Patents Issued in January 31, 2017
  • Patent number: 9554743
    Abstract: An optical system and apparatus for the diagnosis of a biological sample is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes an optical probe, a probe head distally connectable to the optical probe, the optical probe further comprising at least one optical element for applying an electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength to the biological sample, and one or more collection elements positioned proximate the at least one optical element; and an analyzer for analyzing a signal received from the biological sample by the one or more collection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: LS BIOPATH, INC.
    Inventors: Moshe Sarfaty, Amir Lev
  • Patent number: 9554744
    Abstract: Social media databases are minded for data related to a subject person. The data in indicative of a level of ultraviolet light exposure of the subject person. An ultraviolet violet exposure profile for the subject person is generated based upon the data and a health assessment report provided. The data may include timestamped images of the subject person and other related persons. The skin characteristics within images are analyzed to determine an ultraviolet light exposure level for the subject person from each image. The skin characteristics may include skin color, freckling and blemishing. The ultraviolet light exposure profile may be developed over an extended interval based upon the image timestamps. The health report may be used to mitigate risks, such as skin cancer, associated with exposure to ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rahil Garnavi, Timothy M. Lynar, Suraj Pandey, Ziyuan Wang, John M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9554745
    Abstract: The disclosed device for verifying a hip-knee-ankle angle includes a mounting base having a planar abutting surface adapted for direct abutting against a resected surface on a distal femur, and a first inertial sensor in communication with a computer assisted surgery (CAS) system to determine an orientation of the mounting base and to digitize a mechanical axis of the femur. A visual alignment guide element is pivotably mounted to the mounting base such that the angular position of the visual alignment guide element is adjustable so as to be visually aligned with a mechanical axis of a tibia. A difference between orientations of the mounting base and the visual alignment guide is calculated by the computer assisted surgery system to determine the hip-knee-ankle angle. The visual alignment guide may include a second inertial sensor and/or a laser emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT INC.
    Inventors: Trong Tin Nguyen, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 9554746
    Abstract: A system allows determining treatment parameters or sets of parameters applicable to electromagnetic radiation (EMR)-based device skin treatments that allow for upregulation of the sirtuin family of genes post treatment, while avoiding increasing collagen production. The system can be applied to other skin procedures, including chemical treatments, microdermabrasion treatments and others. The system includes classifying patient data into classifications of skin treatment and treatment parameters based on patient baseline levels. The system can determine effective treatment parameters for patients on an individual basis, to yield a healthy wound dealing response. In a specific implementation, the system determines the parameters of EMR and chemical based treatments that increase sirtuin gene expression post treatment, but do not induce collagen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Escape Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Basil M. Hantash
  • Patent number: 9554747
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to the power efficient measurement of physical activity with a wearable sensor. More particularly, the systems and methods described herein enable the continuous activity tracking without compromising battery life. In some implementations, the wearable sensor detects movement and enters predefined power states responsive to the type of movement detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: EVERYFIT, INC.
    Inventor: Fahd Khalaf Albinali
  • Patent number: 9554748
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a patient that includes a sensor configured to drape around the patient's neck. The sensor features an impedance sensor for measuring fluids, an ECG sensor for measuring cardiac activity, and a first wireless transceiver for transmitting this information. Integrated with the sensor is a computer, featuring a second wireless transceiver, video output system, and a computer processing unit (CPU). The CPU is configured to receive control signals from the first wireless transceiver that control a software program and the information related to fluids and cardiac activity. The software program renders a graphical user interface that displays the information through the video output system. The system also includes a conventional television set or mobile device that interfaces to the computer through the video output system and renders the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Banet, Susan Meeks Pede, Marshal Singh Dhillon
  • Patent number: 9554749
    Abstract: An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 9554750
    Abstract: A catheter includes a distal distension balloon and circumferentially arranged motility measurement balloons proximal of the distension balloon. A manifold includes balloon ports each configured to fluidly couple to a motility measurement balloon, pressure transducer ports, and a priming port. A port selector is coupled to the manifold and movable between different positions. Each port selector position causes the manifold to establish different fluidic couplings between the respective motility balloon, pressure transducer, and priming ports. A pressure sensing device includes pressure transducers each fluidly coupled to one of the pressure transducer ports. The pressure sensing device is configured to coordinate calibration of the pressure transducers at atmospheric pressure with the port selector in a first position and motility balloon pressure measurements with the port selector in a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MEDSPIRA LLC
    Inventors: Jim Quackenbush, Steve Remy
  • Patent number: 9554751
    Abstract: A personal cloud structure for a portable computing device such as a tablet personal computer (PC), mobile phones, portable media players, or the like. The personal cloud structure may be fitted with memory, a network connection, two-way wireless charging, external memory slots, external connections and other components to create a portable personal cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MICRO MOBIO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zlatko Aurelio Filipovic, Weiping Wang, Adam James Wang
  • Patent number: 9554752
    Abstract: An integrated imaging system is invented for creating an optimal imaging session by importing information in real time from several sources and using that information to automatically and continuously adjust the parameters of the imaging session so as to create the optimal session for the prescribed testing session
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHO KINEMATICS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Deitz
  • Patent number: 9554753
    Abstract: An electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor includes a motion artifact detector configured to detect a motion artifact component from a first channel signal of a first channel and a second channel signal of a second channel using a channel offset coefficient. The channel offset coefficient indicates a difference between the first channel signal and the second channel signal. The ECG sensor includes an ECG filter configured to generate an ECG signal by performing a least mean square (LMS) filtering operation on the first channel signal to remove the motion artifact component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung Oh Ki, Sang Wook Park, Hee Young Jo, Won Hyuk Jung
  • Patent number: 9554754
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program for integrated, personalized disease management is provided. The method involves capturing individual attributes, analyzing the individual attributes to establish an individual classification for an individual, and based on the individual classification for the individual assigning automatically a program template for disease management of the individual. The system provides a coaching platform for managing interactions between a coach and a system client based on the program template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ruby, Louis Pèrusse, Karyn Hood, Mary Bamford, Jean-Jacques Dugoua, Natasha Vani
  • Patent number: 9554755
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for predicting early onset glaucoma via structural parameters obtained via time and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) are disclosed. SD-OCT technology measures the thicknesses of the layers of the retina that contain the cells that die in glaucoma before there is any functional loss. A multivariable predictive model may be used for the diagnosis of early glaucoma using a combination of optic nerve head (ONH), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) parameters measured via SD-OCT. The model generates a glaucoma probability score for individual patient, which is valuable information in assisting clinicians in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Kasongo Mwanza, Donald Lyle Budenz, Joshua Lindsey Warren
  • Patent number: 9554756
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system allows medical personnel to customize multi-parameter alarms for particular patients and/or medical conditions. A patient monitor provides a user interface that allows medical personnel to create custom alarms by selecting patient parameters, desired levels or limits, comparators, and logic connectors to define an alarm condition that includes boundary conditions for a plurality of different patient parameters. A user may also link or group the different boundary conditions to define an order in which to process the various logic connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Menzel
  • Patent number: 9554757
    Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a cathode, an anode, and a deflection device. The cathode and the anode generate an electron beam that is directed toward a target area of the anode to generate X-ray radiation through electrons of the electron beam impinging the target area. The deflection device controls the electron beam such that the electrons hit the anode at different focal spot positions. The deflection device provides gradual deflection for a stepless transition between monoscopic viewing and stereoscopic viewing. For monoscopic viewing, the X-ray radiation is generated from a single focal spot position. For stereoscopic viewing, the X-ray radiation is generated from two focal spot positions spaced apart in a first stereo-direction transverse to a viewing direction. The deflection device provides gradual deflection for a stereo focal spot position in a second stereo-direction, which is transverse to the first stereo-direction and the viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Heidrun Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9554758
    Abstract: A sensor integrated protection device is disclosed. This device includes a sensor for detecting radiations; and a radiation shielding pad to which the sensor is coupled. A data communicating device is placed within radiation shielding pad and electrically coupled to the sensor. This device is suitable for easy wear with the pad shape and can be used for protecting different parts of the body with the various type of the pad holders. In the sensor integrated protection device, the data communicating unit is not built in the sensor but is configured to the sensor outside of the sensor to reduce the size of the sensor and to improve the convenience of using and keeping the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Keun Lim, Jin Pyo Chun
  • Patent number: 9554759
    Abstract: A radiographic detector acquires a first partial exposed image signal during an image readout of each of the rows of photosensors, one row at a time. A first scan of each row includes measuring the charge delivered to each cell of the rows, including some rows having partial charge and other rows having full charge, and obtaining a first null image signal during the scan. A second scan includes measuring remaining charge delivered to those rows having partial charge. The null image signal data is subtracted from a sum of the first two scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Hawver, Gordon Geisbuesch
  • Patent number: 9554760
    Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) image apparatus includes a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCD); and processing circuitry configured to obtain a photon count of a PCD of the plurality of PCDs, compare the obtained photon count to a predetermined photon-count threshold, and apply an external light source to the PCD when the obtained photon count is larger than the predetermined photon-count threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miesher Lage Rodrigues, Gin Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 9554761
    Abstract: A C-arm mounting apparatus for an x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm, a C-arm holding unit, and at least one cage guide unit. The at least one cage guide unit is moveably arranged between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit. The C-arm is moveably mounted on the C-arm holding unit. The at least one cage guide unit includes a plurality of rolling bodies and at least one rolling body cage. The small overlap between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit may facilitate greater rotations about an isocenter. An x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Berthold Baumann, Wolfgang Neuber, Matthias Schirbl
  • Patent number: 9554762
    Abstract: A method of obtaining an X-ray image, the method including: obtaining a first image of an object; receiving a determination whether the first image includes an entirety of a region of interest (ROI); and obtaining a second image of the object, the second image including a portion of the ROI which is absent in the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-kyun Kim, Sung-nam Kim, Jae-chool Lee
  • Patent number: 9554763
    Abstract: A surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the monitoring system may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure. In a further embodiment the monitoring system can be used to model and track the changes in the surgical site itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Navigate Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud (Udi) Daon
  • Patent number: 9554764
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for determining spinal instability, more particularly, a method for quantifying the type and extent of spinal instability in a standardized way. The disclosure also describes a method comprising measurement of the intervertebral rotation and intervertebral translation between a vertebrae pair using simple images, and from these measurements, determining if one or more vertebrae pair of the spine is unstable. Finally, the disclosure describes software that may be used to quantify the type and extent of spinal instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: John A. Hipp, Nicholas Wharton
  • Patent number: 9554765
    Abstract: A positioning tool aids in the positioning of at least one instrument at a subcutaneous treatment site visible via a medical imaging device. The positioning tool includes a penannular member, at least one spacing member having a proximal end attached to the penannular member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and at least one aligning portion attached to the at least one spacing member. The aligning portion is configured for aligning the tool with a target visible via the medical imaging device. A kit includes a plurality of the tools. A method includes use of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Godara, Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 9554766
    Abstract: Streak artifacts generated by at least one X-ray attenuating object arranged outside a reconstruction volume in a three-dimensional image data set showing the reconstruction volume are reduced. The reconstruction volume is reconstructed from two-dimensional projection images recorded from different projection directions. The object is localized in the projection images showing the object. To determine corrected projection images for the reconstruction of the image data set, the image data of the area of each projection image showing the object is corrected to remove the object. The localization of the object is performed taking into account difference images of the measured projection images and from a reconstruction data set of forward-projected comparative images reconstructed from the measured projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Yiannis Kyriakou
  • Patent number: 9554767
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Funk, Steve Denis Burion, Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Brian Patrick Wilfley, Augustus Percival Lowell
  • Patent number: 9554768
    Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus are provided. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source mounted in a movable main body, a battery configured to supply operating power to the X-ray source, a charger configured to supply charging power to charge the battery, and a controller configured to block charging of the battery while X-rays are radiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myeong Je Kim
  • Patent number: 9554769
    Abstract: The apparatus for assessing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases comprises a sensor part 1, a circuit part 2, a computation part 3 and an output part 4, where the circuit part 2 is a functional part for driving the sensor part 1 and transmitting a signal detected at the sensor part 1 to the computation part 3 and comprises a transmission circuit 21, a first receiving circuit 22, a second receiving circuit 23 and the like. The transmission circuit 21 is in connection with a transmission device 111 and a transmission device 121, for driving these devices to generate a continuous wave. A rate wave form computation part 31 is in connection with the first receiving circuit 22 and the second receiving circuit 23 to obtain the frequency of the reflected continuous wave as detected with the receiving units 112 and 122. Comparing the frequency with the frequency from the transmission circuit 21, the variation of the frequency is detected. Based on these values, blood flow rate “v” can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kamei, Kohji Murata, Takahiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9554770
    Abstract: Detection of tissue response is provided with a high pulse repetition frequency. A sequence of separable signals is transmitted in one event. For example, pulses at different frequencies are transmitted as separate waveforms, but in rapid succession. As another example, coded transmit pulses are used. After transmission of the pulses, signals are received. Based on the different frequencies or coding, tissue response is measured at different times based on the receive event. Instead of one measure, a plurality of measures are provided for a given transmit and receive event pair, increasing the effective pulse repetition frequency for shear or elasticity imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Liexiang Fan, Richard Chiao
  • Patent number: 9554771
    Abstract: A method for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method comprises steps of: a) driving an ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave to be propagated in the viscoelastic medium, transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and collecting an ultrasonic echo returned from the viscoelastic medium; b) selecting an effective ultrasonic echo from the ultrasonic echo according to a duration of the low-frequency vibration and physical parameters of the viscoelastic medium; c) calculating a propagation velocity of the elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium according to the effective ultrasonic echo; and d) calculating the elasticity of the viscoelastic medium according to the propagation velocity of the elastic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Beijing Sonicexpert Medical Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jinhua Shao, Jin Sun, Houli Duan
  • Patent number: 9554772
    Abstract: A method and process is described for providing Non-Invasive three dimensional (3-D) image of a patient such that during surgical or other procedures, the person performing the procedure can visually identify the organs and the location of the instruments in real time inside the body. Such a non-invasive imaging and reconstruction using spatially coordinated imaging in three dimensions is a very valuable tool especially to the surgical community. The high powered computing capabilities, advances in the imaging techniques, individually or in combination when combined with noise filtering and error correction capabilities, have made accurate 3-D imaging in real time from scans a reality. These 3-D images are also used as a diagnostic tool, a practice tool and a teaching tool by the medical community. There may be other applications in these and related areas which may emerge as technology develops and they become apparent to individuals practicing the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Mammen Thomas, Arun Mammen Thomas
  • Patent number: 9554773
    Abstract: A processing device that performs a process of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave includes an ultrasonic device, a transmitter, a receiver, and a controller. The transmitter is configured to output a driving signal to the ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic device includes a high-frequency ultrasonic element line and a low-frequency ultrasonic element line. The high-frequency ultrasonic element line is configured to arrange a plurality of ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency. The low-frequency ultrasonic element line is configured to arrange a plurality of ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency. The transmitter is configured to output the driving signal of a sine wave to the high-frequency ultrasonic element line in a first mode. The transmitter is configured to output the driving signal of a square wave to the low-frequency ultrasonic element line in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Onishi, Jiro Tsuruno
  • Patent number: 9554774
    Abstract: A catheter-based imaging system includes a catheter having a telescoping proximal end, a distal end having a distal sheath and a distal lumen, a working lumen, and an ultrasonic imaging core. The ultrasonic imaging core is arranged for rotation and linear translation. The system further includes a patient interface module including a catheter interface, a rotational motion control system that imparts controlled rotation to the ultrasonic imaging core, a linear translation control system that imparts controlled linear translation to the ultrasonic imaging core, and an ultrasonic energy generator and receiver coupled to the ultrasonic imaging core. The system further includes an image generator coupled to the ultrasonic energy receiver that generates an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Kendall R. Waters, Stephanie J. Buech, Robert Zelenka
  • Patent number: 9554775
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer element chip includes a substrate defining an opening, an ultrasonic transducer element disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in a thickness direction of the substrate, and a reinforcing member connected to the substrate to cover the opening. The reinforcing member defines a ventilation passage from the opening to an outside of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nakamura, Jiro Tsuruno, Kanechika Kiyose
  • Patent number: 9554776
    Abstract: A three-dimensional/four-dimensional (3D/4D) imaging apparatus and a region of interest (ROI) adjustment method and device are provided. An ROI is adjusted through an E image in a 3D/4D imaging mode, in which the E image is refreshed in real time when the ROI is adjusted and has a scan line range larger than that of the ROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bin Yao
  • Patent number: 9554777
    Abstract: A method of evaluating tissue stiffness of a target area includes positioning an ultrasound elasticity imaging apparatus adjacent a surface of an area of tissue where the target area is located and applying a dynamic range of force to the tissue. A plurality of ultrasound beams can be directed at the tissue and a plurality of ultrasound echoes can be acquired from the strained tissue in the target area to calculate an amount of developed strain within the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Kang Kim, Jingping Xu, Jonathan M. Rubin
  • Patent number: 9554778
    Abstract: Responsive power saving is provided for ultrasound imaging, such as in portable ultrasound systems. By reducing scan line density in response to removal of a transducer from a patient, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. By disabling the display, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. All or most electronics not associated with monitoring for the return of the transducer to the patient may be disabled or not used to conserve power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: King Yuen Wong, Chi Hyung Seo
  • Patent number: 9554779
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MRI Robotics LLC
    Inventors: Blake Timothy Larson, Arthur Guy Erdman
  • Patent number: 9554780
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a portable device for the collection of biological samples. The device comprises a receptacle (8) with a cover (2), which comprises a pierceable area (3) and may include a collection instrument (1), comprising a rod (4), and a collection arrangement at the end, which may include a solid matrix, for instance a sponge or a tampon (5). The receptacle (8) has a rounded or conical shaped bottom (10), at the center of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped projection (11), with one or more holes (12). The bottom of the receptacle (8) is in contact with a collector recipient through a system of close-aperture, which may comprise screw or a fitting system with protrusions (13). In this way, the device referred in the present invention allows for the collection, storage, transportation and separation of biological material without significant manipulation and without risk of cross-contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: INFOGENE LDA.
    Inventors: Rui Jorge Gonçalves Pereira Nobre, Hugo João Marques Prazeres, Rui Pedro Marques Da Costa, Luís Carlos Gonçalves Pereira Nobre
  • Patent number: 9554781
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical suturing device has a shaft; a needle slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end; and a guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture and moveably coupled to the shaft for selectable movement between a retracted position and an enabled position. In a related method, a distal shaft end, having a guide tip in a retracted position, is passed through a minimally invasive entry point and into a body cavity. The guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture is actuated into an enabled position such that an insertion profile of the guide tip and shaft in the enabled position is larger than an access dimension of the minimally invasive entry point. A needle, slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end, is advanced on a path substantially parallel to the shaft, toward and in alignment with the ferrule receiving aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude S. Sauer
  • Patent number: 9554782
    Abstract: A method for treating a wound or defect at a surgical target site using a minimally invasive surgical procedure is provided which includes utilizing a surgical access device such as a port or a catheter having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells located at the target site; contacting the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, the reactive members are released from the surface of the access device and bind to the tissue; providing a tissue repair member having secured thereto a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair; and applying the tissue repair member to the tissue, wherein upon contact of the complementary reactive members on the surface of the tissue repair member with the reactive members on th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Covidien LP, Sofradim Production
    Inventors: Ahmad Robert Hadba, Jack Kennedy, Sèbastien Ladet
  • Patent number: 9554783
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for closing or occluding ASDs and PFOs, or other bodily passageways, includes a circumferential frame, a sheet of biocompatible material attached to the frame, and at least one anchor attached to the sheet of biocompatible material. In another embodiment, the closure device includes a circumferential frame, at least one crossbar extending across and attached to the frame, at least one anchor connected to at least one crossbar; and at least one sheet of biocompatible material (such as ECM material) attached to the frame. The anchor includes at least one grasping member having a structure, such as a wired loop, which is configured for releasable attachment to a delivery release member, which facilitates delivery of a closure device collapsibly disposed in a delivery catheter. Alternatively, one or more anchor end pairs may be connected to a delivery bar enhancing delivery and retrieval of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dusan Pavcnik, Kurt J. Tekulve
  • Patent number: 9554784
    Abstract: A vascular closure system includes an expandable anchor, a sealing material, a sealing tip, and a sealing tip release member. The expandable anchor is temporarily positioned through a vessel puncture within a vessel. The sealing material is positioned outside of the vessel and configured to seal the vessel puncture. The sealing tip is positioned distal of the anchor and releasable within the sealing material upon removal of the anchor and sealing tip through the sealing material. The sealing tip release member is operable to release the sealing tip without application of a tactile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL PUERTO RICO LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Vidlund
  • Patent number: 9554785
    Abstract: Disclosed are puncture sealing systems and methods of locating a puncture site within a vessel. The systems can include puncture locating dilators and access sheaths that are configured to locate the puncture site within a vessel so that the position of the puncture site relative to a distal end of the access sheath is known during a puncture sealing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Essential Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Walters, Joseph T. Grintz, Julie Lin
  • Patent number: 9554786
    Abstract: A medical device that includes a plurality of strut members forming a plurality of generally diamond-shaped openings, the plurality of strut member being configured to form an annular shaped structure with the generally diamond-shaped openings extending generally longitudinally relative to a longitudinal axis of the medical device. A plurality of tissue engaging portions are associated with the plurality of struts, with each tissue engaging portion extending towards the longitudinal axis in a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Integrated Vascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Carley, Javier Sagastegui, Richard S. Ginn, William N. Aldrich, W. Martin Belef, Steven N. Roe, Ronald J. Jabba
  • Patent number: 9554787
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for obtaining percutaneous access, maintaining hemostasis, and providing closure of openings in tissues of the body. In particular, the present invention provides methods and devices for maintaining hemostasis and providing closure surgical incisions of the left ventricular apex of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Patrick M. McCarthy, Swaminadhan Gnanashanmugam, Usha Periyanayagam, Ingrid Lin, Leah Ralph, Christopher Lubeck
  • Patent number: 9554788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing an arthroscopic cannula in place during arthroscopic surgery. The method and apparatus seal the arthroscopic incision to mitigate leakage of fluid from the joint and seepage of the fluid into surrounding tissue. Reducing leakage of fluid during surgery reduces consumption of saline to insufflate the joint, and improves safety in the operating room by reducing accumulation of fluid on the operating room floor. Reducing leakage and tamping the incision also reduces the likelihood of expulsion of the cannula under pressure from the joint. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces stiffening of the joint during surgery which can interfere with manipulation of the joint and instruments to desired positions during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Michael R. Redler
  • Patent number: 9554789
    Abstract: Expandable dilators, dilation assemblies, and kits are disclosed, along with methods for using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Silas Zurschmiede, Alfred Niederberger, Johann Fierlbeck
  • Patent number: 9554790
    Abstract: Minimaily invasive surgical retractors and methods of using the retractors are provided. This retractor may be introduced through a sealed port, controlled by a robotic system, have full articulation, and need not require assembly within the patient's body. As a result, fully endoscopic mitral valve surgery may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Bailey, Michael H. Ikeda, Margaret M. Nixon, Hubert Stein
  • Patent number: 9554791
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a medical implant within a patient includes disposing an anchor element around the implant, the anchor element including a pair of tabs each including an eyelet, and a flexible intermediate portion between the tabs, by positioning, the implant within the intermediate portion and folding the anchor element such that the tabs contact one another. The anchor element is positioned at a desired implantation position with the tabs proximate soft tissue of the patient. The method further includes inserting a distal tip of a fixation element delivery tool through the eyelets and into the soft tissue, the fixation element including at least one tissue anchor and an adjustable suture arrangement coupled to the tissue anchor. The tissue anchor is deployed from the delivery tool and into the soft tissue of the patient. The delivery tool is withdrawn and the adjustable suture arrangement is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Wales, Jeffrey J. Peters, Vic Fabano, Ishmael Bentley
  • Patent number: 9554792
    Abstract: A suturing device, and methods for suturing various sizes of apertures in tissues, are presented. The suturing device has a body with at least one or more adjustable arms that are coupled with catch targets. The arms are coupled with needle guides such that movements of the arms orient the needle guides to direct the needles towards the catch targets. The catch targets are coupled with sutures, such that when the needles reach the targets, they capture and pull the sutures back to the body. By changing the angles at which the arms extend from the body, the catch targets are moved closer to, or farther from, the body, and the suture device is readily configured to suture various sizes of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: HeartStitch, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nobles, Steffen Schindler