Patents Issued in October 20, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160302749
    Abstract: A method for early recognition of bone and joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, by radiographic analysis, in which a digital radiographic image of the bone in the area of the joint head and/or joint socket is taken and the fractal dimension of at least one image zone is determined, and a bone structural value is calculated on the basis of the fractal dimension of the at least one image zone and used for assessing the state of health of the joint is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Braincon Handels-GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Schoen
  • Publication number: 20160302750
    Abstract: A system (IPS) and related method for fractional flow reserve, FFR, simulation. The simulation for a range of FFR values for a vasculature portion is based on a composite transfer function which is combined from a weighted sum of global effect transfer functions he, each representing a distinct physical effect that causes a pressure drop. The weights we are gotten from a previous training phase against pressure pi versus flow rate fi 5 sample measurements associated with respective vasculature geometries. The simulated range of FFR values is visualized in a graphics display (GD) as a function of pressure and flow rate values within respective intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: HANNES NICKISCH, MICHAEL GRASS, HOLGER SCHMITT, JAN TIMMER
  • Publication number: 20160302751
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for generating a virtual X-ray projection of at least one body region of a patient to be imaged with an X-ray imaging device, a machine-readable data carrier and/or an X-ray imaging device. The method includes acquiring at least one projection data set representing the at least one body region of the patient to be imaged; reconstructing an image data set from the at least one projection data set, the image data set representing local X-ray attenuation values in the at least one body region; replacing at least one local X-ray attenuation value by a modified X-ray attenuation value; forward projecting the modified image data set onto a virtual X-ray radiation detector; calculating intensity values for a plurality of detector elements from the modified projection data set; transforming the calculated intensity values into scan values; and assigning the scan values to an image matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Katharine Lynn Rowley GRANT, Rainer RAUPACH, Bernhard SCHMIDT, Martin SEDLMAIR
  • Publication number: 20160302752
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a radiation image capturing apparatus, an irradiation apparatus and an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus generates a first radiation image of a subject based on a signal value generated by the radiation image capturing apparatus with no grid attached irradiated by the irradiation apparatus; performs a low-pass filter process on a pixel value of the first radiation image using a scattering kernel, thereby generating a low frequency image; estimates a body thickness of the subject based on the signal value; estimates a scattered ray content rate based on the body thickness; calculates a scattered ray component in the first radiation image based on the low frequency image and the scattered ray content rate; and subtracts the scattered ray component from the first radiation image, thereby generating a second radiation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Ryohei ITO, Tatsuya TAKAGI, Keita YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20160302753
    Abstract: A radiographing system includes a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses and a composition processing unit which composites a plurality of radiation images acquired from the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses to generate a long-length image. Each of the radiation imaging apparatuses includes a radiation detecting panel which has a plurality of pixels arrayed in a two-dimensional matrix and converts radiated radiation into an image signal, and a position acquiring unit which acquires positional information by communicating with an external apparatus. A position deciding unit decides an order, in which the plurality of radiation images to be composited by the composition processing unit are composited, based on the positional information acquired by the position acquiring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Masataka Suzuki, Shichihei Sakuragi, Ryo Suzaki, Motoki Tagawa
  • Publication number: 20160302754
    Abstract: An medical viewing system (10) adapted for acquiring a first set of X-ray fluoroscopy images of an ultrasonic probe (40) of an echocardiography imaging device at two different viewing angles, wherein a processing unit (30) of the system is adapted for registering live echocardiography and live X-ray images based on the first set of X-ray fluoroscopy images, localizing cusp nadirs positions of a set of characteristic features (42, 44, 46) in the X-ray subsequent frames, establishing a set of markers to match the localized positions of the cusp nadirs characteristic features (42, 44, 46), and determining an optimal viewing angle of the X-ray image acquisition device (12), in which the markers of the second set of markers lie on a single line and are equidistant from each other in the X-ray field of view. This enables a precise alignment of the X-ray imaging device, especially for TAVR procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: JOHN ALLAN BRACKEN, NIELS NIJHOF, MICHAEL GRASS
  • Publication number: 20160302755
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes the following. A capturing stand includes a holder to hold radiographic image capturing devices. A radiation irradiator is able to irradiate the radiographic image capturing devices at once. An image processor generates images based on image data acquired by the radiographic image capturing devices. The image processor removes a structural component derived from the front radiographic image capturing device, on the basis of a calibration image and the generated image. The calibration image is preliminarily generated based on the image data acquired by the rear radiographic image capturing device with no subject disposed. The generated image is generated based on the image data acquired by the rear radiographic image capturing device during actual image capturing. The image processor removes a streaky component residing in the generated image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Tatsuya TAKAGI, Hiroaki MATSUMOTO, Ryohei ITO, Agus SUHARNO, Tsuyoshi KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20160302756
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a computer programmed to estimate noise in computed tomography (CT) imaging data, correlate the noise estimation with neighboring CT imaging data to generate a weighting estimation based on the correlation, de-noise the CT imaging data based on the noise estimation and on the weighting, and reconstruct an image using the de-noised CT imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jiahua Fan, Meghan Lynn Yue, Jiang Hsieh, Roman Melnyk, Masatake Nukui, Yujiro Yazaki
  • Publication number: 20160302757
    Abstract: A medical image viewing device (14) for navigation in X-ray imaging is proposed, which inter alia comprises a processing unit (30). The processing unit (30) is configured to perform a 3D-2D registration of a preoperative three-dimensional volume based on geometry parameters of an image data providing unit, which provides fluoroscopy images of an object of interest and a plurality of structures with interfering motions to be removed, for creating digitally reconstructed radiograph images of these structures for each fluoroscopy image. These are subtracted from the respective fluoroscopy images to generate structure-suppressed fluoroscopy images free from interfering motions. Based on these, an angiographic image sequence is generated performing a motion estimation of the structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: GUILAUME JULIEN JOSEPH PIZAINE, PASCAL YVES FRANCOIS CATHIER, OLIVIER PIERRE NEMPONT, RAOUL FLORENT
  • Publication number: 20160302758
    Abstract: A dose calculation apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies physical shape information of at least one of a body width and a body thickness of a subject using a ray-sum image generated from a plurality of medical images acquired by imaging the subject with an X-ray apparatus, an acquisition unit that acquires a correction coefficient corresponding to the physical shape information of at least one of the body width and the body thickness specified by the specifying unit from a storage unit configured to store a relationship between the physical shape information and the correction coefficient, and a calculation unit that calculates dose in accordance with a physical shape of the subject based on the correction coefficient acquired by the acquisition unit and a value representing X-ray intensity during taking of medical images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Tetsuya Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20160302759
    Abstract: A 3D ultrasound imaging device including an ultrasound probe assembly and echo analyzer. The ultrasound probe assembly includes a housing and an acoustic window abutted against the housing to form a sealed chamber, wherein the surface of the acoustic window contacts with the breast of the human body to be examined; an ultrasound transducer moves at a first speed back and forth within the sealed chamber and performs high-speed pre-scanning through the acoustic window to obtain initial ultrasound signals; the echo analyzer analyzes the initial ultrasound signals to determine a quality of a ultrasound image acquired by the high speed pre-scanning; and the ultrasound transducer then moves at a second speed to perform another scan to acquire new ultrasound signals. A 3D ultrasound imaging method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Zhiwei SHI, Ziyan ZHU, Lei ZHU
  • Publication number: 20160302760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for providing an object (2) in a body (1), a processor (18) arranged to be used in the system (10) for providing an object (2) in a body (1), an instrument (12) for providing an object (2) into a body (1), a method for detecting a providing of an object (2) in a body (1) and a software product for detecting a providing of an object (2) in a body (1). In order to allow for a providing of an object (2) in a body (1) and a detecting hereof while avoiding the drawbacks on the known approaches, e.g. giving an opportunity for reliable localization in ultrasound images used for real-time monitoring of a medical procedure with reduced error proneness to electromagnetic interference, the invention utilizes the finding that the characteristics of a reception or transmission of an ultrasound transducer (24, 26) are influenced by the surrounding environment of the ultrasound transducer (24, 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: EHSAN DEHGHAN MARVAST, FRANCOIS GUY GERARD MARIE VIGNON, AMEET KUMAR JAIN, SHYAM BHARAT, AMIR TAHMASEBI, DIRK BINNEKAMP
  • Publication number: 20160302761
    Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a controller controlling generation of an ultrasound image showing a blood vessel based on an ultrasound echo signal obtained from an object including the blood vessel, and a display displaying the ultrasound image, in which the controller determines a first line and a second line spaced apart from each other with an inner space of the blood vessel interposed therebetween and indicating blood vessel walls in the ultrasound image and determines a color based on information about a change in an interval between the first line and the second line, and the display displays a partial area of the ultrasound image with the determined color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-yong LEE, Bong-heon LEE, Sung-wook PARK, Jin-ki PARK, Hyuk-Jae CHANG, Nam-sik CHUNG, Geu-ru HONG, Chi-young SHIM, Ji-hyun YOON, In-jeong CHO, Ran HEO
  • Publication number: 20160302762
    Abstract: A medical device including both an intraluminal imaging apparatus and dual guidewire lumens is provided, allowing more accurate and stable catheter navigation and treatment delivery. The dual lumen catheter may also include members for increased torsional rigidity, distally located functional measurement sensors, and patterned radioopaque markers for orientation of the dual lumen exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas, Princeton Saroha
  • Publication number: 20160302763
    Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Brian COURTNEY, Nigel Robert MUNCE, Amandeep Singh THIND, Victor Xiao Dong YANG, Francis Stuart FOSTER, Alan SOONG, Brian Heng LI
  • Publication number: 20160302764
    Abstract: A system and method of ultrasound imaging, the system including a laparoscopic surgical instrument including at least one ultrasound transducer, and a processor adapted to receive acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer and process the acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer to produce a graphical representation of the acoustic data, the graphical representation depicting echoic attributes of tissue substantially axially aligned with a transmission path of the at least one ultrasound transducer, and the distance of at least one tissue type having different echoic attributes from surrounding tissue form a distal tip of the laparoscopic surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: PENG ZHENG, CHRISTOPHER A. VALENTINE, CHRISTOPHER T. RUSIN, KATHY E. ROOKS, BENJAMIN M. CORUM, SALLY D. JANDRALL, KRISTIN D. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20160302765
    Abstract: A medical body surface ultrasonic probe may comprise a probe body and a sticking plate, where the sticking plate may comprise a sub-plate. The sub-plate may be connected to the probe body, and the bottom of the sub-plate may have a sticking layer for attaching a medical body surface ultrasonic probe to a body surface of a monitored user. The medical body surface ultrasonic probe can be used where prolonged, continuous ultrasonic monitoring is required. In addition, a corresponding ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Shuo LIU, Yong LI, Jianhui LIU, Qun LIN
  • Publication number: 20160302766
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging system including the ultrasonic probe are provided. The ultrasonic probe comprises a probe body, an elastic liner, an adjusting assembly and a fixing member. The ultrasonic probe can control an elastic adjustment base to squeeze or loosen the elastic liner by tightening or loosening an adjusting rotary knob, and thereby the insertion depth of the probe body in the elastic liner can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the probe body. The angle of the ultrasonic waves and the pressurization depth of the probe body of the ultrasonic probe can be adjusted, and the ultrasonic probe can be secured to a target object for a long time for continuous ultrasonic imaging. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe can be widely applied to a clinical occasion where long-time continuous ultrasonic monitoring is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jianhui LIU, Yong LI, Shuo LIU, Qun LIN
  • Publication number: 20160302767
    Abstract: In order to provide a technology that does not require, in a probe, provision of a bias voltage storage unit and a communication unit and, in an apparatus main body, provision of a communication unit configured to communicate to/from the probe and a unit configured to control a bias voltage based on a value obtained by the communication, there is provided a probe including a plurality of cells, the cell including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed so as to be opposed to the first electrode across a gap. The plurality of cells include: a first cell configured to perform at least one of transmission or reception of an ultrasound wave; and a second cell in which pull-in occurs at a voltage lower than a pull-in voltage of the first cell and which is configured to be short-circuited at a time of the pull-in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Naoyo Gemma, Atsushi Kandori
  • Publication number: 20160302768
    Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus that generates an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal obtained by receiving ultrasound reflected by a contrast medium in a target region of a subject to which the contrast medium is administered includes a measuring section configured to measure predetermined measurement items related to administration of the contrast medium, an image quality setting changing section configured to change an image quality setting of the ultrasound image from one to another of a first image quality setting suitable for observing how the contrast medium flows into the target region and a second image quality setting suitable for observing how the contrast medium is retained in the target region, and a control section configured to control setting changing operation by the image quality setting changing section based on a measurement result of the measuring section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya MIYAKE
  • Publication number: 20160302769
    Abstract: Viscosity is included in the quantification by an ultrasound imaging system. The log of a spectrum of displacement as a function of time is determined for each of various locations subjected to a shear or other wave. Solving using the log as a function of location provides the complex wavenumber. Various viscoelastic parameters, such as loss modulus and storage modulus, are determined from the complex wavenumber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Yassin Labyed, Liexiang Fan
  • Publication number: 20160302770
    Abstract: Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to flexible and efficient systems for focusing IVUS echo data received from transducers including polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs). In one embodiment, an ultrasound processing system includes first and second aperture engines coupled to an engine controller, which provides aperture assignments to the first and second aperture engines. The aperture engines receive the assignment and a portion of A-line data, perform one or more focusing process on the received A-line data, and produce focused data in accordance with the aperture assignment. In some embodiments, once an aperture engine has produced focused data, the engine controller clears the aperture engine and assigns another aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Hancock
  • Publication number: 20160302771
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating a 3D ultrasound system are provided. A 3D ultrasound system includes an extractor, a processor, and a controller. The extractor scans an image of an object in a human body, and extracts a region of interest (ROI) image in an inputted ROI with respect to a selected image. The processor detects edges from a plurality of side images of the object with respect to the ROI image. The controller measures the thickness of the image using the detected edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Kwang Hee LEE
  • Publication number: 20160302772
    Abstract: A technique of controlling a transducer. The method includes transmitting signals to the transducer, receiving signals from the transducer, and automatically adjusting the signals transmitted to the transducer based on characteristic of the signals received from the transducer. The transducer may be an ultrasound transducer. The adjustment of the signal may be performed at least in part by dynamically updating a signal threshold, for example via a proportional-integral-derivative or other type of control loop implemented at least in part by a field programmable gate array. One or more visual, audio, and haptic feedback to a user based on the signals received from the transducer. The signal may be also included a coded excitation communication and/or a Doppler signal. Automatically adjusting the signals transmitted to the transducer may achieve synchronization with an external imaging system. Also, systems that perform the technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Cummins, Jay C Mung
  • Publication number: 20160302773
    Abstract: A device comprises a first cavity (300) and a second cavity (400), wherein the first cavity (300) is positioned in the second cavity (400), and may seal and compress the second cavity (400) so that the liquid in the second cavity (400) is discharged out quantitatively. The device may fully mix a buffer solution with a sample and achieves the function of integration of collection and test. Further, a collecting device also may achieve the quota-sampling function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Gou Lijian, Hu Haipeng
  • Publication number: 20160302774
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for rapidly detecting streptococcus bacteria. An illustrative device includes a first elongate handle connected to a first edible portion and a second elongate handle connected to a second edible portion. The first and second elongate handles are connected by a banding material. The first and second edible portions are inserted into the mouth of an individual for receiving a saliva sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Kathleen Morsey
  • Publication number: 20160302775
    Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which comprises: a body; and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material (not shown), the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position (shown in FIG. 8) where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position (shown in FIG. 9) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The device is characterised in that the body slideably supports the sample collection member, and in that the body or collection member include a ramp-like projection portion (116 FIG. 10) operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect said transfer as the collection member slides within the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Cheryl Louise Potts, Peter James Tatnell, Geraint Seymour, Alan Stuart Pierce, Michael John Smith, Samantha Jane Ogden, Neil John Williams, Christopher Burrows, Jared William Harris Evans, Ashley Edward Bryant, Sean Robert Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20160302776
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Alec D. Adolphson, Ann K. Packingham, Andrew E. Page, David S. Alburty, Zachary A. Packingham, John D. Birkenholz, Michael F. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20160302777
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a removable tip device, which include a bone penetration feature at a distal end and a securing feature that allows the removable tip device to be removably secured to a distal end of various embodiments of a bone coring device. Some embodiments of the removable tip device include features that assist in transmitting torsional loads from the bone coring device to the bone removal feature. In addition, some embodiments of the removable tip device include a protective element that is configured to provide a protective surface for a distal feature of the bone coring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TRINITY ORTHOPEDICS, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Marino, Jamil Elbanna
  • Publication number: 20160302778
    Abstract: A biopsy assembly includes a catheter, a valve, a device having suction and pressure modes, and a loss of suction indicator. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end configured to capture a tissue sample, and defines a lumen therebetween. The valve defines a first port coupled to the device and a second port coupled to the proximal end of the catheter. When suction is applied to the first port, a suction path is defined from the distal end of the catheter through the lumen of the catheter and into the second port, such that the tissue sample is suctioned into the catheter. Upon loss of suction at the distal end, the pressure mode is used to define a pressure path from the first port to an open third port, expelling material therefrom. In the pressure mode, suction is maintained at the second port and catheter coupled thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: DAVID M. COSTELLO, THOMAS D. MAGNUSON, MICHAEL J. KERN
  • Publication number: 20160302779
    Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin M. FIEBIG, Jessica P. LEIMBACH, Kyle P. MOORE, Morgan R. HUNTER, Andrew P. NOCK
  • Publication number: 20160302780
    Abstract: A bioadhesive sealant storage and preparation system may comprise a plurality of containers and an adapter. The plurality of containers may comprise a first container having a first bioadhesive sealant component therein, and a second container having a second bioadhesive sealant component therein. The adapter may comprise a manifold comprising a plurality of channels formed therein, an inlet region sized and configured to receive the plurality of containers and facilitate fluid communication between each container of the plurality of containers and a respective channel of the plurality of channels, and an outlet region sized and configured to receive a syringe and provide fluid communication between the syringe and the plurality of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventors: Zachary J. Tegels, Russell D. Terwey, Troy t. White, Timothy M. McGlinch, Bernhard Kaeferlein, Edward E. Parsonage, Martha Escobar
  • Publication number: 20160302781
    Abstract: An incision closure device includes an elongated handle portion including a distal end, a first connector detachably affixed to the distal end of the handle portion, and a second connector adapted to be axially moveable along the handle portion, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Viola
  • Publication number: 20160302782
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least one of first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Amarpreet S. Sawhney, Farhad Khosravi, Suresh S. Pai
  • Publication number: 20160302783
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a retrieval device and method for retrieving tissue from a body cavity. The retrieval device includes a pouch having an aperture and a pouch wall defining an interior space. An inflatable rim is coupled to the pouch and facilitates retrieval of the tissue into the interior space of the pouch. The retrieval device further includes a closure device coupled to the pouch wall for enclosing the tissue within the interior space of the pouch. A portion of the pouch wall includes a self-sealing characteristic that allows an instrument to pierce the pouch wall and the pouch wall is resealable after withdrawal of the instrument. The pouch can move from a retracted position to a expanded position upon inflation of the inflatable rim, which can then be separated by application of a separation force at an area of material weakness in the pouch wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: James Greenberg, Jon Einarsson, Ron Adam
  • Publication number: 20160302784
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second body members. Each body member has an opposed side and an outer side. The body members are coupled to one another by a connector and are moveable with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spread position wherein the opposed sides are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second body members and extends therefrom such that translating the flexible membrane radially outwardly moves the body members from the approximated position to the spread position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Fiona Middlemiss Haig, Cormac O'Prey, Valerie Anne Scott, Charlotte Adele Clark
  • Publication number: 20160302785
    Abstract: A method for securing suture to bone comprises drilling a hole in a desired portion of bone at a desired procedural site, passing a strand of suture through a portion of soft tissue to be approximated to the portion of bone, and extending the free suture ends proximally from the soft tissue. The suture is loaded into an anchor implant. Using an inserter, on a distal end of which is attached the anchor implant, the anchor implant is manipulated into the bone hole. The suture is then tensioned to a desired level by pulling on the free suture ends, after the anchor implant is positioned in the bone hole. The free suture ends are wrapped about a suture cleat on an inserter handle once the desired tension level is achieved. A proximal anchor component is moved distally to engage with a distal anchor component to lock the anchor in place within the bone hole, and to lock the suture in place within the anchor. Then, the inserter is removed from the procedural site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin S. Nason, Jordan A. Hoof
  • Publication number: 20160302786
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue using an improved retention device. The apparatus and method is suitable for securing a suture to a bone or an anchor or securing a first tissue to a second tissue. The retention device is capable of attaching to a flexible member. The apparatus and method is appropriate for arthroscopic surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: William F. Bennett, Ramses Galaz Mendez, Daniel Francisco Gomez Romo
  • Publication number: 20160302787
    Abstract: Suturing devices, systems, and methods used to suture biological structures. The suturing devices can be configured to place sutures into body tissue from one side of the tissue without requiring a component on an opposite side of the tissue and without requiring insertion of components into the body tissue beyond the needles and the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony A. NOBLES
  • Publication number: 20160302788
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns suburethral and pelvic support structures which utilize tissue soldering materials instead of, or in addition to, traditional tissue anchors and suture knots. It further concerns methods of treating patients that includes implanting these structures and activating the tissue soldering materials to attach the structures to a tissue in the body of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Peter J. Pereira, Jonathan Zoll
  • Publication number: 20160302789
    Abstract: Sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Y. HIROTSUKA, Michael MURILLO, Yoav BEN-HAIM, Justin D. SALIMAN, Christopher P. BENDER, Michael J. HENDRICKSEN, Stephen J. PETER, Victoria C. QUITUGUA, Sarah-Marie CHAN, Jennifer B. FASMAN
  • Publication number: 20160302790
    Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system includes a hand-held surgical instrument; an end effector; and a shaft assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device. The shaft assembly includes a transmission housing; an outer tubular body; a distal neck housing for interconnecting a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument and a rotation receiving member supported in the end effector, wherein the distal neck housing includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly enables off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly, and wherein the rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Paul A. Scirica, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20160302791
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling apparatus. The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongated body. The surgical stapling apparatus also includes an ablation catheter that extends through the handle assembly, the elongated body, and the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: JEFFREY SCHMITT
  • Publication number: 20160302792
    Abstract: A tissue resection method of resecting a portion of a hollow organ includes a first step of specifying a position and a range of a resection target tissue from the inside of the hollow organ and showing the position and the range in a visually recognizable manner from the inside of a body cavity; a second step of bringing a bioabsorbable member introduced into the body cavity into contact with the resection target tissue and pressing the resection target tissue, thereby inverting the resection target tissue to the inside of the hollow organ; and a third step of resecting the inverted resection target tissue over all layers from the inside of the hollow organ and performing anastomosis of a hole formed in the hollow organ from the inside of the hollow organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Kosuke MOTAI
  • Publication number: 20160302793
    Abstract: Described herein are tissue closure devices and methods for ligating a target tissue, such as the left atrial appendage. The tissue closure device may have an elongate body, a snare at least partially housed within the elongate body, a suture at least partially housed within the elongate body, and a tightening element coupled to the suture. The suture may have a suture loop, and the tightening element may be configured to decrease the size of the suture loop when the area of a tissue within the suture loop decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory W. FUNG, Alan L. BRADLEY, Russell PONG, Robert L. CLARK, III, Arnold M. ESCANO
  • Publication number: 20160302794
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a delivery apparatus or mechanism and method of use for delivering a medical device to the body of a patient. The apparatus may have an outer catheter independently mobile from an inner sheath and an elongate member. The apparatus further has a gripper attached to the elongate member. The gripper may be manipulated by way of a handle to control the state of the medical device relative to the delivery apparatus. Through use of the handle, the apparatus may be moved from a connected state to a released state to deliver the medical device to a target site in the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Allan Torp, Per Elgaard
  • Publication number: 20160302795
    Abstract: A closed loop-type hemostatic device having built-in inner pincers which integrates holding type pincers with a device for fitting a hemostatic clip, so as to: primarily, find and temporarily perform hemostasis on a bleeding portion by using holding type pincers after confirming that the bleeding portion exists; secondarily, move a clip pressing part and a clip pressing part and enclose the bleeding portion; and then move only the clip pressing part and clip a closed loop-type hemostatic clip onto the bleeding portion so as to perform hemostasis. The amount of bleeding can be reduced by temporary hemostasis on a bleeding portion, and a hemostatic clip can be precisely clipped on the bleeding portion, thereby improving hemostatic performance. Also, because hemostasis can be selectively performed only around a damaged blood vessel wall, therefore, the physiological benefit of being able to maintain partial blood flow may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Sang Jae PARK, Kwang Gi KIM, Seong Yeon CHO
  • Publication number: 20160302796
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods for delivering an implant to a patient are disclosed. A delivery assembly can comprise an elongate tube, an outer magnetic member, and an inner magnetic member. The elongate tube extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and defines a delivery lumen. The outer magnetic member can be movable along an outer surface of the tube; the inner magnetic member can be positioned within the delivery lumen and magnetically coupled to the outer magnetic member through a sidewall of the tube. The inner magnetic member can be movable through the delivery lumen when actuated by relative movement between the outer magnetic member and the tube. The delivery assembly can further comprise a syringe or an inflator/deflator couplable to a hub at the proximal end portion of the tube. The syringe or inflator/deflator can be used to urge fluid against a proximal end portion of the inner magnetic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Chad Kugler, James Murto
  • Publication number: 20160302797
    Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Anh CAM, Michael LOSORDO, Jianlu MA, Xiaoling ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20160302798
    Abstract: A device system and method for the treatment of aortic dissections comprising placing a stent in the true lumen and displacing the blood in the false lumen with an inflatable bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Stefan G. Schreck