Patents Issued in January 26, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170020606
    Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Leung, Krishan Shah, Laura Conquergood, Subashini Chandran, Neil Godara
  • Publication number: 20170020607
    Abstract: Microwave-irradiating surgical instruments for endoscopic forceps or scope-assisted surgery forceps that have long lead wires often generate heat even during microwave transmission and a water supply device for cooling is necessary. Accordingly, conventional surgical instruments that irradiated energy such as microwaves had a separate passage for passing water (a water supply device) inside the forceps or endoscope. Due to the space occupied by said water supply device, the image cable or work hole diameter could not be enlarged. Moreover, the presence of the water supply device made surgery difficult. The present invention was completed by the discovery that a microwave-irradiating instrument wherein the central conductor is hollow and forms a channel and said channel is used as a water supply tube, etc. solves the above problems without affecting microwave irradiation efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Naka, Tohru Tani
  • Publication number: 20170020608
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation mechanism of the handle, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A portion of the optic fiber may be fixed to an inner portion of the housing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Matthew N. Zeid
  • Publication number: 20170020609
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a patient specific soft tissue location within a joint are discussed. For example, a method can include imaging a target location for an orthopedic implant to collect image data regarding a morphology of the patient, the morphology including at least one of bone size and bone feature. The method can additionally include accessing stored soft tissue data and bone data corresponding to the target location of the orthopedic implant, locating a soft tissue of the patient based at least in part upon the soft tissue data and bone data and the image data, and displaying data including the location of the soft tissue of the patient. This data can be used to created patient specific surgical jigs according to one example of the present application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Fred A. Wentorf, Nolan C. Jones, Shanon N. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20170020610
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide visualization of the projected results of an aesthetic treatment, such as facial skin therapy, using an image display device and a plurality of stored transformation instructions. The system receives an input image of a subject, such as a recent portrait photograph. The system determines the aesthetic treatment to apply, retrieves the associated transformation instructions, and transforms the input image with the transformation instructions to produce a modified image that represents changes to the subject's face that are expected to occur after the selected treatment. The system may include or access a virtual treatment visualization engine that stores transformation parameters describing changes to make to the input image based on the selected treatment and other input parameters. The transformation parameters may be obtained from a model that received the selected treatment. The system may determine similarities of the subject to the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Vadim Kouklev
  • Publication number: 20170020611
    Abstract: A method of modeling a nerve disposed within an intracorporeal treatment area of a patient includes locating an electrode at a plurality of locations within a virtual workspace and providing an electrical stimulus from the electrode to the intracorporeal treatment area. The response of a muscle to the electrical stimulus is monitored and used to determine a distance to the nerve from each of the plurality of locations. A virtual model of the nerve is then constructed within the virtual workspace using the determined distance to the nerve from each of the different positions, and the plurality of locations within the virtual workspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Innovative Surgical Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Wybo
  • Publication number: 20170020612
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope including a flexible insertion tube and a curved-shape detection sensor. The sensor includes an optical fiber that transmits detection light and a sensing part provided in at least a part of the optical fiber, and detects a curved shape of the insertion tube based on a change in characteristics of the detection light passed through the sensing part in accordance with a change in the curved shape of the optical fiber when the optical fiber curves. Apart of the optical fiber or a part of a guide member through which the optical fiber is passed is held to a component having greater torsion stiffness than any other component constituting the insertion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toru KUBOI
  • Publication number: 20170020613
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a surgical device is provided. The method includes acquiring first data including a position and/or an orientation of a first object disposed on the surgical device at a first location; acquiring second data including a position and/or an orientation of a second object disposed on the surgical device at a second location; determining third data including a position and/or an orientation of the first object relative to the second location; and determining a position and/or an orientation of the second object relative to the second location based at least in part on the first data, the second data, and the third data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: MAKO SURGICAL CORP.
    Inventors: Hyosig Kang, Dennis Moses, Arthur Quaid
  • Publication number: 20170020614
    Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a pitch rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a yaw rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the pitch rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the yaw rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the pitch rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the yaw rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along the first
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Bates Jackson, Luke David Ronald Hares, Keith Marshall, Steven James Randle
  • Publication number: 20170020615
    Abstract: A robotic arm according to various implementations includes: a tool driver configured to hold a surgical tool; a first section comprising a first end coupled to a base, a second end distal from first end; a first link that includes a motor configured to rotate at least a portion of the first section around a pitch axis; a second link coupled to the first link, the second link including a motor configured to rotate at least a portion of the first section around a roll axis; and a second section comprising: a first end coupled to the second end of the first section, a second end distal from the first end, a first link that includes a motor configured to rotate at least a portion of the second section around a roll axis, a second link coupled to the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Karen Shakespear KOENIG, Pablo Eduardo GARCIA KILROY, Sina NIA KOSARI, Thomas D. EGAN
  • Publication number: 20170020616
    Abstract: An actuation element guide for a surgical instrument comprises a first piece, a second piece, at least one guide channel defining a twisted path about a longitudinal axis of the guide. The guide channel may be between the inner piece and the outer piece. A cross-section of the at least one guide channel, at a location along an axial length of the guide, may be defined by a surface portion of the first piece and by a surface portion of the second piece. Exemplary embodiments further regard medical devices including an actuation element guide and methods of manufacturing an actuation element guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. VALE, Daniel SARALIEV
  • Publication number: 20170020617
    Abstract: A telesurgery system having a surgical assembly with a motor and a surgical instrument. The surgical assembly has at least one drive mechanism driven by the motor. A sensor assembly is coupled to non-volatile memory, and is for recording position of the at least one rotatable mechanism to the non-volatile memory. A controller is communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The controller a processor configured to execute a method. In the method, rotational position of the a drive mechanism is recorded to the non-volatile memory during use of the surgical assembly. A mid-procedure shut-down of the surgical assembly is then initiated. A request is then received to initiate a mid-procedure restart of the surgical assembly. It is then determined whether a post-shutdown position of the drive mechanism is within an accepted tolerance with respect to a pre-shutdown position to allow the mid-procedure restart to complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Niels Smaby, Joseph M. Arsanious, Gabriel F. Brisson
  • Publication number: 20170020618
    Abstract: A stethoscope cover device for covering a portion of a stethoscope is provided. The stethoscope has a chest piece and lower tubing immediately adjacent the chest piece. The stethoscope cover device comprises a bulb-shaped sleeve having a bulbous portion and a cylindrical portion. An opening is formed in the cylindrical portion. The chest piece and lower tubing of the stethoscope are receivable within the sleeve through the opening The sleeve creates a barrier eliminating the stethoscope as a source of hospital acquired infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Carri Lakes
  • Publication number: 20170020619
    Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fitted cover covering at least a portion of the tray. The surgical system can comprise a tray and a drape at least partially vacuum-fitted to the tray. A surgical drape is also disclosed. The surgical drape can comprise a cover including an opening and an interior cavity defined by a flexible wall which is configured to receive a support surface. The surgical drape can further comprise a closable portion configured to close the opening and seal at least a portion of the support surface within the interior cavity. The surgical drape can further include a valve in fluid communication with the interior cavity, wherein the valve is configured to enable the suction of air from the interior cavity and draw the flexible wall inwardly to closely envelop at least a portion of the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Krishnan K. Ghosh
  • Publication number: 20170020620
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a breast implant sizer assembly for accurately sizing surgically implantable breast implants prior to implantation. The breast implant sizer assembly can include an inflatable, flexible shell containing an adjustable volume of liquid and a valve assembly, once filled with liquid, that is associated with the shell and configured like an anatomically correct nipple. The breast implant sizer assembly can have a size, shape, and weight that mimics the size, shape, and weight of a breast implant. In addition, the breast implant sizer assembly is disposable, intended for single use by a patient, allows for use in the home and everyday settings, and provides accurate, actionable information to a surgeon or other medical professional in regards to selecting actual breast implant sizes for clinical use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jason Leedy
  • Publication number: 20170020621
    Abstract: A device and manufacturing method for a surgical navigation system, comprising a rigid frame member having a top portion, a plurality of mounts each having a top surface, wherein the plurality of mounts are disposed at prescribed locations of the top portion. The top surface of the plurality of mounts are configured to align on a common horizontal plane that extends in parallel with the top portion of the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: NELSON L. HULDIN, GREG GROENKE, HOLGER-CLAUS ROSSNER
  • Publication number: 20170020622
    Abstract: A device and manufacturing method for a surgical navigation system, comprising a rigid frame member having a top portion, a plurality of mounts each having a top surface, wherein the plurality of mounts are disposed at prescribed locations of the top portion. The top surface of the plurality of mounts are configured to align on a common horizontal plane that extends in parallel with the top portion of the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: NELSON L. HULDIN, GREGORY C. GROENKE, HOLGER-CLAUS ROSSNER
  • Publication number: 20170020623
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assisting or performing guided interventional procedures using custom templates. The system uses pre-procedure scans of a patient's anatomy to identify targets and critical structures. A template is then manufactured containing guide elements. During a procedure, the template may be aligned to the patient and instruments passed though the guide elements and into various targets. The template may be aligned using one or more of, for example, a position sensing system or a live imaging modality to register the patient to the template. The system makes optional use of devices designed to immobilize or track an organ during therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Neil GLOSSOP
  • Publication number: 20170020624
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pivotable optical assembly for a surgical microscope, specifically a zero-degree assistant's device, the assembly comprising: a microscope body interface for mounting the assembly on a microscope body; an assistant's module including an interface for an assistant's tube, the assistant's module being pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the microscope body; and a retaining system that blocks pivoting the assistant's module about the pivot axis. The retaining system comprises: a retaining element being moveable from a locking position into a release position, a biasing member forcing the retaining element into the locking position, and a hand-operable control element acting on the retaining element for moving it from the locking position into the release position, as well as a pivotable optical assembly comprising said retaining system according to the invention, whose retaining element, in its blocking position, blocks pivoting the assistant's module about the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Guentert, Curdin Schlumpf
  • Publication number: 20170020625
    Abstract: A replacement light apparatus includes a base plate a bearing member, and a light source. The bearing member extends from a portion of the base plate. The bearing member includes a bearing surface. The light source is coupled to the bearing surface of the bearing member and adapted to project a cone of light centered on an illumination axis that extends perpendicular to the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: SOUTHERN LINAC, LLC
    Inventors: Clark Bowlsbey, Edward Q. Castle, JR., Kyle Bowlsbey
  • Publication number: 20170020626
    Abstract: A method for correlating a 2D ultrasonagraphic image of a patient's spine with a relative location along the spine may include storing a generic 3D model of a spine in a database of an ultrasonagraphic system, recording a patient-specific spine contour line via an ultrasound probe, resizing the length of the generic 3D model according to the patient-specific contour line, distorting the shape of the generic 3D model according to the patient-specific spine contour line to create a patient-specific 3D model of the patient's spine, capturing a first ultrasound image of the patient's spine via the ultrasound probe and concurrently determining a 3D location of the ultrasound probe. The method may include correlating the 3D location of the ultrasound probe with a corresponding location on the patient-specific 3D model. A rendering of the patient-specific 3D model may be displayed, including an indication of the relative location of the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Schlenger
  • Publication number: 20170020627
    Abstract: A medical apparatus is described for providing visualization of a surgical site. The medical apparatus includes an electronic display disposed within a display housing. The medical apparatus includes a display optical system disposed within the display housing, the display optical system comprising a plurality of lens elements disposed along an optical path. The display optical system is configured to receive images from the electronic display. The medical apparatus can include.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: John Tesar, William B. Austin
  • Publication number: 20170020628
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides a device including: (a) at least one sleeve composed of a material configured to exhibit a sufficient flexibility to reduce tissue damage; (b) a locking mechanism configured to secure the at least one sleeve into a position complementary to a bronchial airway; (c) a plurality of locatable elements; and where the size of the at least one sleeve is sufficient to be introduced into the bronchial airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Body Vision Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Dorian Averbuch
  • Publication number: 20170020629
    Abstract: A marking system includes: an applicator that has a puncturing part capable of being punctured into a wall part of a luminal organ from an outside of the luminal organ; a marker that is accommodated in the applicator; and a pointer device including an insertion that has flexibility, is formed in an elongated manner, and is capable of being inserted into an inside of the luminal organ, and a light-emitting part that is disposed inside the insertion at a distance from a distal end of the insertion. An opening into which the puncturing part is capable of being inserted is formed at the distal end of the insertion. A leakage of light, which is emitted from the light-emitting part, to an outside of the insertion is suppressed between the light-emitting part and the distal end of the insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayasu MIKKAICHI
  • Publication number: 20170020630
    Abstract: A method for registration of digital medical images is provided. The method includes the step of storing a 3D digital medical image having a 3D anatomical feature and a first coordinate system and storing a 2D digital medical image having a 2D anatomical feature and a second coordinate system. The method further includes the steps of storing a placement of a digital medical object on the 3D digital medical image and the 2D digital medical image and generating a simulated 2D digital medical image from the 3D digital medical image, wherein the simulated 2D digital medical image comprises a simulated 2D anatomical feature corresponding to the 3D anatomical feature. The 2D anatomical feature is compared with the simulated 2D anatomical feature until a match is reached and a registration of the first coordinate system with the second coordinate system based on the match is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Neil Crawford, Jeffrey Forsyth, Yuan Cheng, Jawad Mokhtar
  • Publication number: 20170020631
    Abstract: A blood collection device includes a wristband with a base and a main body. The main body includes a plurality of tube openings that are sized and shaped to receive and hold blood tubes, and a hub opening that is sized and shaped to receive a hub. The hub opening includes a slot that allows a tube connected to the hub to be fed through the slot thereby obviating the need to fish the needle and butterfly through the entire length of the hub opening. This improves the safety of using a hub with an attached needle. In addition, by placing the hub and the blood tubes in a convenient place for the phlebologist, this further improves safety, speeds the blood drawing process and reduces the potential for work place injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Auston Horras
  • Publication number: 20170020632
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer housing shell defining a cavity. The outer housing shell defines an upper outer housing half and a lower outer housing half. The upper outer housing half defines a longitudinal axis. An instrument module is selectively insertable into the cavity of the outer housing shell. The instrument module includes an inner housing shell, at least one motor disposed within the inner housing shell, a control board being in electrical communication with the at least one motor, and an energy source being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and the control board. The instrument module is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing shell in such a manner that the operative axis of the at least one motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper outer housing half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Matthew Chowaniec, Russell Pribanic
  • Publication number: 20170020633
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for designing a restored smile are provided. One method includes receiving scan data of a patient's teeth, developing a digital model of the patient's teeth via a computing device, where the model represents the patient's teeth based upon the scan data, creating a dental treatment plan to restore one or more teeth from an initial condition to a successive condition, and wherein a final condition of the one or more is based on the one or more teeth having at least one planned additional restorative tooth structure provided therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Stone-Collonge, Eric E. Kuo, Rick M. Matty, Fabio Pettinati, Thomas Maurer, Dzmitry Sanko
  • Publication number: 20170020634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental implant system for bone regeneration of a bone defect site of a jaw bone, comprising: an implant to be anchored in the jaw bone and having a threaded hole; a film for covering the bone defect site and the implant; and a fastening screw for the positionally stable fastening of the film relative to the implant. In the assembly position, a screw bolt of the fastening screw projects through the film and can be screwed together with the threaded hole of the implant, a spacing element being arrangeable between the implant and the film and the screw bolt projecting through the spacing element in the assembly position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Dietmar SONNLEITNER
  • Publication number: 20170020635
    Abstract: A dental restoration system including a dental prosthesis having an occlusal body having defined therein a cavity and having an outer profile; and a dental abutment having a main body with a gingival part for anchoring to an implant and an occlusal part shaped to fit within the cavity to support cementation of the dental prosthesis, wherein the occlusal part of the main body has an outer profile radially closer to the longitudinal center axis than an outer profile of the gingival part at the interface between the occlusal part and the gingival part, thereby defining a shoulder between the occlusal part and the gingival part. The radial width of the outer profile of the dental prosthesis where it meets the shoulder is the same as or smaller than the radial width of the outer profile of the gingival part at the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: CSD Connection Systems for Dentistry Inc.
    Inventor: Emil SVOBODA
  • Publication number: 20170020636
    Abstract: A method of scanning a patient's mouth using a robot to obtain a 3-D model of the patient's teeth. A database can contain a 3D model of a generic jaw geometry approximated in size by geometric parameters and at least one jaw scanning pattern. Geometric measurements of a patient's jaw are taken, then these are applied to the geometric parameters of the generic jaw. A predetermined scanning pattern is used to program the robot to scan the teeth with a scanner. The robot program is executed to move the scanner along the jaw scanning pattern at a fixed or variable distance from surfaces of the patient's jaw in sequences of coverage to the end of a scanning pattern to produce a three-dimensional (3D) model of the patient's teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Hadi Akeel, George Wong
  • Publication number: 20170020637
    Abstract: An optical system comprises a detector to determine one or more intensities of light impinging on one or more locations of the detector and an optical element to redirect light towards the detector along a detection axis. The detector and optical element are coupled together by three or more substantially flat flexures respectively defining three or more flexure planes parallel to the detection axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Rami Boltanski
  • Publication number: 20170020638
    Abstract: A collaborative approach, incorporating a server for data transmission, security verification, and authentication verification, is implemented between a dental office and a dental laboratory to fabricate a designed dental restoration. A scanner is used in a dental office to take a scan of a patient's mouth. The dental laboratory designs the dental restoration with specialized design software taking into account the scan of the mouth as well as a prescription from the dental office. The parameters defining the designed dental restoration are contained in a design file. The design file is used to create milling specifications defining instructions for milling the designed dental restoration. The materials for the dental restoration are loaded into a mill, where the dental restoration is fabricated in accordance with the milling specifications. Security verification ensures authorized materials are used, and authentication verification ensures authorized materials and processes are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: David J. Stine, Donald F. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20170020639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coloured zirconia ceramic dental mill blank having fluorescing properties, processes of production such a mill blank and uses thereof, in particular for producing zirconia ceramic dental restorations. The dental mill blank having a shape allowing the dental mill blank to be attached or fixed to a machining device, the dental mill blank comprising a porous zirconia material, the porous zirconia material comprising the oxides Zr oxide calculated as Zr02: from about 80 to about 97 wt.-%, Al oxide calculated as Al203: from about 0 to about 0.15 wt.-%, Y oxide calculated as Y203: from about 1 to about 10 wt-%, Bi oxide calculated as Bi203: from about 0.01 to about 0.20 wt-%, Tb oxide calculated as Tb203: from about 0.01 to about 0.8 wt.-%, and optionally one or two of the following oxides: Er oxide calculated as Er203: from about 0.01 to about 3.0 wt.-%, Mn oxide calculated as Mn02: from about 0.0001 to about 0.08 wt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Jahns, Hans R. Schnagl
  • Publication number: 20170020640
    Abstract: Dental systems and methods related to impressionless dental modeling. A dental modeling system includes a dental model base and a mounting plate. The dental model base includes a plate support surface and a plurality of pin receiving apertures formed in the support surface. The mounting plate includes a plate portion positioned on the plate support surface and a plurality of pins extending into the pin receiving apertures to provide removable attachment of the mounting plate to the dental model base. The plate portion includes a model support surface configured to support a model of a person's teeth. The model may be formed directly on the model support surface using an impressionless technique. The model may be formed separately using an impressionless technique and then bonded to the model support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald E. HUFFMAN
  • Publication number: 20170020641
    Abstract: A system configured to mitigate axial shocks and rotational vibration in a resonating power toothbrush (10). The system includes a motor mount (70), frame (40), and multi-function coil bobbin (90) that act in concert to absorb axial shocks originating from the motor shaft (60). The mount (70), frame (40), and coil bobbin (90) also act in concert to damp vibrations originating from the motor (50) to the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: LANE EVAN KLEPPEN
  • Publication number: 20170020642
    Abstract: A shipping container that is configured to store, protect, and transport a dental impression is disclosed. The shipping container includes an exterior surface that encloses an interior area; a support located within the interior area that is configured to receive an impression tray that includes a patient's dental impression; and a means attached to or integrally formed with the support that is configured to hold the impression tray in place on the support and to position the impression tray in a standardized orientation. The shipping container, including its exterior surface and internal support(s), are made of a material that will not interfere with a selected non-invasive imaging scan. The shipping container is configured and used to obtain a digital scan of the dental impression, without the need to open the shipping container or directly handle the dental impression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: James Mah
  • Publication number: 20170020643
    Abstract: A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce S. McLean, Dan E. Fischer, Peter M. Allred
  • Publication number: 20170020644
    Abstract: A cuff of an artificial urinary sphincter system includes a frame and an inflatable balloon. The frame has a first end spaced away from a second end by a gap, where the gap extends from a top edge to a bottom edge of the frame to provide an opening in the frame. The frame has a frame length measured along an interior surface of the frame from the first end to the send end of the frame to define a first quadrant that extends from the first end for a distance of about 25% of the frame length and a second quadrant that extends from the second end for a distance of about 25% of the frame length. A first inflatable balloon attached to the interior surface of the frame in the first quadrant of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brian Taylor, Carly Aho, Michael B. Hektner, Steve Knop, Jessica Santos
  • Publication number: 20170020645
    Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes providing a urological device having a stem defining a lumen, a valve connected to a proximal portion of the stem and located in the lumen, and a head part connected to the stem and extending radially around the valve. The method further includes deploying the urological device by moving the stem and the valve and the head part out of a catheter and placing the head part and the valve of the urological device in a bladder of the user and placing the stem of the urological device in the urethra of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Niall Behan
  • Publication number: 20170020646
    Abstract: Compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into biotextile or medical textile substrates impart reinforcing strength, and stretch resistance and control into such substrates. Compliance control stitch patterns may be customizable to particular patients, substrate implantation sites, particular degenerative or diseased conditions, or desired time frames. Substrates having compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into them may be used in tissue repair or tissue reconstruction applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Skott Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano
  • Publication number: 20170020647
    Abstract: Stitching patterns overlap to produce a corner-locked stitch pattern. The corner-locked stitch pattern includes one or more thread interlace points, and one or more overlays of threads from overlapping patterns. A network of corner-lock stitch patterns produces a mesh, which may be embroidered into a substrate, such as a medical textile or biotextile. Corner-lock stitch patterns resist puncture-induced and tension-induced deformation of mesh pores between corner-locked stitch patterns, and may be used to modulate compliance and enhance strength properties of a substrate into which they are sewn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Skott Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano
  • Publication number: 20170020648
    Abstract: Compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into biotextile or medical textile substrates impart reinforcing strength, and stretch resistance and control into such substrates. Compliance control stitch patterns may be customizable to particular patients, substrate implantation sites, particular degenerative or diseased conditions, or desired time frames. Substrates having compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into them may be used in tissue repair or tissue reconstruction applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Skott Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano
  • Publication number: 20170020649
    Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Germanovich KASHKAROV, Andrzej J. CHANDUSZKO
  • Publication number: 20170020650
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a housing configured for insertion into a body of a subject; at least one oxygen reservoir disposed within the housing; and at least one layer of transplanted cells, disposed within the housing; and gaseous oxygen disposed within the at least one oxygen reservoir. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Beta O2 Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaki Stern, Yoram Rozy
  • Publication number: 20170020651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to treating or preventing stenosis at an anastomosis site. In one embodiment, the present invention is a stent is curved along the longitudinal axis for placement in and adjacent to the graft orifice. In a further embodiment, the stent is drug coated to allow delivery of antivasculoproliferative drugs directly to the vicinity of the graft orifice. In a further embodiment, the stent is expandable by use of an external wire. In another embodiment, the present invention is a kit comprising the specially configured stent together with a sleeve comprising a biocompatible matrix material and a pharmaceutical agent, wherein the sleeve is applied to the external surface of the vessel or graft, resulting in extravascular delivery of a pharmaceutical agent. Methods for treating or preventing stenosis at an anastomosis site by applying the extravascular sleeve and the intravascular stent are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Sriram Iyer, Gerald Dorros
  • Publication number: 20170020652
    Abstract: A stent-graft assembly is provided for a variety of medical treatments. The stent-graft assembly includes a stent disposed to and attached between an inner layer of graft material and an outer layer of graft material. One of both of the graft layers includes one or more of a depression, dimple or detent that increases the localized surface area of the graft in one or more portions of the stent otherwise susceptible to graft stretching in the absence of the depression, dimple or detent. There is also described a method of forming dimples in selective locations on one or port graft layers in one or more locations relative to a portion of the stent where a portion of the graft may be susceptible to stretching or tearing during crimping or loading operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas DUERIG
  • Publication number: 20170020653
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms. In one variation, a device for treating an aneurysm includes a tubular graft comprising a longitudinal channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the longitudinal channel is bifurcated at a bifurcated portion. The device also includes an expandable anchoring member attached to the first end of the longitudinal channel and inflatable chambers on the exterior of the tubular graft. The inflatable chambers are configured to receive a filling medium. At least one of the inflatable chambers is positioned along the longitudinal channel on the side of the bifurcated portion toward the expandable anchoring member and is only partially around the circumference of the longitudinal channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fogarty
  • Publication number: 20170020654
    Abstract: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. A method of treating an aneurysm includes positioning a vascular graft comprising a tubular channel having a first end and a second end in a blood vessel, securing the vascular graft in place with an expandable anchoring member, and filling a seal cuff on the vascular graft, wherein the seal cuff extends radially outward beyond an exterior surface of the vascular graft, wherein the seal cuff comprises a first seal portion and a second seal portion and wherein the first seal portion is separated from the second seal portion by a first gap and a second gap along a circumference of the seal cuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fogarty
  • Publication number: 20170020655
    Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath and a flexible strand at least partially surrounded by the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Peter J. Dreyfuss, E. Lyle Cain, Jr., William T. Pennington, Paul C. Brady