Patents Issued in October 11, 2016
  • Patent number: 9463013
    Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable continuous filament assembly whereby a single length of filament is spliced to form a nonadjustable portion and a single free segment. The single free segment is introduced into the inner core of the nonadjustable portion at a first position. The single free segment is passed through at least a portion of the inner core of the nonadjustable portion. The single free segment is withdrawn from the nonadjustable portion at a second position, thereby forming an adjustable portion secured to the nonadjustable portion and adjustable by the single free segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: Stryker Corporation, Cortland Cable Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Craig Pilgeram, Luis Padilla, Aaron Vodnick, Randy Longerich
  • Patent number: 9463014
    Abstract: Systems and methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are described. A system can include a variable-thickness suspension line for suspending tissue, including a suture having a first thickness dimension; an elastomer surrounding a portion of the suture and defining a central segment of the suspension line having a second thickness dimension greater than the first thickness dimension, and at least one transition zone extending from the central segment of the suspension line to a lateral end of the suspension line, the transition zones having a thickness dimension that tapers from the second thickness dimension to the first thickness dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Siesta Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Feezor, Erik van der Burg, Peter Martin, Tedd Hinton
  • Patent number: 9463015
    Abstract: A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel may involve advancing a guidewire of a surgical stapler into the target vessel through an opening at a first location on the target vessel, coupling a stapler cartridge carrying the graft vessel with an anvil of the surgical stapler, activating the anvil to staple the graft vessel to the target vessel at a second location on the target vessel, removing the guidewire from the target vessel, and closing the opening in the target vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard A. Hausen
  • Patent number: 9463016
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, a pair of jaw members and a removable clamp. One of the jaw members contains a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least one row substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The removable clamp has an elongated member and a tissue clamping surface extending substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue and is releasably mountable to the elongated portion of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Dino Kasvikis
  • Patent number: 9463017
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 9463018
    Abstract: An anvil assembly for use therewith a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil plate and an anvil head configured and dimensioned to support the anvil plate. The anvil plate and the anvil head may be formed from different materials. The anvil plate can include a tapered outer side wall allowing the anvil assembly to realize a substantially uniform proximal-most surface upon assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 9463019
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to trocar site closures including a head with a plurality of arm receiving passages therethrough, an arm received by each of the passages, each passage having a discontinuity which allows each arm to be pulled inward but deters outward movement, and each arm having a grappling portion. The head and arms are inserted into a patient wound, such as a trocar site. The arms engage with tissue surrounding the wound. A pulling force is exerted on the arm proximal ends, drawing the distal ends of the arms toward the head and at least partially closing the wound. The head and at least a portion of the arms remain in the patient, and are preferably made of a biocompatible material. Embodiments of this invention also relate to an insertion device used to insert the closure into the wound and at least partially close the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Metzinger, Robert S. Keynton, Scott D. Cambron
  • Patent number: 9463020
    Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Wound Care Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Wilke, Daniel M. Elliott, George M. Hoedeman, John J. Berkey, Paul J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9463021
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9463022
    Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus and method for stapling tissue include a shaft assembly and an anvil. The anvil is configured to proximally retract toward the shaft assembly, which at least severs or staples tissue based on a single rotary input. The shaft assembly includes a plurality of joint segments, and each joint segment includes a resilient member. The plurality of joint segments are configured to pivot relative to one another in a first, uncompressed position and are configured to lock against one another to prevent pivoting in a second, compressed position. A first plurality of joint segments defines a proximal portion that is attached to a first cable or shaft. A second plurality of joint segments defines a distal portion that is selectively lockable independent of the proximal portion and that is attached to a second cable or shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9463023
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Danyel Racenet, Thomas Wenchell, Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 9463024
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for pericardial access to the heart, including direct access to the left atrium. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise a device and/or an atrial appendage (AA) portal having a configuration such that the distal end of the device and/or the portal can access an atrial appendage while the proximal end of the device and/or portal can extend to outside of the subject. The devices and methods may also include a pericardial portal for emplacement of the device and/or the AA portal. Also, methods for using such devices and/or AA portals and pericardial portals to perform surgery on the heart, and systems (e.g., kits) comprising these devices and/or portals in combination with other therapeutic devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Christopher Kiser, Mark Douglas Landers
  • Patent number: 9463025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hermetic occlusion surgical clamp for the female cervix to be used in case of placenta previa, including compression jaws with a spring (5.1) and semi-conical sections (5.2) and at the end of each jaw a machined semi-cylinder (5.3), and a pull-down cylinder with a machining that generated two arms (6.2) with a hole that is joined by a pin (5.4) that connects the jaws to the pull-down cylinder. The pull-down cylinder also includes a thread (6.4), which allows you to screw on a screw (6.5) to open or close the jaws. Finally, the surgical clamp also includes a shell which is a hollow cylinder along its longitudinal axis, which covers semi-conical sections (5.2) of the jaws to leave a thread length (6.4) free that allows placement of the screw (6.5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Arnoldo Guzman Sanchez, Eduardo Rodriguez De Anda
  • Patent number: 9463026
    Abstract: A hemostatic compression system facilitates patent hemostasis of an arterial access site on the arm of a wearer. The system includes a radial compression band and a Doppler probe. The radial compression band includes an elongated arm band sized to receive the arm. The compression band also includes a pressure surface coupled to the arm band and facing radially inward for compressive engagement with the access site. The Doppler probe is coupled to the arm band adjacent the pressure surface and is configured to sense blood flow through the artery. Hemostatic compression applied by the radial compression band is variable in response to the sensed blood flow so as to ensure patency of the artery during hemostasis of the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Medical Ingenuities, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Corrigan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9463027
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to tourniquet devices that have a strap which store an extension in a pocket. The extension can be deployed and wrapped around a ring of the strap to cinch the strap against an appendage to reduce blood flow below the tourniquet device. Some embodiments include a ratchet device that further constricts the appendage to reduce blood flow. These tourniquet devices can be worn in water and out of water and can be associated with various water sport accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Carson Thomas Henderson
  • Patent number: 9463028
    Abstract: A low cost disposable reamer shaft is made from a rod or tube stock of stainless steel, Nitinol or fiber reinforced polymer having a precise outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeter and is cut to a shaft length of 250 to 400 millimeters. An attachment piece with male or female thread matching a spherical hollow or tapered hollow reamer is machined and glued with epoxy on one end of the rod of tube stock using a precision centerline aligning jig. An attachment piece for connecting to a drive power unit is machined and glued with epoxy to the other end of the rod or tube stock thus forming a low cost disposable reamer shaft that aligns the centerline of the shaft with that of the reamer. The shaft contacts the reamer at two attachment locations that are displaced from each other, providing precise centerline alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher G. Sidebotham, Randall J. Lewis, Leon Roitburg
  • Patent number: 9463029
    Abstract: Described herein are elongate devices for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Michael P. Wallace, Ronald Leguidleguid, Nestor C. Cantorna, James Shapiro, Jeffery L. Bleich
  • Patent number: 9463030
    Abstract: A method for preparing a femur and a tibia to receive implants. The method includes mapping location of a femoral guide to a coordinate system using a femoral position sensor mounted to at least one of the femoral guide or another femoral surgical device during preparation of the femur to receive a femoral implant. The method further includes mapping location of a tibial guide to the coordinate system using a tibial position sensor mounted to at least one of the tibial guide or another tibial surgical device during preparation of the tibia to receive a tibial implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Uthgenannt
  • Patent number: 9463031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for working material, in particular for working tissue or bone, comprising a tool head and a tool arranged thereon, wherein the tool head (WK) has at least one support element (2) which is adjustable relative thereto and by means of which the tool head (WK) can be supported on the surface of a material (4) that is to be worked, wherein the position of the tool (1) relative to a material surface to be worked is adjustable through controlled or regulated adjustment of the at least one support element (2) by means of an actuator, depending on data that can be fed to a controlling/regulating unit of the at least one actuator during working of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MINMAXMEDICAL
    Inventors: Klaus Radermacher, Axel Follmann, Stefan Heger
  • Patent number: 9463032
    Abstract: A method for preparing a femur and a tibia for receipt of a partial knee prosthesis. The method includes the following: positioning a femoral engagement member of a femoral drill guide proximate to the femur; positioning a tibial engagement member of the femoral drill guide proximate to the tibia; moving an adjuster associated with the femoral drill guide to translate at least one of the femoral engagement member or the tibial engagement member against the femur or tibia respectively to widen a joint space defined between the femur and the tibia; drilling holes in the femur using the femoral drill guide as a reference; coupling a tibial cut guide to the femoral drill guide; making a first cut in the tibia by referencing the femoral drill guide; and making a second cut in the tibia by referencing the tibial cut guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Duke A. Fox
  • Patent number: 9463034
    Abstract: A Lisfranc injury between a second metatarsal and medial cuneiform is repaired by gaining access to the injury site and placing two arm members of a novel drill guide around the two neighboring bones at the injury site, drilling a guide wire through the two bones guided by the drill guide to a desired depth, and measuring the depth of the guide wire for determining proper length for a bone screw for securing the two bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kian-Ming (Kevin) Wong, Vernon R. Hartdegen
  • Patent number: 9463035
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mechanically removing objects from a body. In particular, described herein are thrombectomy methods and mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses for removal of blood clots from within a lumen of a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: GW Medical LLC
    Inventors: E. Skott Greenhalgh, Michael P. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9463036
    Abstract: A clot retrieval apparatus 1 comprises a clot engaging device 2 and a capture basket 3. The clot engaging device 2 has a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration. The clot engaging device has a proximal end and a distal end and an elongate body between the proximal end and the distal end. The capture basket 3 has a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployment configuration. The capture basket 3 has a proximal mouth which is open when the capture basket 3 is in the deployment configuration. The clot engaging device 2 is axially movable relative to the capture basket for capture of a clot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Neuravi Limited
    Inventors: Eamon Brady, Michael Gilvarry, Mahmood K. Razavi, David Vale
  • Patent number: 9463037
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided an implantable filter. The implantable filter can include a first support member having a first end and a second end; a second support member positioned adjacent the first support member to form a loop between the first end and the second end of the first support member; and a filtering structure attached to the loop by a plurality of segmented tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: CRUX BIOMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Thomas J. Fogarty, Frank Arko, Jeff Elkins, Martin Seery
  • Patent number: 9463038
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a filter having a first support member having a first end and a second end; a second support member joined to the first support member at the first end and positioned adjacent the first support member to form a support frame; a material capture structure within the support frame; and a retrieval feature on the first end and on the second end. In one aspect, the first support member or the second support member has a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: CRUX BIOMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Thomas J. Fogarty, Frank Arko, Jeff Elkins, Martin Seery
  • Patent number: 9463039
    Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a longitudinal member, a pair of jaws installed at a distal end of the longitudinal member and configured to be freely opened and closed, a first grasping member supported by a first jaw of the pair of jaws, a second grasping member supported by a second jaw of the pair of jaws, the second body having a wire shape, flexibility, and being curved in a loop shape, a long operating transmission member having a distal end portion connected to the pair of jaws and installed to advance and retreat along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member, and an open-close operating portion installed at a proximal end portion of the operating transmission member and configured to be manipulated to open and close the pair of jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriko Kuroda, Kunihide Kaji, Takuo Yokota, Nobuko Matsuo, Takayasu Mikkaichi, Hiroko Sakamoto, Masatoshi Sato, Ryuhei Shimada, Satoko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9463040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixing a joint structure. The device for fixing a joint structure, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a first slider for fixing a first directional joint movement state of a joint structure that includes a first joint element and a second joint element; a first locking member included in the first slider; and a first corresponding locking member which operates relative to the first locking member and blocks a forward directional movement and a backward directional movement of the first slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MOVASU, INC.
    Inventor: Chang Wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 9463041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that comprises a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Edwin J. Hlavka, Vahid Saadat, David J. Miller, James R. Yurchenco
  • Patent number: 9463042
    Abstract: A system includes a handpiece configured to generate vibratory energy, and a generator coupled to the handpiece. The generator includes a processing device and a memory device having encoded thereon computer-readable instructions that are executable by the processing device to perform functions including receiving a pressure signal from the handpiece. The pressure signal is indicative of a pressure between the handpiece and a surgical implement. The functions further include determining the pressure between the handpiece and the surgical implement, comparing the pressure to a predetermined pressure range, and transmitting a control signal to the handpiece when the pressure is within the predetermined pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: P Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, Justin Beyers, Matthew Cremens
  • Patent number: 9463043
    Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube, where the targeting cube is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The targeting cube further comprises at least one hinged member positioned along the outer portion of the targeting cube and interfacing with an aperture in the grid plate. The hinged member may provide a tapered profile to the targeting cube and may further comprise an elastomeric portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jessica P. Leimbach
  • Patent number: 9463044
    Abstract: A method for stemming or stopping bleeding of a hemorrhagic uterus. A pair of rigid shells in which pair of inflatable bladders is nested is placed in mirrored spaced opposition to one another in front of and behind the uterus and the broad ligament supporting the uterus. The rigid shells include a proximal base and a distal portion and have a releasable interlock comprising at least one latch only on the proximal base of one shell and at least one latch catch only in the proximal base of the other shell. The proximal base of each shell provides a platform to cantilever the distal portions when the shells are interlocked. After the placed shells are releasably interlocked, the bladders are inflated to compress the uterus anteriorly and posteriorly to stem or stop hemorrhage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Clayton B. Pedrick
  • Patent number: 9463045
    Abstract: A polyaxial pivot housing for an external fixation system, comprising a first plate; a second plate substantially parallel to the first plate; a spherical member positioned between the first and second plates, the spherical member having a threaded post that is configured to attach to a support member of an external fixation frame; and a pivotably rotatable locking arm, the locking arm being configured to orientationally lock the threaded post with respect to the external fixation frame by compressing the first and second plates against the spherical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Cresina, Paul Slagle
  • Patent number: 9463046
    Abstract: An implant includes a single moulded implant body and a plurality of wire anchoring arms moulded into and extending substantially laterally from the moulded ceramic implant body for filling a bore hole in a skull. The implant will not only provide filling of the bone defect, but also provide fixation of the bone flap. Methods for forming such implants and methods for using the implants for filing a bore hole in a skull are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: OSSDSIGN AB
    Inventors: Bo Qwarnstrom, Thomas Engstrand
  • Patent number: 9463047
    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: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: VertiScrew, LLC
    Inventors: Muralidhara Rudhra Raju, Amir Ali Akhavi
  • Patent number: 9463048
    Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Iott, Andrew Lee, Lawrence Binder, David C. Paul
  • Patent number: 9463049
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, Thomas V. Doherty, Dale E. Whipple, Niall Casey, Mark T. Hall
  • Patent number: 9463050
    Abstract: A sliding rod system for correcting a spinal deformity is disclosed. The sliding rod system may include at least one elongated thoracic sliding rod for slidable engagement with a plurality of connectors with each connector being fixedly engaged to multiple ribs of a patient for applying a continuous corrective force to the spinal column. Each of the connectors has a connector body that defines an upper clamp portion in communication with a lower clamp portion. The upper clamp is in slidable engagement with the at least one elongated thoracic sliding rod and the lower clamp is in fixed engagement with a respective rib of a patient. As the patient grows, the thoracic sliding rod slides relative to each connector, thereby permitting the sliding rod system to accommodate the gradual separation of the ribs during patient growth while providing continued corrective pressure to the patient's spinal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The Children's Mercy Hospital
    Inventor: Richard M Schwend
  • Patent number: 9463051
    Abstract: A facet joint prosthesis comprising an inferior prosthetic portion and a superior prosthetic portion is disclosed. Inferior prosthetic portion includes a first anchor member and a first articulating member and superior prosthetic portion includes a second anchor member and a second articulating member. The first articulating member comprises a support portion and first articulating surface and the second articulating member comprises a second articulating surface, and first and second articulating surfaces are configured and dimensioned to contact or engage one another. A flexible element is positioned between the support portion and the first articulating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Boyer, II, Daniel Laskowitz, David C. Paul, William Rhoda, Andrew Iott, Andrew Lee
  • Patent number: 9463052
    Abstract: Briefly, the present invention is directed to methods and instrumentation for performing surgery on the spine along its lateral aspect (side) and generally by a lateral, anterior or an anterolateral surgical approach, such that the instruments enter the body from an approach that is other than posterior and make contact with the spine along its lateral aspect. The present invention provides for the entire surgical procedure to be performed through a relatively small incision and may be performed in either the thoracic or lumbar spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Integrity Implants Inc.
    Inventor: Wyatt Drake Geist
  • Patent number: 9463053
    Abstract: A plating system for mending a periprosthetic fracture is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod, a first and second plate, and a plurality of fasteners. The intramedullary rod has a plurality of transverse holes. The first and second locking plates each have a plurality of openings and is configured to have a contour similar to a surface of a bone to which the plate is applied. Also provided is method of mending fractures by using the disclosed system. In the implanted condition, the first and second locking plates are placed across the periprosthetic fracture and each of the plurality of fasteners is inserted through one opening of the first and second plurality of openings and one transverse hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Garino
  • Patent number: 9463054
    Abstract: An implant system for fixation of bone includes an intramedullary nail, an extramedullary plate, and a bone fastener. The intramedullary nail has a connecting opening defining a first axis and a transverse opening defining a second axis and is configured to receive the bone fastener. The bone fastener is configured to penetrate a first through opening of the extramedullary plate and the transverse opening of the intramedullary nail. The implant system comprises a connecting fastener to fasten the extramedullary plate to the intramedullary nail by insertion through the second through opening of the extramedullary plate and the connecting opening of the intramedullary nail. The first axis is oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail and parallel to the second axis of the transverse opening. Thus, the extramedullary plate can move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone fastener towards the intramedullary nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Helmut Mueckter
  • Patent number: 9463055
    Abstract: System, including methods, devices, and kits, for hip fixation. The system may include a fixation element configured to be placed obliquely into a proximal femur and anchored in a head of the proximal femur. The system also may include a plate member including (a) a mounting portion configured to be placed on and attached to a lateral cortex of the proximal femur and (b) a barrel portion configured to be placed into a lateral region of the proximal femur and positioned around a portion of the fixation element. The system further may include a compliant member positioned or positionable at least partially in the plate member and configured to be reversibly deformed in response to a load applied to the head of the proximal femur, to change an angular orientation of the fixation element with respect to the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Ehmke, Steven P. Horst, Mark B. Sommers, Brian R. Conley
  • Patent number: 9463056
    Abstract: An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Daniel Fluri
  • Patent number: 9463057
    Abstract: An orthopedic fastener (10) has a head (50) and a shank (20). The shank (20) extends from the head (50) to a distal tip (11). The shank (20) has a leading end (1) adjacent the distal tip (11) and a trailing end (3) adjacent the head (50). An intermediate transition (2) is positioned between the leading (1) and trailing ends (3). The leading end (1) has first threads (40) with one or more self-tapping cutting grooves (41) extending adjacent the distal tip (11) and through a plurality of the first threads (40). The trailing end (3) has a second thread (60) extending toward the head (50) from the intermediate transition (2). The intermediate transition (2) has one or more second cutting grooves (61) extending from at least a first thread (40) in the intermediate transition (2) through at least one of said second threads (60) to initiate tapping of the second threads (60) into cortical bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Whipple
  • Patent number: 9463058
    Abstract: A method and device for improving the placement of a second guide wire in relation to a first guide wire. A body having a first guide wire channel extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end includes a needle-like tip arranged to receive a first guide wire from the first guide wire channel. The body further includes at least one parallel guide wire conduit in close proximity and substantially parallel to the channel. An elongated slot, with a wide opening on the distal end, narrows at the proximal end with a terminus exiting the body in close proximity to the needle-like tip. A second guide wire can be selectively inserted in either the at least one parallel conduit or in the slot to arrange the second guide wire in close and parallel proximity to, or in close and intersecting the trajectory of, the first guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Blake A. Matsuzaki, Randall J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 9463059
    Abstract: A medical device and related method of use for cutting tissue is described. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second lumens extending between the proximal and distal ends. The device further includes a first elongate arm having a third lumen extending distally from the first lumen and a second elongate arm having a fourth lumen extending distally from the second lumen. A cutting element extends from the third lumen of the first arm to the fourth lumen of the second arm, such that the cutting element is slidably disposed in at least one of the third and fourth lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Naroun Suon, Ra Nam, Samuel Raybin, Paul Smith, Jonathan Root
  • Patent number: 9463060
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. An electrosurgical scissor instrument includes at least one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to at least one of the scissor blades to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the blades. In a monopolar embodiment, only one blade is conductive; whereas, in a bipolar embodiment, both blades are conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Darcy W. Greep
  • Patent number: 9463061
    Abstract: A console for providing power to a surgical tool. Internal to the console is a power supply that supplies power, a processor that regulates the application of the power and a memory reader that reads data from a memory integral with the tool. The power is sourced over terminals also part of the console. The tool memory data are used to regulate the characteristics of the sourced power. An isolation circuit also internal to the console extends between the terminals over and the memory reader. The isolation circuit allows the memory reader to send read requests to the tool memory and receive data signals from the tool memory over the terminals while protecting the memory reader from the power signals sourced by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald W. Malackowski, Paul M. Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 9463062
    Abstract: A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a lumen arrangement and a length sufficient to access a target vessel of a patient. A balloon at the distal end of the shaft is fluidly coupled to the lumen arrangement. The balloon body comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material. The second material comprises a hydrophilic polymer that becomes electrically conductive in response to absorption of the conductive fluid. The fluid conductive regions facilitate perfusion of the conductive fluid through the balloon body to an inner wall of the target vessel during ablation of perivascular tissues. A cooling arrangement is configured for one of receiving a thermal transfer fluid from the lumen arrangement or facilitating perfusion of blood passing through the target vessel to cool the balloon body during ablation of the perivascular tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Smith, Joe Koblish, Mark L. Jenson, Roger Hastings
  • Patent number: 9463063
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include devices and systems for using an end effector. In an embodiment, a medical device may include an articulation section. The articulation section may be operatively associated with an elongate articulation member configured to move the articulation section, wherein the articulation section can be configured to receive part of a conductive member. The medical device may also include an end effector. The end effector may include an electrode and a non-conductive section encasing a junction between the electrode and the conductive member, wherein the non-conductive section can be moveably coupled to the articulation section and can be fixedly coupled to the elongate articulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Seddon, Sean Fleury, Mark Wood, Peter Dayton