Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9795345Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Patent number: 9795346Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a radiopaque shield affixed to a medical device hangar. Such systems and methods reduce radiation exposure to circulating medical staff during fluoroscopy procedures and reduce equipment clutter and cost.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Trans-Radial Solutions LLCInventors: Barney C. Wasson, Jr., Andrew W. Shealy, James E. Conner
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Patent number: 9795347Abstract: A scanning system for three-dimensional imaging comprises a bench, a gantry frame, a light source, a sensor and a control unit. The bench is to support a subject to be scanned. The gantry frame is movably mounted at a lateral side of the bench. The light source is movably mounted on the gantry frame so as to emit a light for a radiographic purpose. The sensor is movably mounted at a side of the bench, by opposing to the subject with respect to the bench, so as to receive the light emitted from the light source. The control unit is electrically coupled with the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor so as thereby to perform motion controls upon the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUANInventors: Meei-Ling Jan, Sheng-Pin Tseng
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Patent number: 9795348Abstract: In a medical viewing system having an X-ray image acquisition device a data processing unit is adapted for generating two different views on a three-dimensional image set, wherein a first view is corresponding to the viewing direction of the X-ray image acquisition device and a second view has a rotational offset to the first viewing direction. The first view may include live X-ray images, e.g. for monitoring a stent placement. The second view 10 supports a clinician to unambiguously judge whether ostia connection points may be blocked that are not clearly visible in anterior-posterior images.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Daniel Simon Anna Ruijters
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Patent number: 9795349Abstract: A method for setting a scanning protocol and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes: creating a plain film positioning image; receiving a point or a line or a region of interest on the plain film positioning image input by an operator; generating a region to be matched, based on the point or the line or the region of interest; determining whether there is pre-stored reference image having a matching degree greater than a preset threshold by comparing pre-stored reference images with the region to be matched; obtaining a reference image in the case that the reference image has a matching degree greater than the preset threshold; selecting a scanning protocol corresponding to the reference image based on a preset correspondence between reference images and scanning protocols; and completing a setting of the scanning protocol in the case that there is the scanning protocol corresponding to the reference image.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Shanshan Lou, Changkun Liu
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Patent number: 9795350Abstract: A method and system to determine material composition of an object comprises capturing a series of digital radiographic images of the object using a single exposure energy level. An intensity of the captured images is determined as well as phase shift differences. A difference in material composition of the object may be determined based on a combination of the determined intensity and the modulated phase shifts of the captured images.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Pavlo Baturin, Mark E. Shafer
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Patent number: 9795351Abstract: A three-dimensional cardiac image segmentation method and apparatus are provided according to examples of the present disclosure. The method includes: searching from layers of cardiac computerized tomography CT images to obtain a layer of cardiac CT image located between a heart bottom portion and a heart upper portion as a first key layer; searching on the first key layer to obtain a boundary of the heart as a contour of the heart bottom portion, and generating a curved surface model based on the contour of the heart bottom portion and a lowest point of the heart bottom portion as a heart bottom model; searching layers of cardiac CT images above the first key layer to obtain boundaries of the heart as a contour of the heart upper portion, and generating a curved surface model based on the contour of the heart upper portion as a heart upper model.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: SHENYANG NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Bingsheng Li, Wei He
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Patent number: 9795352Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of X-ray projection images generated through a angiographic imaging sequence, a generation unit which, based on the data, generates a reference time density curve concerning a reference region which is set as a blood supply region, and time density curves concerning perfusion regions which are set as a blood supplied region, a measurement unit which measures delay times for which a contrast medium reaches the perfusion regions from the reference region, from relationships between the reference time density curve and the time density curves, a calculation unit which calculates, respectively for the perfusion regions, first indices expressing correlations of the time density curves to the reference time density curve within a period determined on the basis of the delay times, and a first image generation unit which generates a first image expressing spatial distribution of the first indices.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Takuya Sakaguchi, Takashi Ichihara, Masanori Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9795353Abstract: According to embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector including a scintillator generating scintillation light upon incidence of X-ray photons and a photodetection element, a peak value detector detecting peak values corresponding to X-ray photons based on an output signal from the element, processing circuitry determining an attenuation characteristic of the light by each X-ray photon and an output decreased characteristic of the element, based on the values and time when each peak value was detected, correcting the detected values according to the characteristics, a counter counting the X-ray photons corresponding to the respective corrected peak values, wherein the processing circuitry reconstructs a medical image based on an output from the counter.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Manabu Teshigawara
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Patent number: 9795354Abstract: A method and apparatus for Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography, (CBCT) is configured to increase the maximum Field-Of-View (FOV) through a composite scanning protocol and includes acquisition and reconstruction of multiple volumes related to partially overlapping different anatomic areas, and the subsequent stitching of those volumes, thereby obtaining, as a final result, a single final volume having dimensions larger than those otherwise provided by the geometry of the acquisition system.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: CEFLA SOCIETÁ COOPERATIVAInventors: Gloria Menegaz, Roberto Morsiani, Bruno Rivalta, Carlo Sandri, Flavio Simonetti
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Patent number: 9795355Abstract: A dynamic CT imaging method is provided. With the method, projection measurement data for a region of an examination object to be imaged is captured, with simultaneous correlated capture of the respiratory movement of the examination object. A phase of the respiratory movement, for which image data is to be reconstructed, is selected. Phase projection measurement data assigned to the selected phase is also determined. Transition regions of partial images of the region to be imaged between successive respiratory cycles are then reconstructed on a trial basis based on a part of the phase projection measurement data, and a standard reconstruction is performed using parts of the phase projection measurement data for each of the successive respiratory cycles assigned to an optimum reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Christian Hofmann
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Patent number: 9795356Abstract: An imaging system allows for modification of data acquisition parameters, where the parameters affect dose distribution. The system includes a library of exams, and a computer programmed to obtain a set of scanning parameters for image data acquisition and image reconstruction, obtain scan data from the library of exams that is based on a similarity metric for a patient to be scanned, simulate a new scan of the patient using the obtained scan data and using the obtained set of scanning parameters, and generate a new set of scanning parameters based on the simulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Brian E. Nett, Roy A. Nilsen, Grant M. Stevens
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Patent number: 9795357Abstract: The present invention relates to providing guiding information for operating an X-ray imaging system. In order to provide an improved positioning distance control facilitating the work flow, an X-ray imaging system (10) is provided, comprising a moveable X-ray source (12) and/or a moveable X-ray detector (14). The system further comprises a plurality of object-surface detecting sensors (16), a positioning detection arrangement (18), a processing unit (20), and a display unit (22). The sensors are arranged such to detect object data of objects located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The positioning detection arrangement is provided to detect the current position of the X-ray source and/or the X-ray detector and the position of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Bart Carelsen, Peter Belei
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Patent number: 9795358Abstract: An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATIONInventors: Valery G. Telfort, Predrag Pudar, Dimitar Dimitrov, Phi Trang, Ammar Al-Ali
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Patent number: 9795359Abstract: An apparatus for performing measurements in an artery includes a Doppler catheter, comprising a Doppler transducer and a wire connected to the Doppler transducer; and an elongated catheter body having a conduit therein for housing the wire of the Doppler catheter. The body has a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the wire is movable in the conduit relative to the catheter body so that the Doppler transducer and the wire are capable of being threaded into said conduit at the proximal end after the distal end of the catheter has been inserted into the artery, until the Doppler transducer emerges outside the conduit at the distal end of said body for performing ultrasound measurements in the artery. Another embodiment employs at least an additional side transducer for measuring the cross-sectional dimension of the artery useful for computing blood flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventor: Nadarasa Visveshwara
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Patent number: 9795360Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a receiving section to receive ultrasound waves from an object and to acquire a receiving signal of each of multiple channels; a beam forming section to adjust a phase of the receiving signal of each of multiple channels and to sum the receiving signals; an image producing section to produce image data to display an ultrasound diagnostic image based on the receiving signals summed by the beam forming section; a transmission target selecting section to select one from at least two of the receiving signal for each of multiple channels, the receiving signals summed by the beam forming section, and the image data as a transmission target; and a transmitting section to transmit the transmission target selected by the transmission target selecting section.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventor: Yoshiki Katou
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Patent number: 9795361Abstract: A device for assisting with the handling of an instrument or tool, the device comprising a jointed mechanical structure on a support, wherein an instrument or tool may be attached, motor drives configured to actuate the jointed mechanical structure, according to a number of degrees of freedom of less than that which the structure provides to the instrument or tool, and an automatic control, wherein the automatic control drives the motor drives in order to facilitate the meeting of a constraint on position and/or velocity parameters of the instrument or tool, which constraint the motor drives by themselves, independently of handling by an operator, cannot entirely meet.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Anja Marx, Guillaume Morel, Marie-Aude Vitrani, Serge Louis Wilfrid Muller, R{hacek over (a)}zvan Gabriel Iordache
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Patent number: 9795362Abstract: Embodiments of portable cranial anatomy injury evaluation systems, apparatus, and methods are described generally herein where the system and apparatus may include multiple signal generation devices including photonic, acoustic, and electrical signals. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventors: Brian Kelleher, Kabir Gambhir
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Patent number: 9795363Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes: an imaging unit which forms images of a subject; a motion detection region setting unit which selects a first image from among the images which include images of the ultrasound contrast agent, selects a second image from among the images which do not include images of the ultrasound contrast agent, and sets, as a motion detection region, a region in which an amount of image change between the first image and the second image is smaller than a predetermined amount; and an output unit which outputs, as the ultrasound diagnostic image, the second image on which a position adjustment has been performed to match a position of the motion detection region set by the motion detection region setting unit and a position of a region included in the second image and similar in an image feature to the motion detection region.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventor: Kazuya Takagi
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Patent number: 9795364Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an ultrasonic image, a first calculation unit which calculates directions of edges in a local region in the ultrasonic image, sizes of the edges in the local region, and directional uniformity of the edges in the local region, a second calculation unit which calculates a composite coefficient by using the sizes of the edges and the directional uniformity of the edges, a third calculation unit which calculates a filtering coefficient for a region corresponding to the local region based on the composite coefficient, and a filtering unit which performs filtering processing for sharpening or smoothing the ultrasonic image with respect to the ultrasonic image by using the filtering coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Ryota Osumi
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Patent number: 9795365Abstract: An apparatus for use with a minimally invasive medical procedure into human breast tissue includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes an open distal end, a lateral opening proximate to the open distal end, and a longitudinal lumen communicating with the lateral opening and the open distal end. The lumen has a non-circular cross-section. The obturator is sized for insertion into the cannula. The obturator has a distal end extending from the open distal end of the cannula when the obturator is inserted fully into the cannula. The obturator has a recess proximate of the distal end of the obturator. The recess is positioned along a portion of the length of the obturator to align with the lateral opening of the cannula when the obturator is inserted fully into the cannula.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Mark Tsonton, Timothy G. Dietz, John A. Hibner, Jessica Pyzoha Leimbach, Michael J. Andreyko, Keshava Datta, Michael A. Murray
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Patent number: 9795366Abstract: A wound closure device comprises a first frame and a flexible tubular section connected to the first frame, the first frame implantable through a wound in a patient's skin into a lumen of a blood vessel with a portion of the tubular section extending out through the skin. The tubular section has a first portion and a second portion, a wall of the tubular section defining a coaxial inner bore. Twisting the first portion relative to the second portion of the tubular section closes the bore is closed in an area of the tubular section between the first and second portions, thereby closing the wound. Also disclosed is an embodiment for closing an opening in a heart, as well as a delivery device, systems, and methods.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventor: David M. Taylor
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Patent number: 9795367Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures and one or more pressure sensors for determining and monitoring pressure on neural structures near the tissue dilation assembly or the tissue retraction assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: James Coleman Lee, Thomas Scholl, James Gharib, Luiz Pimenta
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Patent number: 9795368Abstract: A retractor, particularly for cranial surgery, having two articulated parts that can be pivoted relative to each other about a rotary axis, wherein each articulated part has a handle part on the proximal end and a retracting element on the distal end, wherein a section of each articulated part spans a plane and wherein a clamping arm is arranged on at least one of the articulated parts. The clamping arm has multiple tensioning elements, which are threaded onto a traction cable and engage with each other and can be tilted and rotated relative to each other, wherein the clamping arm is arranged about a pivotal axis and the pivotal axis is connected to the articulated part by an arm arranged in a plane, wherein the arm is aligned outwards from the articulated part and the pivot axis is positioned in the plane at a distance from the articulated part.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Fehling Instruments GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Guido Fehling
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Patent number: 9795369Abstract: A medical device of the present invention includes one or more anchors and an elongated member. Advantageously, the elongated member may be coupled to the anchors. The elongated member and anchors are configured to generate a force on a mesentery. The force is sufficient to retract a bowel of the patient into an upper portion of an abdominal cavity of the patient. When the patient is in a slightly angled position, the weight of the medical device pulls the mesentery into the upper abdomen. Since the bowel is connected to the mesentery, the device also indirectly pulls up the bowel. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. In others, the device may also inversely retract the mesentery and attached organs into the lower abdomen to facilitate surgical access to the upper abdomen. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventors: Prabhat Kumar Ahluwalia, Puja Ahluwalia
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Patent number: 9795370Abstract: This application describes a surgical retractor and related methods for providing access to a surgical target site for the purpose performing minimally invasive spinal fusion across one or more segments of the spinal column.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Casey James O'Connell, James Coleman Lee, Ali A. Shorooghi
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Patent number: 9795371Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
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Patent number: 9795372Abstract: An intervertebral disc repair system comprises an implant and a delivery tool configured to deploy the implant at least partially in a vertebral body of a patient. The implant includes an anchor member and an adjustable suture assembly coupled thereto. The delivery tool includes a proximal handle, an outer tubular member extending distally from the handle, a needle cannula slidably received within the outer tubular member having a sharpened tip for penetrating tissue (e.g., the vertebral body), an inner pusher member slidably received within the needle cannula, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the handle for selectively retracting the needle cannula relative to the outer tubular member and the inner pusher member. At least the anchor member of the implant is releasably received within the needle cannula.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: KRT INVESTORS, INC.Inventors: Dale Brady, Lawrence W. Wales, Ishmael Bentley
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Patent number: 9795373Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical repair construct includes an anchor, a filament having a snare formed on one end and a collapsible loop on another end, and a suture having a plurality of stationary protrusions formed therein. The suture is configured to be coupled to detached tissue and have its ends passed through an opening in the snare. The snare can be collapsed around the suture such that at least one of the suture protrusions is proximal of the collapsed snare. The anchor can be disposed in bone and the filament coupled thereto. Accordingly, collapsing the snare around the suture couples the tissue to bone, and applying tension to a tensioning limb of the filament can collapse the collapsible loop to incrementally tighten and secure the tissue to bone. Other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRLInventor: Mehmet Sengun
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Patent number: 9795374Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Tenjin LLCInventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Patent number: 9795375Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to an apparatus for suturing a tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a thread threaded in the outer tube and at least one anchoring element located inside the outer tube and configured to be inserted into the tissue from an outlet end of the outer tube. The outer tube is configured to freely accommodate the thread and the at least one anchoring element, and the anchoring element includes a body adapted to be threaded on the thread and having at least locking element for locking the thread to the anchoring element.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: ANCHORA MEDICAL LTD.Inventors: Avraham Rami Lore, Yuval Gonen
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Patent number: 9795376Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
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Patent number: 9795377Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
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Patent number: 9795378Abstract: A method for approximating a wound using a uni-directional, barbed wound closure device having a needle and a stop element. The method includes taking a first pass by entering intact tissue at a location in proximity to the first apex and exiting in intact tissue at a location away from and above said first apex, pulling the wound closure device until the stop element is seated above the tissue plane, moving back toward the first apex and taking at least a second pass in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first pass at a location above or adjacent to the first apex, moving in a direction toward the second apex, approximating the wound using a continuous suturing pattern, moving toward the first apex, taking at least two passes across the wound, and cutting off a free end of the wound closure device in proximity to a surface of the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Nawrocki, Heather Nonnenmann
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Patent number: 9795379Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Ryan J. Laurent, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Jason E. Zerkle
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Patent number: 9795380Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. In general, the devices and methods can be configured to increase a moment arm of the end effector, thereby increasing a closure force of the end effector. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can include a closure mechanism configured to provide an increased moment arm at the device's end effector, such as at a proximal end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9795381Abstract: A stapling system comprising a housing is disclosed. The housing comprises a first rotatable drive disk. The stapling system further comprises a closure member configured to transmit a closing motion from the first rotatable drive disk to an anvil to move the anvil into a closed position. The stapling system further comprises a second rotatable drive disk, wherein the second rotatable drive disk is operable independently of the first rotatable drive disk and is configured to transmit a second operative motion. The stapling system further comprises a firing member configured to perform a firing stroke in response to the second operative motion. The stapling system further comprises a control system that assures that the closing motion and the firing stroke are separate and distinct and that prevents the firing stroke from occurring prior to the completion of the closing motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 9795382Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly that comprises a cartridge body, a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of fastener cavities, a slot configured to receive a cutting member, a row of first fasteners, a row of second fasteners, a first fastener driver, a second fastener driver, and a sled is disclosed. The sled comprises a first ramp configured to lift said first fastener driver and said first fastener toward an anvil. The anvil and said first fastener driver are configured to cooperatively deform said first fastener to a first fired height. The sled further comprises a second ramp configured to lift said second fastener driver and said second fastener toward the anvil. The anvil and said second fastener driver are configured to cooperatively deform said second fastener to a second fired height. The second fired height is different than said first fired height.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 9795383Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph H. Contiliano, Michael S. Cropper, Eugene L. Timperman, Cortney E. Henderson, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 9795384Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be arranged in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a gap setting element which can be configured to control the distance between the anvil, the support portion, and/or the tissue thickness compensator.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 9795385Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a receiver member and deployment member for clamping and sealing tissue of variable thickness, a corresponding applicator tool and surgical system for connecting, sealing, fastening and/or attaching tissue to itself, to other tissue and/or to non-tissue structures, and/or sealing the flow of fluid at and/or between structures such as tissue and vessel structures.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLCInventors: Ryan Abbott, Robert Pearson, Monroe C. Stewart, Jr.
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Patent number: 9795386Abstract: A multiple band endoscopic ligation device comprises a single pull string and a plurality of beads positioned on said pull string and between each successive band. The device is configured to be coupled to the distal end of an endoscope and is used to deploy multiple elastic bands around target tissues to be ligated. The device includes a tapered cylindrical body about which a plurality of elastic bands are stretched and positioned. The pull string includes multiple sets of two beads fixed to the string wherein one bead is placed directly behind and in contact with the other. The string is wrapped around the device's body and under each band such that at least one pair of beads is positioned between the elastic bands and one pair of beads is positioned proximally to the most proximal band. As the string is pulled, the beads push the bands sequentially off the distal end of the device and around a tissue to be ligated.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Endochoice, Inc.Inventor: David Joseph Knotts
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Patent number: 9795387Abstract: Several embodiments are set forth of devices, systems and methods for modifying an atrial appendage such as a left atrial appendage (LAA). In one embodiment, a medical device includes a frame member and a tissue growth member. The frame member includes a unitary, seamless central portion having a plurality of struts defining a multi-cellular structure and an anchoring system, the plurality of struts extending between and configured to self-expand and directly bias the anchor system to anchor the frame member at least partially within the LAA. With this arrangement, the tissue growth member is attached to the frame member to occlude the LAA.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Coherex Medical, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Miles, Richard J. Linder, Clark C. Davis, Brian K. Whisenant, Daryl R. Edmiston, DeWayne C. Fox
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Patent number: 9795388Abstract: The invention relates to an aneurysm coil that is made up of a single wire of a noncircular cross-sectional shape. The wire is coiled in a helical configuration to have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the wire does not have a round outer surface. The aneurysm coil of the present invention is designed to encourage cellular adhesion and tissue growth along the coil surface by employing a wire having a substantially non-circular cross sectional area, such as a T shape, a triangle, square, rectangle, oval, pentagon, hexagon, septagon, octagon, star, rhombus, as well as a variety of non-geometric shapes. The use of a wire having such a cross sectional shape promotes endothelial cells to adhere and grow within the gaps created by the juxtaposition of the wire forming a coil, thus anchoring the coil to its intended location, promoting thrombosis, endothelial growth across the opening of the aneurysm, and eventual healing of the aneurysm.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventor: Avery Evans
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Patent number: 9795389Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering embolic devices into a body lumen of a patient. These embolic devices are applicable to a variety of neurological and/or peripheral applications. In particular, the embolic devices may be used to occlude a vessel within a patient, and/or to treat aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, traumatic fistulas, uterine fibroids or cancer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Elliott
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Patent number: 9795390Abstract: A hemostatic clip comprises a clamping assembly and a clip base. The clamping assembly comprises a clip body and a steel wire buckle sequentially connected; a fixed hinge pin is arranged at the front end of the clip base, the clip body consists of two clamping arms, the tail ends of the two clamping arms are connected through a movable hinge pin, the middle part of each of the two clamping arms is provided with a chute, the fixed hinge pin penetrates through the chutes, and the two clamping arms reciprocate along the chutes so that the clip body can be opened and closed; a bent structure is arranged at the tail end of each chute; and when the clamping arms move to make the fixed hinge pin be located in the bent structures, the two clamping arms are located in the locked and closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MICRO-TECH (NANJING) CO., LTDInventors: Hongyan Jin, Zhi Tang, Mingqiao Fan, Ran Song
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Patent number: 9795391Abstract: Tissue compression devices having a tension limiting strap retainer and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices described herein may include a strap retainer that is attached to a base by an elastic member that is configured to draw the strap retainer towards the base. The tissue compression devices described herein may also include a tension indicator that extends between the base of the tissue compression device and strap retainer. The tension indicator may be configured to limit the travel distance of the strap retainer away from the base in response to forces acting on the strap retainer. The tension indicator may also provide visual feedback to a user of the tension force in a strap to attach the tissue compression device to a patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Sanaz Saatchi, Conor Flannery, Mark Hoff, John Lai, Brian Joseph Mason, Yusuke Miyashita, Remy O'Leary Pieron
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Patent number: 9795392Abstract: A method for preparing bone to receive a prosthetic implant, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, positioning a bone preparation guide assembly on a bone, reaming the bone through a first cut opening of the bone preparation guide assembly, dividing the first cut opening into at least two distinct slots and making cuts in the bone through the at least two distinct slots.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.Inventor: Eric Zajac
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Patent number: 9795393Abstract: Patient-matched surgical instruments and associated methods having an anatomy facing side including several discrete, physically separate anatomy contacting portions configured to match the anatomy of a particular patient and including one or more of non-uniform in distribution, non-uniform in shape and non-uniform in surface area.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Michael Dean Hughes, Abraham Biglari Salehi, Aashiish Agnihotri, Luke Andrew Gibson, David L. Evans, Jeffrey A. Sharp, Thomas S. Wolfe
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Patent number: 9795394Abstract: A method for placing an implant on a patient in a robotic surgical procedure using a robotic system. During the robotic surgical procedure, a navigation system tracks the patient. The navigation system also provides information to the robotic system to guide movement of a cutting tool to remove material from the patient such that a cut surface is created to receive the implant. The implant is then robotically placed on the cut surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: BONUTTI SKELETAL INNOVATIONS LLCInventor: Peter M. Bonutti