Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9597042
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes decomposing, with a decomposer, agent-based time series projection data for an object or a subject into at least an agent based component. A projection data decomposer includes a time series decomposer that determines agent-based projection data based on agent-based time series projection data based on at least two energy dependent components. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the act of determining an agent-based component of agent-based time series projection data utilizing at least two components of the agent-based time series projection is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Roland Proksa, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 9597043
    Abstract: An system for supporting a patient during a medical procedure including a pedestal supported from a base surface; a ring structure mounted over the pedestal, the ring structure includes inner and outer ring members that are arranged for relative rotation therebetween. An elongated support platform, upon which the patient is supported, is also provided, as well as a bar member for mounting one end of the support platform to the inner ring of the ring structure while the opposite end of the support platform is free so as to be disposed in a cantilever manner from the ring structure. The roll of the support platform is controlled by rotating the inner ring relative to the outer ring, the pitch of the support platform by pivoting the bar member relative to the inner ring, and the yaw of the support platform by rotating the ring structure relative to the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
    Inventors: Sohail K. Mirza, Keith D. Paulsen, John C. Peiffer, Atthar Mirza
  • Patent number: 9597044
    Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of an extremity has a digital radiation detector and a first device to move the detector along a circular detector path extending so that the detector moves both at least partially around a first extremity of the patient and between the first extremity and a second, adjacent extremity. The detector path has radius R1 sufficient to position the extremity approximately centered in the detector path. There is a radiation source with a second device to move the source along a concentric circular source path having a radius R2 greater than radius R1, radius R2 sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the first extremity for an image capture by the detector. A first circumferential gap in the source path allows the second extremity to be positioned in the first circumferential gap during image capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: John Yorkston, Robert J. Asento, Jeffrey H. Siewerdsen, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 9597045
    Abstract: There is described a radiological image capturing apparatus, which makes it possible to obtain a good X ray image in which contrast of the peripheral portions are emphasized by employing the Talbot interferometer method and the Talbot-Lau interferometer method. The apparatus is provided with an X-ray tube, a multi-slit member, a first diffraction grating, a second diffraction grating and an X-ray detector. The second diffraction grating contacts the X-ray detector. A distance L between the multi-slit element and the first diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.5 m, a distance Z1 between the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating is set to be not less than 0.05 m, and a slit interval distance d0 of the multi-slit element is set to be not less than 2 ?m. With the settings, the abovementioned good X-ray image can be obtained by using the Talbot-Lau interferometer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA INC.
    Inventor: Hiromu Ohara
  • Patent number: 9597046
    Abstract: Soft body tissue, such as a female breast, is imaged using X-ray projection techniques and optical tomography techniques. First image data for a first image of a breast (17) are acquired by X-ray projection using an X-ray source (3) and an X-ray detector (5). Second image data for a second image are acquired using optical tomography equipment comprising a light source (9) and a light detector (11). From the first image data, estimated bulk optical properties of the breast (17) are be derived. Based on such estimated bulk optical properties, an optical tomography image is reconstructed from the second image data with high image quality. Performing mammography acquisition at different compression states of the breast (17) improves patient comfort. Mammograms are acquired at two different compression states wherein a first compression state is adapted to provide high image resolution. At a second compression state, another mammogram may be acquired together with an optical tomography image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Andre Goossen, Harald Sepp Heese, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9597047
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first detector mounted on a sliding bar and an electromagnetic source including a collimator to generate an exposure window. The apparatus comprises a control system configured to slide linearly the first detector along the sliding bar and synchronously move the collimator to direct the exposure window to the first detector. The movements of the exposure window are registered to movements of the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Omid Ebrahimi Kia
  • Patent number: 9597048
    Abstract: A method includes selecting, in a radiographic exposure unit, a direct radiographic panel as an active panel for a forthcoming radiographic exposure, activating a gravity sensor installed on the direct radiographic panel, and activating by the activated gravity sensor a processor installed on the direct radiographic panel. As a result of a communication from the processor with a radiographic work station over a network, the activated direct radiographic panel is retained as the active direct radiographic panel for the forthcoming radiographic exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
    Inventor: Walter Exelmans
  • Patent number: 9597049
    Abstract: The image display control device includes a thumbnail image display control unit that displays a thumbnail image of a tomographic image forming a three-dimensional image, a display instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to display the three-dimensional image, and a tomographic image display control unit that displays a plurality of tomographic images on a display screen which is different from a display screen on which the thumbnail image is displayed such that the tomographic images are sequentially switchable when the instruction to display the three-dimensional image is received. The thumbnail image display control unit newly generates a thumbnail image of the tomographic image displayed immediately before the display of the tomographic image ends, changes the current thumbnail image to the new thumbnail image, and displays the new thumbnail image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yuanzhong Li
  • Patent number: 9597050
    Abstract: A phase contrast X-ray imaging system of an object includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector arrangement, and a grating arrangement with a phase-grating structure and an analyzer-grating structure. The X-ray detector arrangement includes at least eight line-detector units parallel to each other in a first direction, the line-detector units extending linearly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The phase-grating structure has a number of linear phase-gratings having a first part with first phase-gratings with slits in the first direction, and a second part with second phase-gratings with slits in a second direction different than the first direction. The analyzer-grating structure has a number of linear analyzer-gratings having a first part with first analyzer-gratings with slits in the first direction, and a second part with second analyzer-gratings with slits in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9597051
    Abstract: An imaging condition setting unit sets imaging conditions for a pre-contrast enhancement scan, a monitoring scan, and a post-contrast enhancement scan. A ROI setting unit sets a region of interest for the monitoring scan in a reference image generated by a reference image scan executed before the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan. The scan control unit controls an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit to sequentially execute, based on the imaging conditions, the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Gatayama, Tatsuya Watanabe, Go Mukumoto, Kazumasa Arakita
  • Patent number: 9597052
    Abstract: A method for storing X-ray data includes acquiring the X-ray data by using an X-ray detection module; and transmitting all or some of the acquired X-ray data to other X-ray detection module which is different from the X-ray detection module that has acquired the X-ray data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-min Lee, Sung-kyu Park, Min-kook Cho, Ji-hoon Kang, Jin-hwan Oh, Jerome Crocco
  • Patent number: 9597053
    Abstract: Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer includes pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hidem, Aaron M. Fontaine, Janet L. Gelbach, Patrick M. McDonald, Kathryn M. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9597054
    Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is described which visually assists biopsy needle insertion. The system produces pixel values of pixels along one or more paths of needle insertion. A tissue density analyzer is responsive to the pixel values to estimate tissue density along a path of needle insertion. A needle path calculator is responsive to the tissue density analyzer and proposes one or more favorable paths through imaged tissue for insertion of the biopsy needle. The system may be used in conjunction with a three dimensional navigation system which spatially locates the needle and ultrasound image plane in 3D space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Srinivas Rao Kudavelly, Raja Sekhar Bandaru
  • Patent number: 9597055
    Abstract: A fetal pulse monitor includes an ultrasound crystal. An ultrasound controller is electrically connected to the ultrasound crystal and operates the ultrasound crystal to produce ultrasound signals and receive reflected ultrasound signals. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the ultrasound controller. A biocompatible housing at least partially surrounds the ultrasound crystal, ultrasound controller, and the wireless transmitter. A system for monitoring fetal heart rate includes a fetal pulse monitor configured for insertion into a womb of a patient and for attachment to a fetus within the womb. The fetal pulse monitor includes an ultrasound crystal, an ultrasound controller electrically connected to the ultrasound crystal, and a wireless transmitter electrically connected to the ultrasound controller. A patient monitoring device is external to the womb and includes a wireless receiver and a processor that detects instantaneous fetal heart rate from the received ultrasound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Serguei Kabakov, Steven M. Falk, Karsten A. Russell-wood
  • Patent number: 9597056
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for imaging a tissue. In one example, a system comprises an adjustable arm, a scanning assembly attached to a first end of the adjustable arm, a counterweight coupled to a second end of the adjustable arm, and a weight adjustment system coupled to the counterweight and configured to modify an effective weight of the scanning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas G. Summers, Jiayu Chen
  • Patent number: 9597057
    Abstract: A portable ultrasonic diagnostic device having a tilt function and turning function for a display panel, wherein a display housing provided with the display panel is supported on a main housing by a biaxial hinge mechanism in order to prevent damage or the like to each of the parts of the device. The biaxial hinge mechanism includes a tilt function for tilting the display housing about a horizontal tilt rotational shaft, and a turning function for turning the display housing about a vertical turning shaft. Provided to the tilt rotational shaft is a mechanism for restricting tilt rotation in the direction for closing the display housing in places other than a predetermined position in the direction of rotation of the turning shaft of the display housing, and releasing the restriction of the tilt rotation only at the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Ichimura
  • Patent number: 9597058
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transmitter, a generator, and an output controller. The transmitter transmits, from an ultrasound probe, push pulses that cause displacement of body tissue according to an acoustic radiation force and transmits, from the ultrasound probe, tracking pulses for observing the displacement of body tissue, which is caused according to the push pulses, in a given scanning area. The generator generates transmission area image data displaying a position to which the push pulses are transmitted. The output controller outputs the generated transmission area image data such that the transmission area image data is superimposed onto medical image data that contains the transmission area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuko Kanayama, Masahiko Yano
  • Patent number: 9597059
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting and correcting unintended eye movements that may occur during an ultrasound scan by monitoring multiple position tracking sensors, examples being but not limited to ultrasound or optical position sensors. These position tracking sensors are in addition to the ultrasound imaging transducer and are in a fixed position on the scan head so as not to move during the scanning operation. These position tracking sensors can continuously monitor the distance to the cornea or other clearly defined anatomical features of the eye such as the posterior pigment layer of the iris during the movement of the scan head assembly and can provide continuous multi-dimensional correction for any unwanted motion of the eye relative to the scan head that may occur during the ultrasound scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
  • Patent number: 9597060
    Abstract: Collection of biological fluids. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: placing a lower mold component, the lower mold component structurally defines a negative image of an insertion end of a polymeric sleeve; stacking into mating relationship a first disk member, the first disk member structural defines a negative image of an anterior volume vented to atmosphere on the insertion end of the polymeric sleeve; coupling a rod member to the disk member, an exterior surface of the rod member defines a negative image of a main passageway through the polymeric sleeve; closing an outer mold assembly around the rod member, an interior surface of the outer mold assembly structurally defines a negative image of an outer surface of the polymeric sleeve; and injecting a polymeric compound in a liquid state into the outer mold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Steven A. Shubin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9597061
    Abstract: To reliably fix a medical instrument to a body wall by easy operation without causing increased costs and complicated configuration. For inserting a trocar as a medical instrument which can be pierced into a body cavity, a front end of the trocar is inserted into a body wall along a first direction having a specified angle with respect to an exterior surface of the body wall, and then the front end of the trocar is inserted into the body wall along a second direction whose angle with the exterior surface of the body wall is acuter than that of the first direction. As a result, the trocar is reliably fixed with large resistance received from the body wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventor: Paul Curcillo
  • Patent number: 9597062
    Abstract: Provided is a surgical applicator and applicator tip configured to attach in fluid communication, for the delivery of beneficial fluids. The applicator tip may also be configured to reversibly attach, in fluid communication, with a pledget. For example, the applicator tip may include male or female threads, and the pledget has threads that are complementary to the thread configuration of the tip. The applicator tip may further comprise at least one fluid transfer lumen for transfer of a fluid from the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment of the invention, the tip includes male threads and the pledget includes a pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods for connecting the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment, a tip comprising male threads is attached to the pledget, comprising a pledget attachment portion, by tapping or pressing the tip into the pledget attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Pharma IP Trading D.A.C.
    Inventors: William Allan Alexander, Paul D. Bishop, Steve R. Carter, Alisa M. Littau
  • Patent number: 9597063
    Abstract: An introducer sheath is described. The introducer sheath may include a tubular body. The tubular body may extend from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body may include a lumen. The lumen may at least partially be defined by a wall. A channel may be disposed within the wall. The channel may be configured to receive a guidewire. The tubular body may include an expandable portion expandable to increase a cross-sectional area of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Laveille K. Voss, Kelly J. McCrystle
  • Patent number: 9597064
    Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject one or more of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retains respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Wamis Singhatat, Jamie Manos
  • Patent number: 9597065
    Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a carrier tube, an expandable anchor, a bioadhesive material, a sealing tip, and a filament. The expandable anchor is mounted to the carrier tube and configured to extend through a vessel puncture to temporarily seal the vessel puncture from within a vessel. The bioadhesive material is disposed outside of the vessel and configured to seal the vessel puncture. The sealing tip is mounted to the carrier tube distal of the expandable anchor. The filament is connected to and extends proximally from the sealing tip. Applying tension in the filament maintains connection of the sealing tip to the carrier tube, and releasing the tension in the filament permits release of the sealing tip within a channel formed in the bioadhesive material upon removal of the anchor through the bioadhesive material to seal the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL PUERTO RICO LLC
    Inventor: Zachary J. Tegels
  • Patent number: 9597066
    Abstract: Drug eluting vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. The devices and methods rely on a combination of the body's own natural mechanism to achieve hemostasis with chemical and/or biological agents to accelerate the hemostatic process. One method includes the steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A chemical and/or biological sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced so as to expose a chemical and/or biological region or release region of the device. At least one chemical and/or biological agent is thereafter released from the device and into the tissue tract to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CARDIVA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Zia Yassinzadeh, Jeffrey I. Weitz, Alan Stafford
  • Patent number: 9597067
    Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture. The method includes the steps of providing a containment compartment molded from a polymeric resin comprising a polymeric material and an antimicrobial agent, positioning a suture within the containment compartment, the suture comprising one or more surfaces; covering the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package cover having an inner surface, and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the containment compartment to the suture, while retaining an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent on the containment compartment, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment. A packaged antimicrobial suture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet Reyhan, Robert Cerwin
  • Patent number: 9597068
    Abstract: Various self-cinching suture anchors, self-cinching suture anchor systems, and methods of use are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be received within the outer member. The inner and outer members can define a gap that allows a suture to be movably disposed within the outer member, e.g., within the gap, when the inner member is disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be configured to be secured within the outer member by a knot of the suture having a diameter greater than a width of the gap so as to fix the inner member within the outer member, while still allowing uni-directional tensioning of the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9597069
    Abstract: Herein described are suture-anchoring implanted medical devices formed from a bioresorbable metal alloy that may be used to secure soft tissue to bone. The metallic bioresorbable tissue anchoring devices of the present invention are optimally configured such that all portions of the device are resorbed over a short predetermined period of time while maintaining their tissue anchoring capability and preventing the generation of loose foreign bodies therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TENJIN LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 9597070
    Abstract: A surgical anchor comprises a plurality of plates configured into a stack with successive plates within the stack being vertically arrayed with respect to the stack. The stack has an undeployed configuration, and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration one or more of the plates is positioned outwardly more laterally with respect to the stack than in the undeployed configuration so as to retain the anchor in a bone hole. A biasing member between the plates in the stack biases the one or more plates toward the deployed configuration. The biasing member can provide a torsional force to induce the plates to rotate and fan outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventor: Steven N. Bittenson
  • Patent number: 9597071
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9597072
    Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Scalzo, Jerome A. Fischer, Stephen Rothenburger, Robert Cerwin, James R. McDivitt
  • Patent number: 9597073
    Abstract: A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory Sorrentino, Frank J. Viola, Scott Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9597074
    Abstract: A surgical stapler has a body, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector has a stapling head assembly, an anvil, and a vacuum port. The vacuum port is operable to draw tissue between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The anvil is operable to move toward and away from the stapling head assembly to thereby capture the tissue drawn between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a plurality of wheel assemblies and staple cartridges. At least one wheel assembly is operable to rotate to thereby move the anvil toward and away from the body. The remaining wheel assemblies are operable to rotate to thereby drive staples through the captured tissue. The body includes user input features operable to drive the wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, Jason L. Harris, Rudolph H. Nobis, Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 9597075
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a firing member, an anvil shaft assembly operably supported within an elongated shaft, and an anvil removably attachable to a distal connection portion of an anvil shaft assembly. The instrument further comprises a tissue acquisition shaft rotatably supported within the elongated shaft, tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft and being selectively pivotable between a retracted position to deployed positions, and at least one tissue acquisition pin corresponding to each one of the tissue acquisition members, each tissue acquisition pin radially protruding outward from the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft to impale tissue drawn in towards the tissue acquisition shaft by the tissue acquisition members when the tissue acquisition members are moved from the deployed positions to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis
  • Patent number: 9597076
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument having a first cartridge assembly configured to deploy a first set of fasteners and a second cartridge assembly disposed distally of the first cartridge assembly. The second cartridge assembly is configured to move between an open position and an approximated position relative to clamp tissue. A central rod extends between the first cartridge assembly and the second cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9597077
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A surgical buttress releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. An adhesive tape is disposed over the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured retain the respective surgical buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gerald N. Hodgkinson
  • Patent number: 9597078
    Abstract: A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of a surgical stapler, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Paul A. Scirica, Todd L. Demmy, Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 9597079
    Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Wound Care Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Elliott, George M. Hoedeman, John J. Berkey, Paul J. Anderson, Robert C. Wilke
  • Patent number: 9597080
    Abstract: A shroud is provided which includes a rounded atraumatic distal configuration. The shroud is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on the distal end portion of a surgical instrument. The shroud is movable between a first position in which a distal portion of the shroud extends beyond a distal end of a tool assembly of the surgical instrument and a second position in which the distal portion of the shroud is positioned proximal to the distal end of the tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 9597081
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a rotary drive shaft that translates between two longitudinal positions to alternate between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. The stapling head assembly includes a first set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue clamping action when the drive shaft is in a distal position. The stapling head assembly also includes a second set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue cutting/stapling action when the drive shaft is in a proximal position. The drive shaft may be driven manually or by a motor. The stapling head assembly may be provided in a cartridge form that is removable from the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9597082
    Abstract: A cuff is used to provide a form for curing fluid about the exterior of an end-to-end anastomosis site. The cuff includes a port through which fluid may be injected to reach an interior space defined between the exterior of tissue at the anastomosis site and the inner surface of the cuff. A circular stapler may be used as a mandrel for the cuff and fluid. Alternatively, inflatable balloons may be used as a mandrel. The curing fluid may comprise a mixture of fibrin and thrombin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Edward G. Chekan, Charles J. Scheib, Andrew C. Yoo
  • Patent number: 9597083
    Abstract: A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Christopher Penna
  • Patent number: 9597084
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through a right carotid artery and a left carotid artery of a patient is provided. The apparatus has a first occluding catheter that carries a first occluding balloon that has an inflated configuration that occludes either the right carotid artery or the left carotid artery. The apparatus also includes a second occluding catheter that carries a second occluding balloon that has an inflated configuration that occludes the other one of the right carotid artery or the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the first occluding balloon. An insertion device may also be present to allow for insertion of the first and second occluding catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Zhadkevich
  • Patent number: 9597085
    Abstract: A system for occluding a physical anomaly. One embodiment comprises a shape memory material body wherein the shape memory material body fits within the physical anomaly occluding the physical anomaly. The shape memory material body has a primary shape for occluding the physical anomaly and a secondary shape for being positioned in the physical anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wilson, Duncan J. Maitland
  • Patent number: 9597086
    Abstract: An occlusive device includes a frame element having a distal end and a proximal end, and a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The occlusive device also includes an occlusive face having a peripheral edge, where the occlusive face positioned toward the proximal end of the frame element. The occlusive device also includes at least one anchor positioned at the peripheral edge of the occlusive face, where the at least one anchor extends at an acute angle to the peripheral edge of the occlusive face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Coby C. Larsen, Steven J. Masters, Edward E. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9597087
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sequent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Marchand, Brian J. Cox, Robert F. Rosenbluth
  • Patent number: 9597088
    Abstract: A medical implantable occlusion device (100) is disclosed comprising a braiding of at least one thread, an expanded diameter portion (102), and a tubular member (103) having a distal endpoint closest to the expanded diameter portion having a distal rim (107). The braiding comprises a stem (108) having a first end connected to the expanded diameter portion and a second end connected to the distal region, where the stem in a relaxed state is partly sunk into the tubular member beneath the distal rim (107), wherein the proximal region comprises a connecting member (113), wherein ends of the at least one thread are fixed to the connecting member, the expanded diameter portion comprises returning loops of the at least one thread whereby opposite ends of the at least one thread forming the expanded diameter portion are fixed to the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Occlutech Holding AG
    Inventor: RĂ¼diger Ottma
  • Patent number: 9597089
    Abstract: A surgical clip for a clip applier to ligate vessels. The clip contains two opposing legs connected in parallel by an apex to form a U-shape. Each leg has an outer surface with a half-round cross-sectional configuration for minimizing tissue damage by preventing clip scissoring during ligation. Each leg has an inner surface with a flat central surface, two concave grooves on opposing sides of the central surface, and two convex ridges on opposing sides of the each groove. As a vessel is ligated, vessel tissue moves into the concave grooves while remaining frictionally engaged by the compressive forces applied by the central surfaces and convex ridges of each leg so that the clip does not move on the vessel. The edges of the grooves and the edges of the ridges of each leg are rounded to prevent any cutting of the ligated vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventor: Pavel Menn
  • Patent number: 9597090
    Abstract: Tibial prosthesis systems for implantation or use in a knee joint are disclosed. A tibial prosthesis system for implantation on a resected tibia can include a bearing component, a base component, and a shim component. The insertion of the shim component can provide spacing adjustment between the bearing and base components. The shim component can have a generally uniform height or thickness, or a variable height. A cut guide attachment, removably attachable to the prosthesis system, can be used to facilitate further resection of the tibia and create one or more additional resection surfaces on the tibia at an angle relative to the first resection surface. Multiple cut guide attachments can be available to the user to provide various resection angles. The cut guide attachment can include a modular design. The cut guide attachment can be configured to adjust the angle of the subsequent resection in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody L. Claypool, Steven E. Stump, Wayne Paprosky, David Lewallen, Stephen E. White
  • Patent number: 9597091
    Abstract: Technologies related to articulated bone drill and articulated bone tap apparatus are generally described. In some examples, articulated bone drills and taps may comprise bendable spines, movable bits, and flexible cylindrical tap or drill sleeves. The movable bit may be engaged at a distal end of the spine, and tensioning the spine and/or longitudinal displacement of at least one spine section with respect to at least one other spine section may be effective to steer the bit. The flexible cylindrical sleeve may be adapted to at least partially encase the spine, and the sleeve and the bit may be mechanically engaged so that rotation of the sleeve around the spine is effective to rotate the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Bromer