Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9795445
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a manipulator are provided. A manipulator controller measures an actual torque and calculates an expected torque for at least one joint motor of the manipulator. The manipulator controller computes a backdrive force for the at least one joint motor based on the actual torque and expected torque. A surgical tool of the manipulator is modeled as a virtual rigid body. The manipulator controller computes a total force or torque to apply to the virtual rigid body based on the backdrive force. The manipulator controller determines a target position of the surgical instrument based on the total force or torque and commands positioning of the joint motors to advance the surgical instrument to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Gene Bowling
  • Patent number: 9795446
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon P. DiMaio, Christopher J. Hasser, Russell H. Taylor, David Q. Larkin, Peter Kazanzides, Anton Deguet, Balazs Peter Vagvolgyi, Joshua Leven
  • Patent number: 9795447
    Abstract: A robotic catheter device cartridge may include a finger or a slider block generally disposed in a channel and engaged with a steering wire. The steering wire may control movement of a component having the steering wire engaged thereto when the finger or the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction. The cartridge may be a transseptal cartridge having a transseptal needle connected thereto, a catheter cartridge having a catheter connected thereto, or a sheath cartridge having a sheath connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Kirschenman, Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 9795448
    Abstract: A surgery robot according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a position transformation unit having at least one portion which can be introduced into the body, wherein the position transformation unit is formed into a plurality of joints so as to be capable of positional transformation; a surgery unit which is coupled to the position transformation unit and the position of which is transformed along with the position transformation of the position transformation unit, wherein a surgery section is mounted on one portion of the distal end thereof for performing surgery on an affected area; and a driving unit which generates a driving force for the positional transformation of the position transformation unit, wherein the driving unit may have a driving section and a driving transmission section which adjusts the position of one of the joints with respect to another of the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jae Sung Hong, Byung Sik Cheon
  • Patent number: 9795449
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and methods of use. The surgical instrument can include a control portion having a plurality of tubular shaft portions and a plurality of control rods. Each of the plurality of tubular shaft portions can have a diameter of less than or equal to about 2.5 mm. At least one of the plurality of control rods can extend through each of the plurality of shaft portions. The surgical instrument can also include a tool portion having a plurality of tool rods and a plurality of tool cables. Each of the plurality of tool cables can be connected to one of the plurality of control rods. Further, each of the tool rods can be removably connected to one of the plurality of control rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FACULTY PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
    Inventor: Dalton Duane Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9795450
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for ablating cardiac tissue of a subject. The apparatus comprises an inflatable element, configured to be transthoracically placed within a pericardial region of the subject and a reflection-facilitation element, configured to deliver a fluid to the pericardial region, such that a portion of the fluid is disposed within the inflatable element, and another portion of the fluid is disposed outside of the inflatable element and inside the pericardial region. The apparatus additionally comprises at least one ultrasound transducer, configured to be transcatheterally placed in a heart chamber of the subject, and to apply ultrasound energy such that at least a portion of the applied energy is reflected by the fluid. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: RAINBOW MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Liat Tsoref, Yossi Gross
  • Patent number: 9795451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Jeffrey Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Patent number: 9795452
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus for a subretinal injection into an eye includes a 3D imaging device configured to generate a 3D image of a retina and a choroid of the eye. The apparatus has a planning device for inputting at least one set position for an injection instrument to be used for the injection. The set position is a location indication in the 3D image. The apparatus includes a 2D imaging device to generate a surface image of the retina and supplement the image to form a supplemented image, via the 2D imaging device ascertaining in the surface image at least one location which, in the surface image, corresponds to the at least one set position indicated in the 3D image, and inserting into the surface image at least one mark that corresponds to the ascertained at least one location. A display device displays the supplemented image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Hartkens, Abouzar Eslami
  • Patent number: 9795453
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information maybe stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 9795454
    Abstract: The invention describes a retaining and positioning device of a surgical instrument and/or of an endoscope for minimally invasive surgery, more particularly for use within a surgical robot system, including a first axis of rotation, around which a retaining element can be rotated. The first axis of rotation always intersects with a longitudinal axis of at least one surgical instrument and/or of an endoscope in a pivotal point by means of a thrust drive being attached to the retaining element, to which thrust drive an instrument drive unit can be rotatably arranged around the pivotal point. The instrument drive unit has a telescopic arrangement via which the surgical instrument can be moved in a translational manner along the longitudinal axis thereof by means of a guide arrangement in the body in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument is variably adjustable relative to the telescopic arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: avateramedical GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Seeber, Andreas Karguth, Christian Trommer
  • Patent number: 9795455
    Abstract: A radiographic marker containing a sensing medium that initially includes a gas and liquid mixture for producing increased signal intensity in a first imaging modality. The radiographic marker can have a permeable portion allowing the exchange of the gases or liquids of the sensing medium to be changed or exchanged for at least a second fluid in the surrounding tissue to reduce the bubbles or air pockets created by the gas portion of the sensing medium. The change or exchange of gas for the second liquid in the radiographic marker produces a detectable signal intensity of the radiographic marker in a second imaging modality different from the first imaging modality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Breast-Med, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Bolan, Mark C. Gross, Daniel A. Halpern, Michael T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9795456
    Abstract: An orthodontic system includes an orthodontic bracket that defines an arch wire slot. The bracket includes a gear system, a motor to drive the gear system, and an integrated circuit to control the motor, an arch wire placed in the arch wire slot, and a computer server to send instructions to the integrated circuit in the orthodontic bracket. The integrated circuit is configured to control the motor according to the instructions from the computer server to drive the gear system to apply a force to the arch wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Naif Bindayel
  • Patent number: 9795457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental drill that has a shank (1) and a work section. The shank contains a centrally arranged, continuous first channel (3). The work section contains one or more continuous, spiral-shaped further channels (4a, 4b). The first channel and the further channels open into a common chamber (5) connecting the shank and the work section. The shank is sintered with the work section in order to form a one-piece, sintered component that encloses the chamber connecting the shank and the work section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Arno Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 9795458
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a dental prosthesis and methods of use thereof. According to some embodiments, a dental prosthesis includes a dental implant surgical guide, a prosthesis base, a prosthesis cover, at least one implant configured to be inserted through the dental implant surgical guide and the prosthesis base into a dental surgical site; and at least one implant fastener configured to attach to the at least one implant. A prosthesis base may include: a base bottom configured to sit adjacent to a dental surgical site, and a base top including a base recess, the base recess including at least one base aperture. In some embodiments, the dental implant surgical guide is configured to sit within a base recess. A prosthesis cover, in some embodiments, may include a cover recess configured to encapsulate at least a portion of the dental implant surgical guide within the base recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Llop
  • Patent number: 9795459
    Abstract: Medical instruments, particularly, endodontic instruments with unique limited memory characteristics, and methods for making such instruments. One embodiment includes heat treating a finished endodontic instrument. A related embodiment includes electropolishing a finished endodontic instrument and then heat treating the endodontic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: D & S Dental, LLC
    Inventors: Derek E. Heath, Steven J. A. Treadway, Bobby J. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9795460
    Abstract: A tooth-positioning appliance for closing spaces has at least two appliance segments, each segment having a thin elastomeric shell with recesses for removably engaging a set of teeth, and tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging bonded attachments protruding from the teeth. One of the appliance segments includes a flat receptacle extending horizontally on the thin shell of the appliance segment, and the other appliance segment has a thin elongated tab extending laterally from the second appliance segment spanning the space to be closed, and in sliding engagement with the flat receptacle of the other appliance segment. An activating element is connected between the appliance segments to exert a force to change the size of the space between the sets of teeth as the tab slides with respect to the flat receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Martin G. Martz, Andrew S. Martz
  • Patent number: 9795461
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Shiva Sambu, Rene M. Sterental, Eric Kuo, Mauricio de Alencar Casa
  • Patent number: 9795462
    Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: EZ Tray LLC
    Inventors: James V. Crivello, Lewis R Morrison
  • Patent number: 9795463
    Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base acrylic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Larell Surgical Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Norman Wallace
  • Patent number: 9795464
    Abstract: A dental syringe device that provides air and water to a dental patient. The device includes an adapter that connects a dental tip to a dental syringe body. The dental syringe body provides a conventional syringe body with a handle for a dentist to hold onto and a source of air and water. The tip delivers the air and water to the dental patient. The adapter is an improved adapter having a unique release and attachment component allowing for a quick connect and disconnect between the dental syringe body and the tip. The tip advantageously includes an inner portion with large and uniform air channels for smooth transfer of air and an outer portion made from a rigid plastic that provides an improved cheek retraction feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PAC-DENT INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Wang, Taosheng Hu, Bo Tao, Xiao Yang
  • Patent number: 9795465
    Abstract: A refill head (100), and oral care implement incorporating the same, wherein the refill head (100) can be uncoupled from a stem (220) of a handle (200) by withdrawing the refill head (100) from the stem of a handle (200) along the longitudinal axis of the oral care implement, which results in locking members (134) on the refill head (100) disengaging from an engagement rib (230) on the stem (220). The locking members (134) and engagement rib (230) may be aligned with or angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the oral care implement. A portion of the stem may be visible through a portion of the refill head to reinforce the proper connection between the refill head and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph E. Fattori
  • Patent number: 9795466
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a phototherapy device that can deliver light to tissues to activate photoactive agents that have been applied to the tissues or that are included within a fiber optic tip member of the device which may be coupled to a light source using a sleeve. The present disclosure also relates to methods of phototherapy using the phototherapy device such as anti-bactericidal treatment, anti-fungal treatment, anti-parasitic treatment, anti-viral treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KLOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Remigio Piergallini, Nikolaos Loupis, Lise Hébert
  • Patent number: 9795467
    Abstract: An osteotome for sinus lift procedures includes a body interchangeable with various handles. The body includes a shaft that is releasably received into the handle, and a tip portion. The tip portion may be directly utilized for ridge expansion/bone compression, or a succession of tip members may instead be received thereon to provide suitable diameter escalation to create the socket. A conduit in the tip portion interconnects with a conduit in a hydration port and a conduit in a tip member. A hose couples the hydration port to a syringe, to deliver fluid out the tip member to lift the membrane. Graduated syringe markings permit delivery of measured fluid quantities to control the amount of lift. A second hydration port is coupled to a graduated cylinder through a valve, which is opened after lifting is complete, to measure the fluid released. A loss of fluid measured indicates a sinus tear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Pavel Krastev
  • Patent number: 9795468
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: James R. Mujwid, John E. Titus
  • Patent number: 9795469
    Abstract: A surgical implant (100) comprises a mesh-like, flexible basic structure (104) having a center area and an outer periphery (120), wherein the outer periphery (120) has a polygonal shape with N corners (122), N being at least 3. The implant (100) may comprise at least two pockets (124), each pocket (124) extending from a peripheral line which connects two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104) towards the center area of the basic structure (104). The center area of the basic structure (104) can be marked by a center marking (130), wherein directional indicators (132) point from the center marking (130) to at least two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Harms, Susan Cooper, Dajana Kaiser, Christoph Walther
  • Patent number: 9795470
    Abstract: Filtration systems with integrated filter element(s) forming portions of the wall of the filtration catheter are disclosed. The filtration catheters disclosed herein are designed to be used alone or in conjunction with another filter device to provide embolic protection of both carotid arteries. Occlusive element such as balloon is placed on the exterior of the filtration catheter to redirect blood flow in the vessels during the filtration process as well as to help anchor the filtration catheter inside the vessel. The integrated filter element(s) does not require collapsing thus significantly reduces the complexity of the filtration system retrieval process and the chances of releasing emboli back into the blood stream. The compact design of the filtration systems makes them particularly suitable for embolic protection during endovascular procedures on or close to the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Lumen Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kavitha Ganesan, Matthew F. Ogle
  • Patent number: 9795471
    Abstract: Provided are hybrid biomaterials comprising one or more layers of cross-linked poly(propylene fumarate) and/or cross-linked copolymer comprising a plurality of cross-linked propylene fumarate moieties. The layers may further comprise a plurality of microparticles, a plurality of micropores, or both a plurality of microparticles and a plurality of micropores encapsulated within the cross-linked poly(propylene fumarate) and/or cross-linked copolymer comprising a plurality of cross-linked propylene fumarate moieties. One of the layers is disposed on a compliant matrix dense tissue substrate (e.g., a pericardium tissue substrate). The hybrid biomaterials can be used, for example, in method of repairing tissue defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: University Of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: Laura Bracaglia, Poonam Sharma, John Patrick Fisher
  • Patent number: 9795472
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventors: William Culbertson, Mark Blumenkranz, David Angeley, George Marcellino, Michael Wiltberger, Dan Andersen
  • Patent number: 9795473
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens including an optic portion comprising an anterior surface and a posterior surface, a peripheral portion disposed radially relative to the optic portion and in communication with the optic portion and, the peripheral portion having a proximal portion secured to the optic portion and a free distal portion disposed away from the proximal portion, and a radially innermost surface of the peripheral portion, from the proximal portion to the free distal portion, follows a curved radially-outermost peripheral surface of the optic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PowerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Terah Whiting Smiley, David John Smith, Steven Choi, Henry Wu, John A. Scholl, Denise H. Burns
  • Patent number: 9795474
    Abstract: A hydrophilic intraocular lens storage system includes: a) a substantially air tight container containing a small quantity of free water; and b) a foldable hydrophilic intraocular lens disposed within the container at a location wherein the lens is not immersed in liquid. The storage system can be employed to maintain the hydrophilic intraocular lens in a foldable state without being immersed in liquid. The method includes the step of storing the foldable intraocular lens within a substantially air tight package containing free water, the lens being stored within the package at a location wherein the lens is not immersed in liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG, AAREN SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventors: Robert Glick, Jürgen Zimmermann, Marco Müller
  • Patent number: 9795475
    Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. In one aspect, the composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes a porous expanded fluoropolymer membrane and an elastomer, wherein the elastomer is present in the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Paul D. Gassler, Cody L. Hartman, Peter J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9795476
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly attached to the stent. The stent has a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end adapted to reside adjacent the aortic annulus of a patient. The proximal end of the stent is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine A. Pipenhagen
  • Patent number: 9795477
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Tri D. Tran, Ronaldo C. Cayabyab, David J. Evans, Sean Chow, Christopher Chia
  • Patent number: 9795478
    Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HLT, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Foster Wilson, Cassandra Ann Piippo Svendsen, Dale K. Nelson, John P. Gainor
  • Patent number: 9795479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant (300) by using at least one tension thread (11, 11?), wherein the apparatus (100) includes a shaft (1) including a reception area for receiving the implant (300), a tensioning device for altering a shape of the foldable and/or unfoldable implant (300) by the tension thread (11, 11?), and a clamping mechanism for clamping at least one section of at least one of the tension threads (11, 11?). The present invention further relates to a set and a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: VENUS MEDTECH (HANGZHOU), INC.
    Inventors: Hou-Sen Lim, Wolfgang Götz
  • Patent number: 9795480
    Abstract: Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus includes a stabilizing body that includes features to stabilize an axial position of the tool relative to the annulus, and an attachment device connected to the stabilizing body, the stabilizing body and the attachment device being movable relative to one another under control from a location remote from the tool. The support may have an expandable tubular body having a plurality of struts, a plurality of tissue anchors extending from distally facing apexes in a distal direction post-deployment, wherein axial distal advance of the implantable annulus support causes the plurality of tissue anchors to axially engage tissue, and the implantable annulus support is self-contractible from a radially enlarged engagement configuration for engaging tissue of the mitral valve annulus, to a reduced, deployed configuration for modifying mitral valve annulus geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Millipede, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Bolling, Jeremy A. Abbs, Brian A. Biancucci
  • Patent number: 9795481
    Abstract: An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Peter Tachi Callas, Pierluca Lombardi, Michael C. Stewart, Liming Lau, Mark S. Juravic, Evan Anderson, Joe Lamberti, Albert K. Chin, Tammy Wang
  • Patent number: 9795482
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the chordae connecting the leaflets of a mitral valve to the papillary muscles in order to restore normal functioning of the mitral valve. The devices or mechanisms can correct problems associated with both prolapsed leaflets and restricted leaflets to allow the leaflets to properly coapt, thereby preventing or minimizing regurgitation. In accordance with the invention, the mechanisms or devices used for adjusting the chordae can be delivered and implanted in a minimally invasive and/or percutaneous manner, such as via transapical methods, transfermoral methods, or trans-septal methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, Yueqiang Xue, Luke Hughes
  • Patent number: 9795483
    Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant includes a reinforcement component attached to a sheet component. The sheet component is formed as a porous and fibrous material. The implant is adapted to be implanted on an area of a penis having Peyronie's plaques excised. The implant will elongate during erection of the penis and contract when the penis returns to a flaccid state. The reinforcement component includes a longitudinal rod and a transverse connector, with the longitudinal rod providing column strength to the implant and the sheet component providing support for penile tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Sarah J. Deitch, Julie M. Kerkvliet
  • Patent number: 9795484
    Abstract: A pump adapted for use with an implantable penile prosthetic includes an inlet flow path formed in a pump body having a first portion communicating between a reservoir and an inlet valve and a second portion communicating between the inlet valve and the pump bulb. The inlet valve includes a spherical part having a groove formed on an exterior surface of the spherical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Daniel
  • Patent number: 9795485
    Abstract: An intersomatic cage, an intervertebral prosthesis, an anchoring device and an instrument for implantation of the cage or the prosthesis and the anchoring device are provided. An intersomatic cage or an intervertebral prosthesis fit closely to the anchoring device, which includes a body of elongated shape on a longitudinal axis, of curved shape describing, along the longitudinal axis, an arc whose dimensions and radius of curvature are designed in such a manner that the anchoring device may be implanted in the vertebral plate of a vertebra by presenting its longitudinal axis substantially along the plane of the intervertebral space, where the anchoring device is inserted, by means of the instrument, through a slot located in at least one peripheral wall of the cage or on at least one plate of the intervertebral disc prosthesis to penetrate into at least one vertebral plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LDR Medical
    Inventors: Jerome Allain, Jean Lombard, Jeff Phelps, Pierce Nunley, Charles Gordon, Vincent Leone, Michael Hisey
  • Patent number: 9795486
    Abstract: A spacer device for the two-step treatment of prosthesis infections, made from biologically compatible and porous material designed to allow the possibility of adding pharmaceutical products, active and/or therapeutic ingredients, includes a first portion designed to be fixed to a corresponding bone bed remaining from a previous implant, and a second portion designed to be inserted in a corresponding articular area of the patient, the first portion and the second portion being attached by adjustable connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TECRES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Faccioli, Renzo Soffiatti
  • Patent number: 9795487
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing, and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. In some instances, such systems and methods include a knee prosthesis that includes a femoral component for replacing at least a portion of a distal end of a femur. While the femoral component can include any feature, in some cases, it includes a condylar surface configured to articulate with an articular surface of a tibia. In some cases, the femoral component also includes a proximal extension that extends from a proximal, posterior portion of the condylar surface. In such cases, the proximal extension provides the femoral component with a concave articulation surface that is configured to articulate against a portion of the tibia. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Kent M. Samuelson, Conner E. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 9795488
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Active Implants LLC
    Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
  • Patent number: 9795489
    Abstract: A knee replacement system for enabling natural knee movement in a leg comprising a prosthetic is provided. The prosthetic includes a tibial portion at least partially implantable on a resected surface of a tibia; a plate portion attached to the tibial portion and at least partially implantable in a meniscal space; wherein the plate portion comprises a top surface having a medial recess and a lateral recess and a bottom surface attached to a top surface of the tibial portion wherein the tibial portion and the plate portion are one piece, wherein a medial side surface, a lateral side surface, a posterior side surface and an anterior side surface are attached to at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface and defining a medial side edge, a lateral side edge, a posterior side edge and an anterior side edge respectively, where in at least a portion of one of the medial side edge, lateral side edge, posterior side edge, and anterior side edge is oblique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: L&K BIOMED CO., LTD
    Inventor: Krishnachandra Chandrashanker Mehta
  • Patent number: 9795490
    Abstract: A glenosphere includes a body, a first surface, a second surface, a cavity defined within the body, and a plurality of channels. The body defines a central axis passing through the body. The first surface includes a first rim and a second rim. The first rim is positioned radially outward from the second rim relative to the central axis. The second surface extends from the first rim of the first surface. The second surface has a convex shape. The cavity has a perimeter defined by the second rim and is configured to receive an attachment structure attachable to a bone. The plurality of channels extend from the first surface through the body to the second surface. Each channel defines a first opening positioned on the first surface between the first rim and the second rim and defines a second opening positioned on the second surface. Each channel is configured to receive a bone fixation member configured to secure the glenosphere to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DJO GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Frankle, Sergio Gutierrez, Gerald Williams
  • Patent number: 9795491
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis (1) having at least one upper plateau (4, 4?) and at least one lower plateau (5, 5?), which are separated by two movable cores (6, 6?) whose lower face (62, 62?) and upper face (61, 61?) respectively match a concave surface (54, 54?) of the upper plateau (4, 4?) and a convex surface (44, 44?) of the lower plateau (5, 5?). An intervertebral prosthetic unit (10) is also described having an intervertebral disc prosthesis and a posterior articular prosthesis (11) provided with two adjacent and partially tangent articular blades (12, 13), which are each coupled to a vertebra (3, 3?) by coupling devices (14) and are connected by guide devices that allow them to move along a curve whose center C3 is provided on the same side as the implantation of said coupling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Stéphane Hansen
  • Patent number: 9795492
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved spinal implant which is useful in bone fixation surgeries. The spinal implant as described herein provides a surgeon with a device that can easily and safely be inserted into the space previously occupied by the spinal disc. The spinal implant contains one or more magnets positioned on or within the device to self-align with one or more additional spinal implants inserted therein for the purpose of preventing misalignment of a plurality of implant devices during surgical procedures and preventing implant expulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Walsh
  • Patent number: 9795493
    Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant including a first wall comprised of a male portion and a female portion in telescoping engagement with each other and a second wall comprised of a plurality of links, wherein the first wall and second wall are coupled to each other by hinges at each of the leading and trailing ends of the implant. The expandable implant is configured to be inserted into a disc space in a collapsed, narrow profile configuration and then unilaterally expanded in an anterior or posterior direction to a fully expanded, larger foot print configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Shaeffer Bannigan
  • Patent number: 9795494
    Abstract: Systems for improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure that include an implant having an alignment guide system. The alignment guide system may include one or more guide lines configured to provide a visual indication when the implant is properly aligned within the disc space. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more tamp levelers that also aid with the proper alignment of the implant within the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MEDITECH SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Flickinger, Adam Sclafani, Jason Gromek, Sangwook Tim Yoon