Patents Issued in July 13, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170196609
    Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a broken bone while it heals is disclosed. The device preferably has a (a) first (or proximal) section with a driving head, threads and a first diameter, and (b) second (or distal) section that is threaded and has a second diameter. The first section is preferably greater in diameter than the second section so that greater torque can be applied to tighten the device. The device may include one or more self-tapping structures to lessen the torque required to screw it into a bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Lloyd P. Champagne, Jozef Zoldos
  • Publication number: 20170196610
    Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member and a dual closure structure that may include a single flange or helical flange. The dual closure structure independently engages the connecting member and the lower compression insert. A threaded capture connection of the bone anchor includes a shank upper surface exclusively engaging the lower compression insert and a retainer threadably attached to the shank and spaced from the upper surface, the retainer configured for polyaxial motion with respect to the receiver prior to locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20170196611
    Abstract: A Universal implant-to-bone anchoring system including an anchor having a shaft terminated at one end by a head and one or more tins, generally planar and having two surfaces, portions of which come together at a free edge, and attached to the shaft and angled about a minor radius thereof along an imaginary helix and an inserter operative to be attached to the head of the anchor and having one or more ports operative to accommodate an anchor driving tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: RayCont Ltd.
    Inventor: Gad SHMUELI
  • Publication number: 20170196612
    Abstract: Headless compression screws are described. The headless compression screws include first and second ends coupled by a shaft, a first threaded portion positioned proximate the first end that surrounds the shaft and includes s first threads spaced apart from one another at a constant pitch, and a second threaded portion proximate the second end that surrounds the shaft and includes second threads. The second threads are spaced apart from one another at a variable pitch, such that distances between adjacent threads of the second threaded portion decrease as distance from the second end decreases. Methods of reducing a fracture using headless compression screws are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Alfredo Castaneda, Michael Gellatly, Sean Graham
  • Publication number: 20170196613
    Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone. The expandable support device can have interconnected struts. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The expandable support device can be inserted into a damaged bone and radial expanded. The radial expansion of the expandable support device struts can cause the struts to cut mechanically support and/or the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: E. Skott GREENHALGH, John-Paul ROMANO
  • Publication number: 20170196614
    Abstract: System and method for automatically bending a surgical rod are provided. The system includes a linear movement device configured to axially feed the surgical rod, a rotational movement device configured to rotate the surgical rod as it is axially fed, and a bending device including a roller to impose bending forces against the rod. The rod is free from contact with the bending device after it is axially fed past the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Nicholas Theodore, Philip M. Reyes, Anna G.U.S. Newcomb, Seungwon Baek
  • Publication number: 20170196615
    Abstract: A device for cryotherapy treatment of gastrointestinal lesions includes a cooling member that may be attached to a first tube for pressurizing cryogenic fluid through the tube and into the cooling member through nozzles located at the distal end of the first tube. A second tube may be attached to the cooling member for evacuating the cryogenic fluid from within the cooling member, following the fluid's expansion once it exits the first tube. The cryotherapy device may be attached to an endoscope such that the first tube may be passed through the endoscope's working channel, while the second tube may be passed along the endoscope's circumference. The cryotherapy device may further comprise securing means attached to the first tube, for securing the first tube to the endoscope's working channel, thus preventing free rotation of the cryotherapy device within the endoscope, relative to the rotation of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Ori BRAUN, Gavriel J. Iddan, Eyal Kochavi, Elisha Rabinovitz, Zvika Gilad
  • Publication number: 20170196616
    Abstract: An ablation device comprising an ablation applicator adapted for ablating material from an object upon delivery of an ablation medium to the ablation applicator in an ablation mode, an ablation medium supply line adapted for supplying the ablation medium to the ablation applicator in the ablation mode, an ablation medium drain line adapted for draining the ablation medium received from the ablation applicator in the ablation mode, and a closure mechanism adapted for selectively enclosing a predefined volume in a fluidic path upon operating the ablation device in a no-flow mode or upon detecting a leak in the fluidic path, the fluidic path including the ablation applicator and being defined between the ablation medium supply line and the ablation medium drain line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald Fischer, Florian Hintringer
  • Publication number: 20170196617
    Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses on or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Denis, Preston Manwaring, Phil Eggers, Kim Manwaring
  • Publication number: 20170196618
    Abstract: A method produces a flat electrode of a high-frequency surgical instrument, which has in at least one layer height of metal and in at least one other layer height of ceramic, wherein the flat electrode is produced in the form of a green body and then sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe SCHÖLER, Mathias KRAAS, Hannes MIERSCH
  • Publication number: 20170196619
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a proximal portion having a handle at a proximal end thereof and a distal portion having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The proximal and distal portions are pivotable between an aligned position and an angled position. A second shaft member includes a jaw member at a distal end thereof and a handle at a proximal end thereof. The shaft members are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. The proximal portion of the first shaft member is pivoted relative to the distal portion of the first shaft member from the aligned position to the angled position upon movement of the first and second shaft members towards the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: KEIR HART, MARK J. HUSEMAN
  • Publication number: 20170196620
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a hinge. The first shaft includes a proximal handle and a distal jaw member. The second shaft includes a first segment that has a proximal handle and a second segment that has a distal jaw member. One of the first and second shafts is pivotal relative to the other to pivot the jaw members between an open configuration where the jaw members are spaced relative to one another and an activatable configuration where the jaw members are closer to one another and suitable for applying electrosurgical energy to tissue disposed therebetween. The hinge couples the first and second segments to one another. The first and second segments have a straight configuration where the first and second segments align with a longitudinal axis and a pivoted configuration where the second segment is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: AMARSINH D. JADHAV
  • Publication number: 20170196621
    Abstract: A system for tissue sealing including first and second electrodes, a drive circuit, a measurement component, a rate component, and a slope regulation component is disclosed. The drive circuit is configured to provide RF energy to the first and second electrodes for application to a load. The measurement component is configured to periodically measure an impedance of the load. The rate component is configured to determine a rate of change for the impedance. The slope regulation component is configured to provide impedance slope regulation. The slope regulation may include adjusting, based on the determined rate of change for the impedance, the RF energy provided by the drive circuit to cause the rate of change for the impedance to follow a predetermined impedance rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Versatile Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah A. Wilson, David I. Brubaker
  • Publication number: 20170196622
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle, elongate shaft protruding from handle and end-effector located at end of shaft is described. To allow for rotation of the end-effector the shaft is connected to a rotation wheel mounted on handle, towards rearward end of handle proximal to the user. The rotation wheel is in the form of a thumbwheel, having an ergonomically designed shape that tapers from distal direction to proximal direction, with angle of the taper matching angle of the outer surface of the handle. The outer tapered surface of the thumbwheel has a number of shaped cut-out or scalloped portions arranged around the outer circumference of the wheel, and arranged in use to receive the tip of a user's thumb to allow the user to rotate the wheel in order to set the rotational orientation of the end-effector. Such an arrangement provides a comfortable and easy to use instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196623
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle is described, the shaft and end effector being rotatable with respect to the housing, to allow different rotational orientations of the end effector to be attained without rotating the whole instrument. To provide for control over the degree of rotation, shaft rotation control elements are provided to give rotation or torsion control. The shaft rotation control elements may be located at several different longitudinal positions along the shaft. Alternatively, rotation control elements in the form of mutually co-operating stops may be provided elsewhere, such as in a rotatable shaft support member at the distal end of the handle. In other embodiments rotation control stops are provided on both elements, thus providing for effective rotation control, which has a high quality feel to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196624
    Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having several improvements and advantages over the prior art. Surgical instrument has an end-effector capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by handle that is moveable relative to instrument to move end effector between two conditions. Providing a simplified latching mechanism for this moveable handle, which latching mechanism is formed of single integrally formed component arranged to engage with handle to allow end effector to be retained in one condition, thus leaving user's hand free to perform other functions of instrument. Therefore, a user may use surgical instrument to grasp tissue between end effector by activating end effector using handle, then use latch mechanism to latch handle in the end effector activation position, allowing surgeon to remove his hand from handle and perform some other task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Marno NAGTEGAAL, Lewis Meurig JONES
  • Publication number: 20170196625
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end-effector located on the end of a rotatable shaft, the shaft projecting from a handle. A thumbwheel is provided at the proximal end of the handle, which controls the rotation of the shaft, and hence the rotational orientation of the end-effector. The end-effector is capable of grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a switch located on the upper surface of the proximal end of the handle. The switch is oriented on the handle to be generally above the thumbwheel, in a relative position to the thumbwheel so that both the thumbwheel and the switch may be activated by the user's thumb, without the user having to alter his grip on the handle. In one embodiment of the invention the switch is therefore vertically oriented above the thumbwheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196626
    Abstract: An arrangement where surgical instrument having shaft with end effector mounted thereon is provided with rotation wheel to allow user to rotate shaft during use into desired angular position. To allow compact and reliable mechanism the rotation wheel, outer edge of which is generally accessible at external surface of instrument, has internal space around axis of wheel within which is provided part of actuation mechanism for end effector. To allow rotation of actuation mechanism with end effector, part of actuation mechanism located within wheel rotationally mutually engages with inner surface of internal space within wheel, wherein rotation of wheel by user causes actuation mechanism to rotate, which in turn rotates shaft wherein end effector is mounted. Providing benefits allowing otherwise redundant space within rotation wheel to accommodate part of actuation mechanism for end effector, improving compactness of device, whilst still allowing rotation of end-effector and its corresponding actuation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196627
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector grasps, cuts, and seals and/or coagulates tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism has an actuator, drive shaft and flanged component for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft whose movement controls the end effector. The actuator has a collar portion arranged to receive and retain the component. The component is free to rotate within the collar and has a keyhole-shaped arrangement, with a wider upper portion, and narrower lower portion to provide a sliding fit to the component main body. The component can be inserted into the wider upper portion, and then the main body of the component lowered into the narrower lower portion, with the flange of the component helping the component to be retained therein axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196628
    Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a blade assembly, the trigger mechanism being formed of a three pivot slider-crank mechanism arranged to drive the blade assembly longitudinally along a rotatable drive shaft contained within the elongate shaft. As such, the mechanism is configured so as to drive the blade assembly with enough force that the cutting blade is able to cut through tissue without the user needing to apply any additional force to the trigger, the me. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when the blade is being used to cut thick tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196629
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a blade assembly, the trigger mechanism being arranged to drive the blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft. Specifically, the trigger mechanism is formed of a three pivot slider-crank mechanism, wherein one of the pivot points includes a component to which the proximal end of the blade assembly is connected. In this respect, the proximal end of the blade assembly has a distinctive profile corresponding to the internal profile of the component such that the blade can be easily connected to the component without the need for any further features and subsequently retained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196630
    Abstract: Invention provides improved surgical instrument having end effector mounted on end of elongate shaft extending from a handle. End-effector is capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by actuating mechanism contained within handle. Mechanism includes drive shaft, actuator and component for transferring movement of actuator to drive shaft, which in turn controls end effector. Mechanism is configured wherein component and drive shaft are assembled via a snap-fit connection, thus providing a simple assembly without need for any additional features. For example, proximal end of drive shaft is provided with flexible tabs arranged to engage with a shoulder within internal cavity of component. As such, when drive shaft is inserted in to internal cavity of component, flexible tabs snap into shoulder and retain drive shaft firmly in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Marno NAGTEGAAL, Daniel Joel STANBRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20170196631
    Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector has different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a drive handle mechanism. The drive handle mechanism includes an actuator, a drive shaft and a spring assembly for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft, which in turn controls the end effector. The drive handle mechanism limits the amount of force transferred from the drive handle mechanism to the end effector, preventing damage to the tissue. As the actuator is operated, the spring assembly transfers the movement of the actuator to the drive shaft and the end effector. At the same time, the spring assembly compresses to absorb some of the force applied. Such configuration prevents the tissue being unintentionally damaged by the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196632
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a blade assembly, the trigger mechanism being arranged to drive the blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft. Specifically, the trigger mechanism is formed of a three pivot slider-crank mechanism comprising a component to which the blade assembly is connected. The component is contained within a housing, wherein the component is free to rotate concentrically within the housing, which in turn rotates the blade assembly. Therefore, the component and the blade assembly are free to rotate without interfering with the operation of the trigger mechanism. The blade assembly is able to move both rotationally and longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196633
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector disposed on an elongate shaft end, the shaft projecting from a handle. The end effector grasps, cuts, and seals and/or coagulates tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a rotatable drive shaft contained within the elongate shaft. The drive shaft moves longitudinally within the elongate shaft to move the end effector between a first and second condition. The instrument may have a further component such as a cutting blade arranged to move longitudinally within the drive shaft. The drive shaft is provided with apertures so as to reduce the surface area of the drive shaft and hence the friction between either the drive shaft and the elongate shaft and/or the drive shaft and the cutting blade, whilst at the same time providing channels through the drive shaft through which fluid can drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196634
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector has different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one operation is controlled by a switch on the handle proximal end upper surface. The switch is connected to the end-effector to deliver a current to a component in the end-effector. The electrical wire assemblies pass through respective pockets/chambers formed within the handle, an electrical connector contained within each chamber for connecting wires extending from electrodes on the end-effector to wires extending through the handle and on connecting to an electrosurgical generator. The pockets provision within which connectors are contained, one per pocket, prevents insulation damage to wires by connectors, as they are contained within the pockets. The pockets provision pockets side-by-side provides large separation between two connectors, so it is hard for liquid to short the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno NAGTEGAAL
  • Publication number: 20170196635
    Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. The end effector includes a pair of curved jaw members and a blade assembly having a cutting blade at its distal end. The trigger mechanism is arranged to drive the blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft such that the cutting blade protrudes between jaw members. In order to help trigger mechanism push the blade assembly around the curved jaws, the distal end of the blade has a graduated flexibility such that it can more easily bend to the shape of the jaw members. The distal end of blade may also be provided with a low friction coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Neill Tomás BRENNAN, Lewis Meurig JONES
  • Publication number: 20170196636
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing including an elongated shaft. A stationary actuation member is axially disposed within the elongated shaft and includes a cam pin. An actuating mechanism is operably coupled to the elongated shaft and is moveable relative to the housing to selectively cause movement of the elongated shaft. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members operably coupled about a common pivot. One or both of the jaw members includes a camming slot configured to engage the cam pin. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A knife blade is supported in the elongated shaft and moveable in a longitudinal direction to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members. A switch is configured to be engaged by the actuating mechanism to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: ROBERT F. MCCULLOUGH, JR., RYAN C. ARTALE, ROBERT M. SHARP, TONY MOUA, MARK J. HUSEMAN, AUDREY EARNSHAW
  • Publication number: 20170196637
    Abstract: A surgical end effector can comprise a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member may define an exterior surface on a distal portion thereof. The second jaw member may define an exterior surface on a distal portion thereof. The first jaw member may be moveable relative to the second jaw member between a first position and a second position. At least one of the exterior surfaces of the first and second jaw members may include a tissue gripping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Charles J. Scheib, Tamara Widenhouse
  • Publication number: 20170196638
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamyn Serna, Jesus Magana, Michael Ngo, John Stankus
  • Publication number: 20170196639
    Abstract: A dual band power amplifier includes a power amplifier, a first matching circuit, a first auxiliary circuit, a second matching circuit, and a second auxiliary circuit. The power amplifier has inputs and outputs, and configured to amplify input signals at a first and second frequency. The first matching circuit electrically connected to the output of the power amplifier and configured to match a load impedance to an output impedance at the first frequency. The first matching circuit and the first auxiliary circuit configured to match the load impedance to the output impedance at the second frequency. The second matching circuit electrically connected to the input of the power amplifier and configured to match a source impedance to an input impedance at the first frequency. The second matching circuit and the second auxiliary circuit configured to match the source impedance to the input impedance at the second frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: ZHONGYU LIAO
  • Publication number: 20170196640
    Abstract: The present application relates to a device (10) for cutting hair. The device has a skin contacting face (13) that is arranged to be placed against a surface of the skin of a user during use. An optical system (20) directs a cutting laser beam (18) across a cutting zone (15) parallel to and spaced from said skin contacting face (13) to cut hairs extending into the cutting zone (15). A laser beam sensor (40) is configured to generate information indicative of one or more optical properties of the cutting laser beam (18). A controller (40) is configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the optical system (20) in dependence on the information generated by the laser beam sensor (40). The present invention also relates to a method of cutting hair and a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the method to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: BASTIAAN WILHELMUS MARIA MOESKOPS, MARK THOMAS JOHNSON, JAMES HOWARD COOMBS, RIEKO VERHAGEN, CALINA CIUHU, PETRUS THEODORUS JUTTE
  • Publication number: 20170196641
    Abstract: A system for tracking a piece of medical equipment intraoperatively using a collinear array of fiducial markers positioned at known fixed distances relative to each other on the medical equipment and a camera capturing an image on a single image plane. Representations of the fiducial markers are segmented from a captured image, 3D orientation and position of the medical equipment are calculated using the segmented representations, and the orientation and position of the medical equipment are tracked relative to the camera. The orientation and position of the medical equipment may be registered within a 3D virtual space. The system may be used as part of a surgical navigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Arun Victor JAGGA, Cameron PIRON
  • Publication number: 20170196642
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Howmedica Osteonics Corporation
    Inventor: Ilwhan Park
  • Publication number: 20170196643
    Abstract: A workstation for calibrating a robotic instrument (42) having a distal tip (46) within an X-ray image space (35). The workstation employs a calibration controller (50) for calibrating an RCM length of the robotic instrument (42) responsive to X-ray images (36) of different poses of the distal tip (46) of the robotic instrument (42) within the X-ray image space (35), and further employs a robotic instrument controller (40) for controlling a guidance of the robotic instrument (42) within the X-ray image space (35) from the RCM calibration. The robotic instrument (42) may include an endoscope whereby the calibration controller (50) is further employed to calibrate a focal length of the robotic instrument (42) responsive to the X-ray images (36) and one or more endoscope image(s) (48) of the X-ray image space (35) for guidance within the X-ray image space (35) from the RCM/focal length calibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: ALEKSANDRA POPOVIC, ARYEH LEIB REINSTEIN, DAVID PAUL NOONAN
  • Publication number: 20170196644
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system employs a surgical instrument (20), a robot (40) for navigating the surgical instrument (20) relative to an anatomical region (10) within a coordinate system (42) of the robot (40), and a robot controller (43) for defining a remote center of motion for a spherical rotation of the surgical instrument (20) within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) based on a physical location within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) of a port (12) into the anatomical region (10). The definition of the remote center of rotation is used by the robot controller (43) to command the robot (40) to align the remote center of motion of the surgical instrument (20) with the port (12) into the anatomical region (10) for spherically rotating the surgical instrument (20) relative to the port (12) into the anatomical region (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: HAYTHAM ELHAWARY, ALEKSANDRA POPOVIC
  • Publication number: 20170196645
    Abstract: A coating device is provided which allows for coating the surface of devices and tools in direct/indirect contact with the patient in medical and dental areas. Also provided are a coating method that is performed with the coating device and a method for removing the protective cover from the coated devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Sükrü Fatih ÖZKARSLI
  • Publication number: 20170196646
    Abstract: A disposable bag for maintaining sterility of a medical instrument having a detection mechanism and cable extending from the detection mechanism, wherein the bag comprises: a pair of flexible sheets comprised of a polymeric material, the pair of sheets being arranged in parallel to each other and sealed along opposing lateral sides that extend longitudinally from a top end to a bottom end, the cable having a selected length such that upon insertion of the detection mechanism through the enclosed interior chamber of the bag, the cable extends longitudinally through the open bottom end, the bag being adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the cable that extends from the detection mechanism downstream toward the open bottom end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Ma
  • Publication number: 20170196647
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flexible sheet comprised of antimicrobial copper that is configured to retroactively wrap conformably about at least one predetermined touch surface. The apparatus can further include a securement mechanism that is configured to secure that flexible sheet to the predetermined touch surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Richard S. Cotey
  • Publication number: 20170196648
    Abstract: An instrument that includes forceps. The forceps include a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a gripping section, and the second jaw includes a gripping section. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw is electrically conductive, the second jaw is electrically conductive, or both the first jaw and the second jaw are electrically conductive. The first jaw includes a first tissue stop that is centered on a medial plane of the first jaw. The tissue stop extends from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The first tissue stop is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of the gripping section of the first jaw, a proximal end of the gripping section of the second jaw, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Zane R. Ward, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20170196649
    Abstract: A surgical system comprising a surgical instrument for use with a loading unit, which comprises an end effector, that is releasably attachable the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is configured to establish a connection with the loading unit, authenticate the loading unit or determine if the signal from the loading unit is complete, and then perform a diagnostic check of the surgical system. The surgical instrument can be configured to establish a wired or wireless connection with the loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20170196650
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Kalyanam Shivkumar
  • Publication number: 20170196651
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a guidewire body and a light source. The guidewire body includes an optically transmissive element. The guidewire body is sized for insertion in a sinus ostium of a patient. The light source is in optical communication with the optically transmissive element of the guidewire body. The light source is operable to transmit infrared light or narrowband visible light through the optically transmissive element. A detector may be used to detect light transmitted by the optically transmissive element through the patient. The detector may include a camera or a photodetector. Glasses may be used to provide an overlay of a camera image or to filter out light to enable focusing on light of a specific wavelength. A beam processing element may be used to provide a beam waist with an average irradiance of more than 10 W/cm2 within the acceptance angle of the optically transmissive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Jones, Scott O. Chamness, David Trask, Kin F. Chan
  • Publication number: 20170196652
    Abstract: A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Alex VAYSER, Douglas RIMER, Stephen DESANTIS
  • Publication number: 20170196653
    Abstract: A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Zachary R. Nicoson
  • Publication number: 20170196654
    Abstract: A medical support device includes an arm having a drill attached at a tip part of the arm, a first position obtainer obtaining a representative position of the drill attached to the arm, a second position obtainer obtaining a bury start position, and a controller. The controller controls the arm and applies a burying reaction force to the drill in a burying direction, i.e., a direction from the bury start position to an inside of a implant area, when the representative position of the drill obtained by the first position obtainer is at the inside of the implant area relative to the bury start position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Kazutaka TOYODA, Tsuyoshi UEYAMA, Go MUKUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170196655
    Abstract: A lithotripter includes a handle with a distal end and a proximal end, a driver resource contained within the handle, the driver resource having a driver resource distal end and a driver resource proximal end, and a probe housed within the handle, the probe having a probe distal end and a probe proximal end, the probe distal end terminating at the distal end of the apparatus at a point distal from the handle distal end, the probe proximal end terminating proximal to the driver resource proximal end. The lithotripter further includes a shielding insert surrounding at least a portion of the probe, the shielding insert having a shielding insert proximal end and a shielding insert distal end, the shielding insert proximal end terminating proximal to the proximal end of the driver resource, and the shielding insert distal end terminating distal to the distal end of the driver resource, the probe proximal end being contained within the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Richard C. Faherty, Lawrence J. St. George
  • Publication number: 20170196656
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stripping tip for orthodontics and a manufacturing method thereof. The stripping tip includes a grinding blade provided with a grinding surface for grinding teeth, a holder comprising a grinding blade coupling portion coupled to the grinding blade and a connection coupling portion connected to the grinding blade coupling portion and coupled to a handle or handpiece, and a stiffness enhancement portion provided to a part of the grinding blade coupling portion coupled to the grinding blade to enhance stiffness of the part of the grinding blade coupling portion coupled to the grinding blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Sang-Nam SHIN, Hyun-Min MO
  • Publication number: 20170196657
    Abstract: A customized dental device for placement over the natural teeth of a user is disclosed, as well as various methods for forming such a device. The method expands on conventional methods of forming a cast replica and model integrating retaining features into either the cast replica or a temporary model to help the device naturally and seamlessly hold to the teeth of the user in a customized manner. Alternative methods of formation through injection molding are disclosed. In different embodiments, the device may be used as a veneer to improve appearance of the user's natural teeth and/or as a weight control device by governing food intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Simon Nixon, Christopher Ronald Howarth
  • Publication number: 20170196658
    Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit, or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free and the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: G. John Schoeffel