Patents Issued in September 14, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170258496
    Abstract: Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Charles D. Hightower
  • Publication number: 20170258497
    Abstract: A bone anchor is provided for connecting a rod to a bone structure, the bone anchor having a rod housing configured to accommodate the rod; a cavity distal to the rod housing dimensioned to accommodate the bone structure; and a deployable purchase element capable of assuming a deployed position in which the purchase element protrudes into the cavity, and capable of assuming a non-deployed position in which the purchase element does not substantially protrude into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jesse UNGER, Robert GERMAN, Nicholas DIDIER
  • Publication number: 20170258498
    Abstract: An anchor device for use in sacroiliac joint stabilization comprises a housing having a bore, one or more apertures, and a threaded outer surface, one or more engagement members at least partially disposed in the housing, where at least one of the one or more engagement members is movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when the at least one of the one or more engagement members is in the extended position, the at least one of the one or more engagement members extends through at least one of the one or more apertures, and where, when the at least one of the one or more engagement members is in the extended position, the at least one of the one or more engagement members is configured to engage a cortical wall of a sacrum bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: ANDY J. REDMOND, CHARLES R. GORDON, ERIK WAGNER
  • Publication number: 20170258499
    Abstract: An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20170258500
    Abstract: Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bullard
  • Publication number: 20170258501
    Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer. The system is configured for implantation through a small percutaneous incision employing minimally invasive techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe
  • Publication number: 20170258502
    Abstract: Devices and methods are adapted to permit fixation and stabilization of the bony elements of the skeleton. The devices permit adjustment and maintenance of the spatial relationship between neighboring bones. The motion between adjacent skeletal segments may be maintained, limited or completely eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: SAMY ABDOU
  • Publication number: 20170258503
    Abstract: A bone implant (1) for stabilizing fractured or non-fractured bones comprises an implant body (2), preferably a cylindrical body, extending along a longitudinal axis (3) from a front side (4) to an end side (5). The implant has an implant width (6) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (3), and a length of the implant body (2) along the longitudinal axis (3) is at least 5 times the width (6) of the implant. The implant body (2) has an outer surface, being at least divided into a first surface (7) and a second surface (8. The first surface (7) comprises an anchorage area (9) which extends at least partially over the outer surface, preferably maximum over half of the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Max AEBI, Marek SZPALSKI, Robert GUNZBURG, Cécile VIENNEY
  • Publication number: 20170258504
    Abstract: The current invention comprises a bone plate and method of use contoured to fit above the medial epicondyle that provides numerous apertures for fixation to the distal femur as desired with an offset screw design in shaft to allow location of screws around a nail or other feature and may also allow for attachment in conjunction with a lateral distal plate and or an extension plate that may cover the medial condyle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Steven S. Sands
  • Publication number: 20170258505
    Abstract: The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry, Steven B. Cohen, Charanpreet S. Bagga, Erik M. Erbe
  • Publication number: 20170258506
    Abstract: An injection device for use in sacroiliac joint stabilization comprises an elongated conduit having a first end and a second end, where the first end includes a first opening and the second end includes a second opening; a carrier member couplable with the conduit and configured to accommodate a guidewire; a tool configured to be at least partially disposed in a bore of the conduit via the second opening, where the tool is configured to urge a hardening material in the bore toward the first end of the conduit; where the first opening of the conduit is configured to be angularly disposed relative to the second opening of the conduit such that the first end directs hardening material in a non-parallel direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Andy J. Redmond, Charles R. Gordon, Erik Wagner
  • Publication number: 20170258507
    Abstract: A single hand operable injection control device (ICD) automatically injects material into a subject tissue at a rate controllably proportional to the rate of movement of the syringe. Squeezing the figure holds rotates a transmission/timing belt that is connected to a position reference member/guide that pushes against the subject tissue, causing the ICD body (containing the syringe) to push away from the subject tissue. The timing belt turns a worm gear that drives a syringe plunger into the syringe held by the ICD. The coordinated motions result in precise delivery of a unit volume/region of injectate into the subject. That is, a uniform “tube” of injectate is automatically laid in the cannula track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Hugh Hetherington
  • Publication number: 20170258508
    Abstract: An instrument for internal bone fracture fixation includes a shaft having a distal portion and a patient-specific bone holder coupled to the distal portion. The bone holder has a three-dimensional curved and patient-specific bone engagement surface designed during a preoperative plan based on a medical scan of a patient to match and conform to an outer surface of a bone fragment of the patient in only one position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Nathan A. Winslow, John M. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20170258509
    Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Peter P. Soltesz, Nikolai Aljuri, Ajit Nair
  • Publication number: 20170258510
    Abstract: A system for alleviating occipital neuralgia. The system has a needle probe having at least one needle. The at least one needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a needle lumen therebetween, the needle configured for insertion proximate to a location of the occipital nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen extends distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller that has at least one processor configured implements an occipital neuralgia treatment algorithm for controlling the cooling fluid source so that liquid from the cooling flow vaporizes within the needle lumen to provide a treatment phase to location of the occipital nerve such that the occipital neuralgia is mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Clint Carnell, John Allison, Jwala Karnik, Jesse Rosen
  • Publication number: 20170258511
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Bilgor PELIKS, Donnell William GURSKIS, Steven Robert BACICH, Uriel Hiram CHEE
  • Publication number: 20170258512
    Abstract: An arthroscopic system includes a re-useable, sterilizable handle integrated with a single umbilical cable or conduit. The single umbilical cable or conduit carries electrical power from a power and/or control console to the handle for operating both a motor drive unit within the handle and delivering the RF power to a disposable RF probe or cutter which may be detachably connected to the handle. The RF power delivered to the handle and on to the probe or cutter is typically bi-polar, where the handle includes first and second electrical bi-polar contacts that couple to corresponding bi-polar electrical contacts on a hub of the disposable RF probe or cutter is connected to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: RELIGN Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Simon Malkevich, Steffan Benamou, Kyle Klein, Ben Poser
  • Publication number: 20170258513
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Arnold M. ESCANO, Jerry JARRARD, Samuel HO, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Arthur M. LIN, Jesse McQuiston, Kenny L. Dang
  • Publication number: 20170258514
    Abstract: Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term/permanent basis e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Bankim H. MEHTA, Mark McCALL, Scott A. McGILL
  • Publication number: 20170258515
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus is for a treatment instrument including a probe having electrical conductivity which vibrates, a grasping member that is opened and closed with respect to the probe and an electrode provided in the grasping member. The power supply apparatus supplies high-frequency power between the probe and the electrode. The power supply apparatus includes a resistance acquisition circuit which repeatedly acquires a resistance value of electrical resistance between the probe and the electrode, a condition determination circuit which acquires the number of times the resistance value satisfies a predetermined condition while the probe is vibrating and power is supplied between the probe and the electrode, and a determination circuit which determines whether or not the probe and the electrode are electrically short-circuited based on the number of times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsunetaka AKAGANE, Ko KAWASHIMA, Tsuyoshi HAYASHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170258516
    Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes: a sheath in which a lumen is formed; a treatment part which is inserted into the lumen and is configured to protrude and retract from a distal end of the sheath; a main manipulation part which is connected to the proximal end side of the sheath and allows the treatment part to perform a first motion and a second motion; an auxiliary manipulation part which is disposed to be separate from the main manipulation part and is configured to perform the first motion of the treatment part and configured to put the second motion out of action; and a manipulation transmission member which is made of a flexible member, connects the auxiliary manipulation part to the main manipulation part, and transmits a manipulation input of the auxiliary manipulation part with respect to the main manipulation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masatoshi SATO
  • Publication number: 20170258517
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering electrical energy and controlled, mild hyperthermia to a prostate tissue of a patient for destruction of cancerous and/or hyperplastic tissue. A method includes positioning a plurality of electrodes in a target tissue region comprising the prostate tissue, and establishing an alternating electrical current flow through a volume of the prostate tissue to induce mild heating and destruction of cancerous cells in the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Larry AZURE
  • Publication number: 20170258518
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems, as well as methods, of electric field delivery and non-thermal or mild hyperthermia, and preferential or selective ablation of cancerous cells of target tissue regions. A method can include, for example, advancing a probe comprising a plurality of electrodes to a target tissue region comprising cancerous cells, and deploying the plurality of electrodes from a distal portion of a probe, and applying an alternating current so as to provide one or more electric fields extending through the volume and selectively or preferentially destroy cancerous cells within the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Larry AZURE
  • Publication number: 20170258519
    Abstract: An electrosurgical probe can be detachably secured to a handpiece having a motor drive unit and an RF current contact. The electrosurgical probe includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal dielectric tip, and a proximal hub which is detachably securable to the handpiece. A hook electrode is reciprocatably mounted in the distal dielectric tip, and an RF connector on the hub is couplable to the RF current contact in the handpiece when the hub is secured to the handpiece. A drive mechanism in the hub mechanically couples to the hook electrode, and drive mechanism engages a rotational component in the motor drive unit when the hub is secured to the handpiece. The drive mechanism converts rotational motion from the rotational component into axial reciprocation and transmits the axial reciprocation to the hook electrode to axially displace the hook electrode between a non-extended position and an extended position relative to the dielectric tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: RELIGN Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, Steffan Benamou, Jeffrey Norton, Jacob Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20170258520
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for administering an ablation treatment and other therapeutic or diagnostic protocols to a patient tissue involve a flexible stabilizer mechanism having an inner recess and an ablation mechanism coupled with the stabilizer mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, Dwight P. Morejohn, Michael J. Banchieri, Ara Stephanian, John D. Pavlidis, David K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20170258521
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described for the treatment of heart conditions such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including diastolic heart failure, by performing a pericardial modification procedure. Intraoperative test procedures for assessing the efficacy of the pericardial modification procedure are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Samuel J. Asirvatham, Barry A. Borlaug, Christopher V. DeSimone, Prakriti Gaba
  • Publication number: 20170258522
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Goshgarian, Benjamin J. Clark, Rajeshkumar Dhamodharasamy, Mark S. Leung, Maria G. Aboytes
  • Publication number: 20170258523
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: John ADAMS, Thomas G. GOFF, Doug HAKALA
  • Publication number: 20170258524
    Abstract: Medical methods and devices for treating aortic dissections. A catheter-based cutting device permits cutting a septum of acute or chronic aortic dissections, in a retrograde manner. The catheter includes a base section having a central lumen therethrough and two flexible arms extending from a distal end thereof. The flexible arms can each have a guide wire channel therethrough. With distal ends of the two flexible arms separated, the two arms form a Y-shape with the base section. In one embodiment, with distal ends of the two flexible arms together, the two arms have a longitudinal profile, about a periphery thereof, identical to a longitudinal profile of the base section. A cutting component resides between the two arms. The cutting component can face distally outward between the two arms with the distal ends of the two flexible arms separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Ramon Berguer, Juan Parodi
  • Publication number: 20170258525
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current. An apparatus in accord with the present disclosure includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode. A method in accord with the present disclosure includes delivering a conductive fluid to a predetermined tissue ablation site for a predetermined time period, applying a predetermined power level of radio frequency current to the tissue, monitoring at least one of several parameters, and adjusting either the applied power and/or the fluid flow in response to the measured parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Mark A. Christopherson, Steven M. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20170258526
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Philipp K. Lang
  • Publication number: 20170258527
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Dee Dee Wang, William O'Neill, Eric Myers, Michael Forbes
  • Publication number: 20170258528
    Abstract: A medical imaging system for illuminating tissue samples using three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy is port-based surgery is provided. The system comprises: an image sensor; a mirror device; zoom optics; a light modulator; a processor; and collimating optics configured to convey one or more images from the modulator to the mirror, the mirror configured to convey the images to the zoom optics, the zoom optics configured: to convey the image(s) from the mirror to a tissue sample; and convey one or more resulting images, formed by the image(s) illuminating the sample, back to the mirror, which conveys the resulting image(s) from the zoom optics to the image sensor, and, the processor configured to control the modulator to form the image(s), the image(s) including at least one pattern selected to interact with the sample to generate different depth information in each of resulting image(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL (BARBADOS) INC.
    Inventors: Yanhui BAI, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Siu Wai Jacky MAK, Murugathas YUWARAJ, Alexander Gyles PANTHER, Sean Jy-Shyang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170258529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic navigation system for microscopic surgery and a method for microscopic surgery using said system. The present disclosure provides an electromagnetic navigation system for microscopic surgery, comprising at least a microscope and an electromagnetic measurement system comprising a field generator, wherein the field generator is fixed or adjustably connected to the microscope, and an additional disturbance correction module for compensating disturbances of the electromagnetic measurement system caused by the microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christian Winne, Andreas Reutter, Bartosz Kosmecki, Christopher Oezbek
  • Publication number: 20170258530
    Abstract: Thermography of an ablation site is carried out by navigating a probe into contact with target tissue in the heart, obtaining a first position of a position sensor in the probe and acquiring a first magnetic resonance thermometry image of the target tissue. The method is further carried out during ablation by iteratively reading the position sensor to obtain second positions, and acquiring a new magnetic resonance thermometry image of the target tissue when the distance between the first position and one of the second positions is less than a predetermined distance. The images are analyzed to determine the temperature of the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Yaron Ephrath, Vadim Gliner, Eyal Dror
  • Publication number: 20170258531
    Abstract: An elliptical, optical-tracking marker comprises an inner marker body that is filled with radially spread color spectrum points with respect to a center point of the inner marker body. A color value of each spectrum point of the inner marker body is calculated as a function of an angle defined between a horizontal line crossing the central point of the inner marker body and a line crossing the central point of the inner marker as well as the given pixel in such a manner, that the color values of the respective spectrum points vary in accordance with a sinusoidal pattern along an elliptical path around the center point, in particular along a circular path centered around the center point. A method and a system for determining a 3D position of an object in space use the characteristics of this marker by detecting and analyzing the sinusoidal pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Mariusz BODJANSKI
  • Publication number: 20170258532
    Abstract: An articulating drill system is provided that includes a hand-held portion and a drill portion. At least two actuators are provided for controlling at least two axes of the drill portion. A navigation system is provided to control the at least two actuators. In some embodiments, a tool is provided with the drill portion and adapted to interact with patient tissue. The drill portion can be modified to include at least two rigid objects in communication with the actuators and attached to the drill portion. The system can be used to make any linear cut within a deviation of 1.0 mm and 1.0?, or better in patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan SHALAYEV, Joel Zuhars, Allen B. KANTROWITZ, In K. MUN, Dan FULLER, Simon GROVER
  • Publication number: 20170258533
    Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Nicholas Theodore, Mitchell A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20170258534
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for avoiding collisions between manipulator arms using a null-space are provided. In one aspect, the system calculates an avoidance movement using a relationship between reference geometries of the multiple manipulators to maintain separation between reference geometries. In certain embodiments, the system determines a relative state between adjacent reference geometries, determines an avoidance vector between reference geometries, and calculates an avoidance movement of one or more manipulators within a null-space of the Jacobian based on the relative state and avoidance vector. The joints may be driven according to the calculated avoidance movement while maintaining a desired state of the end effector or a remote center location about which an instrument shaft pivots and may be concurrently driven according to an end effector displacing movement within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Arjang M. Hourtash, Pushkar Hingwe, Bruce Michael Schena, Roman L. Devengenzo
  • Publication number: 20170258535
    Abstract: Devices, Systems, and Methods for detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object, and surgical automation involving the same. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, and/or other objects to be tracked include active and/or passive tracking markers. Cameras, such as stereophotogrammetric infrared cameras, are able to detect the tracking markers, and the robot determines a 3-dimensional position of the object from the tracking markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Stephen Cicchini, Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170258536
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical systems having end-effector assembly, first and second arm assemblies, and elbow joint assembly. End-effector assembly includes instrument assembly and wrist assembly. Instrument assembly includes a first instrument. First arm assembly includes a body, first and second instrument drive assemblies, wrist drive assembly, and first arm drive assembly. First instrument drive assembly is configurable to move first instrument relative to first axis. Wrist drive assembly is configurable to move instrument assembly relative second axis. First arm drive assembly is configurable to rotate end-effector assembly relative to third axis. Elbow joint assembly includes elbow pitch joint portion configurable to be driven to move first arm assembly relative to fourth axis. Elbow joint assembly also includes elbow sway joint portion configurable to be driven to move first arm assembly relative to fifth axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Chung Kwong YEUNG, Wing Fai LAM, Wai Leung William Cheng
  • Publication number: 20170258537
    Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian D. Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, JR., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
  • Publication number: 20170258538
    Abstract: A method of constructing a system comprising one or more surgical arms, comprising: providing: a plurality of modular units, each modular unit comprising at least one surgical arm attached to at least one motor unit configured for actuating movement of the surgical arm; coupling one or more modular units to each other in an attachment configuration; displaying on a user interface one or both of an indication of the attachment configuration and a selection of an attachment configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Dvir COHEN, Yaron LEVINSON
  • Publication number: 20170258539
    Abstract: A surgical system comprising: at least two modular units, the modular units each comprising: a surgical arm; and a motor unit configured for actuating movement of the surgical arm, the motor unit configured to be operably attached to the surgical arm, where a first face of a motor unit housing generally defines a plane which is at an angle of 60-120° to a long axis of the surgical arm; wherein the motor unit is configured to be aligned adjacent a motor unit of at least one second modular unit; wherein a second face of a housing of the motor unit generally defines a plane which is at an angle to the first face and which comprises a connection geometry suitable for connecting the housing of the motor unit to a housing of the motor unit of the second modular unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Dvir COHEN, Yaron LEVINSON
  • Publication number: 20170258540
    Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive surgery includes a control tool and an elongate member for insertion into a body lumen. The control tool includes a first control tool bending segment and a first control tool transducer configured to generate a first control tool deflection signal based on manipulation of the first control tool bending segment. The elongate member includes a first elongate member bending segment at a distal portion and a first elongate member actuator configured to apply a force at the first elongate member bending segment. The system further includes a processor unit in communication with the control tool and the elongate member. Upon receipt of the deflection signal, the processor generates a first elongate member actuator signal configured to cause the first elongate member bending segment to move in accordance with the deflection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Eric D. Blatt
  • Publication number: 20170258541
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dental device that is configured to be worn on a user's finger, and inserted into the mouth of a patient. The dental device may be comprised of rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, wherein when dental device is inserted between an upper set and lower set of the patient's teeth, the dental device may maintain the patient's mouth in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Reza Arzegar
  • Publication number: 20170258542
    Abstract: A disposable cover used to protect preexisting affixed safety straps on medical equipment. The cover includes: 2 protective panels and hoop and loop fasteners on the inside for securing the cover to the preexisting affixed strap and hook and loop fasteners on the outer surface to allow the cover to secure to the opposing cover. This disposable protective cover is slipped over the preexisting affixed safety straps that are attached to the medical equipment prior to being used to secure a patients' body/limb to the medical equipment for a procedure, allowing the strap to be protected from infectious fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Melissa Marie Grenier
  • Publication number: 20170258543
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical drape configured to selectively allow or block a patient's view of the surgical field, as is desired in Caesarean section operations. Generally, the drape includes a main sheet, a substantially transparent sheet attached to the main sheet proximal the patient's head, and a substantially opaque screen attached to the patient-facing side of the substantially transparent sheet. This substantially opaque screen occludes the patient's visual access through the substantially transparent sheet but may be at least partially removed to permit the patient viewing access through the substantially transparent sheet towards the area of the surgery, without compromising the sterility of the surgical field. Desirably, the drape is provided with an adhesive strip disposed on the sheet or screen to permit reconnection to thereby again occlude the patient's view through the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Spencer Chua, Michael Seefeldt
  • Publication number: 20170258544
    Abstract: A surgical drape includes a center section having an operating window and extending longitudinally from a head end to a foot end, and a side section positioned on each longitudinal side of the center section. The side sections may be at least partially transparent. An elastic band extends through outermost ends of the side sections and across the foot end of the center section, and at least one surgical fluid collection pocket is disposed adjacent the operating window. Additional features of the drape may include a warming bladder and/or an extension section that is expandable to cover a machine adjacent the drape, such as an x-ray fluoroscope machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Said G. Osman
  • Publication number: 20170258545
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a water-resistant VAD bag including an upper unit having the shape of a cylinder, a lower unit having the shape of a cylinder, a controller sleeve, a battery sleeve, two inserted sleeves positioned in between the controller sleeve and the battery sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an inner layer. The upper unit includes a first elongated strap with a clip and second elongated strap without a clip, a cover on top of the upper unit with a handle sewn into the cover, and a zipper around a bottom of the cover. The lower unit includes a connecting strap and a third elongated strap with a receptacle for the clip on the first elongated strap from the upper unit, where the zipper is on the top of the lower unit, and where the connecting strap and second elongated strap are sewn into the lower unit and the upper unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Custom Design and Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Dumesnil