Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170367848
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael G. Fisher, Andrew P. Sizelove, Keith R. Berend, David Wycliffe Murray
  • Publication number: 20170367849
    Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for knee arthroplasty which permit rotation of a distal femoral component in the sagittal plane. A guide provides for determination of both a femoral component size and rotation angle at which to install the implant in any specific patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Ray Miller
  • Publication number: 20170367850
    Abstract: In a method of making a breast prosthesis for use by a wearer having a body temperature, a plurality of dissolvable beads is placed into an open back of a breast-shaped mold. The open back of the mold is sealed. A suspension of an uncured silicone rubber liquid and a plurality of phase change material pellets is injected into the mold around the beads. The uncured silicone rubber is allowed to cure, thereby forming a breast shape. The phase change material has a latent heat of fusion at a melting point so as to remove heat from the wearer when the body temperature is at least at the melting point. The breast shape is removed from the mold and the dissolvable beads are dissolved from the breast shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: American Breast Care, LP
    Inventors: Robert Halley, Amanda Wollnick, Joachim Rechenberg
  • Publication number: 20170367851
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint and a method of controlling dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the hydraulic prosthetic ankle joint. The method includes generating ground reaction forces with a hydraulic prosthetic ankle, wherein the prosthetic hydraulic ankle comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and the ankle is connected to a prosthetic foot; rotating the prosthetic foot in response to the ground reaction force; transferring fluid between the forward and rear chambers in response to rotation of the foot; providing a feature to occlude or partially occlude the fluid transfer between chambers; providing a non-electronic mechanism for controlling the flow responsive to both a position of the joint and a rate of change of position of the joint, and wherein the mechanism is arranged such that a dwell at a particular joint location or locations will occlude the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Lucas Samuel LINCOLN, Ben Gilbert MACOMBER, Nicholas Roy CORSON, David Alan BOONE
  • Publication number: 20170367852
    Abstract: A robotic joint comprises a first link, a middle link, a torque generator, a second link, and a locking mechanism. Different ends of the middle link are rotatably coupled to the first link and the second link. The torque generator is coupled to the first link and the middle link and is configured to produce a torque between these links. The locking mechanism is switchable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows free rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first and second rotation directions. In the locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to impede rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first rotation direction and to allow rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the second rotation direction opposite of the first rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Minerva V. Pillai, Wayne Yi-Wei Tung
  • Publication number: 20170367853
    Abstract: A hydraulic damping cylinder for a prosthetic knee joint, including a housing, a cylinder chamber in the housing and filled with a hydraulic fluid, and a piston arranged in the cylinder chamber and movable by a piston rod. In the housing there are provided at least two separate receiving chambers, which are of different size and are connected to the cylinder chamber by fluid ducts, for hydraulic fluid displaced from the cylinder chamber during a piston movement The receiving chambers are each separated, by a diaphragm, from a compression chamber filled with a compressible fluid that forms an energy store. Upstream of the larger receiving chamber, there is connected a throttle device which forms a flow resistance for the hydraulic fluid flowing into the receiving chamber so that the hydraulic fluid can be distributed to the two receiving chambers in a manner dependent on speed of the piston movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Janek DRESSLER, Thomas KAMM, Sören ZOBIREI, Gabriel TSCHUPP
  • Publication number: 20170367854
    Abstract: The conformable convection liner is for use with a prosthetic system and configured to be donned over a residual limb of an amputee. The conformable convection liner includes a tubular body formed from an elastomeric limb-conforming material and including an outer surface and inner surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A seal area is defined at the proximal end of the tubular body on the inner surface thereof. An outlet port is positioned at the distal end of the tubular body between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. An inner regulated environment is defined between the inner surface of the tubular body and the residual limb, the inner regulated environment extending between the proximal end of the tubular body with the seal area and the distal end of the tubular body with the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Russell King
  • Publication number: 20170367855
    Abstract: A kit of stents and an adjustable multi-lumen stent for adjustable interventional reduction of blood flow in a blood vessel. The kit includes: a first reduction stent having in an expanded conformation at least one widened section and a narrowed section, the narrowed section defining a central lumen providing reduced fluid communication between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first reduction stent; at least one expandable dilatation stent having a tubular form insertable into and expandable in the central lumen of the first reduction stent to define an enlarged central lumen; at least one second reduction stent having a narrowed tubular section insertable into the central lumen of the first reduction stent or the central lumen of the dilatation stent to define an reduced central lumen, and having an anchoring element at its upstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: IntelliStent AG
    Inventor: Rolf JENNI
  • Publication number: 20170367856
    Abstract: A stent includes a cylindrical main body portion, a linkage portion, and a marker attachment portion. The main body portion extends in an axial direction. The linkage portion extends from an end of the main body portion in the axial direction. The marker attachment portion is linked to the main body portion through the linkage portion. The linkage portion includes a bent portion tilting the marker attachment portion outward in a radial direction of the main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: GOODMAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaharu Tanaka, Yumiko Nomura
  • Publication number: 20170367857
    Abstract: A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Penumbra Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bennett, Erin Vitus, Matt Vargas, Arani Bose, Stephen Pons, Ben Tompkins, David Barry
  • Publication number: 20170367858
    Abstract: A compact crimping mechanism well-suited for use with devices such as stented prosthetic heart valves. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for coordinated inward movement toward a crimping axis to reduce the size of a crimping iris around a stented valve. A rotating cam wheel acts on the jaws and displaces them inward. A number of Cartesian guide elements cooperate with the jaws to distribute forces within the crimping mechanism. The guide elements are located between the crimping jaws and an outer housing and are constrained by the outer housing for movement along lines that are tangential to a circle centered on the crimping axis. The guide elements engage at least some of the crimping jaws while the rest are in meshing engagement so as to move in synch. An actuation mechanism includes a lead screw, carriage assembly and a linkage to rotate the cam wheel with significant torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Tomer Saar, Gregory Rinberg
  • Publication number: 20170367859
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery diameter for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant can be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate diameter. The sleeves can be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant can comprise a steering line or lines which facilitate bending and steering of the expandable implant through the vasculature of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Roberta A. Bloss, Dustin C. Burkart, Patrick M. Norris, Matthew G. Sondreaal, Stephanie M. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20170367860
    Abstract: A method of crimping a stent is disclosed. The stent includes a minimum crimped diameter such that in the minimum crimped diameter, a pair of stent rings, between which marker support structures reside, do not make contact with the marker support structures. The crimped profile of the stent of the present invention can be as small as the crimped profile of a same stent but without the maker support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mikael TROLLSAS, Michael H. NGO, Boris ANUKHIN, Alexander NIKANOROV, Syed HOSSAINY, John E. PAPP, Dudley JAYASINGHE, Zella SOLTER
  • Publication number: 20170367861
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing air from a medical device, such as a stent-graft and/or its delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the stent-graft or its delivery system or both are exposed to perfluorocarbon, by immersing the stent-graft or flushing the delivery device to remove air from the stent-graft. Optionally, the stent-graft and/or delivery system may be flushed multiple times, e.g., with perfluorocarbon before or after flushing with carbon dioxide, saline, a bio-inert gas, and the like. Thereafter, the stent-graft may be introduced into a patient's body and deployed at a target location, such as the site of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Tilo Kölbel
  • Publication number: 20170367862
    Abstract: A self-expandable stent delivery system is disclosed, which is configured to be capable of moving a pull wire toward a distal side and toward a proximal side to achieve a further improvement of the operability. The self-expandable stent delivery system includes an operation unit having a holding portion that holds pull wires so that the pull wires are movable toward the distal side and toward the proximal side, and a switching portion configured to be capable of switching between limitation of movement of the pull wires held by the holding portion toward the distal side and release of the limitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji OYAMA, Kazutoshi OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170367863
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided. More particularly, apparatuses and methods for enabling volume-occupying intragastric devices to pass through the digestive system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Eleanor McCarthy, Mark C. Brister, Antonio C. Llevares, Betty Wong
  • Publication number: 20170367864
    Abstract: A joint apparatus includes a first fixed ring, a second fixed ring arranged spaced apart from the first fixed ring, an extension portion comprising a bar extending from the first fixed ring in a direction toward the second fixed ring and an end portion disposed at an end portion of the bar in the direction toward the second fixed ring, a first flexure extending from the second fixed ring in a direction toward the first fixed ring and supporting the end portion, and a second flexure extending from the second fixed ring in the direction toward the first fixed ring and supporting the end portion, the second flexure being disposed at an opposite side to the first flexure with respect to the extension portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: SPHEREDYNE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sug Whan KIM
  • Publication number: 20170367865
    Abstract: My invention is an ankle reinforcing device for the prevention of medial and/or lateral ankle injuries such as sprains or breaks. The object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive but highly effective device which will allow free and unhampered movement of the wearer's foot while engaged in athletic events or other physical activity but will prevent movement in such a direction and to such an extent that would result in spraining or breaking an ankle. The ankle reinforcing device is constructed from an underlying member which covers all or part of the foot and part of the leg above the ankle, reinforcing members attached to or integral with the underlying member, and means to securely attach the device to the wearer. The reinforcing members are arranged in a pattern to prevent excessive movement of the ankle in the medial and/or lateral directions, while allowing free up and down movement of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Michael Truhill
  • Publication number: 20170367866
    Abstract: A leg brace isolates a lower extremity of a leg to which the brace is secured. The leg brace includes an upper leg cuff and a lower leg cuff. Two upper struts are attached to opposite sides of the upper leg cuff and extend along the upper leg cuff. Two lower struts are attached to opposite sides of the lower leg cuff and extend along the lower leg cuff. One hinge pivotally connects one upper strut and one lower strut and a second hinge pivotally connects the other upper strut and the other lower strut. The hinges can be configured to have a limited and/or selectable degree of rotation (e.g., flexion and/or extension). Bottom ends of the lower struts extend beyond a user's foot of the leg to which the leg brace is attached. A foot is attached to each bottom end of the lower struts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: David Reid Robinson
  • Publication number: 20170367867
    Abstract: A hinge which can be included on a brace is disclosed. The hinge can include a first arm, a second arm, and a hinge plate. The first and second arms can be connected to the hinge plate for rotation about first and second axes, respectively. The hinge plate can include an internally threaded aperture. The hinge can also include a force application assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly can include an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture, and having a medial end connected to the force application assembly and a keyed bore. The adjustment assembly can include a drive key having a keyed shaft slidingly engaged with the keyed bore and a knob connected to the drive key such that rotation of the knob causes displacement of the force application assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy Nathanson, Isabel Simons
  • Publication number: 20170367868
    Abstract: The invention comprises an elastomeric athletic or orthopedic brace, support for a joint complex and is a network of interlinking elastomeric bands that extend radially from a hub member to support a joint in tension but provide for controlled hinging about an axis defined through the hub member. In particular, the brace is provided for an ankle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Dustin Ducharme, Annunziato Amendola, Bryan Den Hartog, David B. Kay, Anthony Perera, Brian Milliff, Patrick Brown
  • Publication number: 20170367869
    Abstract: A brace for treating scoliosis, the brace comprising: a lower portion for disposition about the hips of a patient; an upper portion for disposition about the thorax of a patient; a first support rod adjustably extending between the lower portion and the upper portion, the first support rod being disposed at least in part along one of the front side of the patient and the back side of the patient; a second support rod adjustably extending between the lower portion and the upper portion, the second support rod being disposed at least in part along one side of the patient; wherein the lower portion, the upper portion, the first support rod and the second sup port rod are configured such that (i) the upper portion may be adjustably fixedly set substantially parallel to the lower portion, and (ii) the upper portion may be adjustably fixedly set canted at an angle to the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Allen Carl, William Fredenburg
  • Publication number: 20170367870
    Abstract: A medical device for performing ileostomies and/or jejunostomies, includes a tubular element defining a transit channel having a plurality of entry openings for the faeces, insertable inside the intestine of a patient, and an exit opening for the faeces, positionable outside the intestine. The tubular element includes a first section having the entry openings and a second section having the exit opening. First obstruction means is associated with the tubular element, insertable inside the intestine, and movable between tight and widened configurations. The entry openings are positioned upstream of the first obstruction means, the latter being placed between the first and the second sections. External retention means cooperate with the patient's body to block the position of the first obstruction means with respect to the body itself. Stiffening means are integrally associated with one another at respective extremities and prevent the first section from bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: EVOLUZIONE S.R.L., SIDAM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enrico Mariani
  • Publication number: 20170367871
    Abstract: An ostomy management device (100) including an ostomy port (102) insertable inside a stoma (202) on a patient's abdomen. The ostomy port (102) includes an outer flange (204) placed at periphery of the stoma (202). The outer flange (204) includes a collapsible chamber (210) to collect instilling fluid in a non-operating state of the outer flange (204). A fixation element (208) to anchor the ostomy management device (100) inside an intestine (214). The fixation element (208) is to expand after displacement of the instilling fluid contained in the outer flange (204) to the fixation element (208). An intermediate channel (206) to transport body waste to the stoma (202). A stoma plug (106), attached to the outer flange (204), to cover an opening in the outer flange (204) to stop the body waste from flowing out from the stoma (202) during an operating state of the outer flange (204).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Deevish Dinakara, Neeraj Kumar, Pranav Chopra, Sohail Gupta, Balram Bhargava, Anil Agarwal
  • Publication number: 20170367872
    Abstract: A stoma band for collecting waste or other fluids from a stoma includes a belt portion with a first side that faces away from a user wearing the stoma band, a second side that faces toward the user wearing the stoma band, a first end, and a second end. The stoma band also includes a first fastener on the first end of the belt portion and a second fastener on the second end of the belt portion. The stoma band also includes a collection device adapted to be positioned between the second side of the belt portion and the user so that the collection device is proximal to a stoma of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Angela M. Cantrell
  • Publication number: 20170367873
    Abstract: A male accessory is disclosed to dispose human waste. The male accessory includes an elastic band, a penile sleeve and a genitalia sleeve. The elastic band may be arranged in a loop to enable the male accessory to be held with the male organ. The penile sleeve disposed within the elastic band. The penile sleeve may be arranged to hold and cover male organ. Further, the genitalia sleeve may be connected to the penile sleeve through a membrane. The genitalia sleeve may be configured to create an inner space to receive the human waste and covers male testicles without any contact thereof with the human waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dominique Anthony Grannum
  • Publication number: 20170367874
    Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: SOMMETRICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome K. Aarestad, Richard Rose, John Nelson, Donna Palmer, Paulo Rangel
  • Publication number: 20170367875
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible polymer or biocompatible material or composition for forming at least part of the structure of a condom useful for preventing STI's. The biocompatible polymer incorporates cannabis or cannabis derived compositions. The present invention also provides a biocompatible additive for condoms incorporating cannabis or cannabis derived compositions in a carrier or excipient. In addition, the biocompatible polymer or biocompatible additive incorporating cannabis or cannabis derived compositions enhances pleasure during the sexual act. Lastly, the biocompatible polymer or biocompatible additive incorporating cannabis or cannabis derived compositions can be used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: One World Cannabis LTD
    Inventors: Alon Sinai, Ziv Turner, Yehuda Baruch
  • Publication number: 20170367876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Pirjo Kortesuo, Ulla Calvo-Alonso, Pirjo lnki, Harri Jukarainen, llkka Jutila, Juha Lehtinen, Eeva Lukkari-Lax, Heikki Lyytikäinen, Joachim Moede, Hannu Nikander, Pirjo Sallinen, Taina Tjäder, Andrew Macleod, Michael Noble, David Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20170367877
    Abstract: A drug dispensing ring removal tool with a rigid elongate member, a rigid hook member, a rigid flat plate member, a hook tip resilient member, a hook front end resilient member and a plurality of flat plate resilient members. The hook member is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate member. The flat plate member fixedly attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The hook tip resilient member is fixedly attached to the end of the hook member. The hook front resilient member fixedly attached to the forward most end of the hook member. The flat plate resilient members fixedly attached within cutout portions of the flat plate member. The flat plate resilient members extend approximately one sixteenth of an inch above and below the planar surface of the flat plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mary M. O'Mara, Nathan Nick Moorhatch
  • Publication number: 20170367878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring an optical penetration that is triggered in a tissue underneath the tissue surface by means of therapeutic laser radiation which a laser-surgical device concentrates in a treatment focus located in said tissue. The inventive device is provided with a detection beam path comprising a lens system which couples radiation emanating from the tissue underneath the tissue surface into the detection beam path. A detector device generating a detection signal which indicates the spatial dimension and/or position of the optical penetration in the tissue is arranged downstream of the detection beam path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael KEMPE, Markus STREHLE, Dirk MUEHLHOFF, Mario GERLACH, Markus STICKER, Mark BISCHOFF, Manfred DICK, Michael BERGT
  • Publication number: 20170367879
    Abstract: A device for irradiation of the eye of a living subject with light such as UV light includes a structure (20) adapted to overlie the outer surface of the eye, the structure having an axis (28, 128) extending in a downward direction (D) towards the eye when the structure overlies the eye. A light scattering element (70, 158, 141) within the structure includes a peripheral portion remote from the axis and a central portion adjacent the axis. A plurality of transmission optical fibers (42, 157) in optical communication with the peripheral portion of the light scattering element at a plurality of locations spaced around the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TECLens, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick David Lopath, Edward Paul Harhen, David L. Gershaw, James Paolino, David E. Acker
  • Publication number: 20170367880
    Abstract: Disclosed is a patient interface for affixment on onto a patient eye, said patient interface including: a negative-pressure cavity designed for fluidic coupling to the patient eye; a first negative pressure interface with a first negative pressure aperture for fluidically coupling the negative-pressure cavity to a negative-pressure device to charge the negative pressure cavity with a negative pressure; a second negative pressure interface with a second negative pressure aperture for fluidically coupling the negative-pressure cavity to the negative-pressure device to charge the negative cavity with a negative pressure; wherein the first negative pressure aperture and the second negative pressure aperture are arranged in a wall of the negative pressure cavity separate from and in close vicinity to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Studer
  • Publication number: 20170367881
    Abstract: An intraocular implant for use in a surgical procedure such as a cataract operation, or in a refractive-lens exchange surgery procedure, has a main portion and a peripheral portion peripheral to the main portion. The main portion is plate-like in shape and may be a lens or a plug for closing an aperture in the capsule of the eye. The implant has two or more lugs extending from the peripheral portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the main portion. The lugs extend either from haptics, which protrude from the main portion, or from a short extension of the edge of the main portion. A method for fixing the implant into the eye involves making two or more voids in the capsule wall, offering up the implant to the capsule, so that the lugs lie adjacent to the voids, and inserting the lugs into the voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Julian Douglas Stevens
  • Publication number: 20170367882
    Abstract: A meniscus compensating device for a low dosage fluid dispenser, the dispenser having a pump that is fluidly connectable between a pump outlet and a nozzle portion of the dispenser. The pump is operable to dispense a predetermined dose of the fluid through the pump outlet toward the nozzle portion. The meniscus compensating device has a fluid displacer, operable to displace a predetermined volume provided within the fluid column defined between the pump outlet and the nozzle mouth of the nozzle portion and the fluid displacer displaces the predetermined volume during dispensation of a releasing dose from the dispenser pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Nigel KELLY
  • Publication number: 20170367883
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to ophthalmic laser procedures and, more particularly, to systems and methods for lenticular laser incision. In an embodiment, an ophthalmic surgical laser system comprises a laser delivery system for delivering a pulsed laser beam to a target in a subject's eye, an XY-scan device to deflect the pulsed laser beam, a Z-scan device to modify a depth of a focus of the pulsed laser beam, and a controller configured to form a top lenticular incision and a bottom lenticular incision of a lens in a corneal stroma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Alireza Malek Tabrizi, Hong Fu, James E. Hill, Mohammad Saidur Rahaman, Zenon Witowski
  • Publication number: 20170367884
    Abstract: An assembled blank may include a blank tip attached to a blank base, e.g., the blank tip may be welded to the blank base. The blank tip may be manufactured by modifying flat stock, e.g., tiers of blank tips may be manufactured by modifying tiers of flat stock. The blank tip may comprise a first forceps jaw, a second forceps jaw, and a blank tip aperture. The assembled blank may be disposed within a hypodermic tube and an actuation structure of a microsurgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Gregg D. Scheller
  • Publication number: 20170367885
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification system that includes a hand-graspable body and a phacoemulsification needle extending from a distal portion of the body is disclosed herein. The phacoemulsification system may also include an impeller pump carried by the hand-graspable body and configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The impeller pump may include an aspiration motor and a flexible impeller coupled to and rotatably driven by the aspiration motor. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: John Morgan Bourne
  • Publication number: 20170367886
    Abstract: Graphical user interface system and method for displaying and controlling a surgical device, such as a device used in phacoemulsfication procedures. A graphical user interface is displayed on a display screen and includes one or more representations of operating parameters, such as aspiration rate, vacuum, and power that are used to control the surgical device. A parameter is adjusted by moving a portion of a representation from a first location on the display screen to a second location on the display screen to change the operating parameter and control the surgical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mikhail Boukhny
  • Publication number: 20170367887
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: John Muri, Craig Edwards
  • Publication number: 20170367888
    Abstract: Devices can be implanted in an eye to treat glaucoma. The devices described herein include a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces. The body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. By the strategic selection of particular materials of construction, and/or by controlling the configuration and size of the lumen, in some embodiments, the device is a filterless construct. In some embodiments, a filter is included. The glaucoma treatment devices as provided herein are designed to prevent bacterial ingress and to provide the required level of outflow resistance to achieve a desired intraocular pressure. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: J. David BROWN
  • Publication number: 20170367889
    Abstract: A method of determining control parameters of a retinal treatment system comprising acquiring an image of a retina of a subject's eye using an imaging laser and an optical system of the retinal treatment system, presenting an image of the retina to a user of the retinal treatment system, receiving from the user location data of the retinal image that locates at least one treatment site of the retina, receiving from the user a required laser light pattern for use on the treatment site, using the location data to determine a location control parameter which causes the optical system to direct laser light from a treatment laser of the retinal treatment system to the treatment site, and using the required laser light pattern to determine a pattern control parameter which causes the treatment laser to produce a laser light pattern which passes through the optical system and results in the required laser light pattern at the treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Derek Swan
  • Publication number: 20170367890
    Abstract: A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dual-blade device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Malik Y. KAHOOK
  • Publication number: 20170367891
    Abstract: Automatic darkening filters are often provided on a protective headgear, where protection from high intensity light is desired. An automatic darkening filter includes a switchable shutter, a shutter control system, a light sensor, and an imaging acquisition device. The switchable shutter is capable of assuming at least a dark state, a light state and an intermediate state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kristina M. MAGNUSSON, Kenneth JAREFORS
  • Publication number: 20170367892
    Abstract: The present disclosure discussed a handpiece for trans-canal delivery of a therapeutic substance to the inner ear. The handpiece can be inserted into the middle ear via a surgical tympanotomy approach. The handpiece can enable a controlled injection of a therapeutic substance directly through the round window membrane and into the inner ear. The direct delivery of the therapeutic substance to the inner ear can enable the delivery of a precise amount of therapeutic substance into the inner ear. Because the therapeutic substance is delivery directly to the inner ear the delivery of the therapeutic substance is not subject to limitations on molecule size and inconsistent diffusion rates that are present when therapeutic substances are diffused across the round window membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ernest S. Kim, Michael McKenna, Ruwan Kiringoda
  • Publication number: 20170367893
    Abstract: A ventilation device includes a hollow body having a main portion, at least one distal member coupled to a distal end of the main portion and at least one proximal member coupled to a proximal end of the main portion. The at least one distal member is formed of a shape memory material. The hollow body includes a deployed state for maintaining an opening in an anatomical structure and an undeployed state. The shape memory material forms the at least one distal member into a deployed position. The shape memory material is reversibly deformed from the deployed state into the undeployed state such that at least the distal member changes in shape to an undeployed position, while the main portion of the hollow body remains unchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael K. H. Loushin, Keith J. Leland, Jaydeep Yeshwant Kokate
  • Publication number: 20170367894
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Tina Michelle Walker, Derek Nicolini, Julian Lee-Webb
  • Publication number: 20170367895
    Abstract: A wound dressing is provided. The dressing includes a moisture-transmissible backing layer having a first major surface, a second major surface, a backing layer perimeter, and a first opening; an absorbent adhesive gel adhered to the second major surface of the backing layer, the absorbent adhesive gel comprising an adhesive gel perimeter; and a porous layer having a first side, a second side, and a porous layer perimeter. The second major surface has a first adhesive disposed thereon. The first side of the porous layer is adhered to the absorbent adhesive gel. The porous layer is configured to facilitate passage of fluid to the first opening. One-hundred percent of the adhesive gel perimeter is overlapped by the backing layer. At least 50% of the porous layer perimeter is overlapped by the absorbent adhesive gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: DAVID R. HOLM, JAMES M. SIERACKI, SIMON S. FUNG
  • Publication number: 20170367896
    Abstract: A wound dressing is provided. The wound dressing includes a moisture-transmissible backing layer having a first major surface, a second major surface, and a backing layer perimeter; an absorbent hydrophilic adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the second major surface of the backing layer, the absorbent hydrophilic adhesive comprising an absorbent hydrophilic adhesive perimeter; an antimicrobial agent disposed in the absorbent hydrophilic adhesive; a porous layer having a first side adhered to the absorbent hydrophilic adhesive, a second side, and a porous layer perimeter; and a second hydrophobic adhesive adhered to the second side of the porous layer. The second major surface has a first hydrophobic adhesive disposed thereon proximate the backing layer perimeter. 100% of the absorbent hydrophilic adhesive perimeter is overlapped by the backing layer. At least 50% of the porous layer perimeter is overlapped by the absorbent hydrophilic adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: DAVID R. HOLM, SIMON S. FUNG, JAMES M. SIERACKI
  • Publication number: 20170367897
    Abstract: A formable cast (100) or brace is provided herein which comprises a padding (101), an outer shell (103) spaced apart from the padding, and a ridge (109) disposed along the perimeter of the shell. The ridge, shell and padding define an interior space (115), with a curable polymeric material disposed in the interior space. The curable polymeric material undergoes a phase transition, upon curing, from a liquid or gel phase to a substantially rigid solid phase. The cast or brace (100) may be readily customized to the patient by fitting the cast to the patient's body, positioning the cast in the desired orientation, and curing the curable polymeric material through exposure to actinic radiation or by other suitable means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: H. Mark Estrada, JR.