Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9549742Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a device for positioning and orienting the femoral cutting block. The present invention also provides a device for setting rotation of sagittal resection for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The present invention further provides methods for setting the rotation of the tibial implant by kinematic measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: OrthAlign, Inc.Inventors: Michael Berend, Jonathan Nielsen, Nicholas van der Walt, Scott Richard Small
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Patent number: 9549743Abstract: A device is provided to harvest bone grafts. The device generally consists of two pieces: an auger-type drill bit and a guide. The guide may have arms, etc., to keep the guide in place along a bone, and also may have a pivotable drill guide for the drill bit to be inserted. The auger drill bit may include a shoulder that acts as a depth guide to prevent the drill from extending too deep into bone. The device may be used to make multiple passes through a bone using only one drill hole. A method for harvesting bone graft is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Steven H. Warnock
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Patent number: 9549744Abstract: A spinal probe comprises a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and a force sensor to detect forces applied to a tip of the shaft. A controller that executes a predictive algorithm to predict whether or not the tip of the shaft is going to breach a cortex of a pedicle based on the detected forces. The controller may be embedded within the spinal probe or external within a computer or other device coupled to the probe by a data acquisition component.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Timothy J. Pommer, David W. Polly, Jr., David J. Nuckley, Evan M. Gustafson, Charles Gerald Tan Ledonio, Arthur G. Erdman
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Patent number: 9549745Abstract: A device and method of delivering a medical tool which may be a memory resector, cutter, probe, or the like, including a memory blade compacted in a small diameter state which expands in a relaxed memory state is disclosed. Said delivery may include using a hollow sheath to pre-compact or preload a memory blade into a compact position, transferring said compacted memory blade into a cannula, and deploying said memory blade from the distal end of said cannula whereby the memory blade returns to its normal expanded memory state.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ECA Medical InstrumentsInventors: John Nino, David Ivinson, Douglas Slomski
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Patent number: 9549746Abstract: A microprotrusion array for use in transport of a material across a biological barrier, wherein said array comprises a plurality of microprotusions composed of a swellable polymer composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFASTInventors: A. David Woolfson, Desmond Ian John Morrow, Anthony Morrissey, Ryan F. Donnelly, Paul A. McCarron
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Patent number: 9549747Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a tube assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a plunger assembly. The cartridge assembly is releasably engagable with the tube assembly and includes an end effector assembly disposed therein. The end effector assembly includes a specimen retrieval bag releasably coupled thereto at a distal end thereof and a first engagement member disposed at a proximal end thereof. The plunger assembly is configured for insertion through the tube assembly and into the cartridge assembly. The plunger assembly includes a second engagement member configured for releasably engaging the first engagement member. When the first and second engagement members are engaged with one another, the plunger assembly is movable between a more proximal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are retracted within the cartridge assembly, and a more distal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are deployed from the cartridge assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Erik Carlson
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Patent number: 9549748Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods of treatment are described. More particularly, methods of treating tissue of a passage wall defining a bodily passage, such as a sinus cavity, airway, or sinus passage are described. An exemplary method utilizes an elongate member having an elongate member proximal end, elongate member distal end, and an elongate member body that defines a curve.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Darin Schaeffer, Daniel Dalenberg
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Patent number: 9549749Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members disposed in parallel orientation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is movable along a first axis relative to the other jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first and second jaw members are configured to maintain the parallel orientation therebetween upon movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A drive bar is coupled to one or both of the jaw members. The drive bar is selectively movable along a second axis that is different from the first axis between first and second positions for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Stephen M. Kendrick
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Patent number: 9549750Abstract: Methods and devices for using surgical devices with articulating end effectors are provided. Surgical devices with articulating end effectors can provide rotary driven pivoting of the end effector. In some embodiments, the device can include a handle, a first and a second tube extending from the handle, the second tube disposed within the first tube, and an end effector that includes a pair of distal jaws configured to move in response to rotation of the first tube about a longitudinal axis thereof and rotation of the second tube about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws can move in two different ways depending on whether the first and second tubes are rotating in a same direction as one another or in different ways than each other. The jaws can open/close and articulate using the same mechanical mechanism. The device can be powered, or the device can be non-powered.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Charles J. Scheib, Gregory W. Johnson, John R. Dugan
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Patent number: 9549751Abstract: The invention comprises a system to alleviate conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and the like. The system includes a probe for mechanically cutting tissue and a device for simultaneously tamponading, inducing hemostasis, and dilating a plurality of lumens while minimizing inflammation. The tamponading device has a plurality of balloons configured for inflation with a coolant fluid. Other components of the system include a luminally protective sheath, a microscopic end cauterizing probe, a surgical console, an identification-sensitive self-sealed cassette, and a plurality of flexible tubing lines with pinch valves thereon.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: UroTech, Inc.Inventor: Michael Edward Todd
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Patent number: 9549752Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical instrument with a support structure (20), and with an ultrasonic transducer (17) suspended on the support structure (20). A sonotrode (16) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (17). The support structure (20) comprises a jacket portion (24) that extends around an inner space. According to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer (17) is suspended on a retaining ring (21), which is arranged in a continuation of the jacket portion (24) and which is connected to the jacket portion (24) via a connecting section (23). The connecting portion (24) has a plurality of apertures (26, 27) which in total cover the whole circumference of the connecting portion (24). The invention has the advantage that the instrument is uncoupled from the oscillations of the ultrasonic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Soring GmbHInventors: Markus Meier, Florian Neumann, Hendrik Hagedorn
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Patent number: 9549753Abstract: An ultrasonically pulsating high-pressure fluid jet coupled with a suction system serve as a tissue harvesting device. The pulsated fluid jet disrupts tissue, permitting both harvesting of cells for therapeutic delivery, and as a surgical dissector and aspirator, for liposuction, soft tissue dissection, etc. The jet is delivered to the target tissue through a cannula, coupled to an aspiration system. An ultrasonically actuated rod vibrates within the cannula engaging a nozzle, disrupting the fluid jet into droplets, permitting tuning of the jet to the resonant frequencies and impact pressures necessary to dissociate the target tissue. A suction recovery system may be separated or integrally formed with the fluid jet cannula, and is linked by a closed tubing system appropriate for sterilization and subsequent delivery of the harvested cells/tissues with or without growth factor or matrix addition for human re-implantation or for in vitro expansion for later re-implantation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Christopher Burnside Gordon
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Patent number: 9549754Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: IOGYN, INC.Inventors: John H. Shadduck, Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, Michael D. Walker, Csaba Truckai
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Patent number: 9549755Abstract: A rotatable cutter for a tissue-removing catheter includes a central hub, flutes spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the central hub, and arcuate cutting members. Each cutting member includes an arcuate cutting edge extending along an arc length of the cutting member for cutting tissue as the cutter is rotated. A raised element of each cutting member has a leading cutting edge at a leading end of the distal cutting member for cutting tissue as the cutter is rotated. A clearance portion of each cutting member is recessed, relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutter, from the raised element and extends from the raised element to a trailing end of the cutting member to provide clearance for the leading cutting edge of an adjacent and opposing distal cutting member.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lucas Schneider, Benjamin Fruland
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Patent number: 9549756Abstract: A medical insertion aid for surgical instruments and/or optical systems includes a shank forming an insertion duct, at the inner wall of which at least one groove extending in the longitudinal duct direction or being longitudinally orientated is formed. In addition or as an alternative, a medical insertion aid includes a distal end portion (axial central portion preferably in the distal end area) and a radially outwardly extending, preferably closed peripheral fluid flow inhibiting edge in the distal end portion. The inhibiting edge preferably forms at least one axially opening circular channel or groove, with the opening being directed distally and/or proximally.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Aesculap AGInventors: Wolfgang Sauter, Manfred Dworschak, Axel Wittmer
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Patent number: 9549757Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure within lungs of a patient. The method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of surgical instruments and providing a housing. Attaching a flexible, elongated shaft with distal and proximal ends to the housing. Engaging at least one working end to the distal end of the housing, the working end including a plurality of tubes disposed therein that define a corresponding plurality of working channels for housing a corresponding plurality of surgical instruments. Controlling an actuator to engage at least one of the corresponding plurality of surgical instruments, wherein rotation of the working end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft engages at least one of the plurality of surgical instrument with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Gene H. Arts, Timothy J. Bahney, John D. Carlton, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr.
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Patent number: 9549758Abstract: A surgical access assembly is disclosed, including a resiliently compressible access port defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. At least one lumen extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the access port and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The surgical access assembly includes a resiliently compressible adapter having proximal and distal ends, an opening at the proximal end, and a passage for receipt of the access port. The adapter has a diameter at its distal end different from the diameter of the distal end of the access port. The adapter has at least one opening in its distal end to allow an object to exit the at least one lumen. The surgical access assembly may also include a sleeve positionable through an opening in tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert C. Smith, Anibal Rodrigues
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Patent number: 9549759Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Paul D. Richard, Gene A. Stellon, Sally Carter, Brian Rockrohr, Elias Hartoumbekis
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Patent number: 9549760Abstract: The risk of bone cement extravaation can be reduced by delivering a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant into a bone structure prior to delivery of bone cement into that structure. The polymerization of the sealant in response to the calcium within the bone structure can fill cracks and any other potential cement leakage paths, thereby minimizing the potential for subsequent extravaation. The benefits of the use of a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant can be provided in any procedure involving the use of bone cement, such as spinal fixation, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty, among others.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KYPHON SARLInventor: Bradley E. Steele
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Patent number: 9549761Abstract: The present application discloses endoscopy systems and devices for use therewith, wherein such systems and devices are designed for use in foreign body retrieval procedures. Moreover, the present application discloses methods of retrieving foreign bodies using the provided systems and devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a foreign body retrieval device capable for use with an endoscope is provided. The retrieval device comprises a housing and a capture tool disposed within and movable relative to the housing. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one cavity. The proximal end of the housing is configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope and the distal end comprises an opening for at least partially receiving a foreign body in the at least one cavity. The capture tool defines an at least partially closeable aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Research Institute At Nationwide Children's HospitalInventors: Alex Green, Brendan Boyle
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Patent number: 9549762Abstract: A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least a clamping means to be introduced into the medical device, the clamping means comprises an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Roland Thomke, Hans-Peter Bigler, Philippe Lehmann
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Patent number: 9549763Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
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Patent number: 9549764Abstract: Occipital plates and assemblies combining occipital plates with one of several types of spinal rods or cervical plates in a procedure to fuse a portion of a skull to a portion of a spine. An array of different occipital plates are disclosed, including options for making adjustments to the occipital plates by bending thinned portions of the occipital plates. The spinal rods engage polyaxial connector assemblies that are rotated posterior of the bony attachment section that provides an array of screw holes for affixing the occipital plate to the skull using at least one non-angled and non-articulated instrument. One or more holes for securing tensioning cables are provided in the occipital plates. Additional variations of these concepts are disclosed. Methods of using the disclosed components in surgical procedures are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Chester E. Sutterlin, III
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Patent number: 9549765Abstract: A uniplanar bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw is provided. The lower region of the housing defines mating elements that mate with engaging elements on the bone screw to limit movement of the housing relative to the bone screw to a single plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.Inventors: Krishna C. Vedula, Hugh Hestad, Jason Piehl, David Nuckley, Jeremy Lemoine
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Patent number: 9549766Abstract: Various methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that facilitate easier and more compact implantation of osteosynthesis devices. In some embodiments, implants are screwed into two vertebrae and a plate is used to hold and displace the spine. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate and partially opening onto an edge of the plate. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate having a portion sufficiently large to be inserted without disassembly in the fixation means of an implant already screwed into the spine when the fixation means are already assembled.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LDR MedicalInventors: Joel Delecrin, Jerome Allain, Patrick Tropiano, Serge Ganglof, Rémi Poncer
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Patent number: 9549767Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for securing at least one fastener to an implant. At least one adhesive capsule is inserted in a recess preferably located along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The at least one adhesive capsule may be inserted in the recess and held in place therein by a holder. A plurality of adhesive capsules and holders may be inserted in one or more recesses located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the implant. The at least one adhesive capsule preferably has a casing housing an adhesive material configured to be pierced by the at least one fastener to secure the at least one fastener to an aperture of the implant. The casing of the adhesive capsule may form an annular passageway to receive a guide wire for aiding the insertion of the capsule in an implant having a longitudinal bore along at least a portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Christian Lutz, Tim Bargen
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Patent number: 9549768Abstract: A medical implant system includes a bone plate including a groove, a dynamic connector positioned within said groove of said bone plate, and an elongate flexible member. The dynamic connector includes a tip end having a through-hole, a tension spring having an end coupled to the tip end, and a head coupled to an opposing end of the tension spring. The elongate flexible member extends through the through-hole of said tip end and is secured to the head.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLCInventor: Adam Finley
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Patent number: 9549769Abstract: An instrument includes a flexible shaft portion and a hook portion. The flexible shaft portion has a proximal end and a distal end and includes markings along an outer surface of the shaft portion. The hook portion is located at the distal end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the hook portion define a lumen that terminates in an opening at the hook portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Jason Roch LeBeau, Carmel Ilka Bijoux, Steven Mark Bowman
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Patent number: 9549770Abstract: A device for storing and mixing bone cement components. The device includes a housing, a safety device, and a vacuum indicator. The housing defines a mixing chamber configured to store a first bone cement component therein. In a first safety position, the safety device prevents contact between the first bone cement component and a second bone cement component in the mixing chamber. In a second safety position, the safety device permits contact between the first and second bone cement components in the mixing chamber. The vacuum indicator restricts movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a first vacuum indicator position. The vacuum indicator permits movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a second vacuum indicator position.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Biomet SASInventors: Lenaic Giffard, Cedric Cauquot, Alexis Dupuy
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Patent number: 9549771Abstract: The present invention provides a fingerstall-cannulated guide device for accurate and efficient guide wire placement for antegrade femoral nailing systems. The said device comprises a fingerstall with a cannulated guide connected with or without a threaded guide wire. Using this device, surgeons can determine the entry point for the guide wire fast and accurately by tactile hand-eye coordination. After correct entry point is obtained, the guide wire is advanced and the fingerstall-cannulated guide can be easily detached. The device and method can accomplish the following: (1) reduction of the surgery time; (2) reduction of the radiation exposure times, and (3) reduction of the soft tissue damage during surgery. The device is also beneficial for use in fastening together any or all portions of bone surrounding a fracture site.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Xiao Wei Yu, Weiping Ren, Emily Juan-Jie Ren
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Patent number: 9549772Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Allen Carl
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Patent number: 9549773Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Richard Rox Anderson, Dieter Manstein
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Patent number: 9549774Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Domain Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Scott Denis, Preston Manwaring, Phil Eggers, Kim Manwaring
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Patent number: 9549775Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN AGInventors: Patrick L. Dumbauld, David M. Garrison, Paul Guerra, Dylan Hushka
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Patent number: 9549776Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a probe having a handle assembly and an electrode assembly extending distally therefrom. An optical member is disposed on the probe and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of the probe. The probe is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters, the second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from the first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 9549777Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Huisun Wang, Jeremy D. Dando, Harry A. Puryear
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Patent number: 9549778Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. The antenna assembly also includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor each disposed within the elongated member and extending along the longitudinal axis. A portion of the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor such that the antenna assembly may transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The antenna assembly also includes an expandable sheath at least partially disposed about a distal portion of the inner conductor and defining at one or more lumens configured to couple to a supply of dielectric material used to regulate the expansion of the expandable sheath.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Brian Shiu, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Tao Nguyen
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Patent number: 9549779Abstract: Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto, Anthony C. Lee, Steven Kim, Ted Su, Jonathan L. Glassman
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Patent number: 9549780Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation lever of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLCInventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
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Patent number: 9549781Abstract: A multi-force sensing instrument includes a tool that has a tool shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a strain sensor arranged at a first position along the tool shaft, at least one of a second strain sensor or a torque-force sensor arranged at a second position along the tool shaft, the second position being more towards the proximal end of the tool shaft than the first position, and a signal processor configured to communicate with the strain sensor and the at least one of the second strain sensor or the torque-force sensor to receive detection signals therefrom. The signal processor is configured to process the signals to determine a magnitude and position of a lateral component of a force applied to the tool shaft when the position of the applied force is between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITYInventors: Xingchi He, Iulian Iordachita, Marcin Balicki, Russell H. Taylor
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Patent number: 9549782Abstract: A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate two dimensional image data of a patient joint to undergo arthroplasty, identify in the two dimensional image data a first point corresponding to an articular surface of a bone forming the joint, identify a second point corresponding to an articular surface of an implant, identify a location of a resection plane when the first point is correlated with the second point, and create the arthroplasty jig with a resection guide located according to the identified location of the resection plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics CorporationInventors: Ilwhan Park, Venkata Surya Sarva, Irene Min Choi
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Patent number: 9549783Abstract: A robotic catheter system including a first drive mechanism comprising a drive which interacts with a catheter device to cause the catheter device to move along its axis. A first encoder assembly that detects the motion of the catheter device by a magnetic interaction with the catheter device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CORINDUS, INC.Inventor: Christopher Zirps
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Patent number: 9549784Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for automatic disposal of sharps in a medical environment via a pneumatic tube system and without a dedicated carrier from one of a plurality of dispersed sending stations to a secured central location. The system comprises a plurality of sending stations, a receiving stations routably connected to the plurality of sending stations via the pneumatic tubing and comprising a receiving container configured for storing sharps received via multiple deliveries, and a pump configured for creating a pressure differentiation within the pneumatic tubing for transmitting the sharps from one of the sending stations to the receiving station. The receiving container may be replaced by another receiving container when the receiving container is full.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Fredrick M. Valerino, Sr.
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Patent number: 9549785Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a guide stent of a dental implant. The method includes a first step of obtaining a three-dimensional image of periodontal tissue in a mouth of a patient through an CT scan and a three-dimensional exterior image corresponding to the three-dimensional image through an oral scan; a second step of matching the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional exterior image through a difference amp which overlaps the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional exterior image and outputs a matching degree between the images, and obtaining a three-dimensional procedure guide image; and a third step of manufacturing a stent body having a through hole corresponding to a preset implant implantation position according to the obtained three-dimensional procedure guide image.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: DIO CORPORATIONInventor: Jin Chul Kim
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Patent number: 9549786Abstract: A surgical template positioning device is provided, and has a template and a dental mold. The template has a first surface formed with at least three spherical recesses, a second surface, and a guiding hole. The dental mold has at least three spherical portions partially embedded in the at least three spherical recesses and an implanted hole having an axis the same as the guiding hole. The at least three spherical recesses have three spherical centers as being three vertices of a triangle, the axis passes through the triangle, and the at least three spherical portions have spherical centers corresponding with the three vertices of the triangle. A method of manufacturing the surgical positioning device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN IMPLANT TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Ying lung Cheng, Hsiao ching Wang, Yi nung Ho
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Patent number: 9549787Abstract: A mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation is described. The mixing and application capsule can have a capsule body with a mixing space for receiving a mixture component and for mixing the dental preparation from the mixture component and a fluid and with an outlet orifice for expelling the dental preparation, a cavity for receiving the fluid, a piston body that is movable in the capsule body, and delimits the mixing space in the capsule body and has a channel for conveying the fluid from the cavity into the mixing space. The piston body includes wholly or partly of two or a plurality of dissimilar materials, comprising at least one soft component and at least one hard component.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: VOCO GMBHInventors: Uwe Leiner, Manfred Thomas Plaumann
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Patent number: 9549788Abstract: A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth (1a, 1b) according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model (50) generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth (1a, 1b) from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution (54) can be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TROPHYInventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Sabrina Capron-Richard, Julien D. Barneoud, Frederic Millet, Ronan Etesse
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Patent number: 9549789Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket and a method of manufacturing the same in which a bonding pattern is formed by irradiating a laser beam onto a base face of the orthodontic bracket that a machining process has been completed, and the bonding pattern formed on the base face is coated with an adhesive for attachment to teeth, thereby allowing the adhesive for attachment to teeth to firmly hold the orthodontic bracket on, and at the same time significantly reducing the processing time that takes to process the base surface for enabling for the adhesive to hold the orthodontic bracket on thereby enabling the mass production of the orthodontic bracket of high quality.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Jeng Soo Choi
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Patent number: 9549790Abstract: Provided is a scanning jig capable of improving replacement accuracy of three-dimensional data. Provided is a scanning jig 10 for attaching to an analog 20 embedded in a model or to an artificial tooth root 30 embedded inside an oral cavity, the scanning jig including: a main body 11 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape provided with a bottom to one end portion; a fixation member 12 of which one end side is inserted inside the cylindrical shape of the main body and the other end side is fixated to the analog or the artificial tooth root; and a magnet 13 arranged inside the cylindrical shape of the main body, wherein the main body is not provided with a hole or a groove on one end surface on a bottom side of the bottomed cylindrical shape, and the end surface is provided with an inclined surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GC CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuya Mori, Naoto Fujii
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Patent number: 9549791Abstract: To obtain improved bio-affinity and high bone attachment in an implant body, a method of manufacture for the implant body, and a dental implant. The implant body is fixed in a contact configuration to bone, and includes the base material formed from zirconia, and a surface layer formed on the surface of the base material and having a lower hardness than the base material. Therefore, in addition to having superior mechanical strength due to the zirconia base material, the soft and flexible surface layer functions as a buffer layer to mitigate the difference in the degree of hardness between the bone and the base material, and therefore the soft surface further improves the bone adhesion characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Nanto Seimitsu Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruo Ishiwata