Patents Issued in December 15, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160361140
    Abstract: Orthodontic remodeling devices having an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls said actuator; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical edges on a facial edge thereof and upper and lower vertical edges on a lingual edge thereof. During usage the orthodontic remodeling device is held in place only by teeth clamping on the bite plate and vibrates at a selected frequency between 0.1 and 400 Hz. Methods of using same for faster orthodontic remodeling and pain reduction are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael K. LOWE
  • Publication number: 20160361141
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Yong Chen, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20160361142
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Yong Chen, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20160361143
    Abstract: An immediate dental implant shell has outer, multiple zones for engaging a soft tissue socket left immediately after tooth extraction from a bone socket. The zones have combinations of different biologic agents, macro- or micro-geometric, or micro- or macro-morphology irregularities to better engage gingival sulcus, junctional epithelium and dento-gingival fiber zones of the soft tissue socket. The shell may also have various guide markings and projections to aide drilling of the implant hole in the bone socket. A dental implant is placed in the drilled implant hole before or after the shell has been placed in the soft tissue socket, and has an axis that is independent of the shell axis so the shell and implant both sit in optimum positions in their respective soft and bone sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mark N. Hochman, Stephen J. Chu, Jocelyn Huiping Tan-Chu, Adam J. Mieleszko
  • Publication number: 20160361144
    Abstract: The present invention provides a denture fixing attachment comprising: a rod-shaped joint member (5), a denture (4) being fixed to the upper end of the joint member (5); and an abutment (6) having a coupling portion provided on the lower portion of the outside thereof, the coupling portion being coupled to a fixture groove formed on a fixture (3), and having a receiving portion on the upper portion thereof, the lower portion of the joint member (5) being received in the receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion of the abutment (6) comprises a receiving groove (7), into which the lower end (11) of the joint member (5) is inserted, and a protruding step (10) having a guide groove (9) provided on the inside of the upper portion of the receiving groove (7) such that a protrusion (8), which protrudes from the lower end (11) of the joint member (5) outwards, is fitted and simultaneously guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Je Won WANG
  • Publication number: 20160361145
    Abstract: A dental attachment assembly and method anchors a dental appliance with an implant and has an abutment member attached to the implant, a retention member in releasable snap engagement with the abutment member, and a cap secured in a recess of the dental appliance and in releasable swivel engagement with the retention member to position and secure the dental appliance onto the implant. The cap includes a cavity with a rounded, concave inner surface which engages with the retention member, an interior top surface of the cavity with a concave recess extending radially along an outer periphery of the interior top surface of the cavity to allow for rotation of the retention member within the cap. A central portion of the interior top surface of the cavity surrounded by the concave recess therefore protrudes vertically into the cavity to minimize vertical displacement of the retention member as it rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Robert Allen, Christopher Michael Gervais
  • Publication number: 20160361146
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sterile delivery of prostheses that protect refined and/or conditioned surface properties and thereby reduce aging of surface properties in prostheses. An example of the system includes a partially custom-shaped holder that also serves as an insertion tool that holds a customized dental prosthesis in a pre-defined position inside a titanium container that is hermetically sealed. Container materials serve as a getter or catalyst with respect to the osseoconductive surface. An example of the method includes laser welding to hermetically seal a metal container as packaging for a prosthesis with a metal foil, and the sterilization of the packaged and sealed prosthesis with dry heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Natural Dental Implants AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Gerhard Berndt, Ruedger Rubbert, Andreas Weinrich, Jonathan Cornelius Berndt, Sabine Schulz
  • Publication number: 20160361147
    Abstract: Dental tool storage systems and containers are disclosed herein. A dental tool storage system can include a plurality of flossers that can include a flossing head having: a first arm; a second arm; a connecting member; and a filament extending from the first arm to the second arm; and a handle portion extending from the flossing head. The dental tool storage system can include a dental tool storage container having an internal volume defined by: a top; a bottom; and a plurality of sides. The internal volume can be sized and shaped to receive the plurality of flossers in a stack extending at least partially between the top and bottom of the internal volume. The dental tool storage unit can include a dispensing feature and a fixation feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Devin S. Chodorow
  • Publication number: 20160361148
    Abstract: A flossing device includes a housing that can be gripped as a handle. The housing has a hollow interior with first pawl teeth. A spool is placed inside the hollow interior and includes second and third pawl teeth disposed on opposite ends. The second pawl teeth, when engaged with the first pawl teeth with assistance from a spring, allow the spool to rotate in a first direction relative to the housing. The flossing device also includes a tail cap that has fourth teeth that engage the third pawl teeth to urge the spool in the first direction. The flossing device also includes a fork for suspending a length of floss received from the spool and used for flossing. The length of floss is tightened by rotation of the spool in the first direction. The length of floss can be replaced by rotation of the spool in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Peng LU
  • Publication number: 20160361149
    Abstract: A teeth whitening device includes a generator configured to generate a teeth whitening fluid that whitens teeth and humidified gas, a mouthpiece configured to supply the teeth whitening fluid and the humidified gas, and a coupling part that couples the generator and the mouthpiece with each other. The mouthpiece includes a first supply port through which the teeth whitening fluid is supplied, and a second supply port through which the humidified gas is supplied, the second supply port being separated from the first supply port. The mouthpiece further includes a first supply passage configured to guide the teeth whitening fluid to the first supply port, and a second supply passage configured to guide the humidified gas to the second supply port, the second supply passage being separated from the first supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Risa OTSUKA, Masayoshi NAGAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160361150
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sterile delivery of prostheses that protect refined and/or conditioned surface properties and thereby reduce aging of surface properties in prostheses. An example of the system includes a partially custom-shaped holder that also serves as an insertion tool that holds a customized dental prosthesis in a pre-defined position inside a titanium container that is hermetically sealed. Container materials serve as a getter or catalyst with respect to the osseoconductive surface. An example of the method includes laser welding to hermetically seal a metal container as packaging for a prosthesis with a metal foil, and the sterilization of the packaged and sealed prosthesis with dry heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Natural Dental Implants AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Gerhard Berndt, Ruedger Rubbert, Andreas Weinrich, Jonathan Cornelius Berndt, Sabine Schulz
  • Publication number: 20160361151
    Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for making a prosthesis for controlling flow through a bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough and further includes a valve operably connected to the body. The valve has a distal end including a first portion of a surface of the valve lumen and a second portion of the surface that contact each other and form a seal in a closed configuration. The distal end of the valve is formed such that the first portion and the second portion of the surface of the valve lumen contact each other and the distal end is configured to open in response to a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Alison Liddy, John Neilan, Michael Ryan, Gerard Treacy
  • Publication number: 20160361152
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body, at least one deployable retention structure, and at least one sleeve and/or sheet of drug-releasing material. In various embodiments, at least one sleeve and/or sheet of drug-releasing material is deployed concurrently with the deployment of at least one deployable retention structure. The ureteral stents of the present disclosure are adapted to release the urologically beneficial drug into a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Heidi J. Barron, Jianmin Li
  • Publication number: 20160361153
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for the treatment of an anatomic organ in a patient is provided. The prosthetic device includes a main body having a height and a circumference and formed from a plurality of circumferentially extending wires and configured for being received in the organ of the patient, wherein the main body defines a portion extending along a length thereof that has a reduced hoop stress relative to the remainder of the main body when in a relaxed state and a covering extending over the main body and forming a billowing recess along the length of the frame in the main body due to the portion having reduced hoop stress. The anatomic organ may be an aorta of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Ali Shahriari
  • Publication number: 20160361154
    Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for closing one or more vascular openings. The devices may include a stent graft comprising a stent framework and a graft material at least partially covering the stent framework. The stent framework may comprise one or more axial segments, and at least one of the axial segments may comprise an access port through which a catheter or treatment device may enter the stent graft. The methods may comprise occluding blood flow upstream of a vascular opening, and delivering a closure device to block, cover, or seal the vascular opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory C. SAMPOGNARO, Stephen RAMEE, Gwendolyn A. WATANABE, Jeffery A. KROLIK
  • Publication number: 20160361155
    Abstract: A tendon repair implant for treatment of a complete or partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic means that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: ROTATION MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Van Kampen
  • Publication number: 20160361156
    Abstract: Intraocular devices for use in and attached to the natural lens capsule of an eye are provided. The lens capsule may be maintained in a configuration to avoid post-operative changes that are deleterious to vision. Single or dual optic systems are provided, which may be accommodating. Combinations of devices to obtain dual optic systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20160361157
    Abstract: An accommodative hydraulic intraocular lens system (AHIOL) has a cylindrical actuator contained within which is a hydraulic lens assembly. The hydraulic lens assembly has a transparent elastically reconfigurable membrane coupled to a fixed focus lens by a bellows and a refractive hydraulic fluid contained in the space defined by the membrane, the bellows and the lens, and is maintained at the upper range of its diopter power by the elastic properties of the bellows, springs, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Richard F. HONIGSBAUM
  • Publication number: 20160361158
    Abstract: Various systems and techniques for inserting an intraocular lens are disclosed. In particular implementations, a system and a technique for inserting an intraocular lens may include the ability to move, in response to a force being applied in a first direction along a longitudinal axis, a first plunger tip along the longitudinal axis and into a delivery cartridge to fold an intraocular lens and move in a second direction along the longitudinal axis in response to the applied force being reduced. The system and the technique may also include the ability to engage a second plunger tip and move, in response to a force being applied in the first direction along the longitudinal axis, the second plunger tip along the longitudinal axis and into the delivery cartridge to insert the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yinghui Wu
  • Publication number: 20160361159
    Abstract: Methods and systems for endovascular, endocardiac, or endoluminal approaches to a patient's heart to perform surgical procedures that may be performed or used without requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass. Furthermore, these procedures can be performed through a relatively small number of small incisions. These procedures may illustratively include heart valve implantation, heart valve repair, resection of a diseased heart valve, replacement of a heart valve, repair of a ventricular aneurysm, repair of an arrhythmia, repair of an aortic dissection, etc. Such minimally invasive procedures are preferably performed transapically (i.e., through the heart muscle at its left or right ventricular apex).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Christoph Hans Huber
  • Publication number: 20160361160
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a stent extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a plurality of struts forming cells, the stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. At least one runner is coupled a cell, the at least one runner being configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration when the stent moves from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, the at least one runner projecting radially outwardly from the cell in the second configuration. A valve assembly is disposed within the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, a cuff at least partially disposed on a luminal surface of the stent, and a covering material disposed on an abluminal surface of the stent and covering the at least one runner in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Kent J. Smith, Andrea L. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20160361161
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a plurality of commissure features, a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts. The plurality of first struts define a substantially cylindrical portion and the plurality of second struts have first ends attached to the cylindrical portion and free ends projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion and configured to couple to adjacent heart tissue to anchor the stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly disposed within the stent has a plurality of leaflets coupled to the commissure features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Mina S. Fahim, Thomas M. Benson, Theodore Paul Dale, Andrea N. Para, Mark Krans, Mathias Charles Glimsdale
  • Publication number: 20160361162
    Abstract: A modular prosthetic valve device for implantation in a patient and a system for and method of delivering such a modular valve device and assembling it in vivo are disclosed. The valve device is designed as two or more modules to be delivered unassembled, spatially separate, and combined into an assembled valve device in the body at or near the site of implantation. The valve device of the invention is deliverable as modules, providing a smaller delivery diameter than pre-assembled percutaneous valves, permitting use of a delivery device of reduced diameter, and increasing the flexibility of the valve device during delivery, compared to percutaneous valve devices in the art. The modules of the valve device may be connected by pull wires for delivery sequentially, and then assembled by remote manipulation using the pull wires. Various locking mechanisms are provided for attaching the device modules together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yoram RICHTER, Jacob RICHTER
  • Publication number: 20160361163
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of catheter-based prosthetic heart valves, and in particular, prosthetic heart valves having sealing devices configured to seal the interface between the prosthetic valve and the surrounding tissue of the native annulus in which the prosthetic valve is implanted. In one embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular sealing member that can be placed in a delivery orientation extending axially away from one end of the valve when the valve is in a radially compressed state. When the valve is expanded, the expansion of the frame causes the sealing member to be pulled to an operative orientation covering a portion of the frame. The present disclosure also discloses new mechanisms and techniques for mounting valve leaflets to a frame of a prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ziv Yohanan, Nikolay Gurovich, Bella Felsen, Itai Pelled, Oded Meiri
  • Publication number: 20160361164
    Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical device includes a first attachment member configured to selectively couple to and radially constrain a first end portion of the medical device. The delivery system also includes a second attachment member configured to selectively couple to and radially constrain a second end portion of the medical device. The first attachment member is configured to move relative to the second attachment member such that the first attachment member applies a first tensile force to the first end portion of a medical device in a first direction and the second attachment member applies a second tensile force to the second end portion of a medical device in a second direction substantially opposite from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Declan Costello
  • Publication number: 20160361165
    Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: HLT, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Thill, Robert Foster Wilson, John P. Gainor, Christopher M. Banick
  • Publication number: 20160361166
    Abstract: A prosthesis retaining assembly for securing an implantable prosthesis to a catheter assembly can include a first member including a prosthesis retaining slot configured to retain a portion of the prosthesis. The retaining slot can have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width. The first portion can be distal to the second portion. The second width can be larger than the first width, and the retaining slot can have an opening at a first surface of the first member. The prosthesis retaining assembly can also include a second member configured to be move relative to the first member. The second member can be configured to move to a position that obstructs a portion of the opening of the retaining slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Noam Miller
  • Publication number: 20160361167
    Abstract: A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the steal-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in, a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a steel-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yosi Tuval, Yuri Sudin, Ido Kilemnik, Igor Kovalsky, Raphael Benary, Guy Ezekiel
  • Publication number: 20160361168
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a plurality of helical tissue anchors and an intracardiac annuloplasty structure defining a plane for placement on a heart valve annulus. The annuloplasty structure includes a plurality of compressible subunits, and a plurality of anchor mounts alternately disposed with respect to the plurality of compressible subunits. Each anchor mount (a) defines at least one opening for passage therethrough of a respective helical tissue anchor, (b) defines a path for passage therethrough of the helical tissue anchor, the path being aligned along an axis that is at a non-zero angle with respect to the plane of the annuloplasty structure, and (c) provides a structural element in the path for corkscrewing a distal portion of the helical tissue anchor therearound. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: VALTECH CARDIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Amir GROSS, Iftah BEINART, Eran MILLER, Oz CABIRI, Eliahu ELIACHAR, Nir LILACH, Ram GROSSFELD, Dmitry GOLOM, Gideon MEYER-BRODNITZ, Arnon MOUSAIUF
  • Publication number: 20160361169
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an intracardiac annuloplasty structure configured for placement on an annulus of a heart valve, a first rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure and a second rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure. The first and second rotatable rings are arranged such that the first rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the second rotatable ring remains stationary, and the second rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the first rotatable ring remains stationary. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: VALTECH CARDIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Amir GROSS, Iftah BEINART, Eran MILLER, Oz CABIRI, Eliahu ELIACHAR, Nir LILACH, Ram GROSSFELD, Dmitry GOLOM, Gideon MEYER-BRODNITZ, Arnon MOUSAIUF
  • Publication number: 20160361170
    Abstract: An annuloplasty band and method of implantation. The band is shaped and sized to avoid the adjacent aortic valve structure and better protects against dehiscence along the muscular mitral annulus. The band is asymmetric and when implanted spans more around the side of the mitral annulus having the posterior commissure than the side with the anterior commissure. The band has a saddle shape with a posterior upward bow centered on a minor axis of the mitral annulus, and a span extending clockwise therefrom is longer than a span extending counter-clockwise. The longer span may be about 150° while the shorter span extends about 90°. A set of rings may have different saddle profiles and different plan view shapes for different sized bands. A method includes implanting so that the band extends over the posterior leaflet and a short distance past the posterior commissure outside of the anterior leaflet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: David H. Adams
  • Publication number: 20160361171
    Abstract: Surgical grafts for the repair of bone defects, more particularly, surgical grafts that include demineralized bone fibers, are disclosed. Methods for making such grafts and for increasing their wettability and ensuring uniform density are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: MUSCULOSKELETAL TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION
    Inventors: David Wang, Michele McAllister, Michelle Bubear, Joed Canales, Amy Chang, Roman Shikhanovich, Mark Spilker, Eric Semler
  • Publication number: 20160361172
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mehmet Z. Sengun, Kristian DiMatteo
  • Publication number: 20160361173
    Abstract: The present inventions relate to devices and methods that improve the positioning and fit of orthopedic reconstructive joint replacement stem implants relative to existing methods. For example, an embodiment of the device provides a stem component comprising proximal and distal body portions that can be configured to mimic a geometric shape of a central cavity region created in a bone of a joint for improving conformance and fixation of the stem component thereto. Further, another embodiment provides a system of stem implants that each have a unique medial offset for facilitating the matching of an implant to the geometry of a central cavity region of a bone. Additionally, an inclination angle of a resection surface of each of the implants in the system can remain constant or vary as a function of the medial offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Leo M. Reubelt, Peter L. Verrillo
  • Publication number: 20160361174
    Abstract: A femoral stem prosthesis features a proximal section and a distal section, both of which have a medial edge and a lateral edge. The proximal section is generally wider in a medio-lateral direction than the distal section. The proximal section and the distal section both taper inwardly in a medio-lateral direction such that an anterior-posterior thickness of the medial edge is greater than an anterior-posterior thickness of the lateral edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Derek James Wallace MCMINN
  • Publication number: 20160361175
    Abstract: A surgical balloon composed of an aseptically recovered umbilical cord vessel is provided. Methods of preparing a balloon and methods of using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy R. Brahm
  • Publication number: 20160361176
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Weiman, Hilliary Adams
  • Publication number: 20160361177
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes: a body with an upper wall configured to engage a first vertebral end plate and a lower wall configured to engage a second vertebral end plate, and a load transmitting part configured to transmit load between the upper wall and the lower wall; and the load transmitting part is configured to assume a compressed condition in which a distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a first height of the implant and an expanded condition in which the distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a second height of the implant that is greater than the first height; and the load transmitting part is attached to the upper wall at at least two first connecting locations and is attached to the lower wall at at least two second connecting locations and has substantially an X-shape in a front view of the implant; and the implant is made of a material that exhibits shape memory properties that permit the implant to remain in the compressed condition without outsid
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Lutz BIEDERMANN, Timo BIEDERMANN, Achim ZIPSE, Gael DREHER
  • Publication number: 20160361178
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for preparing a femur to receive a femoral component of a knee arthroplasty system, with some embodiments configured to enable anterior referencing techniques, posterior referencing techniques, and to facilitate intraoperative switching between anterior and posterior referencing techniques. Other embodiments of the invention include cutting blocks and methods for preparing a femur to receive a knee arthroplasty system femoral component, with some embodiments including cutting blocks that can be used in both an anterior referencing technique and a posterior referencing technique, thereby reducing the number of cutting blocks required to provide an instrument set capable of implanting all available sizes of femoral components with both anterior and posterior referencing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Sachin P. Budhabhatti, Ravi Bagathur Ramasamy, Tom J. Francis, Christopher Cyko
  • Publication number: 20160361179
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for assisting and locking joints, having a supporting structure in the joint, at least one tensioning system fixed to the supporting structure and at least one artificial tendon connected to the tensioning system. The tension system interacts with the locking system in order to assist the user's joints when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Filipe Nuno Mateus Dias Quinaz
  • Publication number: 20160361180
    Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present invention, a stent is described having a generally cylindrical body formed from a single woven nitinol wire. The distal and proximal ends of the stent include a plurality of loops, some of which include marker members used for visualizing the position of the stent. In another embodiment, the previously described stent includes an inner flow diverting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirley Vong, Priscilla Tsai, Cang Lam, Ross Soltanian, Greg Bak-Boychuk, Tai D. Tieu, Ponaka Pung, Arnold Tuason, Heather Griffith
  • Publication number: 20160361181
    Abstract: A spiral blood flow device includes a stent made up of a plurality of expansion members joined to a plurality of axial members that permit the stent to change diameter among a continuum of expanded configurations. The axial members have fixed orientation, whereas the expansion members have a variable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis throughout the continuum of expanded configurations. A spiral flow inducing structure, which may include fins attached to the axial members, define a helical flow angle that remains constant throughout the continuum of expanded configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Adam Shields, Keith Milner, Melissa Lonn
  • Publication number: 20160361182
    Abstract: A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Rommel Lumauig, Joel Harrington, Chad Abunassar, David D. Hart, Cornel I. Ciurea, Mark A. Ritchie, Jay A. King, Jill McCoy
  • Publication number: 20160361183
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a medical device through a vasculature can include a capsule for housing the medical device during delivery and a marker band rotatably fixed to the capsule. The marker band can include a band portion and a single indicator protruding from the band portion. The indicator can allow the rotational orientation of the marker band to be determined while the medical device is in the vasculature, the rotational orientation being around a central axis of the vasculature. A delivery system for delivering a medical device through a vasculature includes a capsule for housing the medical device during delivery and a marker band attached to a proximal end of the capsule. The marker band can include a base portion and a protrusion that can be configured to extend from the base portion towards a distal end of the capsule. Related methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Glenn Stante, Shishira Nagesh, Billy Tam
  • Publication number: 20160361184
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Charles Tabor, Timothy R. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20160361185
    Abstract: A system for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having functional zones for stability, protection, flexibility, trackability and pushability. The system further comprises a device for deploying an implantable medical device with the catheter. A method for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen using the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Eric K. MANGIARDI, Martina Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20160361186
    Abstract: An implant delivery system and method comprises an implant, for example, a stent, and a delivery catheter. The stent has a scaffold with a coating or a shell that retains the scaffold in a collapsed configuration. The coating or shell is made of a material that dissolves or biodegrades upon exposure to a dissolution or biodegradation media. The stent is used with an implant delivery system which has a catheter with a catheter, wherein the stent is mounted on the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is configured to be withdrawn through the patient's vessel when the scaffold is in its expanded configuration. Advantageously, the implant is thereby prevented from changing length during implant delivery and implant deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Lucas Tradd Schneider, Bryan Matthew Ladd, Richard Kusleika, Richard Kravik, Sandra Vreeman
  • Publication number: 20160361187
    Abstract: A suprapyloric anchor assembly includes an antral cap having at least three stabilizing members configured to reside in an antrum and engage tissue circumscribing a pyloric valve. A duodenal member is configured to reside at least partially in a duodenal bulb, and one or more tethers connect the antral cap to the duodenal member. The tether(s) is/are configured to allow passage of stomach contents through the pyloric valve. Optionally, one or more gastric balloon(s) may attached to the suprapyloric anchor and be inflated with the gastric cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: J. Mark Provenza
  • Publication number: 20160361188
    Abstract: In device for placing a toe of a patient's foot in traction may broadly include a shoe portion (e.g., a sole, counter, and strap(s)); a toe attachment apparatus (e.g., a Chinese finger trap) having a cable extending therefrom; a pulley, with the cable wrapped about the pulley; and an apparatus (e.g., a ratchet, an actuator, and the like) configured to apply tension to the cable to create traction in the toe. A second actuator may adjust lateral positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of adduction for the traction provided to the toe by the cable. A meter may be coupled to the cable to indicate an amount of tension provided thereto. Another actuator may adjust elevational positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of dorsiflexion for the traction provided to the toe by the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Showalter, Christopher John Greetham
  • Publication number: 20160361189
    Abstract: An improved ankle joint device is provided. In one aspect, the device provides two stages of dorsiflexion resistance biasing a first splint member (or other attachment member that follows the angular displacement of a wearer's lower leg or foot) against dorsiflexion movement within an active angular range of dorsiflexion, corresponding to second and third rocker phases of a wearer's gait; in addition to a phase of plantarflexion resistance biasing the first splint/attachment member against plantarflexion movement within an active angular range of plantarflexion, corresponding to a first rocker phase. In another aspect, an equilibrium or neutral angle between a wearer's foot and tibia at which the device applies no biasing forces is adjustable by adjusting the angle at which a second splint/attachment member is fixed relative to a joint body. Typically, the second splint member is secured to a wearer's lower leg, and the first splint member is secured to a wearer's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: BECKER ORTHOPEDIC APPLIANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: James Campbell, Nicholas LeCursi, Nicholas Zalinski