Patents Issued in August 17, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170231645
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for cutting or resurfacing an outer bone surface of a bone of a patient includes first and second guides. Each guide has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured as a negative surface of a portion of the outer bone surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated slots. The elongated slots of the second guide are offset relative to the elongated slots of the first guide and configured for guiding a tool to resurface the outer bone surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20170231646
    Abstract: A medical device can include an elongate manipulation member, and a thrombectomy device connected to the elongate manipulation member. The thrombectomy device can have a first configuration and a second configuration, the thrombectomy device being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration. The thrombectomy device can include an arcuate marker-mounting projection attached to a portion of the thrombectomy device configured to contact a thrombus. A marker can be coupled to, and extending around, the arcuate marker-mounting projection with the marker and the arcuate marker-mounting projection contacting each other at three discrete locations. A method for engaging a thrombus can include advancing a thrombectomy device to a location radially adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Evan Epstein, Kenneth Brown
  • Publication number: 20170231647
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a surgical snare structure in which the material used for the snare and the deployment mechanism of the snare are configured to improve the cutting efficacy of the snare. In particular, the surgical snare structure of the invention may omit the kink or nib present in the loop of known surgical snares and/or may provide a reaction surface against which the cutting action of the snare is effective. The surgical snare of the invention may be a cold, i.e. mechanical-only effect, snare, or may be used in conjunction with radiofrequency (RF) and/or microwave energy to enhance a cutting or coagulation effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Brian SAUNDERS, Sandra May Bernadette HOLMES, Craig GULLIFORD, Steven MORRIS, Christopher Paul Hancock
  • Publication number: 20170231648
    Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Ivan Sepetka, Emily Vu, Dan Nguyen, John Miller, Ryan Pierce, Tiffany T. Ngo, Norman Fung
  • Publication number: 20170231649
    Abstract: A medical system includes a sheath and an acoustic reflective element that is capable of amplifying acoustic energy. Methods of using a medical system are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Rabiner, Bradley A. Hare
  • Publication number: 20170231650
    Abstract: An endoscope attachable cystolith entrapment apparatus, attachable to an extant endoscope, includes a sleeve mount and an operative end. A plurality of distensible leaves, actionable at the operative end, is moveable between a closed position, furled and retracted interior to an anterior aperture disposed at the operative end, and an open position, unfurled and extended out from the anterior aperture by manual action at a deployment member. Each of the plurality of distensible leaves is transparent whereby vesical calculi are sightable, targetable, and thence captuarable within a capture volume during cystoscopy, and thence removable from a bodily lumen absent direct contacting with adjacent tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Sayet
  • Publication number: 20170231651
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include devices and methods for shaping, bending, and/or volumetrically reducing rigid cartilaginous structures, such as hyaline cartilage in the septum. In the case of septal cartilage, shaping, bending, or reducing the cartilage would be useful for reducing nasal obstruction or to improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Aerin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred DINGER, Andrew FRAZIER
  • Publication number: 20170231652
    Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical device is configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory. The surgical device includes a power-pack, an outer shell housing, and a gasket. The power-pack is configured to selectively control a surgical accessory. The outer shell housing includes a distal half-section and a proximal half-section, the distal half-section and the proximal half-section together defining a cavity configured to selectively encase substantially the entire power-pack therein. The gasket is located between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section of the outer shell housing. The gasket is configured to create a seal between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section and to provide a sterile barrier between the power-pack and an outside environment outside the outer shell housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Matthew Chowaniec, Russell Pribanic, Paul Rinaldi
  • Publication number: 20170231653
    Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool may include a housing, a jaw support shaft, jaw members, an articulation member, and cam pulleys. The jaw members may be supported on the support shaft and may be pivotable about a pivot axis. The articulation member may have a slot and include articulation pins extending from it that are coupled to the jaw members. The slot may be adapted to receive the jaw support shaft to support the articulation member between the jaw members. The articulation member may be rotatable about the jaw support shaft to articulate the jaw members relative to the longitudinal axis. The cam pulleys may be mounted to the housing and coupled to the jaw members. The cam pulleys may be rotatable about the pivot axis to pivot the pair of jaw members between open and closed conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Jaimeen Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20170231654
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a three applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Peter M. Cesarini, Karen Drucker, Rafal Jezierski, Roger R. Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20170231655
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide hemostasis with tissue removal in order to inhibit one or more of blood loss or tissue drainage. In many embodiments, a nozzle releases a liquid jet in a liquid medium in order to provide cavitation and a plurality of shedding pulses. The liquid jet, its cavitation and the plurality of shedding pulses can affect vascular tissue in order to promote clotting in order to inhibit bleeding. In many embodiments, vessels of the vascular tissue are affected at a distance from a region where cavitation of the water jet contacts the tissue. In many embodiments, the cavitation and plurality of shedding pules are related to a pulsatile shear wave propagating along the blood vessel that is related to clot promoting changes of the blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: NIKOLAI ALJURI, EDWARD KARPMAN, CHRIS DANEK
  • Publication number: 20170231656
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a handpiece, an electromechanical transducer disposed in the handpiece, and an electrical circuit disposed at least partially in the handpiece for supplying alternating electrical current of a predetermined frequency to the transducer. A probe is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting vibrations generated by the transducer to an operative site in a patient. A switching device is mounted to the handpiece and is operatively connected to the circuit and the transducer for enabling the supply of power to the transducer during a motion of the probe in a preselected direction relative to the handpiece and for disabling the supply of power to the transducer upon a termination of motion of the probe in the preselected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Misonix Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald R. Manna, Scott Isola, Theodore A.D. Novak
  • Publication number: 20170231657
    Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for cutting an object in a living body lumen. The medical device includes a rotatable elongate member, rotating member having a cutting portion cutting the object and disposed on the distal end side of the elongate member for rotating together with rotation of the elongate member; and a distal member having a guide portion disposed on the distal end side of the rotating member with a space left from the rotating member and a supporting portion which supports the guide portion and defines a dimension of the space in an axial direction of the elongate member. The guide portion is disposed at a position at which the guide portion overlaps with part of the cutting portion and exposes part of the cutting portion as viewed from the distal end side of the distal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuichi TADA, Kousuke NISHIO, Mizuho HIRAO
  • Publication number: 20170231658
    Abstract: An adapter (20) comprising a pair of rails (46) extending upwardly from a lower surface (38) and longitudinally in a direction from a long end (30) toward a short end (32) and converging to be parallel with the pair of edges (34) to define a third opening between the pair of rails (46) above the lower surface (38) for receiving the cannula (22) and stylet (24) transversely to the lower surface (38). An awning (48) positioned longitudinally between the first end and the second end and extending between and connecting the pair of rails (46) to define a first opening (42). The lower surface (38) defining a recess (50) disposed adjacent the short end (32) and extending from a second opening (44) into the channel (40) for receiving the flange (28) of the trocar (26) and defining a groove (52) for guiding the cannula (22) and the stylet (24) into the first opening (42). An indicia (54) extends from an upper surface (36) next-adjacent to the short end (32) to identify the second end for receiving the trocar (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Keith Jay, Stephen Henry Miller
  • Publication number: 20170231659
    Abstract: A transfer device includes an elongate tube defining a lumen configured to support an organism and an obstruction positioned along the elongate tube. The obstruction is configured to prevent the organism from moving proximally past the obstruction, such that the obstruction defines a distal end region of the elongate tube in which the organism can move along the lumen of the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen James Field, Timothy Bateman, Andrew Thomas Jeffrey, Christopher John Woosnam
  • Publication number: 20170231660
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for inducing or correcting mandible growth of a newborn. The device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises: a support (100) for supporting at least one part of the rear surface of the body of the newborn, including the head, preferably in the inclined supine position, at least one extra-oral means (104, 105) for exerting a pushing force on each of the two rising branches of the mandible by means of at least one transdermal bone anchoring device (107, 108) in said branch, at least one extra-oral means (102, 103) for exerting a traction or pushing force on each of the two horizontal branches of the mandible by means of at least one transdermal bone anchoring device (106) in said branch, said extra-oral means (102, 103, 104, 105) for exerting forces being linked to the support (100) by linking means (109, 110) and to said transdermal bone anchoring devices by connection means (113, 114, 115).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Pierre Bonnaure
  • Publication number: 20170231661
    Abstract: A system for spinal fixation with a non-rigid portion at least one of the caudal or cephalad terminus. Various devices and techniques are described for transition from a rigid fixation construct to a less rigid support structure applied to a “soft zone” that will help share the stress created on the spinal levels caused by the fixed levels below. In specific embodiments the soft zone is provided by terminating the construct with one of a flexible tether or a dampening rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Shaeffer Bannigan, Justin Doose
  • Publication number: 20170231662
    Abstract: A spinal longitudinal connecting member includes a soft stabilization assembly segment having a tensioned cord and a hard rod segment. A connector in fixed engagement with the hard rod also captures the tensioned cord of the soft segment, the connector being in fixed or sliding relation with the tensioned cord. The connector places the soft assembly segment in lateral or off-set and staggered relation to the hard rod segment. The connector may be integral to a bone anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20170231663
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Conrad Tyler Hammann, Derek Matteo, Toby Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20170231664
    Abstract: A jointed rod assembly for use in a spinal fixation construct involves a caudal rod portion connectable to an adjustment mechanism, and a cranial rod portion connectable to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the caudal and cranial rod portions relative to one another about a joint axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the caudal and cranial rod portions. The caudal and cranial rod portions may be dimensioned to be compatible with other pieces of hardware commonly used for spinal fixation, such as bone anchors (e.g., pedicle screws), occipital plates, reducers, and others. The caudal and cranial rod portions are composed of a strong, rigid, non-absorbable, biocompatible material. The jointed rod assembly may be advantageously used in spinal fixation systems and methods of spinal fixation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Justin J. Doose, Mark OJEDA, Toby JACOBS
  • Publication number: 20170231665
    Abstract: An anchoring member is provided suitable for use in a polyaxial bone anchoring device, the anchoring member (1) comprising a bone anchoring section (2) with a bone engagement structure in at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; a head (3); a central axis (C) extending through a center of the head (3) and the bone anchoring section (2), and a neck portion (24; 24?; 24?; 24??) between the bone anchoring section and the head, wherein the neck portion is asymmetric with respect to the central axis (C); and wherein the bone anchoring section (2) has a contour in a circumferential direction adjacent to the neck portion and wherein the neck portion is at least partially recessed with respect to the contour of the bone anchoring section at one side and extends beyond the contour of the bone anchoring section at an opposite side from the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20170231666
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of stabilizing bone, including providing a fixation assembly including an anchoring element and a coupling element, the coupling element having an upper surface with a first diameter defining a first bore extending along a first axis, a lower surface with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter defining a second bore extending along a second axis, the first and second axes intersect such that the first and second bores are in communication with one another and an internal surface area defining a seating portion adjacent to the lower surface, and the anchoring element having a head portion positioned within a coupling element; securing the fixation assembly to bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: John Carbone, Aaron Markworth, Michael Horan, Yves Stephane Crozet
  • Publication number: 20170231667
    Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Empirical Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Alamin, Ian Bennett, Colin Cahill, Louis Fielding, Manish Kothari, Jeffrey Schwardt
  • Publication number: 20170231668
    Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Empirical Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Alamin, Louis Fielding, Colin Cahill, Manish Kothari
  • Publication number: 20170231669
    Abstract: An implant system for correcting deformities is provided. The implant system includes A proximal extension having a hollow interior and a distal extension configured to be received within the hollow interior of the proximal extension. The implant system also includes a locking element configured to lock the distal extension from moving with respect to the proximal extension. The distal extension is configured with ratchet teeth on a top surface for interacting with a distractor instrument for contacting or distracting the distal extension with respect to the proximal extension. The proximal extension and distal extension are configured to receive clamping elements for coupling to the implant to anatomical regions of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Victoria Alexander, Alexander Artaki
  • Publication number: 20170231670
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Publication number: 20170231671
    Abstract: A combination of an implant (100) like a bone screw together with an augmentation sleeve (200) is suggested. The bone screw may comprise a trailing end portion with a plurality of lateral bores (120). The augmentation sleeve may comprise a leading end portion which is adapted to be coupled to the trailing end portion of the bone screw, and a lateral opening (220) at the leading end. The augmentation sleeve may be adapted to guide an augmentation tool to the trailing end portion of the bone screw and to the leading end portion of the augmentation sleeve so that the trailing end portion of the bone screw may be augmented by pressing augmentation material through the plurality of lateral bores at the trailing end portion of the bone screw and further through the lateral opening of the augmentation sleeve into the bone at the trailing end of the bone screw, or other implant. After the augmentation of the trailing end portion of the bone screw, the augmentation sleeve may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: André Wilke, Astrid Bordush
  • Publication number: 20170231672
    Abstract: A dynamic bone plate and method of bone compression are disclosed. The dynamic bone plate comprises a first bone plate component including at least one hole for receiving screws for attachment to a first bone segment and a male component and a second bone plate component including at least one hole for receiving screws for attachment to a second bone segment and a female component for mating with the male component. The male component is adjustable after mating with the female component to adjust a position of the first bone plate component with respect to the second bone plate component and the male component is locked into place with respect to the female component by at least one screw inserted through the at least one hole of the second bone plate component causing compression between the first and second bone segments to form a corrective construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Nextremity Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon S. WEINER, Stuart D. KATCHIS, John R. PEPPER
  • Publication number: 20170231673
    Abstract: Provided is a locking plate system for treatment of a distal radius fracture, including a locking plate (4) that is a flat laminate of intermediate molding materials that includes carbon fibers as a reinforcing material and thermoplastic resin as a matrix; a screw anchor (5) having a shaft portion (10) which has a principal thread (13) achieving a self-tapping action formed thereon and an outer circumference of a head portion of the screw anchor (5) which has an auxiliary thread (13) achieving a self-tapping action tapped thereon; and a through-hole (6) in the radius locking plate (4), which allows the radius main body (3) and the fractured bone piece (2) to be threadably fixed to the radius locking plate (4) and having a diameter that is oversized relative to the principal thread (11), and that is undersized relative to the auxiliary thread (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hirata, Tatsuya Hara, Hidemasa Yoneda, Shunichi Bandoh
  • Publication number: 20170231674
    Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Arnold Peter C. Weiss, Amy L. Ladd, Roy Fiebiger, Gary B. Hulme, Jeffrey J. Christian
  • Publication number: 20170231675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a bone screw having a screw head, and a shaft for rotating the bone screw in a bone, the shaft and/or head forming a single element with the bone screw and having a predetermined breaking point. A driving element is inserted into the bone screw by the shaft, said driving element screwing the screw further in or out once the shaft has broken off from the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Zbigniew Combrowski
  • Publication number: 20170231676
    Abstract: The present application discloses devices that ablate human tissue. The device comprises a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a liquid reservoir and a heating component, which may comprise a length of coiled tubing contained within a heating element, wherein activation of said heating element causes said coiled tubing to increase from a first temperature to a second temperature and wherein the increase causes a conversion of liquid within the coiled tubing to vapor, a reusable cord connecting the outlet of the reservoir to the inlet of the heating component, and a single use cord connecting a pressure-resistant inlet port of a vapor based ablation device to the outlet of the heating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, William Parks
  • Publication number: 20170231677
    Abstract: The present application discloses devices that ablate human tissue. The device comprises a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a liquid reservoir and a heating component, which may comprise a length of coiled tubing contained within a heating element, wherein activation of said heating element causes said coiled tubing to increase from a first temperature to a second temperature and wherein the increase causes a conversion of liquid within the coiled tubing to vapor, a reusable cord connecting the outlet of the reservoir to the inlet of the heating component, and a single use cord connecting a pressure-resistant inlet port of a vapor based ablation device to the outlet of the heating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, William Parks
  • Publication number: 20170231678
    Abstract: Methods of ablating endometrial tissue are disclosed. The methods include providing an ablation device that has a catheter with a hollow shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element, and a second positioning element positioned on the catheter distal to the first positioning element. The second positioning element is a disc shaped wire mesh and has a diameter in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Publication number: 20170231679
    Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient's lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Robert L. Barry, Brian Cran, Dean T. Corcoran, Sheldon K. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170231680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and/or animal surfaces, comprising a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated, wherein the multilayer system comprises the following layers, namely a first electrode layer on the facing away side of the multilayer system, second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is formed in a grid-like or meander-shaped fashion, a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer arranged adjacent the second electrode layer on the facing side of the multilayer system. In addition, the invention relates to a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Carsten MAHRENHOLZ, Tobias GURA, Rene BUSSIAHN, Stephan KRAFCZYK, Manfred STIEBER, Stefan HORN, Ronny BRANDENBURG, Klaus-Dieter WELTMANN, Thomas VON WOEDTKE
  • Publication number: 20170231681
    Abstract: Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Hermes Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Akos Toth, Dominique J. Filloux, Csaba Truckai
  • Publication number: 20170231682
    Abstract: A surgical device including a surgical generator configured to provide energy for an energy based surgical instrument; a functional device configured to provide a function in its activated state; a switch for activating and deactivating the surgical generator a capacitive sensor including at least one measuring electrode that is arranged at the switch, wherein the capacitive sensor is configured to measure a capacity change or a capacity at the measuring electrode and activate or deactivate the functional device as a function of a measured capacity change or capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventor: Erdinc AVCIOGLU
  • Publication number: 20170231683
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a plurality of transducers of a transducer-based device may be selected for activation. A first pair of subsets of the selected transducers may be identified for initial activation, each subset of the first pair being activated with a different phase angle range than the other. No transducer in one subset is sufficiently close to a transducer in the other subset to cause a confluence of ablated tissue regions therebetween. The first pair of subsets may be activated simultaneously or concurrently. Upon activation or a conclusion thereof of the pair of subsets of the selected transducers, one or more subsequent pairs of subsets of the selected transducers may be activated iteratively on a pair-by-pair basis, until all of the selected transducers have achieved desired activation results, according to some embodiments. Each subsequent pair may include the same or similar characteristics as the first pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel R. WEINKAM, Daniel M. Reinders
  • Publication number: 20170231684
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical generator including a tank configured to output energy and an H-bridge configured to drive the tank. The generator also includes a choke. The choke impedes a common mode current generated by the H-bridge and provides a leakage inductance for the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: JOSHUA H. JOHNSON, JAMES A. GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20170231685
    Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Craig WEINBERG, Kari LEIDICH
  • Publication number: 20170231686
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a resectoscope and a generator. The resectoscope includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode movable relative to the fixed electrode, and first and second switches actuated in first and second positions of the movable electrode, respectively. The generator is configured to supply energy to the fixed electrode and/or the movable electrode when the movable electrode is moving from the first position to the second position and to inhibit the supply of energy when the movable electrode is moving from the second position to the first position. The generator is configured to determine a direction of movement of the movable electrode based upon signals received from the first and second switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: JOE D. SARTOR, JOHN A. HAMMERLAND, III, JONATHAN P. WHITTLE
  • Publication number: 20170231687
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Publication number: 20170231688
    Abstract: A jaw member includes an insulative member and a substrate. The substrate is formed as a single, integral component that has first and second side portions interconnected by a connector portion. The connector portion has first and second side portions that are interconnected by an arc-shaped portion. The connector portion is configured to be removed before use of the jaw member such that the first and second portions are electrically insulated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: KELLEY D. GOODMAN, KEIR HART, SUSAN HIEBERT, GENEVA LADTKOW, WENG-KAI K. LEE, PRAKASH MANLEY, ARLEN J. RESCHKE, AMANDA K. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20170231689
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a treatment device configured to be capable of treating a subject by applying energy to the subject, an optical fiber including a light emitting face for emitting light into the subject, the optical fiber being connected to the treatment device, and a shield portion that is disposed in front of the light emitting face of the optical fiber, the shield portion being configured to expose the light emitting face when the treatment device does not perform a treatment operation and to shield the light emitting face when the treatment device performs the treatment operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto IGARASHI, Takeshi WATANABE, Yuji HIRAI, Kenichi KIMURA, Satoshi HOMMA, Hiroshi MIYAJIMA, Hiroyoshi YAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20170231690
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom for treating tissue. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A rotating assembly operably coupled to the shaft is configured to rotate the shaft and the end effector about the longitudinal axis. A drive assembly is configured to selectively and releasably engage the rotating assembly. Engagement of the rotating assembly with the drive assembly couples the rotating assembly to the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in a predetermined direction when the rotating assembly is rotated. And, disengagement of the rotating assembly from the drive assembly uncouples the rotating assembly from the shaft such that the shaft is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis when the rotating assembly is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: JOHN R. TWOMEY
  • Publication number: 20170231691
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes. An indicator mechanism is operatively coupled to the wall and configured to indicate non-expanded and expanded shapes of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Akos Toth, Ronald Hundertmark
  • Publication number: 20170231692
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Publication number: 20170231693
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-thermal ablation of tissue are provided. A non-implantable minimally invasive system for treatment of tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including a catheter, a plurality of electrodes for deployment through the catheter, a power source for applying power to the electrodes, and a fixation element for maintaining the catheter in a treatment position during treatment of the tissue. A minimally invasive method for treating tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including inserting a catheter into the body such that a portion of the catheter remains outside of the body, deploying a fixation element to fix the catheter in a treatment position, deploying a plurality of electrodes through the catheter, applying power to the plurality of electrodes, using the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue, and removing the catheter from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Tom A. Nelson, Kai Kroll, Benjamin R. Fruland, Michael C. Holtz, Stephen K. Sundquist
  • Publication number: 20170231694
    Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material proximate to a body lumen, often of stenotic material or tissue in the luminal wall of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expendable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radically engage the luminal wall when the structure expands. Feedback using one or parameters of voltage, current, power, temperature, impedance magnitude, impedance phase angle, and frequency may be used to selectively control the delivery of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Prabodh Mathur, Meital Mazor, Dolores Perez