relative positioning of the catheter sheath and the shaft, as well as to control positioning of the manipulable portion. The catheter system may control metering rates of a control element coupled to the manipulable portion during advancement and retraction of the manipulable portion. A control element of the catheter system has varying amounts of length outside a distal end of the catheter sheath during advancement and retraction of the manipulable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Saar Moisa, Marius J. Postma
  • Patent number: 9452017
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: William W. Chang, Justin Goshgarian, Kevin Michael Mauch, Leonila Rivera, Sukyoung Shin, Don H. Tran
  • Patent number: 9452018
    Abstract: Various exemplary drive apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for driving an elongated member, e.g., a guidewire or catheter. An exemplary drive apparatus for driving an elongated member may include a rotational component configured to apply a torque to the elongated member, where the rotational component is positioned a first distance away from an insertion site along the elongated member. The drive apparatus may further include a rotational support configured to apply an assistance torque to the elongated member. The rotational support may be positioned a second distance from the rotational component along the elongated member that is larger than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Alan Yu
  • Patent number: 9452019
    Abstract: A robotic assembly is configured to support, insert, retract, and actuate a surgical instrument mounted to the robotic assembly. The robotic assembly includes an instrument holder base member, a motor housing moveably mounted to the instrument holder base member, a carriage drive mechanism operable to translate the motor housing along the instrument holder base member, a plurality of drive motors, and a plurality of output drive couplings driven by the drive motors. One or more of the drive motors includes one or more magnetic flux shields to inhibit magnetic interference with an adjacent drive motor and/or with an adjacent motor orientation sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Michael Schena, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Todd Solomon
  • Patent number: 9452020
    Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both. A set-up mode employs an intuitive user interface in which one or more joints are initially held static by a brake or joint drive system. The user may articulate the joint(s) by manually pushing against the linkage with a force, torque, or the like that exceeds a manual articulation threshold. Articulation of the moving joints is facilitated by modifying the signals transmitted to the brake or drive system. The system may sense completion of the reconfiguration from a velocity of the joint(s) falling below a threshold, optionally for a desired dwell time. The system may provide a detent-like manual articulation that is not limited to mechanically pre-defined detent joint configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Griffiths, Paul Mohr, Nitish Swarup, Michael Hanuschik
  • Patent number: 9452021
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood or other types of cells from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: All Cell Recovery LLC
    Inventor: Michael Christopher Cordisco
  • Patent number: 9452022
    Abstract: A disposable tool suitable for use in orthopedic alignment that registers points of interest on a first and second bone and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest. A display can report and visually display alignment information in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC
    Inventors: Jason McIntosh, Marc Boillot
  • Patent number: 9452023
    Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed toward one or more disposable devices suitable for use in a surgical field of an operating room. One device includes a sensor communicatively coupled to a wand to register points of interest on a first or second bone of a muscular-skeletal system and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC.
    Inventors: Marc Boillot, Jason McIntosh, Marc Stein
  • Patent number: 9452024
    Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method which allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the hardware may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Navigate Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud (Udi) Daon
  • Patent number: 9452025
    Abstract: A medical instrument holder and method of holding a medical instrument is provided. The medical instrument holder includes a first substantially planar structure having at least a first aperture positioned therein. A second substantially planar structure is positioned approximately parallel to the first substantially planar structure. The second substantially planar structure has at least a second aperture positioned therein, wherein the second aperture is flexible. At least one holding structure is connected between the first substantially planar structure and the second substantially planar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SYMMETRY MEDICAL MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Kraig H. Allen, Gary T. Dane
  • Patent number: 9452026
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a distance between first and second implanted bone anchors includes a caliper body and first and second caliper arms. The caliper body has a first longitudinal axis. The first caliper arm is slidably coupled to the caliper body and has a second longitudinal axis. The second caliper arm is rotatably coupled to the caliper body and has a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes define a plane. The second caliper arm is rotatable within the plane between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Ray Penzimer, Anthony C. DeFalco
  • Patent number: 9452027
    Abstract: A vibrating applicator is provided for applying a dental composite material onto a tooth. The applicator has an elongated body and a tip that is coupled to the elongated body to apply the dental composite material onto the tooth. The applicator further has a vibrating apparatus for vibrating the tip and a sensor for sensing a condition of the dental composite material. A controller is operatively coupled to the vibrating apparatus and to the sensor and is configured to automatically vary an output frequency of the vibrating apparatus in response to the condition sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: KerrHawe SA
    Inventors: Beat Kilcher, Marco Da Rold
  • Patent number: 9452028
    Abstract: An externally-threaded, endosseous dental implant includes an elongated body that is straight or tapered, and that includes external, distal regular threads, external micro-threads proximal to the regular threads, and external micro-grooves proximal to the micro-threads, with an internal passage in the body of the implant, the passage including internal threads, or internal multi-sided adaptor-engaging surfaces, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Gerald A. Niznick
  • Patent number: 9452029
    Abstract: A hybrid, detachable dental attachment device comprising a cap for securing a dental appliance, a ring, and an abutment to attachment to a tooth root or implant. Also described herein are methods of securing a dental appliance in a subject's mouth by means of the dental attachment device. Further described herein is a dental attachment device for immediate load on a provisional denture and then incorporated into the final restoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ZEST IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mullaly, Christopher Michael Gervais, James Irwin Johnson, Richard Robert Allen, Theodore Matthew Powell
  • Patent number: 9452030
    Abstract: A dental attachment assembly and method anchors a dental appliance with an implant and has an abutment member attached to the implant, a retention member in releasable snap engagement with the abutment member, and a cap secured in a recess of the dental appliance and in releasable swivel engagement with the retention member to position and secure the dental appliance onto the implant. The cap includes a cavity with a rounded, concave inner surface which engages with the retention member, an interior top surface of the cavity with a concave recess extending radially along an outer periphery of the interior top surface of the cavity to allow for rotation of the retention member within the cap. A central portion of the interior top surface of the cavity surrounded by the concave recess therefore protrudes vertically into the cavity to minimize vertical displacement of the retention member as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ZEST IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Robert Allen, Christopher Michael Gervais
  • Patent number: 9452031
    Abstract: A dental implant, components, and kit are provided. The implant can include a body, an attachment structure for attaching the implant to bone, and a recess. The recess can be disposed within the body and open towards a proximal end thereof. The recess can include a proximally-disposed receiving chamber and a distally-disposed threaded chamber. The receiving chamber can include an interlock chamber, which can be disposed at a distal end of the receiving chamber and have a polygonal cross-section. The implant can be multi-functional such that components for various dental prostheses and procedures can be provided having portions that can, for example, engage the interlock chamber of the implant, mate with the receiving chamber of the implant, and/or mate with the proximal end the implant for supporting the prosthesis and/or facilitating the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Nobel Biocare Services AG
    Inventor: Steven Hurson
  • Patent number: 9452032
    Abstract: An immediate dental implant shell has outer, multiple zones for engaging a soft tissue socket left immediately after tooth extraction from a bone socket. The zones have combinations of different biologic agents, macro- or micro-geometric, or micro- or macro-morphology irregularities to better engage gingival sulcus, junctional epithelium and dento-gingival fiber zones of the soft tissue socket. The shell may also have various guide markings and projections to aide drilling of the implant hole in the bone socket. A dental implant is placed in the drilled implant hole before or after the shell has been placed in the soft tissue socket, and has an axis that is independent of the shell axis so the shell and implant both sit in optimum positions in their respective soft and bone sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Mark N. Hochman, Stephen J. Chu, Jocelyn Huiping Tan-Chu, Adam J. Mieleszko
  • Patent number: 9452033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a dental material. The device (10) comprises a body (12) having at least one compartment (14) for receiving the dental material, at least one piston for extruding the dental material from the compartment (14) and a drive for moving the piston and the compartment (14) relative to one another. The device (10) further comprises a stand (36) which is mounted to the body (12) such that the body (12) and the stand (36) are pivotally moveable relative to one other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jens Gramann, Emir Jelovac, Andreas Bergsträβer