Patents Issued in December 26, 2017
  • Patent number: 9848843
    Abstract: A method includes scanning a region of interest, during a contrast agent based perfusion scan, at a predetermined temporal sampling rate during contrast agent uptake in the region of interest, and generating time frame data indicative of the scanned region of interest. The method further includes identifying a predetermined change in an amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest from the time frame data. The method further includes scanning the region of interest at a lower temporal sampling rate, which is lower than the temporal sampling rate during the contrast agent uptake, in response to identifying the predetermined change in the amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Holger Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9848844
    Abstract: An iterative algorithmic method determines spatial distribution of attenuation values of an object based on measured projection data of the object. An algorithm generates estimated projection data based on an estimated spatial distribution of the attenuation values. Correction data is determined based on a difference between the measured projection data and the estimated projection data. Spatially extended correction data is back projected to update the estimated spatial distribution of the attenuation values. The algorithmic iterations continue until a stopping criterion is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Simon
  • Patent number: 9848845
    Abstract: A sensor panel of an electronic cassette includes detection pixels each for outputting a dose signal corresponding to a dose of X-rays, an irradiation start judging section for judging whether or not X-ray irradiation has been started based on the dose signal, and an AEC section for judging whether or not an accumulated dose of X-rays has reached a target dose based on the dose signal. A gain setting section sets a gain of an integration amplifier in the case of using the irradiation start judging section lower than that in the case of using the AEC section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 9848846
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining a minimum radiation dose for a computed tomography (CT) scanning device. The method includes receiving a first input indicative of a selected minimum detectable contrast and a second input indicative of an estimate of a size of a subject to be exposed to the radiation dose. A minimum radiation dose to be applied via a radiation source is determined. The minimum radiation dose is determined at least in part by a power law model relating the size of the subject, a lesion size, and a minimum detectable contrast. The power law model is defined as MDC=A(L) dB(L) DoseC(L), wherein (i) MDC is the selected minimum detectable contrast, (ii) d is lesion size, (iii) Dose is radiation dose, (iv) A(L), B(L), and C(L) are pre-determined fitted parameters, and (v) L is the estimate of the size of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventor: Yifang Zhou
  • Patent number: 9848847
    Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) image apparatus includes an X-ray source to emit X-rays; and processing circuitry configured to receive a desired detectability index set by a user, the desired detectability index determining for a desired image quality of a CT scan of an object; determine an X-ray tube current that will result in the desired detectability index set by the user; and cause the X-ray source to perform a scan of the object using the determined tube current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kirsten Boedeker, Satoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 9848848
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes an acoustic sensor assembly having a first microphone to detect biological sounds within a body, a detection system in communication with the first microphone to receive an auscultation signal from the first microphone, the auscultation signal including information of the biological sounds detected by the first microphone. The stethoscope also includes a second microphone in communication with the detection system to detect noise from an environment of the body. The detection system receives a noise signal from the second microphone, and provides a resultant signal based on the auscultation signal and the noise signal. The detection system subtracts information from the auscultation signal to produce the resultant signal, where the subtracted information is based on the noise signal such that the subtracted information is based more on higher frequency ranges of the noise signal compared to a lower frequency range corresponding to the biological sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dimitra Emmanouilidou, Mounya Elhilali
  • Patent number: 9848849
    Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a display device and a processor module. The display device is configured to display an ultrasound image. At least a portion of the display device includes a touch sensitive portion that is responsive to a touch in each of a plurality of user selectable elements presented on the display device. The processor module is configured to adjust at least one of the ultrasound image and an imaging setting based on the touch in at least one of the user selectable elements of the display device. The ultrasound image and the user selectable elements are concurrently displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Pfeiffer, Brent Jason Lavin, Kimberly A. Canova
  • Patent number: 9848850
    Abstract: A method of displaying stereoscopic information related to an ultrasound sectional plane of a target object includes setting a line of interest on the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object based on a received input; obtaining an ultrasound signal of the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object along the set line of interest; converting the obtained ultrasound signal to represent the stereoscopic information in a three-dimensional manner; and displaying the stereoscopic information related to the ultrasound sectional plane of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-jung Chang, Jin-yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9848851
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method employs hardware and/or software to monitor values indicative of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation for each channel as a function of depth. Any of a number of actions may be performed based on the monitored values. For example, analog amplification or TGC may be adjusted to enhance the use of a dynamic range of ADCs while reducing or eliminating ADC saturation. A TGC profile may be adjusted. An alert may be provided. A power consumption may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Andrew K. Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9848852
    Abstract: Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to flexible and efficient systems for focusing IVUS echo data received from transducers including polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs). In one embodiment, an ultrasound processing system includes first and second aperture engines coupled to an engine controller, which provides aperture assignments to the first and second aperture engines. The aperture engines receive the assignment and a portion of A-line data, perform one or more focusing process on the received A-line data, and produce focused data in accordance with the aperture assignment. In some embodiments, once an aperture engine has produced focused data, the engine controller clears the aperture engine and assigns another aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Hancock
  • Patent number: 9848853
    Abstract: Disclosed are kits for at least partly liquefying tissue. The kit may include a liquefaction promoting medium (LPM). The LPM may include a non-ionic surfactant; a zwitterionic surfactant; and an abrasive material. The kit may include instructions. The instructions may direct a user to treat a tissue of a living subject by: applying the LPM together with the abrasive material to the tissue of the living subject; and transmitting energy to the tissue of the living subject through the abrasive material in the presence of the LPM effective to cause at least partial dissolution of one or more components of the tissue of the living subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Samir Mitragotri, Sumit Paliwal, Makoto Ogura
  • Patent number: 9848854
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device (10) for taking at least one sample of soft tissue from an organ, said device comprising a body (11) and a needle (12) formed by a stylet (13) and a cannula (14) coaxial with said stylet, said device comprising a mechanism for arming the needle, designed for sequentially moving the cannula (14) and then the stylet (13) from a rest position wherein the stylet and the cannula are extended towards the outside of the body, to a shooting position wherein the stylet and the cannula are retracted towards the rear of the body, and a triggering mechanism designed to release the stylet then the cannula and to allow their displacement from the shooting position to the rest position, the cannula being coupled kinematically to a cannula slider (24) comprising at least one retaining element (26) for maintaining the cannula slider in a shooting position, the stylet being coupled kinematically to a stylet slider (30) comprising at least one retaining element (32) for maintaining the stylet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: David Callede, Laurent Pivard, Denis Pinaud, Fabrice Teppe, Adrien Moine
  • Patent number: 9848855
    Abstract: A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Michal Weisman, Shawn Ryan
  • Patent number: 9848856
    Abstract: In valve modeling from medical scan data, chordae are modeled as a dense structure. Rather than attempting to provide the same number of chordae (e.g., 25) as found in a human valve, hundreds or thousands of chordae connectors are used. Since solving for lengths of so many chordae may be computationally intensive, the lengths of only a few are solved, and the lengths of the rest of the chordae are derived from the lengths of the few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Sasa Grbic, Tommaso Mansi, Ingmar Voigt, Julian Krebs
  • Patent number: 9848857
    Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for controlling devices including surgical instruments using a wireless footswitch. The systems of the invention include a wireless footswitch, a footswitch adapter, and an electric console for powering and controlling surgical instruments. The systems of the invention further include a wireless footswitch for controlling battery powered surgical instruments. The methods of the invention include syncing a wireless footswitch with a controlled device or a wireless footswitch adapter using a lower power wireless mode, then signaling the controlled device or wireless footswitch adapter using a higher power wireless mode. The systems and methods of the invention include using a wireless device or wireless footswitch adapter to monitor transmissions from other wireless devices to prevent syncing with the wireless footswitch adapter using the same channel or network identification as other wireless devices or wireless footswitch adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: LINVATEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Ware, Ronald Reinhart
  • Patent number: 9848858
    Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FORTIMEDIX SURGICAL B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Antonius Elisabeth Verbeek
  • Patent number: 9848859
    Abstract: A closure device (200) includes a filament (204), an anchor (208), a sealing pad (210), and an automatic driving mechanism. The anchor is configured to be inserted through the tissue wall puncture and is attached to the filament at the second end of the closure device. The sealing pad is slidingly attached to the filament at the second end of the closure device. The automatic driving mechanism includes a compaction member (212), at least one slide member (230, 232) at the first end of the closure device, and a biasing member (234). The biasing member is carried by the at least one slide member and operable to distally advance the compaction member for automatically compacting the sealing pad toward the anchor upon withdrawal of the closure device from the internal tissue wall puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO PUERTO RICO, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Troy T. White
  • Patent number: 9848860
    Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Solinas Medical Inc.
    Inventors: James Hong, Michael J. Drews
  • Patent number: 9848861
    Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Patent number: 9848862
    Abstract: A retractor blade assembly includes an arm member, blade connector and a retractor blade having stem member provided at the top of the blade. The stem member includes a first pin member, provided at an upper portion of the stem member. The first pin member has at least one abutment extending outward from the stem member, a first groove provided below the first pin member, a second groove provided below the first groove, provided about the circumference of the stem member, a second pin member having at least one abutment extending from the second groove. The blade connector cooperatively engages the stem member permitting the retractor blade to operate in a rotatable mode and a locked mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Tedan Surgical Innovations, LLC.
    Inventors: Daniel Bass, Thomas T. Terramani, Adam B. Young
  • Patent number: 9848863
    Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc
    Inventors: Joel Cryder, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Kohler
  • Patent number: 9848864
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member including a groove. A second member includes an aperture and teeth configured to slidably engage the groove. A third member is positioned in the aperture and includes a passageway defining a first longitudinal axis and a flange. A fourth member is positioned in the passageway and includes a lip that engages the flange. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to a second longitudinal axis defined by the fourth member. A fifth member is rotatably disposed in the passageway and includes a first end surface that engages a second end surface of the fourth member defined by the lip. In a first configuration, the fourth member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. In a second configuration, the fourth member extends at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kyphon SÀRL
    Inventor: Craig Lauchner
  • Patent number: 9848865
    Abstract: A suture thread is used to perform suturing without tying part of or the whole of knots that are supposed to be tied during suturing. A suture thread support body prevents an end of the suture thread from being pulled into a suturing site. A needle accommodation body has a shape of a tube having a through-hole through both ends. The suture thread has the suture thread support body and the needle accommodation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Y.Jacobs Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Young Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 9848866
    Abstract: A system for implanting an implantable penile prosthetic includes a tube with a bore formed in the tube, a first suture attached to a proximal portion of a needle, with the needle inserted in the bore, and with system characterized by an absence of a plunger inserted into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Daniel
  • Patent number: 9848867
    Abstract: A non-invasive device for anchoring a suture includes a sheet to which a suture can be attached and an adhesive that can affix the sheet to bone. The method provides placing effective amount of an adhesive on a bone and attaching the suture to the adhesive and allowing the adhesive to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Renwen Zhang, Twana Davisson, Jeffrey Spalazzi, Venkat R. Garigapati, Matthew E. Murphy, Anthony P. Napolitano
  • Patent number: 9848868
    Abstract: Methods for suturing tissue by forming a locking loop of suture material. In particular, method of using a suture passer to arthroscopically create a locking loop of suture in difficult to access tissues. As used herein a locking loop of suture is a loop of suture that is passed through a tissue from a first side to a second side of the tissue; one or more of the legs of the loop extending from the first side are passed through the tissue to the second side of the tissue and are then passed through the loop, and the loop is cinched to tighten closed over the one or more legs. The resulting locking loops stitches are extremely strong and distribute the stresses across the tissue in a desirable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Saliman
  • Patent number: 9848869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying a prosthesis in a tissue region in a hollow body organ or blood vessel provide a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, each having a prosthetic material and a scaffold that supports the prosthetic material. The first prosthesis has a proximal neck region, and the second prosthesis has an end region. The end region is sized and configured to telescopically fit with the proximal neck region to form a composite prosthesis. The systems and methods manipulate a fastener attachment assembly to implant at least one fastener to secure the composite prosthesis in the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Juan Parodi
  • Patent number: 9848870
    Abstract: A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: THORATEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carine Hoarau, Steven H. Reichenbach, J. Donald Hill, George Hsu, Andrew R. Miller, James Badia, Nina Boiadjieva, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Philip Haarstad, Olga M. Stanescu, Stephen Kenneth Sundquist
  • Patent number: 9848871
    Abstract: Adjunct materials and methods of using adjunct material to reinforce a staple line are provided. In general, an adjunct material can be used to maintain a seal in tissue and can prevent stapled tissue from tearing. In some embodiments, a surgical stapler can include a jaw having an adjunct material associated with the jaw. The adjunct material can be attached to tissue via staples deployed by the stapler. In some embodiments, an adjunct material can be a woven material having a single layer or multiple layers, and each layer can have different mechanical properties. In other embodiments, an adjunct material can have a single layer or multiple layers of nonwoven material, such as suture compressed into a three dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Bret W. Smith, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski
  • Patent number: 9848872
    Abstract: A medical device includes a laparoscopic shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is at the distal end of the shaft. A surgical procedure actuator carries out a surgical procedure on tissue at the end effector when actuated. A rotating knob is at the proximal end of the shaft. The rotating knob rotates the end effector with respect to the shaft about the shaft axis when rotated and actuates the procedure actuator when slid in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Korey Kline, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9848873
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge assembly that comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge jaw, a longitudinal knife channel, a first longitudinal row of staple pockets comprising a first distal end staple pocket, a second longitudinal row of staple pockets comprising a second distal end staple pocket, a third longitudinal row of staple pockets, staples removably positioned within the staple pockets, a staple driver, and a firing member is disclosed. The staple driver is configured to drive a first distal staple out of the first distal end staple pocket and a second distal staple out of the second distal end staple pocket and, in cooperation with the anvil, deform the first distal staple to a first fired height and the second distal staple to a second fired height. The firing member comprising a first portion configured to engage the anvil and a second portion configured to engage the staple cartridge jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9848874
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The too assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge body which rotatably supports a plurality of staples within notches. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. In embodiments, the cartridge body includes two spaced legs which support two linear rows of staples. Each of the spaced legs of the cartridge body is supported within one of a first and a second cartridge channel. The cartridge channels are fixed to opposite sides of a pivot member which is pivotally supported at a distal end of the shaft portion between the shaft portion and the tool assembly such that translation of the first and second cartridge channels in opposite directions effects articulation of the tool assembly in relation to the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9848875
    Abstract: An anvil-attachable layer for use with a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein a proximal end portion of the layer is attached to a staple cartridge assembly, for example. The layer may be attached to the staple cartridge assembly by an adhesive, weld, or a staple-cartridge-based clamp, wherein the attachment is weak enough to allow the layer to pull away from the staple cartridge assembly with stapled tissue. Alternatively, the layer can include two or more lateral slits that define a connector region that can be cut by a knife of a surgical stapler to release the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Bret W. Smith, Katherine J. Schmid, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Cortney E. Henderson, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9848876
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate complete removal of one or more fasteners from within the cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can be configured to facilitate disconnection of fasteners from a carrier to which the fasteners are frangibly attached. The surgical device can include a separation feature in the form of a shearing element configured to facilitate separation of the fasteners from the carrier when the fasteners are deployed from a cartridge that has the fasteners and the carrier disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 9848877
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. In general, a surgical device can be configured to have an adjustable gap of space between a cartridge jaw and an anvil of the device's end effector when the end effector is in a closed position. The end effector can be configured to removably seat a cartridge therein. The cartridge can be configured to define the gap of space between the cartridge jaw and the anvil when the end effector is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9848878
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
  • Patent number: 9848879
    Abstract: A wound closure system includes a suture member and a suture grasper. The suture member includes a suture and a retention member engaged to an end of the suture. The retention member is at least partially flexible and defines a central opening. The suture grasper includes a needle defining a distal portion configured for insertion through the central opening of the retention member to retrieve the retention member from an internal surgical site. The distal portion of the needle defines a distally-facing feature configured to at least partially flex the retention member upon insertion of the distal portion into the central opening to permit passage of the distal portion therethrough and a proximally-facing feature configured to inhibit proximal withdrawal of the distal portion through the central opening of the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Justin Williams, Emily Davis, Eric Taylor
  • Patent number: 9848880
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for repairing a heart valve, such as a mitral, tricuspid or aortic valve, using an adjustable and removable implant that can be delivered to the heart through the apex in a simplified and non-invasive manner. The implant can include a prosthetic valve portion coupled to a proximal end of a shaft, and an anchor portion coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The prosthetic valve can be suspended within an opening of the heart valve while the anchor portion is affixed to the apex of the heart. When the implant is deployed, a distance between the prosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion can be adjusted, and/or the implant or a portion thereof can be rotated to thereby change the position of the prosthetic valve within the heart valve. This can allow correcting for post-implantation movements of the implant to mitigate potential complications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: James E. Coleman, Christy Cummins
  • Patent number: 9848881
    Abstract: The invention being disclosed describes a medical device for removal of a thrombus or clot in a vascular setting by using a rotational, expandable basket structure in combination with drug infusion, blood/particle aspiration and clot isolation by distal and proximal occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fusion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg Stuart Sutton, Eric Joseph Dille, Jeffery Foster Larson
  • Patent number: 9848882
    Abstract: An embodiment is directed to an embolic device comprised of a coil made of a first material and disposed on the inside of a tube structure made of a second material. The tube structure has micro-fabricated fenestrations formed in the tube to provide fluid communication between the lumen of the tube and the surrounding environment, thereby exposing the inner coil. The fenestrations also trip flow around the embolic device. In one embodiment, the embolic device is comprised of a tantalum coil on the inside of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tube. The PEEK tube has the advantage of providing a micro-machined delivery implant frame and radiopacity, while the internal tantalum coil provides radiopacity and thrombogenicity. A material other than PEEK may be used for embodiments of embolic devices without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Scientia Vascular, LLC
    Inventor: John Lippert
  • Patent number: 9848883
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an occlusion device and methods of delivering the occlusion device. The occlusion device can include an expandable structure configured to move between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable structure can be configured to have an expansion ratio of at least about 5:1. Further, the occlusion device can be configured to prevent substantially all fluid from flowing past the occlusion device when the occlusion device is in the expanded configuration in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: EMBA Medical Limited
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, John Logan, Brett E. Naglreiter, Scott R. Arp, Alejandro Espinosa, Nicholas A. Green, Victor M. Gamez
  • Patent number: 9848884
    Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a tissue removal device for removing tissue protrusions extending from a wall of intestines. The tissue removal device may be a bell shaped tube configured to slide over an inflamed diverticulum that has been inverted to extend into interior space of the colon. The tissue removal device run be slid over the inverted diverticulum with a portion of the tissue removal device having a widest diameter oriented near the colon wall and a portion having a narrowest diameter oriented near a tip of the diverticulum. A pressure gradient may be induced along the walls of the tissue removal device such that the point of highest pressure at the narrowest opening may cause the walls of the diverticulum to be pinched together to induce necrosis and removal of the diverticulum, while promoting healing of the colon walls over the region of decreasing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Nicky Bertollo, William R. Walsh, Matthew H. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 9848885
    Abstract: A device for compressing body tissue includes a clip having a connection portion with first and second clip arms extending therefrom, the clip includes a recess formed on an inner surface of the connection portion, the recess being shaped and sized to slidably receive a mounting bar coupled to an outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted with inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms maintained in an open position by contact between an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted and the inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms. The clip is slidable over the outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted until the clip moves distally beyond the distal end of the endoscope so that the first and second clip arms spring closed to grip tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Shepard
  • Patent number: 9848886
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided and includes a ratchet mechanism having a rack member connected to a drive channel such that axial translation of the drive channel results in axial translation of the rack member, the rack member defining a first set of teeth along a first side thereof and a second set of teeth along a second side thereof. The ratchet mechanism including a first pawl and a second pawl each tiltably supported in the housing and disposed on respective opposed sides of the rack member; and a buckling spring interposed between the first pawl and the second pawl and constrained in a slot formed in the rack member, wherein the buckling spring is dimensioned so as to bow in one of a proximal direction and a distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Brian Rockrohr
  • Patent number: 9848887
    Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw blade assembly and cutting guide for use with the blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a static bar from which a moving blade head protrudes. The blade head is reciprocated by a drive link internal to the bar. The cutting guide has a body that is positioned adjacent where the blade is to be used to cut tissue. The cutting guide has an outer surface over which the blade assembly is positioned. The cutting guide has a constraining feature. The constraining feature holds the blade bar to the body of the guide so the blade assembly can move over the body while being constrained from movement above the outer surface of the body. The constraining feature is mounted to the body of the cutting guide so as to be able to move while constraining guide retains the blade bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Carusillo, Gregory Plaskon, Carlos Collazo, Alessandro Canonaco, David Neal
  • Patent number: 9848888
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Christopher Wilkinson, Brian William McKinnon, David A. Drucker, Michael D. Ries
  • Patent number: 9848889
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing the interior of a bone for therapy. The therapy may include therapy for a bone fracture. The apparatus and methods may involve orienting a surgical instrument for proper deployment in the interior of the bone. An instrument guide may be positioned and retained against translation along, and rotation about one or more of three substantially orthogonal axes. Apparatus placed exterior to the bone may register the guide to a region inside the bone that is designated for preparation or treatment. One or more broaching members may be used to prepare the region for treatment. A broaching member may be expandable inside the bone. A broaching member may be flexible such that it broaches bone having a relatively lower density and it leaves bone having a relatively higher density substantially intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Taylor, Stefan J. Hertel, Alex A. Peterson, Michael P. Brenzel, Steve D. Kruse, Todd A. Krinke, Paul Hindrichs
  • Patent number: 9848890
    Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Yoon, Sean Suh, Robert Leonard
  • Patent number: 9848891
    Abstract: A tool according to the invention for generating an undercut in a bone including a core with a shaft and a stamp mounted on a distal end of the shaft, wherein the stamp, in a transition area to the shaft, has a run-on bevel ascending in the distal direction, and a cutting sleeve which is arranged to be longitudinally movable on the shaft and of which the distal end is formed by at least one segment that can be spread open when pushed onto the run-on bevel, wherein the at least one segment has at least one laterally arranged cutting edge. The invention also relates to a method for generating an undercut in a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sascha Berberich
  • Patent number: 9848892
    Abstract: An anchoring element includes a screw having a shank with a bone thread portion and a head. The anchoring element also includes a receiving part for connecting the screw to a rod-shaped element, the screw and the receiving part being connected to one another in a polyaxial or monoaxial manner, and the shank of the screw being of tubular design and its wall having a plurality of recesses. The bone anchoring element provides for the bone screw to fuse with the surrounding bone substance, and at the same time bone portions or vertebrae can be positioned relative to one another and fixed. Moreover, a substance to be introduced into the bone can be introduced precisely at the desired site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms, Helmar Rapp