Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170056027
    Abstract: A flip cutter and drill instrument and method of antegrade drilling and retrograde cutting using such an instrument. The flip cutter and drill instrument is provided with a drill which has a multi-blade configuration and which engages an inner tube or inner member of the instrument to articulate between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the drilling mode, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the cutting mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Jerry Sterrett
  • Publication number: 20170056028
    Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Csaba Truckai
  • Publication number: 20170056029
    Abstract: A medical instrument set and method of use for surgically treating bony aberrations of the calcaneus such as calcaneal compression fractures. The present medical instrument set allows surgical treatment of bony aberrations through a minimally invasive procedure that provides better outcomes than both a closed reduction and an open reduction procedure. The medical instrument set includes one or more of an access needle, drill, depth guide, cement plunger, and curette. The access needle is used to provide access to a desired calcaneal site and is characterized by a cannula and a removable trocar tip. The drill is used to bore into the calcaneus. The depth guide is used to visually indicate how far a medical instrument extends beyond and/or through the access needle cannula. The cement plunger is used to introduce bone cement into the desired calcaneal site. The curette is used to mechanically create a void at the desired calcaneal site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Centric Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Madeline C. Wolters, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170056030
    Abstract: A method of preparing a distal femur for a knee joint implant includes mounting a patient-specific bone engagement surface of a femoral alignment guide on a complementary surface of a distal femur of a patient. A plurality of alignment pins is inserted through a corresponding plurality of guiding bores of the femoral alignment guide into the distal femur. A cutting guide is mounted on first and second alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins, and a first resection of the distal femur is made using the cutting guide while cutting through the femoral alignment guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Joshua B. Catanzarite, Brian M. May
  • Publication number: 20170056031
    Abstract: A wedge osteotomy method inserts a first wire into a first bone of the foot, distal from tissue to be removed. A second wire is inserted into a second bone, so the tissue to be removed is distal from the second wire. A cut guide is pivoted about the first wire, until a first axis of the cut guide is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal. The cut guide has a slot perpendicular to the first axis for guiding a cutter to cut bone, while the first axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal. The cut guide is then pivoted about the second wire, until the first axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the talus, and bone is cut through the slot, to form a second planar cut into or through bone material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: George Matthew AWTREY, Vinay D. PATEL, Scott A. ARMACOST, Mary MCCOMBS-STEARNES
  • Publication number: 20170056032
    Abstract: A system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a pressure sensor configured for placement in fluid communication with a lumen which at least partially includes an aspiration lumen of a catheter, the aspiration lumen configured to couple to a vacuum source, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate a continuous signal which is proportional to measured fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: DAVID M. LOOK, Bradley S. Culbert
  • Publication number: 20170056033
    Abstract: A stone extraction fragmentation device of the present invention include: a stone extraction operation section having a first main body and a gripping section; and a fragmentation operation section having a second main body, a moving body which is capable of being connected with the first main body, and a rotating knob which is configured to move the moving body with respect to the second main body, wherein the moving body is configured to move the first main body in a direction away from the second main body by rotation of the rotating knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsutomu OKADA
  • Publication number: 20170056034
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing material within a body lumen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a core wire extending from a proximal end to a distal tip, an actuator member defining a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the core wire, and a distal basket having a distal enclosed end fixed relative to the core wire and one or more elements extending from a proximal open end to a collar slidable on the core wire. The collar is slidable on the core wire within an interior of the distal basket such that, when the collar contacts the actuator member, the collar applies an inward force to direct the proximal open end of the distal basket radially inwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Krolik, Gwendolyn Watanabe, James H. Dreher
  • Publication number: 20170056035
    Abstract: A system includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and first and second electrodes within the balloon arranged to carry a voltage there-across including an initial high electrical voltage at an initial low current. The initial high electrical voltage causes an electrical arc to form across the first and second electrodes within the balloon. The electrical arc causes a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the first and second electrodes, a decrease in the initial high electrical voltage, and a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides the first and second electrodes with a drive voltage that creates the initial high electrical voltage at the initial current and that terminates the drive voltage in response to the decrease in the initial high electrical voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: John M. ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20170056036
    Abstract: A method of securing a turbinate to a nasal septum includes positioning an instrument in a nostril. The turbinate and nasal septum are pierced. The instrument is used to urge a barbed suture through the pierced turbinate and nasal septum. The turbinate is medialized against the nasal septum by urging the turbinate against the septum. The barbed suture holds the turbinate in a medialized state against the nasal septum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Randy J. Kesten, Jessica M. Liberatore
  • Publication number: 20170056037
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a housing that supports a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes coaxially aligned outer and inner shaft members. The inner shaft member is movable within the outer shaft member. An end effector includes a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft. At least one of the jaw members is pivotably coupled to the outer shaft and is movable between open and clamping configurations for grasping tissue. The inner shaft contacts a proximal end of the moveable jaw member to maintain the movable jaw member in the open configuration and is slidable against the movable jaw member to move the moveable jaw member between the open configuration and clamping configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: STEPHEN M. KENDRICK
  • Publication number: 20170056038
    Abstract: Jaw assemblies for use in medical devices and systems to enable the performance of multiple modes of dissection using a single jaw assembly are provided. The jaw assembly can include a variety of features to enable this versatility. For example, the jaws can be designed to have particular curvatures that are conducive to performing particular dissection steps. Further, the jaws can have different thicknesses and widths across a length of one or more jaws to also enable particular dissection steps to be more easily performed. Still further, ridges can be formed on both inner and outer surfaces of the jaws to provide additional dissection capabilities. In some embodiments, the jaw assemblies include more than two jaws, with the timing and rate of the jaws deployment being varied for at least two of the jaws. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey L. Savage, Craig T. Gates, Douglas E. Withers
  • Publication number: 20170056039
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dissecting tip for use in a surgical stapler or instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Todd Demmy, Paul Scirica, Lee Ann Olson
  • Publication number: 20170056040
    Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy or material collection device may comprise a work element consisting of an outer tube with external sheath and formed from a tapered helical structure over an internal tube structure configured to open and close its distal end to perform penetration, coring, capturing, parting off and transporting multiple material samples in a single or multiple insertion procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Eugene H. VETTER, James W. VETTER
  • Publication number: 20170056041
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for preparing a skin graft without culturing or use of biologics
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Sameer Ahmed Sabir, M. Josh Tolkoff, Andrew Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20170056042
    Abstract: A jet stream generating device that generates a jet stream of liquid includes: a cylindrical liquid chamber; a nozzle configured to open an end part of the liquid chamber and inject liquid F in the liquid chamber to outside; a liquid supply path configured to supply liquid F into the liquid chamber; a laser beam irradiation part configured to irradiate a pulse laser beam into the liquid chamber, and vaporize the liquid F in the liquid chamber; and a laser oscillator configured to control laser beam intensity and laser beam pulse width independently. An inner surface of the liquid chamber has a mirror plane for reflecting and guiding the pulse laser beam emitted from the laser beam irradiation part to the end part of the liquid chamber, and an adjusting part configured to adjust a distance between the nozzle and the laser beam irradiation part is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Tohoku University
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Nakagawa, Teiji Tominaga, Michihiro Kaneda
  • Publication number: 20170056043
    Abstract: An instrument for treating a sinus cavity includes a cutter member, a rotatable member, and a fluid passage. The cutter member has a lumen extending therealong, and the rotatable member is received within the lumen. The rotatable member has a helical blade projecting from a distal end portion. The cutter member is configured to translate relative to the rotatable member. Thereby, the cutter member and the rotatable blade are configured to form an opening into the sinus cavity. The fluid passage extends through the cutter member from an inlet to an outlet. The outlet is positioned proximal to the helical blade such that the outlet is configured to fluidly communicate with the sinus cavity. The inlet is configured to receive at least one of a fluid and a vacuum in order to communicate the respective fluid or vacuum to the outlet for irrigating or suctioning the sinus cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Meera L. Sankaran, Alfredo R. Cantu, Rohit Girotra
  • Publication number: 20170056044
    Abstract: Adjunct materials for delivery to stomach tissue are provided. In general, the adjunct materials can be configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of staples from a cartridge body of a surgical stapler. The adjunct material can have a structure effective to cause a desired reaction in the stomach tissue. The adjunct material can include an effective amount of one or more medicants disposed within and releasable from the adjunct material for delivery to the stomach tissue to encourage the desired reaction. The adjunct material can be in the form of at least one of a film and a foam that is releasably retained on the cartridge body. Methods of using a staple cartridge assembly or an end effector to apply such adjunct materials to stomach tissue are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20170056045
    Abstract: A catheter extraction tool has a head that can be placed in position to significantly surround a diameter of a catheter. The head is shaped to have a low enough profile above the catheter to allow the head to be slid down the catheter and into a subdermal region in which the catheter is subdermal with respect to a patient. The head of the catheter extraction tool is expanded sufficiently to slide the head over a catheter cuff located in the subdermal region. After the head of the catheter extraction tool slides over the catheter cuff, the head is contracted to engage the catheter so that a user can pull the catheter out of the patient using the catheter extraction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel Herscu, Curt Toppel, Elmer Tolentino, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170056046
    Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes an elongate catheter body. The catheter body has a jogged portion that applies an urge force against a body lumen wall and urges a portion of the catheter body toward a portion of the body lumen wall. A tissue-removing element removes tissue from the body lumen during the cutting operation. The tissue-removing element is located generally adjacent the portion of the catheter body that is urged toward the body lumen wall by the jogged portion. An urging mechanism selectively applies a compressive load to the catheter body to adjust the bending stiffness of the jogged portion and the urge force applied by the jogged portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel J. Vreeman
  • Publication number: 20170056047
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device having a windowed blade case featuring an interior surface that is black or dark, provides improved feasibility and ease of use. Further advantages are achieved by flanging the exterior surface of the blade case, and by providing a scraper tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas Keller, Shannon Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20170056048
    Abstract: The device for the treatment of varicose veins includes a catheter (1), which can be inserted into a vein to be treated. There is a balloon (2) with at least one cutting element (3) for cutting at least part of the inner wall of the vein arranged on the proximal end (1a) of the catheter. The catheter has side openings (7a-7c), through which a sclerosing agent can be introduced into the vein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas ERPEN
  • Publication number: 20170056049
    Abstract: A tissue dissector is provided. The tissue dissector includes a cannula and an introducer coaxially coupled to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. An introducer is coaxially coupleable to the cannula and movable therein from a retracted position to an extended position. The introducer including a generally annular lumen disposed in fluid communication with an inflation port operably disposed on the introducer and in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon that couples to the introducer. The inflatable balloon is movable from a deflated condition for positioning the introducer adjacent target tissue, to an inflated condition for separating the target tissue from nearby tissue and for providing a barrier therebetween such that the nearby tissue is not affected during the electrosurgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Casey M. Ladtkow, Richard A. Willyard
  • Publication number: 20170056050
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an ultrasonic blade. The body defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes at least one annular activation member and at least one circuit. The at least one annular activation member extends angularly about the body along a 360 degree angular range. The at least one annular activation member is configured to move laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. The at least one circuit corresponds to the at least one annular activation member. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The at least one activation circuit is configured to activate the ultrasonic blade in response to lateral movement of the activation member relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20170056051
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a mechanical lockout. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes an activation lever that is configured to move from a first activation position toward the longitudinal axis to a second activation position. The activation lever is oriented obliquely relative the longitudinal axis in the second activation position. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation lever is operable to trigger ultrasonic activation of the ultrasonic blade by moving to the second activation position. The mechanical lockout is operable to selectively restrict movement of the first activation lever to the second activation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Craig N. Faller
  • Publication number: 20170056052
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a movable member. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes a first activation member and a second activation member. The first activation member is operable to trigger activation of the ultrasonic blade in a first power mode. The second activation member is operable to trigger activation of the ultrasonic blade in a second power mode. The movable member is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable member is configured to permit access to the first activation member and prevent access to the second activation member. In the second position, the movable member is configured to permit access to the second activation member and prevent access to the first activation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brendan J. Oberkircher
  • Publication number: 20170056053
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and an actuation assembly. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer for selectively generating an oscillation at a first or a second predetermined power level. The shaft assembly projects from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide connected to the ultrasonic blade. The actuation assembly includes a selector collar generally surrounding the body and a plurality of activation buttons disposed radially about the body proximate to the selector collar. The selector collar is selectively movable along the body between a first position and a second position for selecting between the first and second predetermined power levels. The plurality of activation buttons are configured to direct the ultrasonic blade to oscillate with the selected first or second predetermined power levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Paul F. Riestenberg, Kristen G. Denzinger, Craig N. Faller, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20170056054
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and an actuation assembly. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer for selectively generating a first or a second predetermined oscillation. The shaft assembly projects from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide connected to the ultrasonic blade. The actuation assembly includes an activator ring and an activation mechanism. The activator ring is selectively movable along the body such that the activator ring is accessible to be gripped by an operator around an entirety of an outer circumferential surface of the activator ring. The activation mechanism is connected to the activator ring such that the activation mechanism selectively moves along the body in conjunction with the activator ring. At least a portion of the activation mechanism is configured to selectively direct the ultrasonic transducer to oscillate the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Cory G. Kimball, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Kristen G. Denzinger, Chester O. Baxter, III, Ashvani K. Madan
  • Publication number: 20170056055
    Abstract: Systems and devices for resecting and removing tissue or organs from the interior of a patient's body, in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure while preventing any dispersion of potentially malignant tissue during the resection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Cirrus Technologies KFT
    Inventor: Csaba TRUCKAI
  • Publication number: 20170056056
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20170056057
    Abstract: A method of mapping tissue includes sensing a first region and a second region of a chamber of body tissue. The sensing includes moving an ultrasound transducer of a catheter over a surface of the region along a sensing pattern, and using the ultrasound transducer to gather a set of echo-anatomical data in an amplitude mode at a plurality of points along the sensing pattern. The set of echo-anatomical data comprises distances between the ultrasound transducer and the surface at the plurality of points. A three-dimensional surface map is generated using the set of echo-anatomical data from each region. The surface maps of the regions are combined to form a combined surface map. Methods also include using a set of echo-anatomical data to generate a three-dimensional surface map of a region, from a detected border of the body tissue and detected motion phases of the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: VytronUS, Inc.
    Inventors: Hira V. Thapliyal, David A. Gallup, James A. Arenson, Danielo B. Piazza, Patrick Phillips, Hidenori Shikata
  • Publication number: 20170056058
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron C. Voegele, Scott A. Nield, Foster B. Stulen, Shan Wan
  • Publication number: 20170056059
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm and a clamp pad. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled with the shaft assembly. The clamp pad is configured to removably couple with the clamp arm while the clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven P. Smolik, David J. Cagle, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Frederick L. Estera, Paul F. Riestenberg, Charles J. Scheib, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Kristen G. Denzinger, Ryan M. Asher
  • Publication number: 20170056060
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The waveguide is configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a clamp pad. The blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is configured to pivot about a first pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade and includes a coupling feature. The clamp pad is selectively attachable to the blade to acoustically isolate the clamp arm from the ultrasonic blade. The coupling feature of the clamp arm is configured to provide a snap fit between the clamp pad and the clamp arm and thereby permit manipulation of the clamp pad for removal of the clamp pad from the clamp arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Kristen G. Denzinger, Ryan M. Asher, Collin J. Loch, Nathan D. Grubbs, Daniel J. Prenger, Laura A. Boehm
  • Publication number: 20170056061
    Abstract: Components and corresponding systems are described for providing removal of a clot or fragment thereof to address an acute ischemic stroke condition. In particular, a filter design is presented that provides metal elements below a bundle of polymer fibers to provide more mechanical strength while cushioning the vessel wall from direct contact with the metal elements. Designs of stent retrievers are presented with polymer covers or mounted on the exterior of a microcatheter. Corresponding systems are described that can use various combinations of the components, generally in combination with an aspiration catheter. Corresponding procedures are described that can effectively use the various devices and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew F. Ogle, Lee R. Gutterman, Richard C. Mattison
  • Publication number: 20170056062
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprising a housing, a first ultrasonic transducer array, a second ultrasonic transducer array, a first light source, and a second light source. The first ultrasonic transducer array is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a first planar ultrasonic beam in a first direction within a first plane. The second ultrasonic transducer array is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a second planar ultrasonic beam in the first direction within a second plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The first light source is coupled to the housing and configured to project a first light line substantially within the first plane. The second light source is coupled to the housing and configured to project a second light line within a third plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane and intersects the second plane at an oblique angle. The first light line intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the second light line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Neda Buljubasic
  • Publication number: 20170056063
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for creating translumenal vascular access, comprising utilizing a dilator adaptor to assist with forming a substantially atraumatic geometric outer junction between a dilator member/introducer member assembly and a guidewire which may be somewhat undersized relative to a lumen formed through the dilator member, thereby creating a geometric fit gap which may be suboptimal from a tissue interfacing perspective. The dilator adaptor may be interposed between the guidewire and dilator member to assist in remedying this fit mismatch, and in generally providing a preferred outer instrument interface for insertion through a small defect in a vessel to gain access to a lumen defined through the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Arstasis, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Andrew ELLINGWOOD, D. Bruce Modesitt
  • Publication number: 20170056064
    Abstract: An access device for surgical procedures is disclosed which includes a multiport end cap including a plurality of separate access ports for accommodating the introduction of individual surgical instruments into a body cavity or lumen of a patient, and a coupling for operatively connecting the multiport end cap to a tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Dominick Mastri, Ralph Stearns
  • Publication number: 20170056065
    Abstract: A guard for providing a cut-resistant pathway through a body orifice or incision to circumferentially protect tissue at the margin is provided. The guard is made of flexible, cut-resistant mesh material having a plurality of interwoven thermosetting filaments. The guard has a central lumen and at least one flared end. The flared end, which serves to anchor the guard in the body opening, is deformable into a reduced configuration to facilitate its insertion and removal. The layer of mesh stretches laterally to increase the diameter of the central lumen. The flexibility and expandability of the guard allows the guard to conform to body openings of different sizes. The guard may include a drawstring to cinch the flared distal end from the proximal end. The guard is thermoset with the flared distal end that is biased to spring back to its normal, undeformed configuration when released from a deformed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Alexandra Do, Boun Pravong, Serene Wachli
  • Publication number: 20170056066
    Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can include a balloon formed by a stretch blow molding process following local heating once advanced over the cannula. Once formed, the balloon can be conditioned to constrict against the cannula. A conditioning aid can be advanced over the balloon when it is still formable to constrict the balloon against the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Eduardo Bolanos, Joel B. Velasco
  • Publication number: 20170056067
    Abstract: A catheter extraction tool has a head that can be placed in position to significantly surround a diameter of a catheter. The head is shaped to have a low enough profile above the catheter to allow the head to be slid down the catheter and into a subdermal region in which the catheter is subdermal with respect to a patient. The head of the catheter extraction tool is expanded sufficiently to slide the head over a catheter cuff located in the subdermal region. After the head of the catheter extraction tool slides over the catheter cuff, the head is contracted to engage the catheter so that a user can pull the catheter out of the patient using the catheter extraction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: GABRIEL HERSCU, CURT TOPPEL, ELMER TOLENTINO
  • Publication number: 20170056068
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods including a stop guard are described herein. An exemplary instrument can include an inner shaft disposed within an outer shaft, the inner shaft including a tissue-piercing tip and being effective to secure an end effector to the device. A stop guard can be coupled to the inner shaft and extend through outer shaft sidewall openings when the tip is advanced distally or retract into the outer shaft when the tip is retracted proximally. In a percutaneous procedure, external force applied to the stop guard by the tissue can retract the tip to prevent damage to surrounding tissue as the instrument is advanced distally. Moreover, once passed through pierced tissue, the stop guard can be redeployed when the inner shaft is advanced distally to secure an end effector to the instrument and can prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Monica L. Zeckel, Jeffrey L. Savage
  • Publication number: 20170056069
    Abstract: A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Mark JURAVIC, Michael STEWART
  • Publication number: 20170056070
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates a medical instrument having a rotational drive mechanism that can be integrated into a variety of medical devices, including a tool used as an external retaining ring removal tool or as a non-marring bushing inserter, or in a spinal interbody device. The tool can include a knob portion at a proximal end and a drive mechanism at the distal end. The drive mechanism can include a plurality of drive pins that can be actuated to extend outward by rotating the knob portion. The spinal interbody device can include a drive mechanism configured to translate rotational motion into a linear driving motion to cause locking projections to move into engagement with vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Donald A. Buss
  • Publication number: 20170056071
    Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Axel Bernhard Cremer, Beat Mürner, Umesh Verma, Usha Mathur
  • Publication number: 20170056072
    Abstract: This present invention relates to medical procedures and distraction devices for internal joint distraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ricardo Albertorio, John P. Gauldoni
  • Publication number: 20170056073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection element for a spine stabilization system comprises a first end for fixing to a first bone fixation device, a second end for fixing to a second bone fixation device and an intermediate portion arranged or formed between the two ends and defining a longitudinal axis. At least one of the two ends takes the form of a coupling element for fixing the connection element to a bone fixation device in at least one defined orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The coupling element has a shape other than a circular cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Beate Celmerowski, Sven Krueger, Jens Beger
  • Publication number: 20170056074
    Abstract: A pedicle screw for spinal fixation having a bone fastener portion a permanent rod coupling, a breakaway portion connected to the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod coupling. A permanent rod can be positioned in the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod can be positioned in the temporary rod coupling and when the temporary rod is not needed the temporary rod coupling can be removed by separation at a breakaway portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Daniel J. Sucato
  • Publication number: 20170056075
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innovative pedicle probe that uses a force-sensing electromechanical system coupled with haptic and visual feedback. The probe of the present invention reduces the rate of pedicle screw breaches during spinal fusion surgery. The probe provides an effective guidance system to aid surgeons in detecting and preventing cortical bone breaches, thereby minimizing risk of intraoperative injury to the patient. Moreover, the probe invention decreases surgeon reliance on intraoperative radiation, reducing harmful exposure to both patients and surgeons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Anvesh Annadanam, Robert Allen, Chetan Bettegowda, Ravi Gaddipati, Luis Herrera, Bradley Isaacs, Sheng-fu Lo, Eric Xie, Clay Andrews, Adarsha Malla, Erica Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20170056076
    Abstract: Provided are a rod inserter for fixing a pedicle screw. The rod inserter for fixing a pedicle screw, the rod inserter including a rotational support unit having a length corresponding to a radius of lordosis formed by lumbar of vertebrae of a subject person and of which a lower end is fixed and a rotational insertion unit having a length corresponding to the radius and having one end rotatably coupled to an upper end of the rotational support unit and the other end to which an arc-shaped rod is detachably coupled. Thus, the arc-shaped rods having lengths shapes different from each other according to the number of screws respectively fixed to the vertebrae of the subject person is coupled as one device to perform the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hyeun Sung KIM, Dong Hwa HEO, Hong won YOON