Patents Issued in August 31, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170245816
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging method is for generating contrast-enhanced image data relating to an examination region of an object to be examined. In an embodiment of the method, first contrast-agent influenced measured X-ray projection data with a first X-ray energy spectrum and at least one set of second contrast-agent influenced measured X-ray projection data with a second X-ray energy spectrum are acquired from the examination region. Subsequently, image data assigned to a third X-ray energy spectrum with a third mean energy, based on the first and at least second measured X-ray projection data is reconstructed based on the first and at least second measured X-ray projection data that has been acquired. A mean energy of the first X-ray energy spectrum and a mean energy of the second X-ray energy spectrum are selected as a function of a dimension parameter value of the object that is to be examined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas FLOHR, Bernhard SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20170245817
    Abstract: A method of imaging an organism includes introducing a composite nanoparticle into a circulating fluid of an organism to form a circulating fluid mixture in the organism is provided. The composite nanoparticle comprises a core comprising at least one of a contrast agent and a magnetic material, and at least one layer of biocompatible material surrounding the core. The method further includes receiving an image of at least a portion of the organism where the circulating fluid has circulated, removing at least a portion of the circulating fluid mixture from the organism at a first rate, applying a magnetic field to the removed portion of the circulating fluid mixture to selectively remove the composite nanoparticle from the circulating fluid mixture and to produce a filtered fluid mixture, and returning the filtered fluid mixture to the circulating fluid of the organism at a second rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew A. Berlin, Neil Gupta, Rami S. Mangoubi, Adel Malek
  • Publication number: 20170245818
    Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN, Ken DEFEITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Lauren NIKLASON, Baouri REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Publication number: 20170245819
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method for detecting one or more high-atomic-number elements in a patient includes a Bremsstrahlung x-ray source that produces x-rays in an energy spectrum including an energy of at least 160 kiloelectron-volts (keV), a filter configured to absorb the x-rays in a region of the energy spectrum, and a collimator configured to receive the x-rays and output a collimated x-ray beam to be incident on a patient. The system and method can also include one or more collimated, energy-resolving x-ray detectors to detect fluorescent radiation emitted from the one or more high-atomic-number elements in the patient in response to the collimated x-ray beam incident on the patient. An alternative x-ray source can include a radioactive isotope. Scanning of the x-ray beam may also be performed. Embodiments enable practical clinical, in vivo measurements of lead in bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Peter J. Rothschild, Lee Grodzins
  • Publication number: 20170245820
    Abstract: A first extracting unit extracts at least one portion of a region of a target structure that includes lumen structures having branches from a three dimensional image of the target structure. A second extracting unit extracts the lumen structures from the at least one portion of the region of the target region. An index value calculating unit calculates an index value that represents the uniformity of the distribution of the lumen structures within the at least one portion of the region of the target structure, based on the at least one portion of the region of the target structure and the extracted lumen structures. Further, a quantifying unit quantifies the degree of reliability of the image quality of the at least one portion of the region of the target structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Futoshi SAKURAGI
  • Publication number: 20170245821
    Abstract: A method and system for determining hemodynamic indices, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR), for a location of interest in a coronary artery of a patient is disclosed. Medical image data of a patient is received. Patient-specific coronary arterial tree geometry of the patient is extracted from the medical image data. Geometric features are extracted from the patient-specific coronary arterial tree geometry of the patient. A hemodynamic index, such as FFR, is computed for a location of interest in the patient-specific coronary arterial tree based on the extracted geometric features using a trained machine-learning based surrogate model. The machine-learning based surrogate model is trained based on geometric features extracted from synthetically generated coronary arterial tree geometries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Lucian Mihai ITU, Puneet SHARMA, Saikiran RAPAKA, Tiziano PASSERINI, Max SCHÖBINGER, Chris SCHWEMMER, Dorin COMANICIU, Thomas REDEL
  • Publication number: 20170245822
    Abstract: In the present invention, a method and associated system is provided that produces a new sequence of combined X-ray/fluoro images obtained in synchrony with intravascular dataset/images. This synchronization is based on the time tags recorded at the acquisition of one dataset of the X-ray/fluoroscopic images and the intravascular images/datasets and the cardiac cycle correspondence between the combined X-ray/fluoro datasets/images. The combined X-ray/fluoro and intravascular sensor images provided in the method for each position of intravascular measurement/slice along the blood vessel allows the physician the ability to determine the planned position of the treatment, e.g., a stent, in the X-ray/fluoro images based on the intravascular images, and allows an accurate assessment of the target/lesion location in the X-ray/fluoro images during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Regis Vaillant, Francisco Sureda
  • Publication number: 20170245823
    Abstract: A medical imaging device that includes: a press plate that presses a breast; an emitter that radiates radiation onto the breast; an acquisition section that acquires various information indicating a type of an acoustic matching member inserted between the press plate and the breast in cases in which ultrasound imaging of the breast is performed; and a setting section that sets a tube voltage of the emitter to a first tube voltage, in cases in which radiographic imaging of the breast is performed alone, and that sets the tube voltage of the emitter to a second tube voltage that is different from the first tube voltage, by employing the various information acquired by the acquisition section, in cases in which radiographic imaging and ultrasound imaging of the breast are performed consecutively with the acoustic matching member still inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Takahisa ARAI, Tomonari SENDAI, Takeyasu KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20170245824
    Abstract: Cardiac data of a living being is processed by a processing unit comprising a first fractional flow reserve (FFR) providing unit (11) for providing first FFR values being indicative of the FFR of different arteries of the living being, wherein said virtual FFR values were calculated from non-invasive imaging data of arteries of the living being; a second FFR providing unit (12) for providing FFR values measured in the arteries of the living being; a correction unit (13) configured to correct the first FFR values based on the second FFR values; and a display unit (14) configured to display at least one first FFR value and a second FFR value for a corresponding position in the coronary arteries. The first and second FFR values are displayed to a cardiologist, who can base his course of action on the simulated and corrected values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Holger SCHMITT, Sven PREVRHAL, Hannes NICKISCH
  • Publication number: 20170245825
    Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for calculating patient-specific organ dose is presented. The process may include constructing a computed tomography (CT) volume based on CT images generated by a CT scanner. The process may include segmenting the CT volume into a plurality of organ regions, generating a material density map for the CT volume based on Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, and generating a dose distribution map for the CT volume based on the material density map by simulating particles emitting from the CT scanner and flowing through the CT volume. The process may further generate a dose value delivered to a specific organ region of the plurality of organ regions based on the dose distribution map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Josh STAR-LACK, Adam WANG, Alexander MASLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20170245826
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment comprises a tabletop, an arm configured to support an X-ray tube and a detector such that the X-ray tube and the detector oppose to each other sandwiching a subject, a collimator configured to narrow an irradiation range of the X-ray, a detector moving equipment configured to cause the detector to make translational movement, and processing circuitry configured to control the collimator, and to accept information about an opening region of the collimator to acquire a movable range of the detector on a plane parallel to a detecting surface of the detector, and to cause, by the detector moving equipment, the detector to make translational movement relative to the X-ray tube within the acquired movable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Hayato KASAOKA
  • Publication number: 20170245827
    Abstract: A hybrid x-ray system that includes an x-ray device for mounted and portable use. The x-ray device includes a housing, an x-ray source coupled to the housing and configured to generate x-ray radiation, and a support connector coupled to the housing. The support connector is configured to mechanically couple to a support arm and to mechanically couple to a handle. The x-ray device include power circuitry or is otherwise configured to selectively receive power from a battery and an AC power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Sameer Anand Joshi, Bradley S. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20170245828
    Abstract: A control apparatus which receives a radiation image from a radiation imaging apparatus determines, at the time of activation, whether any unreceived radiation image to be received from the radiation imaging apparatus exists. Upon determining that an unreceived radiation image exists, the control apparatus requests the radiation imaging apparatus to transmit the radiation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Naoki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20170245829
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for characterizing adventitial tissue. In one aspect, a system and method is disclosed that characterizes tissue types within the adventitial tissue including nerve bundles and blood vessels. In a further aspect, the adventitia is imaged and characterized to provide guidance for crossing lesions within an occluded vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Anuja Nair
  • Publication number: 20170245830
    Abstract: Systems and process are provided for a tool to create a registration matrix for a bone in three dimensional workspaces relative to a system using the absence of an ultrasonic reflection from an ultrasonic sensor attached to a tracking system to build the registration matrix model. The system has hardware and software that creates an absence of ultrasonic reflection, and utilizes the information to identify the location and orientation of a set of conic volumes in order to build an estimate of the position and orientation of the bone relative to the base system, and to use the position and orientation changes to update the registration and to detect bone motion. Embodiments of invention provide a process of registering part or all of a bone without directly touching the bone using ultrasound, and as a result support a non-invasive or less-invasive approach to bone registration and bone motion detection for a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. NETRAVALI, Micah FORSTEIN, Joel ZUHARS, In K. MUN
  • Publication number: 20170245831
    Abstract: Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that receives a reception signal representing the reflection waves from ultrasound probe, includes position specifying section that specifies the depth of detection object inside the subject based on the temporal variation of the reception signal, and position specifying section that specifies the position of detection object in the first direction based on the reception signal generated based on the reflection waves from detection object obtained with the ultrasound beams transmitted at a first angle and a second angle which are different from each other in a transmission direction of the ultrasound beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Morio NISHIGAKI, Miyuki GAWAZAWA, Toshiharu SATO, Yoshihiro TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170245832
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains time-series data having complex values based on a reflected wave of an ultrasound wave transmitted by an ultrasound probe and calculates an expansion coefficient in a case in which the obtained time-series data is expressed as a linear sum of a plurality of mathematical functions, the time-series data having, as an argument, a first parameter related to time. The plurality of mathematical functions are mathematical functions that are possible to be generated on a basis of a function family that has, as arguments, the first parameter and a second parameter different from the first parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi KAWATA, Toshiyuki ONO, Toshimitsu KANEKO, Tomoyuki TAKEGUCHI, Ryota OSUMI, Tomohisa IMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170245833
    Abstract: A method includes continuously transmitting, with a transducer array, an ultrasound signal in one direction. The method further includes beamforming, with a beamformer, an echo signal received by the transducer array using on a predetermined apodization function. The echo signal is generated in response to an interaction of the ultrasound signal with flowing structure. The method further includes estimating, with a velocity processor, a vector velocity of the flow, including velocity components, as a function of depth and time from the beamformed echo signals using transverse oscillation vector velocity estimation. The method further includes generating, with a measurement processor, a quantitative measurement from the velocity components. The method further includes visually displaying, with a display monitor, the quantitative measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: B-K Medical Aps
    Inventor: Jorgen Jensen
  • Publication number: 20170245834
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe which transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receives a reflected wave of the transmitted ultrasonic wave; a transmission/reception control unit which allows the ultrasonic probe to transmit the ultrasonic wave and acquires a reception signal relating to the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe on the basis of predetermined transmission/reception setting; a calculation parameter acquisition unit which acquires a calculation parameter which is used for generation of elasticity information in the subject based on the reception signal and is determined in correspondence with the transmission/reception setting; an elasticity information generation unit which generates the elasticity information by using the reception signal on the basis of the acquired calculation parameter; and a display control unit which allows the display unit to display the elasticity information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170245835
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains three-dimensional medical image data, taken by using an ultrasound probe, of a region including a heart valve of a patient and a catheter inserted into a heart chamber of the patient. The processing circuitry determines an advancing direction of a tip end part of the catheter by obtaining information on a position and a posture of the tip end part included in the three-dimensional medical image data, by using at least one selected from shape information indicating the shape of the tip end part and reflection characteristic information indicating ultrasound reflection characteristics of the tip end part. The processing circuitry generates a display image from the three-dimensional medical image data in accordance with the position and the advancing direction of the tip end part. The processing circuitry causes the display image to be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya OKAZAKI, Yasuhiko ABE, Koji ANDO, Shogo FUKUDA, Yurika OGAWA, Yukinobu SAKATA, Yasunori TAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170245836
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of portable scanners and docks. The scanners include first and second configurations to provide different functionality. The docks include at least one of floor, a wall, and a table dock. The scanners are selectively mateable to the various docks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: B-K Medical Aps
    Inventors: Johannes Anders SMITH, Ole Christian JENSEN
  • Publication number: 20170245837
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe calibration system and method. The system comprises an ultrasound probe calibration phantom (100), and the ultrasound probe calibration phantom (100) is provided with a sunken recess (110) at a middle position of an upper surface thereof and with several conical holes on a side surface thereof. The sunken recess (110) is fixedly connected with a two dimensional ultrasound probe (220) therein. The conical hole is inserted with an NDI insertion stylus (230), and a tip of the NDI insertion stylus (230) can be acquired in ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound probe calibration system employing the above structure enables a midplane of an ultrasound plane to pass a midplane of an ultrasound probe calibration phantom (100) along a middle gap, such that a tip of an NDI insertion stylus (230) is used for the midplane of the ultrasound plane, thereby addressing the problem of misalignment of a point-type phantom or a two-dimensional plane-type phantom to the ultrasound plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: SHENZHEN INSTITUTES OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Tiexiang WEN, Jia GU, Yaoqin XIE, Lei WANG
  • Publication number: 20170245838
    Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Michael MUNROW, Jordan BAJOR, Malcom G. MUNRO
  • Publication number: 20170245839
    Abstract: A system for morcellating tissue within a body cavity is provided. The system includes a bag guide having a tubular body with proximal and distal ends, the distal end including a flange, a morcellator including an enlarged mouth for receipt within the flange of the bag guide, and a specimen bag receivable between the flange of the bag guide and the enlarged mouth of the morcellator. Also provided is a method of morcellating tissue within a body cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Publication number: 20170245840
    Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a housing, a biopsy cannula mounted to the housing, and a cannula rotation mechanism mounted to the housing. The cannula rotation mechanism has a thumbwheel, a first gear, and a second gear. The thumbwheel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis, with the rotational axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the biopsy cannula. The first gear is mounted in fixed attachment to the thumbwheel. The second gear is mounted in fixed attachment to the biopsy cannula. The first gear is in mesh with the second gear such that the first gear is directly drivably engaged with the second gear to rotate the biopsy cannula about the longitudinal axis when the thumbwheel is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Rafal Chudzik, Jason G. Seiger, Angela K. Jensen, Glen V. Lazok
  • Publication number: 20170245841
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for tissue sampling using ultrasound guidance. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include a needle, for instance a biopsy needle, disposed coaxially about small gauge ultrasound probe. These systems are useful in a variety of procedures including pulmonary nodule sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Sean P. Fleury, Gary J. Leanna, Michael Powers, Anne Sluti, Joseph A. Levendusky
  • Publication number: 20170245842
    Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes: a tubular insertion part; a stopper having a through hole and provided at a distal end part of the insertion part; a manipulation wire inserted through the insertion part; a treatment part provided at a distal end part of the manipulation wire and inserted through the through hole; and a restriction member provided closer to a proximal end side than the stopper and connecting the treatment part and the manipulation wire. When the restriction member is pressed against the stopper, the treatment part is locked not to be rotated about an axis of the insertion part with respect to the insertion part, and an opening causing a fluid to flow from an inside of the insertion part to the through hole is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the restriction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi ITO, Shunsuke MOTOSUGI, Fuminori WAKE, Tetsuya YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170245843
    Abstract: A dental device that mates a high volume extraction unit to a tongue retractor to allow the dental assistant to remove fluids and debris from the mouth of a patient with ease and using a minimal volume of the space in a patient's mouth. The device has a straw collar that encircles the shaft of a suction straw in a “Vee” configuration with a set of opposing half-bands. A post extending inward from the front half band locks the suction straw in place. Affixed to the suction straw is a paddle shaped tongue retractor with an array of orifices there through to allow the vacuuming of fluids and debris from the bottom side of the retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: LINGUAGUARD LLC
    Inventors: Hari Reyes, Keith Gressell
  • Publication number: 20170245844
    Abstract: A medical device includes two device units having two functional units that can be coupled to each other to actuate the second functional unit via the first functional unit. The first functional unit has a mechanical coupling segment which can be brought into a coupling position to couple with the second functional unit. A detector for detecting a relative position of the two device units or a distance between the two device units is provided on at least one device unit. The electrical or electronic control of the first functional unit is configured such that the mechanical coupling segment of the first functional unit can be brought into the coupling position only if the two device units are in a certain position with respect to each other or fall below a minimum distance from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Thomas Maser, Heiko Reichle, Dominik Seyfried, Anton Keller
  • Publication number: 20170245845
    Abstract: A dissecting device that includes a grasping section and a dissecting member. The grasping section has an insertion lumen that permits an imaging device to be positioned therein. The dissecting member is at the distal portion of the grasping section and is insertable into a living body and movable along a blood vessel to dissect tissue surrounding the blood vessel. The dissecting member includes a base part having a lumen that communicates with the insertion lumen and a dissecting section which extends distally from the base part. The dissecting section is configured to dissect the tissue in the living body when the dissecting member is moved along the blood vessel. The dissecting member includes a blood vessel guide passage that accepts a branch vessel branched from the blood vessel at the distal portion of the dissecting member and guides the branch vessel toward the base part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tatsunori FUJII
  • Publication number: 20170245846
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laparoscopic port site closure device. The device is configured such that a cartridge receiving a surgical suture therein is provided at a fore-end of a needle guide for port site closure; the surgical suture is caught in a needle tip that is pierced through a body tissue by being guided by the needle guide; and when the needle is withdrawn, the surgical suture is pulled out along a path through which the needle was pierced into the tissue, and the surgical suture is tied outside a patient's body, thereby being capable of closing a laparoscopic port site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Ki Seong KIM
  • Publication number: 20170245847
    Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems useful in the treatment of fistulae, and in certain embodiments those having openings extending into the alimentary canal, such as anorectal fistulae. Illustratively, an anorectal fistula can be treated by placing a volumetric construct within the primary opening of the fistula. In certain embodiments, the volumetric construct can include a rolled remodelable material processed to form a substantially unitary body. Advantageous such remodelable materials can include collagenous extracellular matrix materials, such as small intestine submucosa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: F. Joseph Obermiller, Michael C. Hiles, Matthew R. Graham, Clay D. Fette
  • Publication number: 20170245848
    Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument includes a case having a trigger handle, a sheath coupled to the case, an intermediate connector coupled to the sheath, an end effector removably attachable to the intermediate connector, a set of cables that control position of the intermediate connector, at least two motors coupled to the cables, and a user control module configured to control position of the intermediate connector and the end effector. The instrument further includes a pushrod disposed within the sheath and within the intermediate connector that is configured for axial motion relative to the sheath and the intermediate connector and rotational motion within the sheath and the intermediate connector. The pushrod is coupled to the trigger handle and removably coupled to the end effector, so that rotational motion of the pushrod effectuates rotation of the end effector and axial motion of the pushrod is controllable by the trigger handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Gerry Berkelaar
  • Publication number: 20170245849
    Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises an illuminated surgical retractor that comprises a blade portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, the blade portion comprising an operative portion at the distal end, a saddle portion at the proximal end, and a barrel portion connecting the operative portion and the saddle portion; a handle portion connected to the saddle portion; and an illumination assembly. Other aspects will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ralph Swift
  • Publication number: 20170245850
    Abstract: Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron M. Call, Joseph P. Lane
  • Publication number: 20170245851
    Abstract: A bone anchor includes a shank having a free end, a longitudinal axis, a channel extending axially through the shank to the free end, the channel having a first width, and at least one opening extending through a wall of the shank, and a narrowing member including an elastically deformable portion configured to extend into the channel at or near the free end. The narrowing member is adjustable from a first configuration where the deformable portion defines an opening with a width smaller than the first width to restrict a substance from exiting through the free end, to a second configuration where the deformable portion is deformed radially outwardly to define an opening with a width that is at least the first width, while at least a portion of the shank positioned at a same axial height as the deformable portion maintains a constant outer width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Timo Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20170245852
    Abstract: A surgical suture is caught in a needle tip that is pierced through a body tissue; and when the needle is withdrawn, the surgical suture is pulled out along a path through which the needle was pierced into the tissue, and the surgical suture is tied outside a patient's body. The surgical suture for the laparoscopic port site closure device, wherein the laparoscopic port site closure device is in a tube shape for being introduced into a port site, includes: a tubular body provided with needle guides that face each other and guide insertion of a needle; wings mounted to a lower portion of the tubular body such that the wings are opened and closed through a cam method; and an operating stick penetrating through the tubular body to operate the wings to be opened and to be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Ki Seong KIM
  • Publication number: 20170245853
    Abstract: Suturing apparatuses configured to suture biological tissue, such as an anatomical valve. The suturing apparatuses can comprise an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more arms, and one or more needles. A protective member may be used to inhibit contact between a distal end of a needle and surrounding tissue. Methods for suturing bodily tissue such as an anatomical valve may be performed with the suturing apparatuses. The suturing apparatuses may be used to suture adjacent valve leaflets or the base of a valve in order to treat or repair the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, William Ettlinger Cohn
  • Publication number: 20170245854
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, a drive motor coupled to the firing rod, a sensor, and a controller. The end effector includes a first and second jaw member moveable relative to one another. The first jaw member includes a surgical fastener and the second jaw member includes an anvil. The drive motor is configured to advance the firing rod to cause the first and second jaw members to clamp tissue and to eject a surgical fastener. The surgical stapler includes a sensor that is configured measure a clamping force exerted on tissue by the first and second jaw members. The controller control a speed of the drive motor based on the measured clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Richard Lech, Saumya Banerjee
  • Publication number: 20170245855
    Abstract: Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint such as for example of the foot or hand are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Mary Sinnott, Thomas W. Fallin, Kwan-Ho Chan, Patrick White
  • Publication number: 20170245856
    Abstract: A surgical instrument equipped with a coupler arrangement for coupling end effectors to an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument. The end effectors may include a pair of jaws in the form of a carrier supporting a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil. The anvil is movable relative to the carrier in opening and closing directions. The end effector may include an articulation joint that facilitates pivotal travel of the carrier and anvil as a unit relative to the elongated shaft assembly in the same directions in which the anvil is opened and closed relative to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20170245857
    Abstract: A surgical staple is disclosed. The staple can define a seamless unitary piece. In various instances, the staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple can include a base and staple legs. A staple drive surface can be integrally formed in the base, and a sled can directly contact the staple drive surface to directly drive the staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20170245858
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes an actuator device including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and a first articulating link. The first articulating link includes a mechanical interface and is movable between a non-articulated position and at least one articulated position. A reload is releasably coupled to a distal end of the body portion. The reload including a second articulating link configured to engage the first articulating link when the reload is coupled to the actuator device. The reload including a tool assembly which is pivotable from a first a position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion to at least one position misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The first articulation link and the mechanical interface prevent the reload from being disengaged from the actuator device when the first articulating link is in the at least one articulated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Publication number: 20170245859
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a rotary drive shaft that translates between two longitudinal positions to alternate between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. The stapling head assembly includes a first set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue clamping action when the drive shaft is in a distal position. The stapling head assembly also includes a second set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue cutting/stapling action when the drive shaft is in a proximal position. The drive shaft may be driven manually or by a motor. The stapling head assembly may be provided in a cartridge form that is removable from the shaft assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20170245860
    Abstract: A sled for use with an anvil assembly delivery system is provided which includes a body defining a concavity dimensioned to receive an anvil head of an anvil assembly and a recess dimensioned to receive a center rod of the anvil assembly. The body has a smooth outer profile to facilitate atraumatic trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly to a surgical site. The body further defines a first suture channel on each side of the recess to facilitate securement of the body to the anvil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Publication number: 20170245861
    Abstract: Described here are closure devices and methods for ligating tissue, such as the left atrial appendage. Generally, the closure devices include an elongate body, a snare loop assembly comprising a snare and a suture loop, and a shuttle connected to the snare and releasably coupled to the elongate body and retractable therein. In some variations, the shuttle may be configured to fit into the lumen. In other variations, a handle may be attached to the elongate body, and the handle may comprise a track and a snare control coupled to the track. The handle may be configured to release the shuttle from the elongate body and allow movement of the snare control along the track to retract the snare loop and the shuttle into a lumen of the elongate body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Robert L. CLARK, III, Alan L. BRADLEY, Gregory W. FUNG
  • Publication number: 20170245862
    Abstract: Methods of implanting a device in the lumen of a blood vessel are described. The method includes providing a microcatheter and a device. The device includes a first hub, a second hub, a support structure including a plurality of struts disposed between the first hub and the second hub, and a layer of material disposed over the plurality of struts. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded state, a smooth outer surface, and has an axially shortened configuration relative to the radially constrained state. The microcatheter is advanced to a region of interest within the blood vessel. The support structure is advanced through the lumen of and out the distal end of the microcatheter where it expands to the expanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: SEQUENT MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Cox, Dean Schaefer, Robert F. Rosenbluth
  • Publication number: 20170245863
    Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods of selectively controlling air flow into one or more section of a patient's lungs. In particular, the devices may be valve devices having an inner lumen configured to transition between a first diameter and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to control the airflow through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan WEBER, Aiden FLANAGAN, Torsten SCHEUERMANN
  • Publication number: 20170245864
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, designs, methods of manufacturing and using medical devices comprising expandable bodies for treating saccular vascular aneurysms and occluding segments of blood vessels and other biological conduits. Exemplary expandable bodies include hollow gold structures that can be folded, wrapped, and compressed, joined to a delivery device, advanced to location in the body of patient in need of treatment, expanded by injection of a fluid into the central void, and separated from the delivery device, remaining in place in an open, expanded form without the addition of support structures to the central void. Other expandable bodies include coiled wires that can be loaded into delivery catheters and expelled from the delivery catheters using pusher devices. Also disclosed herein, are methods of using multiple medical devices and expandable bodies where the expandable bodies are placed adjacent to each other to occlude a saccular aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: F. Nicholas FRANANO, Stephen BRUNELL, Katherine STEPHENSON, Howard M. LOREE II
  • Publication number: 20170245865
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for performing embolization procedures in a desired area of the body. Systems include embodiments of embolization devices having increased durability, flexibility, conformability and surface area that include elongate primary coils that are formed from helically wound elongate initial coils which are formed from helically wound metallic wire and delivery systems used to position the embolization devices at a target location within a lumen of a mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Donald K. Jones, Vladimir Mitelberg