Patents Issued in August 17, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170231745
    Abstract: Provided is a method of treating inguinal hernia, in which a burden applied to a patient during treatment can be reduced. There is provided a method of treating inguinal hernia, in which a bowel is prevented from being exposed to an outside through a fascia. The method of treating inguinal hernia includes an introduction step of introducing a member configuring a structural body which restricts deformation of the bowel, through an anus toward a hernial site by using a transportation member; and a configuration step of configuring the structural body with respect to the bowel which stays medial to the fascia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Mariko UEDA, Tatsuya OUCHI, Toshiaki SHINOHARA, Soichiro SUGIHARA
  • Publication number: 20170231746
    Abstract: A stent may be actuatable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. A stent may include one or more interwoven filaments each including a cross-sectional profile having at least one flattened portion. A flattened portion of a first filament portion of the one or more filaments may be positioned in contact with a flattened portion of a second filament portion of the one or more filaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: John A. Hingston, Brian Gaffney, Colby Harris
  • Publication number: 20170231747
    Abstract: An extraluminal urethral prostate shield apparatus includes at least two collar members positionable around at least a portion of a bodily lumen. A plurality of longitudinal members securable between opposing faces of each of the at least two collar members in parallel array, surrounds the bodily lumen whereby obtrusion of enlarged tissue against the lumen is preventable and luminal patency is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Sayet
  • Publication number: 20170231748
    Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing made of a PGA fiber fabric; the casing having two first connectors for the connection with the ureters of a patient and a second connector for the connection with the urethra of a patient; a support element being inserted in the casing; the support element being switchable between an extended configuration, in which it supports and maintains in position the casing, and a retracted configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Antonio SAMBUSSETI
  • Publication number: 20170231749
    Abstract: A scaffolded stent-graft includes a graft material comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen within the graft material. The scaffolded stent-graft further includes a scaffold comprising a mesh coupled to the graft material at the outer surface. The scaffold is configured to promote tissue ingrowth therein. In this manner, the scaffold enhances tissue integration into the scaffolded stent-graft. The tissue integration enhances biological fixation of the scaffolded stent-graft in vessels minimizing the possibility of endoleaks and migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Perkins, Jeffery Argentine, Matt Petruska, Samuel Robaina, Darren Galligan, Rajesh Radhakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20170231750
    Abstract: A nonmodular endograft system for treating aortic aneurysms involving bilateral renal arteries can include a main fabric cover that is sealedly coupled, or integral, with first and second branch fabric covers. The system can be configured so that after the main cover is expanded in the aorta, and after the two branch covers are respectively expanded in the renal arteries such that (i) the first cover ostium is substantially aligned with the first renal ostium, and (ii) the second cover ostium is not substantially aligned with the second renal ostium, then aortic blood flows from the main cover into each of the branch covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Red Vascular Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Myles Douglas
  • Publication number: 20170231751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent-graft system comprising a first hollow cylindrical stent-graft body and at least one second hollow cylindrical stent-graft body. The first and the second stent-graft bodies are two structurally separate stent-graft bodies, and each comprise a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first and the second stent-graft bodies further each comprise a stent-graft portion and a stent portion. The stent portion of the first stent-graft body and the stent portion of the second stent-graft body are designed in such a way that they can be at least partially inserted into one another in order to form one shared stent portion which is free from prosthesis material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: JOTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Franz-Peter BARTHOLD, Thomas BOGENSCHUETZ
  • Publication number: 20170231752
    Abstract: A graft suspension device for suspending a ligament in a bone hole having a first loop and a second loop suspending from an 8-hole anchor, and a cradle at the opposite end of the loops to the anchor. The loose ends of the suture are routed through holes in the anchor separate from the loops and are joined together to form a single tail. A finger loop allows a surgeon to adjust the distance of the cradle from the anchor with the cradle staying centered with respect to the anchor as the distance is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Rodriguez, Norman Gordon, Tri Nguyen, Stephen Santangelo
  • Publication number: 20170231753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for support of tissues post-surgery, including augmentation and shaping of tissue. The invention provides a non-silicon substrate material which is shaped to support tissue of a subject during the post-surgical recovery period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Gilbert W. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170231754
    Abstract: An implant system for treating glottic insufficiency includes an implant, which includes a balloon with a port connector or a catheter and a band comprising a proximate end attached to a portion of the balloon that translates away from the port connector or the catheter when the balloon is inflated through the port connector or the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: APREVENT MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Guan-Min HO, Yenyu CHEN, Chia-Yuan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170231755
    Abstract: A system includes a medical device for implanting in a valve of a subject, the implantable medical device having a self-expanding frame; and a holder configured to retain the frame of the implantable medical device in a constricted configuration and to control expansion of the frame. The holder has a controllably constrictable and expandable loop, wherein the loop is disposed about at least a portion of the self-expanding frame such that constriction or expansion of the first loop controls constriction or expansion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Gloss, Timothy Groen, Carolyn Majkrzak, Behrooz Nadian, Matthew Rust, Timothy Ryan, Matthew Weston, Marc Anderson, Evelyn Birmingham, Mark Casley, Deirdre McGowan Smyth
  • Publication number: 20170231756
    Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions are connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions are constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions are connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin P. Armer, Michael D. Franklin, Sergio Delgado, Abhijeet Joshi, Dinesh L. Sirimanne, Russell T. Joseph, Eason Michael Abbott, Tram Ngoc Nguyen, Son V. Nguyen, Hien Tran Ngo, Vivian Tran, Charles L. Bowman, Stanton J. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20170231757
    Abstract: Described embodiments are related to a prosthetic valve for surgical placement with a sewing cuff durably attached to a frame. The durability of the attachment is accomplished by sandwiching a fabric between the frame and a composite material. The fabric extends beyond the frame base to form a sewing cuff that is integral to a frame assembly. The sewing cuff facilitates tissue ingrowth while tissue ingrowth is discouraged elsewhere around the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Paul D. Gassler
  • Publication number: 20170231758
    Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Paul D. Gassler, Cody L. Hartman, Peter J. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20170231759
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable frame having a main body, an atrial portion, and at least one ventricular anchor. The atrial portion extends radially outwardly relative to the main body and the ventricular anchor extends from a ventricular end of the main body. The main body and the atrial portion are preferably separate metal components that are coupled together via sutures or a fabric member. The prosthetic heart valve also includes a valve structure that is supported in the main body of the frame. The valve structure has a plurality of leaflets for regulating the flow of blood in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Geist, Robert C. Taft, Travis Zenyo Oba, Sam Sok, Matthew A. Peterson, Kevin M. Golemo, Mark Chau, Seung-Beom Yi
  • Publication number: 20170231760
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a self-expanding frame which includes a self-expanding atrial skirt that forms a flanged region, a self-expanding ventricular skirt, and a first self-expanding tab coupled with the ventricular skirt. A receptacle for receiving a valve leaflet is formed by the area bounded by an outer surface of the atrial skirt, an outer surface of the ventricular skirt, and an inner surface of the first tab. The receptacle has a window for receiving the valve leaflet that is defined by a gap between an edge of the flange and a tip of the first tab. The gap is maximized when the tip of the first tab is unconstrained and a base of the first tab is at least partially constrained. The gap is minimized when the tip of the first tab and its base are unconstrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Randy Matthew Lane, Colin A. Nyuli, Alexei J. Marko
  • Publication number: 20170231761
    Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. An implantable prosthetic valve may be radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration. The prosthetic valve may comprise an annular frame, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and a plurality of outer skirts positioned around an outer surface of the frame, each outer skirt comprising an inflow edge secured to the frame and an outflow edge secured at intervals to the frame. The plurality of outer skirts may include a first outer skirt and a second outer skirt, wherein in the expanded configuration the first and second outer skirts include openings unsecured to the frame between the intervals. The inflow edge of the first annular outer skirt may be secured to the frame with sutures including radiopaque material. The first annular outer skirt may include radiopaque dye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Hanoch Cohen-Tzemach, Tamir S. Levi, Noam Nir, Bella Felsen
  • Publication number: 20170231762
    Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Yen Liao, Stan Komatsu, Kalathi Thygarajan, Robrecht Michiels, Hung Nguyen, MyKim Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20170231763
    Abstract: A prosthesis secures a replacement valve in a heart. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable inflow section and outflow section, and migration blocker rods. The inflow section has a tapered shape and is implanted within an atrium of a heart adjacent a native valve annulus. The outflow section couples to the inflow section, and is configured to be implanted through the native valve annulus and at least partially within a ventricle of the heart. The migration blocker rods extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the outflow section and hold native leaflets of the heart valve. In a contracted configuration, the prosthesis may be implanted through a catheter into the heart. In an expanded configuration, the tapered shape of the inflow section in the atrium cooperates with the migration blockers in the ventricle to hold the prosthesis against the native valve annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Nadav YELLIN
  • Publication number: 20170231764
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen T. Morin, Andrea N. Para, Peter N. Braido, Sounthara Khouengboua, Thomas M. Benson, Saravana B. Kumar, Bruce Moseman, Gaurav Satam
  • Publication number: 20170231765
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant delivery assembly can include a prosthetic implant and an elongate catheter. The prosthetic implant can include an expandable stent portion having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end portion of the stent to a second end portion of the stent. The catheter can include a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end portion of the catheter to a distal end portion of the catheter and a plurality of arms extending axially from the distal end of the catheter. The first end portion of the stent can be releasably and pivotably coupled to at least one the arms of the catheter such that the stent can pivot about the at least one of the arms so that the longitudinal axis of the stent is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: John J. Desrosiers, Amanda K. Anderson, Michael R. Bialas, Gilbert Madrid, Michael J. Popp, Thanh V. Nguyen, Jun Liu, Asher L. Metchik, Darshin S. Patel
  • Publication number: 20170231766
    Abstract: A method is provided, comprising: (1) making a transapical puncture into a left ventricle of the heart; (2) making a transseptal fenestration in the heart; (3) delivering a prosthetic valve via the transapical puncture and implanting the prosthetic valve at a mitral valve of the heart; and (4) subsequently to delivering the prosthetic valve and making the transseptal fenestration, closing the transapical puncture. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Ilia HARITON, Tal REICH, Paul KAYE
  • Publication number: 20170231767
    Abstract: A device is for containing a bone graft material. The device includes a mesh outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of an outer surface of a target bone. The outer sleeve includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough, longitudinally adjacent ones of the plurality of openings being offset from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the device. The device also includes a mesh inner sleeve connected to an interior surface of the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween The inner sleeve is sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of a medullary canal of the target bone. The inner sleeve includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Scott LARSEN, Ross HAMEL
  • Publication number: 20170231768
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating a native joint of a subject. The apparatus comprises a flexible cuff shaped and sized to be worn, at least in part, around the native joint of the subject. A magnet is coupled to the flexible cuff such that when the flexible cuff is worn by the subject, the magnet is positioned within 8 cm, e.g., within 6 cm, from a joint cavity of the native joint. The apparatus additionally comprises a ferrofluid for placing in the joint cavity. The ferrofluid is typically maintained in place within the joint cavity by the magnet which is coupled to the cuff. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: RAINBOW MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Yossi GROSS
  • Publication number: 20170231769
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Simplify Medical Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Malan de Villiers, Neville Jansen, Yves Arramon
  • Publication number: 20170231770
    Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes an implant body comprising a biocompatible material and configured to be implanted at an anatomical location, the implant body defining a surface; and a porous material at least one of attached to and integral with the surface of the implant body, the porous material having a plurality of grooves formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: SMed-TA/TD, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Jurick, Paul S. Nebosky, Gregory C. Stalcup, Sarah L. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20170231771
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing feedback to guide selection of an artificial bone flap. A user interface for planning a neurosurgical procedure is provided, the neurosurgical procedure including closing of an opening in a portion of a patient's skull using an artificial bone flap. 3D dimensions of the opening are determined using at least pre-operative three-dimensional (3D) imaging data. One or more parameters for selecting an artificial bone flap are determined, where the one or more parameters are based on at least the 3D dimensions of the opening. Output indicating one or more recommended available artificial bone flaps suitable for closing the opening is provided, the recommendation being based on the determined one or more parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Cameron PIRON, Murugathas YUWARAJ, Joshua Lee RICHMOND, Gal SELA
  • Publication number: 20170231772
    Abstract: A total knee replacement whose bearing surfaces are derived from an anatomically representative femur and a modified baseline tibial surface. The contacting femoral and tibial bearing surfaces comprise the inter-codylar as well as condylar regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: New York University
    Inventor: Peter Stanley Walker
  • Publication number: 20170231773
    Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial joint, including a femur connecting member, a tibia connecting member, and a receiving member, wherein the femur connecting member is connected and fixed with the receiving member and the tibia connecting member via a fixing member unparallel to a joint-twisting axis, and wherein cushion member receives the femur connecting member via a pivot-receiving surface and receives the tibia connecting member via a twist-receiving surface, thereby providing an durable and reliable artificial joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: UNITED ORTHOPEDIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Kuang LU
  • Publication number: 20170231774
    Abstract: A distal femoral joint replacement system includes a femoral component having condylar articular surfaces, a stem extending from the femoral component, and a void filler for filling a bone void within a femur. The void filler includes a body and a plurality of legs extending from the body. The body has a sidewall defining an opening for receipt of the stem which extends along a length of the body and extends through the sidewall so as to form a side-slot in the sidewall that extends along an entire length of the sidewall. The plurality of legs each have a first end connected to the body and a second end remote from the body. The legs each have an outer surface that tapers between the first and second ends and is configured to register with a corresponding inner surface of a bone void when implanted in an end of the femur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Carlos E. Collazo, Damon J. Servidio
  • Publication number: 20170231775
    Abstract: A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis body has a fastening element installed within the vertebral body at or near a pedicle. The prosthesis further has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body at a location spaced from the fastening element. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Reiley
  • Publication number: 20170231776
    Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of at least a portion of the bone of a facet located on a mammalian vertebra, comprising: an articulating surface that articulates with another facet; a bone contacting surface that contacts a surface of the vertebra, the articulating surface being connected to the bone contacting surface; and a fixation element that attaches the bone contacting surface to the vertebra, the fixation element being adapted for implantation into an interior bone space of a pedicle of the vertebra; wherein the prosthesis is configured so that no portion of the prosthesis contacts the posterior arch of the vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, E. Marlowe Goble, Robert W. Hoy, Daniel F. Justin, Alan Chervitz, Jude V. Pagnelli, Daniel J. Triplett
  • Publication number: 20170231777
    Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc with shock absorption includes upper and lower plates disposed about a shock absorbing movable core. The upper and lower plates have an outer surface which engages a vertebrae and an inner bearing surface. The shock absorbing core includes a unitary member of a rigid material having at least one lateral cut between upper and lower surfaces of the core to allow the upper and lower surfaces to move resiliently toward and away from each other. This allows the core to absorb forces applied to it by the vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Yves ARRAMON
  • Publication number: 20170231778
    Abstract: Intervertebral implant (1) comprising (i) a first elongated implant member (20) with a longitudinal axis (221), an upper surface (222) and a lower surface (223) for apposition to the endplates of two adjacent vertebrae, and with a lateral circumferential surface (224) and (ii) a second elongated implant member (30) with a longitudinal axis (321), an upper surface (322) and a lower surface (323) for apposition to the same endplates and with a lateral circumferential surface (324). Said elongated implant members (20, 30) are rotatably coupled to a central body (10) for rotation in a central plane (101 essentially parallel to said upper and lower surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Tom OVERES, Robert FRIGG
  • Publication number: 20170231779
    Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Simplify Medical Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Malan de Villiers, Ulrich Hahnle
  • Publication number: 20170231780
    Abstract: There is provided an intervertebral fusion cage which is expandable in multiple dimensions. The fusion cage finds use in surgery, particularly minimally invasive spinal surgery. There is also provided a method of using the fusion cage in spinal surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Paul S. D'URSO
  • Publication number: 20170231781
    Abstract: An interbody spinal fusion cage for posterior interbody fusion procedures includes a superior member and an inferior member connected to each other via a joint. The joint allows the interbody spinal fusion cage to achieve lordosis even if implanted non-orthogonal to the sagittal plane. For example, the joint can be a hinge oriented non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the interbody spinal fusion cage, a polyaxial ball joint, and/or a universal joint. Complementary locking mechanisms, such as locking teeth or a ratchet-and-pawl arrangement, can be provided near the posterior ends of the superior and inferior members in order to prohibit the posterior ends of the superior and inferior members from separating from each other in situ. Bone holes can be provided in the superior and inferior members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Paul E. Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20170231782
    Abstract: A spinal fusion implant that is inserted into a cleared disc space during a spinal fusion surgical procedure using an insertion tool, where the insertion tool also provides delivery of bone graft material once the implant is in the disc space. The implant includes a perimeter portion having a front wall, a back wall and opposing side walls defining an enclosure, where the perimeter portion is open in an up and down direction, and where the front wall includes an opening extending therethrough to the enclosure and being configured to accept the bone graft material to fill the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: MIGUELANGELO J. PEREZ-CRUET, JOHN R. PEPPER
  • Publication number: 20170231783
    Abstract: Disclosed are designs, methods and systems for manufacturing implants, implant components, features of implant components, and/or related tools using solid freeform fabrication or additive metals technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Philipp Lang, John Slamin
  • Publication number: 20170231784
    Abstract: A procedure for harvesting graft material for use during bone fusion surgery. A generally U-shaped cutting blade is inserted to a certain position inside a defined space between adjacent bones to be fused, and the cutting blade is rotated so that it cuts into the adjacent bones and forms a solid bone segment within each one of the bones. Each bone segment is displaced so that a first end portion of the segment enters the bone opposite the bone within which the segment was formed, an intermediate portion of the segment spans the space between the bones, and a second end portion of the segment remains in the bone within which the segment was formed. Each bone segment thereby acts as a strut graft for promoting a fusion of the adjacent bones to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Seth L. Neubardt
  • Publication number: 20170231785
    Abstract: A bone infusion apparatus for interbody grafts includes a container; a retainer, the retainer including a recess for receiving therein bone graft material; and a lid including a plunger assembly. A method of preparing bone including cadaver bone for use in cervical fusion includes: placing cadaver bone combined with bone collected from a patient into a recess of the retainer; placing the retainer in the container; filling the container with a liquid; attaching a lid the container; depressing a plunger of the lid such that a press head advances toward the retainer causing a dynamic pressure to act on the cadaver bone combined with the bone collected from the patient; suctioning the liquid from the container; removing the combined bone from the retainer; and placing the combined bone removed from the container into a vertebral interspace of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Sean Hensler
  • Publication number: 20170231786
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an eccentric metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A ring configured to receive a user's residual finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Thompson, JR., Jon Bengtsson, Anthony Charles Peto, Sydney Tye Minnis, Eric Dennis Klumper, Bradley Arthur Crittenden
  • Publication number: 20170231787
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a hybrid actuator attaining both driving force and responsiveness, capable of reducing inertia of a movable portion. [Solution] A pneumatic air muscle has a cylinder (112) provided in a flexible member (100) forming a pneumatic artificial muscle. At the center of an upper lid element (109) of the cylinder, a through hole is opened, and an inner wire (103) of a Bowden cable passes through this through hole and is coupled by means of a spring (106) to a bottom portion of the cylinder. When the pneumatic artificial muscle contracts, the inner wire (103) and the pneumatic air muscle move together because of the stopper (105), and the contraction force is transmitted. In contrast, when the pneumatic air muscle extends, the stopper (105) is disengaged, while the tension of inner wire (103) is kept by the spring (106) to prevent slacking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Tomoyuki NODA, Jun MORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170231788
    Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Kelley, Michael L. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20170231789
    Abstract: Vascular remodeling devices can include a proximal section, an intermediate section, and a distal section. During deployment, the proximal section can expand from a compressed delivery state to an expanded state and anchor the device in an afferent vessel of a bifurcation. The distal section expands from the compressed delivery state to an expanded state that may be substantially planar, approximately semi-spherical, umbrella shaped, or reverse umbrella shaped. The distal section is positioned in a bifurcation junction across the neck of an aneurysm or within an aneurysm. The intermediate section allows perfusion to efferent vessels. Before or after the device is in position, embolic material may be used to treat the aneurysm. The distal section can act as a scaffolding to prevent herniation of the embolic material. The device can be used for clot retrieval with integral distal embolic protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Anh Cam, Michael Losordo, Jianlu Ma, Luong Nguyen, Sanjay Shrivastava, John Wainwright, Xiaoling Zhao
  • Publication number: 20170231790
    Abstract: Delivery systems are disclosed for bioresorbable scaffolds that decrease in length when expanded to a deployment diameter that allow accurate positioning of the scaffold at a lesion. The scaffolds are mounted on a catheter that includes marker bands that are positioned interior to the proximal and distal edges of the crimped scaffold to anticipate the shortening of the scaffold upon deployment. Delivery systems are further disclosed for bioresorbable scaffolds that increase in length when expanded to a deployment diameter that allow accurate positioning of the scaffold at a lesion. The scaffolds are mounted on a catheter that includes marker bands that are positioned exterior to the proximal and distal edges of the crimped scaffold to anticipate the lengthening of the scaffold upon deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Chad J. Abunassar, Stephen D. Pacetti
  • Publication number: 20170231791
    Abstract: A minimally invasive system and method for providing weight loss by inducing the feeling of satiety whereby an intragastric device is inserted into the gastric lumen via the esophagus and an external magnetic device is used as needed to magnetically attract the intragastric device towards the inner wall of the stomach and impart tactile stimulation sufficient to induce the feeling of satiety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Shahriar Sedghi
  • Publication number: 20170231792
    Abstract: An orthotic device is provided. The orthotic device is configured to be worn on an appendage of a user of a fastener installation tool, and is configurable between a relaxed state and a rigid state. The orthotic device includes at least one activation component that is responsive to an activation signal output by a controller in communication with the fastener installation tool. The activation component changes the orthotic device from the relaxed state to the rigid state in response to the controller detecting a resistive force at the fastener installation tool during installation of a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Benjamin MacArthur, Jonathan Minto, Benjamin Adam Hoffman, Darrell Hastings, Angelica Gabrielle Trumpler
  • Publication number: 20170231793
    Abstract: A garment for enhancing neuroarthromyofascial performance in an individual includes fabric tension lines positioned within the garment in order to align with certain muscle groups of the individual wearing the garment. The fabric tension lines have an elasticity that imparts a force from one end of the fabric tension line to the other. This force transfers to the garment as a whole, and subsequently to the individual. The force pulls one or more joints of the individual into an abnormal alignment, causing a neurological cue in the individual to recruit targeted muscles that restore the proper alignment of the joint. The strength and performance of the targeted muscles is thereby improved. The garment may additionally have compressive properties that have a therapeutic effect on the individual. Methods for making the garment and for using the garment in a physical therapy environment are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron PARR, Jason ROBERTS, Duslin VISSERING
  • Publication number: 20170231794
    Abstract: Various orthopaedic brace configurations and elements to be applied to the lower leg and foot are disclosed here, which include a rigid monocoque exoskeleton, foam padded interior, a plurality of retention devices, a plurality of stabilizers extendable through a spring loaded ratcheting mechanism, and a plurality of smaller stabilizer structures. This orthopaedic brace limits inversion, eversion and planterflexion of the ankle and limits flexion, extension, medial rotation and lateral rotation of the knee and hip joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Church