Patents Issued in November 15, 2016
  • Patent number: 9492158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T. Stone, Gregory J. Denham, Ryan Harper, Ryan A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9492159
    Abstract: A suture anchor for anchoring a suture to a bone, including a distal end having a bifurcated tip, in which the bifurcated tip defines a suture-engaging slot, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis between the distal end and the proximal end, and two substantially flat surfaces extending between the distal end and the proximal end, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are substantially parallel, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are separated by a thickness of no more than about 0.1 inches, and in which the two substantially flat surfaces extend along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a width of no more than about 0.4 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Lunn, David A. Paulk, Paul L. Salvas
  • Patent number: 9492160
    Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Torrie, George Sikora, Raymond A. Bojarski, Steven W. Ek
  • Patent number: 9492162
    Abstract: Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Murillo, Michael J. Hendricksen, Yoav Ben-Haim
  • Patent number: 9492163
    Abstract: A device to assist in securing a holding a portion of a suture during an intra-abdominal suturing procedure, the device including an elongated tubular body, a handle, an inner member element, and a push button. The inner member element may include at least one grasping element that expands as the at least one grasping element is extended beyond a distal end of the elongated tubular. The device may include a proximal spring disposed within the push button and abutting against a proximal end of the inner member element to allow the at least one grasping element to retract into the elongated tubular body in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Celso Bagaoisan, Suresh Pai, Brad Labarbera
  • Patent number: 9492164
    Abstract: A suturing instrument including multiple needle and suture assemblies that are at least partially disposed within the suturing instrument allows a surgeon to place multiple sutures intercorporally without having to remove the instrument from a surgical site and reload the instrument between placing each suture. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member that includes a distal portion defining an opening. The suturing instrument further includes a first needle disposed within the opening, a second needle disposed within the opening, and a needle deployment mechanism disposed at least partially within the elongate body member and connectable sequentially to the first needle and the second needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. H. Chu
  • Patent number: 9492165
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Matthew Hannen, Peter O. Newton, Michael Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9492166
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil shaft, a first anvil assembly disposed at a distal portion of the anvil shaft and a second anvil assembly mountable on the anvil shaft proximally of the first anvil assembly. Also, a method for performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical instrument including a first cartridge assembly and a first anvil assembly having an anvil shaft, approximating the first anvil assembly and first cartridge assembly and ejecting staples from the first cartridge assembly. The method further includes removing the first cartridge assembly from the tubular organ, and inserting a second anvil assembly into the tubular organ to engage the anvil shaft of the first anvil assembly and ejecting staples from a second cartridge assembly towards the second anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9492167
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 9492168
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device has a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a shell assembly housing a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly. An approximation mechanism is movable from a first position to a second position to move the anvil assembly relative to the shell assembly between a spaced position and an approximated position. A firing mechanism for advancing the staples is actuable when the approximation assembly is in the second position and the anvil assembly is in the approximated position. A lockout mechanism operatively associated with the approximation mechanism is movable from a non-blocking position to a blocking position, wherein in the non-blocking position the approximation mechanism is movable from the first position to the second position and in the blocking position movement of the approximation mechanism from the second position to the first position is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 9492169
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes an actuator member. An end effector is operatively disposed adjacent a distal portion of an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument. The end effector includes a first jaw member pivotably disposed with respect to a second jaw member. The end effector is movable between a first position where the jaw members are spaced from one another, and a second position where the jaw members are in an approximated position. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a respective longitudinal track. An actuation assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, wherein actuation of the actuation member causes the actuation assembly to translate from a distal portion of the end effector towards a proximal portion of the end effector through the tracks in the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Dino Kasvikis
  • Patent number: 9492170
    Abstract: A modular end effector delivers a therapeutic agent onto tissue that has been severed and/or stapled. The end effector is removably attached to a device. The device applies force to a piston of the end effector. The force causes a distal movement of a piston along a wall disposed within the end effector. The piston engages with agents stored on opposite sides of the wall, moving the agents distally to a mixture space. The agents are mixed in the mixture space and expelled through a tip. Staples may be embedded in or disposed below a foam block, which is disposed within a staple cartridge. Via an endoscopic stapling device, coated staples are driven through tissue while interacting with another agent on the device or the cartridge. The interaction forms a tissue restoring material that is applied onto the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Bear, Thu Anh Le, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Mark D. Overmyer, Michael Setser, Bret W. Smith, Joseph Zavatsky, Kreena Modi
  • Patent number: 9492171
    Abstract: An article useful for atraumatic care and/or closure of wounds, as well as for repairing torn or ripped fabric is provided. The article comprises a substrate having opposing first and second major surfaces, a plurality of raised anchoring members disposed across the first major surface, and an optional adhesive pre-mounted adjacent the second major surface. A separate adhesive could also be used to mount the article to the desired underlying surface to be repaired. The substrate is a flexible and conformal continuous web that can be cut into pieces to custom fit the wound or fabric opening. Using the anchoring members and a thread, the pieces can be drawn together to correspondingly draw the tissue or fabric on either side(s) of the opening together, thereby closing the opening without piercing or suturing/sewing together the underlying tissue or fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Creative Technology Concepts LLC
    Inventor: Bart Patenaude
  • Patent number: 9492172
    Abstract: In order to so improve a surgical system for connecting body tissue, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements movable relative to each other, each of which comprises a high-frequency electrode, the high-frequency electrodes, in an approach position of the tool elements, defining a minimum distance from each other, lying opposite each other and facing each other, that an overstretching of connections of parts of body tissue, in particular, made by a flow of current, is avoided when removing the surgical instrument, it is proposed that the instrument comprise a shaft at the distal end of which at least a first one of the tool elements is arranged or formed, and that a second tool element be adapted to be moved from an operating position, in which it is adapted for movement into the approach position, into a removal position and/or vice versa, a surface area of a perpendicular projection of the second tool element onto a projection plane extending perpendicularly to the shaft direction in the re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Patent number: 9492173
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating an anastomosis or fistula between the gallbladder and an adjacent organ are disclosed. First, a parent magnet, typically a permanent magnet, is deployed in the stomach, small intestine, or another organ adjacent to the gallbladder, and a mating daughter material is deployed in the gallbladder in order to create a magnet-compression anastomosis. The gallbladder may then be ablated or otherwise functionally inactivated through the anastomosis. Another aspect of the invention relates to an all-in-one surgical kit that contains all the necessary specialized tools for a surgeon to perform the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GI Windows, Inc.
    Inventors: John McWeeney, Marvin Ryou, Padraig Cantillon-Murphy, Jeffrey H. Lang, Christopher Thompson
  • Patent number: 9492174
    Abstract: Methods for treatment of a cerebral aneurysm are described. Methods include providing a self-expanding permeable shell having a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen, an expanded state with a globular and longitudinally shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state, and a plurality of elongate filaments that are woven together, which define a cavity of the permeable shell. The permeable shell includes composite filaments. The composite filaments may have a diameter of 0.00075?, 0.001?, 0.0015?, and/or 0.00125?. The permeable shell is advanced in the constrained state within a catheter. The permeable shell is then deploying the permeable shell within the cerebral aneurysm, wherein the permeable shell expands to the expanded state within the cerebral aneurysm. The catheter is then withdrawn after deploying the permeable shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J Hewitt, Brian E Merritt, William R Patterson
  • Patent number: 9492175
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an umbilicus support apparatus includes a base and an armature that extends from the base, the armature including a flexible arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the armature further including a support head attached to the distal end of the arm, the support head including umbilicus securing means for securing an umbilicus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick James Tighe, Nicole Dobija
  • Patent number: 9492176
    Abstract: A clamping and ligation device, comprising a ligation unit (10), a conveying unit (20), a protective sleeve (30), a connecting unit (40), a operation unit (50), and a traction unit (60); the connecting unit (40) connects the conveying unit (20) with the ligation unit (10), and can be disengaged to separate the conveying unit (20) from the ligation unit (10); the traction unit (60) controls the ligation unit (10) via push and pull movement; the end of the traction unit (60) connected to the ligation unit (10) is breakable, so that the traction unit (60) can be broken away from the ligation unit (10) under a definite force; the protective sleeve pipe (30) can accommodate the whole ligation unit (10) therein, thus, during endoscope penetration, avoiding the damage to the endoscope tube wall and the increase of penetration force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jian Zhu
  • Patent number: 9492177
    Abstract: The present invention is a tourniquet comprising: a strap; a pelvic pad included in the strap having a pocket defined in the pelvic pad for receiving a semi-rigid stiffening member; base plates slidably attached to the strap allowing the base plates to be positioned along the strap; a threaded shaft received in each of the base plates; a pressure pad removable attached to a distal end of each of the shafts; a handle attached to a proximal end of each of the shafts having openings defined in each end of the handle; and, a rotational arresting strap attached to each base plate having a securing tab that can be received in one of the handle openings thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when the securing tab is received in sand handle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: North American Rescue, LLC, The University Of Texas Health Care Center at Houston
    Inventors: Darrel Saunders, Ricardo Flores-Artola, Joanne Walters, Michael Duncan, Lester Martinez-Lopez, Joshua Markham, Brent Bronson, John B. Holcomb, Keith Gates, Andy Burgess
  • Patent number: 9492178
    Abstract: A method for implanting porous spacers (100) for foot and ankle fusion between separate bones of a joint or between two segments of a single bone following an osteotomy procedure. Such spacers may be used in conjunction with an ankle resection system which includes a resection frame (150 and a resection guide (1780). The resection frame can be anchored to the distal tibia and/or the talus and provides an opening (155) through which a bone cutting element can pass for cutting underlying bone. The resection guide can include one or more cutting slots (160,171,172) and the resection guide can be coupled to the resection frame with the one or more cutting slots positioned over the opening in the resection frame so that the bone cutting element can pass through the one or more cutting slots and through the opening in the resection frame for cutting the distal tibia and/or the talus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Neal, Joseph Markham, Victor Valderrabano, Richard John Claridge, John Shirk Kirchner, Mehul Dharia, Ray Zubok, Greg Stebbins
  • Patent number: 9492179
    Abstract: An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a tensioning bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction of the tibia and femur during cut positioning in a range of flexion angles. Also, the assembly is usable with relatively small, noninvasive approaches to the knee joint by way of relatively narrow, low profile components that attach to tibial and femoral IM rods. Further, the assembly includes several quick-release components to allow fast assembly and disassembly in a surgical setting. Each of these aspects, along with the ability of the assembly to accurately guide initial reference cuts to the tibia and femur, promotes an improved outcome for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: OTSUKA MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: G. Lynn Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9492180
    Abstract: A combination of a first assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint and a second assembly including femoral and tibial knee components. The combination of the first assembly and the second assembly provides optimal placement and positioning of the femoral and tibial knee components to achieve near-normal knee kinematics and tension. The preparation for and placement of the prosthetic knee components provides medial-pivoting kinematics mimicking that of the natural knee thereby promoting improved outcome for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: G. Lynn Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9492181
    Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: McGinley Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. McGinley, Kevin D. Simmons, Peter A. Privitera, Henry K. Sim, Shigeru Tanaka, David J. Rinaldis, Graham R. Faulknor, Martin A. Leugers
  • Patent number: 9492182
    Abstract: A customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument for facilitating implantation of an acetabular cup prosthesis in a coxal bone of a patient and method of use is disclosed. The customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument includes a customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide. The customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide includes a longitudinal passageway for an acetabular reamer and a plurality of arms with attached feet. Each foot of the reaming guide is positioned relative to the body based on the contours of the coxal bone of the patient and a predetermined degree of version and inclination angles of the acetabular cup prosthesis when implanted in the patient's coxal bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan C. Keefer
  • Patent number: 9492183
    Abstract: A patient-matched cutting block including a surface or point contact features adapted to at least partially conform to or reference a patient specific anatomy. The cutting block having guide slots configured for guiding the movement of cutting tools relative to the patient specific anatomy or features configured to mate to and guide standard cutting guides relative to patient specific anatomy in order to form plateau and eminence resections of the patient specific anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Christopher Wilkinson, Brian W. McKinnon, David Timothy Mehl, Luke Andrew Gibson, Scott Kennedy Laster
  • Patent number: 9492184
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and surgical techniques for joint arthroplasty, including implant components that facilitate the position and implantation of a hip replacement using cutting guides and various femoral implant arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: William B. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9492185
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing knee arthroplasty including but not limited to bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty are provided. Methods and devices for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are also provided. These methods and devices, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary Christopher Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9492186
    Abstract: Devices and method for performing replacement prosthetic knee surgery are disclosed in which a spacing means is introduced between the femur (1) and tibia (2) while the patella (9) is in place. The spacing means separates the femur (1) from the tibia (2) by an amount essentially equal to or greater than the required flexion gap (4). An alignment device (26) is used for performing femoral bone cuts, which device attaches temporarily to a fitted tibial plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Ignace Ghijselings
  • Patent number: 9492187
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extended out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sundaram Ravikumar, H. Allan Alward, Steven J. Wysocki, Guy L. Osborne, Robert F. Smith
  • Patent number: 9492188
    Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal direction along which the endoscopic instrument extends from the proximal end to the distal end, an end effector on the distal end, which end effector has a first end effector part and a second end effector part, a connecting element on the distal end, on which connecting element the first and second end effector parts are mounted and which connecting element extends along a transverse direction, a first pushing element, a second pushing element, a third pushing element, and a fourth pushing element, wherein the pushing elements each extend along the longitudinal direction and are displaceable relative to one another along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first pushing element is articulately arranged at the first end effector part, the second pushing element is articulately arranged at the second end effector part, the third pushing element is articulately arranged at the connecting element, and the fourth pushing element is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Omid Abri, Stephan Schrader, Jonas Forster
  • Patent number: 9492189
    Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes a rotatable drive screw having a coupling member at a proximal end thereof; and a flexible drive cable rotatably supported therein and extending therefrom, wherein the flexible drive cable receives rotational forces and transmits said rotational forces to the drive screw to actuate the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; and a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector. In use, when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly, the flexible drive cable extends through the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Paul Scirica
  • Patent number: 9492190
    Abstract: A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes a cannula and an introducer coaxially coupled to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. An introducer is coaxially coupleable to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. The introducer including a generally annular lumen disposed in fluid communication with an inflation port operably disposed on the introducer and in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon that couples to the introducer. The inflatable balloon is movable from a deflated condition for positioning the introducer adjacent target tissue, to an inflated condition for separating the target tissue from nearby tissue and for providing a barrier therebetween such that the nearby tissue is not affected during the electrosurgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
  • Patent number: 9492191
    Abstract: Surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods that are used for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue, adjusting the length of implant components, and cutting the implant to a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Astora Women's Health, LLC
    Inventors: Brian G. Fischer, Karl A. Jagger, Jason W. Ogdahl, Jeffrey M. O'Hern, John F. Otte, Jessica L. Roll, Andrew P. VanDeWeghe, Justin H. Huelman, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Patent number: 9492192
    Abstract: The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AtheroMed, Inc.
    Inventors: John T To, Christopher James Danek, Paul Quentin Escudero, Uriel Hiram Chee, August Christopher Pombo, Torrey Smith, Brenda Hann
  • Patent number: 9492193
    Abstract: A vascular device is provided having a catheter body and a rotatable cutter assembly located at the distal end of the catheter body. The cutter assembly has at least one helical cutting surface within a housing that is coupled by a torque shaft to a drive mechanism. A conveyor mechanism helically wound about the torque shaft conveys occlusive material conveyed into the housing by the helical cutting blade further proximally along the catheter body for discharge without supplement of a vacuum pump. The catheter body is manipulated to insert the distal end of the catheter body within a body lumen and advance the distal end of the catheter body toward the occlusive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AtheroMed, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. To, Christopher James Danek
  • Patent number: 9492194
    Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
  • Patent number: 9492195
    Abstract: A surgical port comprising a body and first and second cannula extending from the body and movable with respect to the body via an instrument inserted through the respective cannula. The cannulas can extend distally from the body and can include one or more seals. A port assembly and first and second instruments manipulatable in a crossed configuration are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, Oleg Shikhman, Christopher Battles, Patrick N. Gutelius, Mark J. DeBisschop, Jeffrey H. MacDonald, Frank Rende, Michael Abrams, Anatoly Konik, Dan Rottenberg
  • Patent number: 9492196
    Abstract: A hair implant anchor usable with a hair implant anchor deployment device for inserting one or more hairs into a tissue portion is provided. The hair implant anchor includes a holder configured to grip one or more hairs and one or more selectably deployable leaves formed with the holder. When the anchor is in its first configuration prior to implantation of the hairs, the leaves are constrained by the deployment device in a position generally parallel to an insertion axis, and in a second configuration, subsequent to implantation of the hair, the leaves adopt a position extended away from the insertion axis, thereby securing the holder and hair gripped thereby within the tissue portion. The invention also provides a method for use of the anchor, a hair implantation system, a multi-hair implantation system and a hair implantation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HAIRSTETICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Dvir Keren, Boaz Shenhav
  • Patent number: 9492197
    Abstract: A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MATERNA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Juravic, Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 9492198
    Abstract: A device for detachably clamping fastening elements in a surgical fixing or repositioning device. The device may a rod with a longitudinal axis. A first and second pair of clamping jaws may be operably associated with the rod. Each pair of clamping jaws may have a side surface as well as an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, which may have indentations forming a channel. The channels may be opened towards the side surface of the clamping jaws. A fastening means may be positioned in the channels by pushing the fastening means into the openings in the side surface in a direction which may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. An elastic element may be positioned between the inner and outer clamping jaws of at least one pair of clamping jaws so as to resist movement of the inner and outer clamping jaws with respect to each other as a fastening means is inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Brunner, Marcel Fuhrer
  • Patent number: 9492199
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a fixator body having a first part and a second part that are connected by a joint and having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough. A first pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the first part and a second pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the second part. A first and second pin-holders are received within and threadably engage the internally threaded bore of the first part and the second part, respectively, and are configured to removably hold a first and second sets of one or more bone fixation pins extending through the first and second pairs of opposed longitudinally extending slots, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Edward Orsak, Kian-Ming (Kevin) Wong
  • Patent number: 9492200
    Abstract: A suture system including a suture construct having a first reduction construct configured to be selectively arranged in an expanded state and a reduced state. The first reduction construct includes a first locking limb, a first contractible loop, and a first opposed loop disposed generally opposite to the first contractible loop, wherein reduction of the first opposed loop contracts the first contractible loop from the expanded state into the reduced state and secures the suture construct in the reduced state. The suture construct may also include a second reduction construct. Optionally, the suture system includes a first and a second pusher tube defining a first and a second lumen, respectively, wherein each pusher tubes are advanced over portions of opposed loops, respectively, and wherein distal portions of opposed loops extend beyond the pusher tubes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrosurface Incorporated
    Inventors: George Sikora, Steven W. Ek
  • Patent number: 9492201
    Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SI-Bone Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Reiley
  • Patent number: 9492202
    Abstract: A rod-shaped implant element is provided for connecting at least two bone anchoring elements. Each bone anchoring element includes an anchoring section to be anchored in the bone and a receiver member to be connected to the rod-shaped implant element. The rod-shaped implant element includes, a longitudinal axis, at least one first length of a rigid section that is configured to cooperate with and be received in the receiver member, a second length of a flexible section adjacent to the rigid section, a bore coaxial to the longitudinal axis and extending through the rigid section and the flexible section, and a core accommodated in the bore, the core having two opposite ends. At least one end of the core is freely movable in the bore when said flexible section is extended or compressed in a direction of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Matthis, Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms
  • Patent number: 9492203
    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: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, David M. Skinlo, Daniel E. Gerbec
  • Patent number: 9492204
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part configured to be pivotably connected to a head of an anchoring element, the receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod, an accommodation space having an opening for accommodating the head, and a passage extending from a first end of the receiving part to the accommodation space, a cap member having a first portion configured to be positioned in the accommodation space and to hold the head, wherein the first portion is expandable in the accommodation space to allow insertion of the head and compressible to exert pressure on the head, and a sleeve-like insert piece including a spherical segment-shaped outer surface portion. The insert piece can be positioned at least partially around the first portion of the cap member and can pivot in the receiving part when the cap member and the insert piece are in the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 9492205
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Stevan Alsup, Justin Burnell Hohl
  • Patent number: 9492206
    Abstract: An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Patent number: 9492207
    Abstract: A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Implanet, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Regis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 9492208
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Arnold, Eric Dasso, Justin Doose, Richard Mueller, Robert German