Patents Issued in January 23, 2018
  • Patent number: 9872649
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a user's intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KHN Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Harry Nothacker, Pauline Anne Basaran, Stacey Ilene Rettus, Michael Jurgen Strasser, Imraan Aziz, John Paul Walton, Zachary Michael Saul, Christopher Thomas Faykus
  • Patent number: 9872650
    Abstract: A communication system, method, and computer program product supported by electro-dermal monitoring physiological signals at the surface of the skin. The system includes a garment comprising an electro-dermal interface. The interface includes two or more electrodes in an array of electrodes. The electrodes are associated with three or more polarities. Two or more measurement circuits associated with respective measurement functions are in communication with the electrodes, including a first measurement circuit associated with a first measurement function and a second measurement circuit associated with a second measurement function. Switching circuitry comprising two or more pole switches, with each switch in communication with a respective electrode. A controller is in communication with the switching circuitry to change a measurement function. Changing the measurement function includes changing a polarity associated with at least one of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Anthrotronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack M. Vice
  • Patent number: 9872651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical work station which has a medical instrument which is intended to be inserted at least partially into the interior of a lying being for treating the latter, an imaging device which is set up to create image data records of the interior of the living being during the treatment, and a robot. The robot includes a robot arm having a plurality of members situated one after another, on which the imaging device or the medical instrument may be situated, and a control device intended for moving the robot arm, which is set up to move the robot arm in such a way that the imaging device attached to the robot arm follows a motion of the medical instrument, or the medical instrument attached to the robot arm follows a motion of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Ralph Berke
  • Patent number: 9872652
    Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus employ a time-varying spectral analysis approach for reconstructing an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal that includes motion artifacts. The motion artifacts are produced by motion of an ECG sensor relative to a sensing location. The time-varying spectral analysis based approach enables the ECG signal to be reconstructed with accuracy by suppressing the motion artifacts. Example applications for the method and corresponding apparatus include ECG-based heart rate monitoring in wearable devices for fitness tracking and health monitoring even during intense physical activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Seyed M. A. Salehizadeh, Ki H. Chon, Yeonsik Noh
  • Patent number: 9872653
    Abstract: The local conduction velocity of a cardiac activation wavefront can be computed by collecting a plurality of electrophysiology (“EP”) data points using a multi-electrode catheter, with each EP data point including both position data and local activation time (“LAT”) data. For any EP data point, a neighborhood of EP data points, including the selected EP data point and at least two additional EP data points, can be defined. Planes of position and LATs can then be defined using the positions and LATs, respectively, of the EP data points within the neighborhood. A conduction velocity can be computed from an intersection of the planes of positions and LATs. The resultant plurality of conduction velocities can be output as a graphical representation (e.g., an electrophysiology map), for example by displaying vector icons arranged in a uniform grid over a three-dimensional cardiac model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenwen Li, Erhan Erdemir, Eric J. Voth, Valtino X. Afonso, Carlo Pappone
  • Patent number: 9872654
    Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes compressing circuitry. The compressing circuitry is configured to compress, for each of a first data group and a second data group both of which being included in data pertaining to a medical image, each of the first data group and the second data group separately, starting from data corresponding to a boundary between the first data group and the second data group and shifting sequentially to a direction away from the boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nakaba Kogure, Tomoya Kodama, Shinichiro Koto, Wataru Asano, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 9872655
    Abstract: A method of guiding a catheter during an embolization operation includes receiving volume data of a patient volume, the patient volume including a lesion and a feeding vessel for the lesion, detecting the feeding vessel in the volume data, define a vessel connection path for the feeding vessel, the vessel connection path connecting first and second points in the volume data, the second point being disposed along the feeding vessel, receiving fluoroscopic projection data of the patient volume, and rendering the fluoroscopic projection data with an overlay during the embolization operation, the overlay including the vessel connection path for the feeding vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jessica Amberg, Hayo Knoop, Stefan Lautenschläger, Kerstin Sonntag
  • Patent number: 9872656
    Abstract: An imaging capsule with a fail-safe radiation mechanism includes a first rotatable disk with a radiation source mounted thereon and having a collimator structure allowing emission of radiation from radiation source from a few locations on the first disk. A second rotatable disk surrounds the first disk, is rotatable relative to first disk, and includes areas that block radiation and areas that are transparent to emission of radiation. In a rest position, second disk is situated relative to first disk such that areas that block radiation are blocking the emission of radiation from the locations on the circumference of the disk that allow the emission of radiation. A motor is activated to rotate one of the disks and allow emission of radiation. A connector is configured to automatically return first disk and second disk to the rest position when the motor is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: CHECK-CAP LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Kimchy, Rafi Sommer
  • Patent number: 9872657
    Abstract: A videofluoroscopy accessory device adapted to securely and removably attach to an X-ray head of a fluoroscopy system or device. The videofluoroscopy accessory device on the current invention provides a platform for enhancing and supplementing the surgical environment with additional accessories. The accessories that could be used with the present invention include but are not limited to lights, cameras, microphones, and other medical equipment/tools for optimizing the surgical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SPINE INJURY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric K. Groteke, Glen C. Pettersen
  • Patent number: 9872658
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical imaging diagnosis apparatus includes a top-plate, a bed, a first gantry, a second gantry and a moving assembly. The top-plate places a subject thereon. The bed supports the top-plate. The first gantry includes an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector which revolve around the top-plate. The second gantry includes a gamma ray detector which detects gamma rays emitted from the subject. The moving assembly moves, based on a first position indicative of a center position of an effective view field in the first gantry and a second position indicative of a center position of an effective view field in the second gantry, the top-plate relative to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Yamada, Katsuhito Morino, Tomoyasu Komori, Masakazu Matsuura, Hisashi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9872659
    Abstract: A real-time fluoroscopic imaging system includes a collimator and a detector which are rotationally movable independent of the support assembly, e.g., c-arm, to which they are mounted. Rotational movement of the collimator and the detector are coordinated such that the orientation of the detector with respect to the collimator does not change. The collimator may include a geared flange member to facilitate rotation, and may be a single molded piece formed of a plastic such as tungsten polymer material. The system may also include a plurality of interchangeable collimators characterized by different shapes. A display is provided to present an image to an operator, and image orientation logic displays a target anatomy in a selected orientation regardless of orientation of the target anatomy relative to the detector, and regardless of rotation of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: John Jenkins, Mark Guetersloh, Aleksey Danilkin, Tri Pham
  • Patent number: 9872660
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes an X-ray Talbot imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus to reconstruct one or more moire images produced in the X-ray Talbot imaging apparatus into a plurality of types of medical diagnostic images. The image processing apparatus classifies the medical diagnostic images generated based on the same moire image(s) into a group and outputs the group of medical diagnostic images as a unit to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Masaya Hamano, Akira Kurahashi, Norihiro Matsusaka, Tomoyasu Yokoyama, Mitsuharu Kitamura, Satoshi Nishino
  • Patent number: 9872661
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire first projection data that is based on a first spectrum representing an amount of radioactive rays in a unit of energy of the radioactive rays having passed through a subject and detected by a detector. The processing circuitry is configured to generate second projection data by correcting the first projection data based on a response characteristic of the detector. The processing circuitry is configured to operate reconstruction process to the second projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ono, Takashi Ida, Shuhei Nitta, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 9872662
    Abstract: A method is for determining a spatial distribution of a material property value in an examination region of an examination object. According to an embodiment, the method includes capturing measurement projection data; reconstructing image data based upon the captured measurement projection data; estimating a distribution of two basic materials using a threshold value by classifying image points; determining a distribution of the two basic materials based upon the estimated distribution and a general dependency rule; and determining a spatial distribution of the material property value, independent of the measurement energy, based upon the determined distribution and based upon a previously known theoretical relationship between the distribution of the material property value and a distribution of the two basic materials. In addition, a material property distribution determining device is described in one embodiment, and a computer tomography system is also described in another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventor: Rainer Raupach
  • Patent number: 9872663
    Abstract: Method, system, apparatus, and computer program products for removing marker artifacts from a tomosynthesis dataset. In the method, a first plurality of projection images are acquired by tomosynthesis x-ray imaging, the first plurality of projection images containing at least one imaged representation of at least one alignment marker. In one aspect, the imaged representation of the at least one alignment marker on the first plurality of projection images is minimized to generate a second plurality of projection images. In another aspect, a plurality of tomographic images are reconstructed from the second plurality of projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Duewer
  • Patent number: 9872664
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for medical imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method comprises estimating an external scatter contamination in emission data based on an estimated emission activity originating from anatomies outside a field-of-view (FOV) of a scanner, the anatomies identified based on an image segmentation analysis performed on an image generated in the imaging system, the image generated prior to acquiring the emission data. In this way, a scatter correction applied to the emission data may include both scatter originating within the FOV and outside the FOV, and hence may be more accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiao Jin, Hua Qian, Geng Fu
  • Patent number: 9872665
    Abstract: A catheter including a sheath configured to be inserted into a lumen; a drive shaft inserted into the sheath; an image information acquiring unit fixed to a distal end of the drive shaft and acquires image information; a hub which moves the drive shaft in an axial direction of the sheath; an outer tube on a proximal end side of the sheath and includes a first connector at a proximal end thereof; a second connector which includes on a proximal end side of the outer tube a male connector able to be connected to and disconnected from the first connector; and an inner tube on a distal end side of the hub, that moves with respect to the outer tube along with the movement of the hub, and includes at a distal end thereof a latch section that is not able to pass through the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Itaru Okubo, Haruhiko Kamijo
  • Patent number: 9872666
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for providing enhanced echogenicity to medical devices. An echogenic feature is formed in the shape of a pyramidal reuleaux triangle. A lobe is constructed at a rim of an echogenic feature to create a pocket between the lobe and a bottom surface of the feature. A test fixture is disclosed which provides a method for obtaining quantifiable echogenicity data of medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventor: Benjaman B. Quearry
  • Patent number: 9872667
    Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound diagnostics using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Decision Sciences International Corporation
    Inventor: Allan Wegner
  • Patent number: 9872668
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus acquires a signal to generate images of an observation target, sequentially generates observation images based on the acquired signal, and causes a display to continuously display the observation images. The apparatus includes: a first storage for storing the observation images in chronological order; input units for receiving a command signal for freezing the observation images on the display; and a second storage for storing correction information for each input unit so as to associate the correction information with each input unit. The apparatus is configured to: identify an input unit that has received the command signal among the input units; determine a correction amount based on a result of identification by the identification unit and the correction information; and select an observation image generated before or after receiving the command signal according to the correction amount, from among the observation images, based on the correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sho Funakubo
  • Patent number: 9872669
    Abstract: A matrix array probe including a transducer array and integrated circuitry coupled to the transducer elements dissipates heat generated by the array and integrated circuitry through the cover of the transducer probe. A pump in the probe connector pumps fluid through a closed loop system including inbound an outbound fluid conduits in the cable. The fluid conduits in the cable are separated by the cable electrical conductors for the probe. The heat transfer in the probe is done by a heat exchanger in the transducer backing block. Additional cooling may be provided by metal to metal contact with a chiller in the ultrasound system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Richard Edward Davidsen, Michael Scarsella, James Christopher Taylor, Andrew Lee Robinson, Wojtek Sudol
  • Patent number: 9872670
    Abstract: Systems and methods (the “utility”) presented herein provide for the assessment of acousto-electrical probes, such as their connections (e.g., transducer leads) and their response characteristics. For example, the utility may provide for readily evaluating transducer leads that have been broken and/or detached from transducers within an ultrasound probe. Due to the increasing complexity of ultrasound probes, identification of broken and/or detached transducer leads also becomes increasingly complex. Being able to identify such disconnected transducer leads may enable a person to repair, or “reterminate”, these transducer leads leading to a potentially substantial cost savings, the least of which being incurred by avoiding total replacement of an ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nickolas Markoff, Christopher M. Cone
  • Patent number: 9872671
    Abstract: A needle for fine-needle aspiration includes an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis and having a channel extending therethrough, a distal portion of the body being movable between a first configuration in which the distal portion extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis and the channel is unobstructed and a second configuration in which the distal portion is axially offset relative to the central longitudinal axis to seal at least a portion of the channel and an actuation mechanism controlling movement of the distal portion between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Kirsten Viering
  • Patent number: 9872672
    Abstract: A disposable unit for a biopsy device includes a hollow needle configured to define a longitudinal path. A sample-receiving device having a cavity is configured to move in the hollow needle along the longitudinal path between an extended position and a retracted position. A transport device is configured to move the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle between the extended position and the retracted position. The transport device includes a bendable elongate element having a proximal portion and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the sample-receiving device. The bendable elongate element has a tooth surface that is engaged by a rotatable gear. A coiling device is configured to coil the proximal portion of the bendable elongate element as the sample-receiving device is moved linearly along the longitudinal path from the extended position to the retracted position by operation of the rotatable gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Claus Reuber, Karsten Videbaek, Henrik Bagger Olsen
  • Patent number: 9872673
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer housing shell defining a cavity, the outer housing shell defining an upper outer housing half and a lower outer housing half, wherein the upper outer housing half defines a longitudinal axis and an instrument module selectively insertable into the cavity of the outer housing shell. The instrument module includes an inner housing shell, at least one motor disposed within the inner housing shell, a control board being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and an energy source being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and the control board. The instrument module is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing shell in such a manner that the operative axis of the at least one motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper outer housing half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Matthew Chowaniec, Russell Pribanic
  • Patent number: 9872674
    Abstract: Entrapment and collection systems and method of entrapping and collecting biologic material produced on a patient are disclosed. The systems include a collection bag which formed of a flexible sheet material having a hollow interior, a first mouth and a second mouth. The first mouth is openable to enable the biological structure to be disposed in the hollow interior and to enable a removal instrument, e.g., a morcellator, to be introduced therethrough to engage the biologic structure to effect a procedure on it. The second mouth enables a viewing instrument to be extended through it for visualizing the procedure and is closeable by a drawstring to entrap biologic material produced by the procedure after the removal instrument and viewing instrument have been removed, whereupon the collection bag may be withdrawn from the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Boehringer Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Lloyd Lehmann, Christopher L. Radl, Trevor Smith, Michael Reed Vennel
  • Patent number: 9872675
    Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The retractor blade may be first manually positioned to a gross angular position and thereafter fine tuned in angular position. The adjustment mechanism includes a pair of arms forced together to contract about a pivot pin to set an angular position and a threaded screw device which is rotatable to adjust further the angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9872676
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical retractor, in particular, for spreading a severed sternum, comprising a first retaining device and a second retaining device, which each have a spreader arm with at least one retaining element held thereon, a holding device for holding the retaining devices on each other, and a drive device with which the distance of the spreader arms from each other along a retraction direction is alterable for transfer to a spread position. In order to provide a retractor of this kind which, having a compact design, is easy to handle, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the retaining devices each have a holding arm connected to the respective spreader arm, and both holding arms couple with the drive device and be displaceable via the drive device relative to each other and relative to the holding device along a displacement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Pedro Morales, Robert Vogtherr, Andreas Elisch, Peter Kleine
  • Patent number: 9872677
    Abstract: A method for securing a flexible member may include forming a bore in a bone; inserting an anchor into the bore, the anchor including a passage and being coupled to a flexible member; slideably positioning a first load distributing member along the flexible member; inserting the first load distributing member into the bore such that the flexible member engages the first load distributing member; and applying tension to a portion of the flexible member to secure the anchor and load distributing member within the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventor: David Anderson
  • Patent number: 9872678
    Abstract: A suture anchor, and a surgical filament assembly using same, capable of being fixated in a hole formed in a bone of a patient. The suture anchor preferably includes an anchor body with a passage extending from a proximal end toward a distal end, and at least one bone engaging feature on the exterior of the anchor. A knot patency element disposed within the passage holds a removable sliding knot formed, using the surgical filament. A tightening limb of the sliding knot enables the user to tighten the sliding knot against an object extending through a capture loop to secure the object to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: David B. Spenciner, Benjamin Chan
  • Patent number: 9872679
    Abstract: A wound closure device includes a flexible filament having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of barbs project outwardly from the flexible filament. Each barb has a base connected with the flexible filament, a blunt tip spaced from the base, a leading edge extending between the base and the blunt tip and facing toward the first end of the flexible filament, and a trailing edge extending between the base and the tip and facing toward the second end of the flexible filament. The trailing edge of the barb and the longitudinal axis of the flexible filament define an angle of at least 68° that opens toward the second end of the flexible filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason T. Perkins, Mark T. Mooney, Jonathan B. Gabel
  • Patent number: 9872680
    Abstract: A tissue fixation system including a delivery tube and an elongated fastener with a loop at a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal end of an elongated curved needle is attached to the delivery tube. A distal end of the needle is configured to penetrate tissue. The needle includes an open channel sized to receive the elongated fastener with the loop located near the proximal end of the elongated curved needle and the distal end of the elongated fastener located near the distal end of the elongated curved needle. A capture needle is slidably positioned in the delivery tube to slide through the loop in the proximal end of the elongated fastener. The capture needle is configured to grasp the distal end of the elongated fastener and pull the distal end of the elongated fastener through the loop to cinch the elongated fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Tissue Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Fenton, J. Christopher Flaherty, Anshuman Shrivastava
  • Patent number: 9872681
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site. The apparatus may include a body having a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage. An exemplary involves placing the distal portions of legs of a staple in at least one passage in a constraining device that substantially constrains the legs from deforming; and placing the proximal portions of the legs of the staple in at least one passage in an apparatus that, independently of the constraining device, substantially prevents the legs from deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: OsteoMed LLC
    Inventors: Alan B. Miller, Shawn T. Huxel, Richard Thomas Briganti
  • Patent number: 9872682
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil including a staple forming portion, a cutting member, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, an elongate slot, and a deck. The deck comprises a first deck surface and a second deck surface, wherein one of the first deck surface and the second deck surface is stepped up from the other one of the first deck surface and the second deck surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of first staple cavities, a plurality of second staple cavities, and a plurality of third staple cavities, a driven element, a securement member releasably engaged with the deck, an implantable portion, and a plurality of staples deployable concurrently into tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9872683
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
  • Patent number: 9872684
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system for treating the tissue of a patient is provided. Various embodiments of the surgical stapling system include a handle including a rotary motion generator, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit attachable to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing system. The firing system includes a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue. The disposable loading unit includes a lockout configured to block the firing system from moving toward the distal end. The surgical stapling system includes an actuation system configured to regulate a force applied to the firing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Mark S. Ortiz, Douglas B. Hoffman, Patrick A. Weizman, Dean B. Bruewer, Gregory B. Blair
  • Patent number: 9872685
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method may include providing a first intravascular device having a distal portion and at least one aperture and positioning the distal portion of the first intravascular device in the vascular wall. The method may further include providing a reentry device having a body and a distal tip, the distal tip having a natural state and a compressed state and inserting the distal tip, in the compressed state, in the distal portion of the first intravascular device. The method may further include advancing the distal tip, in the natural state, through the at least one aperture of the first intravascular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BridgePoint Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad John Kugler, Matthew Jonathan Olson, Ross Arlen Olson, David B. Robinson, Peter Alan Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9872686
    Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus includes a fastener retaining frame having a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners has been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Nihir Patel
  • Patent number: 9872687
    Abstract: The nucleotomy device makes it possible to produce a nuclear space Es in an intervertebral disc Di using a transosseous approach previously pierced in the body of a vertebra Va. The device includes a tool holder (2) provided with first connection elements (3) ensuring the placement of an electric rotary driving motor (4), second connection elements (5) for the placement of a blade cutting tool (6), driving elements (7) imparting rotational and longitudinal translational movements to the cutting tool (6), and injection and suction elements (8) making it possible to evacuate the debris from the nucleus resulting from cutting when it is formed inside the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Guy Viart, Jean Yves Leroy, Adrien Billon, Brice Krier, Sebastien Shuller, Afshin Gangi, Orlando Ortiz
  • Patent number: 9872688
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an instrument and method of manipulating soft tissue during a soft tissue repair procedure. The instrument and related method may include use of a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the shaft comprises a tip including at least two prongs and a channel located between the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Housman, Paul S. Vincuilla, Nikhil N. Verma, Scott Trenhaile
  • Patent number: 9872689
    Abstract: Knee arthroplasty preparation devices include a tibial cutting block adapted for attachment to a tibia, a femoral cutting block adapted for attachment to a femur and a block positioning guide engaging the tibial cutting block and the femoral cutting block. Knee arthroplasty preparation methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Lucas Anissian
  • Patent number: 9872690
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, two drill guide bodies, a stylus tower configured to be slidably linked to each other wherein as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion. The caliper body comprises a base portion configured to couple and decouple from the caliper body using a sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MicroPort Orthopedics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9872691
    Abstract: A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube. The elongated inner tube is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube has a partially slotted distal end portion including a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby curving the distal end portion of the elongated inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Specialty Surgical Instrumentation Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry R. Griffiths, Jose Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9872692
    Abstract: A motion-compensated micro-forceps system, including a manually-operable micro-forceps assembly having a plurality of moveable grasping elements; a motor assembly operatively connected to the plurality of moveable grasping elements; an optical detection system having an optical fiber attached to the manually-operable micro-forceps assembly at a fixed axial distance relative to a distal-most end of the plurality of moveable grasping elements; and a motor controller configured to communicate with the optical detection system and the motor assembly to provide motion compensation of the plurality of moveable grasping elements of the manually-operable micro-forceps, wherein the optical detection system is configured to output a signal for the determination of a distance of the plurality of moveable grasping elements of the micro-forceps to a target during operation, and wherein the motor controller is configured to provide feedback control signals to the motor assembly for motion compensation for both hand tremor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jin U. Kang, Peter L. Gehlbach
  • Patent number: 9872693
    Abstract: A venous valve incising cutter includes a cutting teeth head, a guide, a wire and a coupling rod that couples the guide and a cutting teeth head, all aligned in a rotation axis thereof. More than four pieces of cutting blades are formed on the outer surrounding surface of the cutting teeth head. Each cutting blade has a roughly triangular pyramid shape such that the three ridge lines are composed of the outer surrounding surface of the cutting teeth head and the two planes formed in the reverse side of the outer surrounding surface and the apex is a knife-point of the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignees: TAKATOSHI FURUYA, NUMATA OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS FACTORY
    Inventors: Takatoshi Furuya, Kenji Numata
  • Patent number: 9872694
    Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an inner tubular member configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to an outer tubular member, and a reversible motor comprising a rotatable output shaft operatively coupled to the inner tubular member. A proximal end of the inner tubular member is disposed within, and configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to, a housing. A first control switch disposed within the housing is actuated when the inner tubular member is in a distal position relative to the housing, and a second control switch disposed external to the housing is actuated by a user. The system further includes motor control circuitry configured such that when the second control switch is actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor output shaft to change direction, and when the second control switch is not actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor to turn off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventor: Albert Chun-Chi Chin
  • Patent number: 9872695
    Abstract: Device for treatments of endoscopic resection/removal of tissues including: a handpiece; an outer tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis including a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting opening at the distal end; an inner tubular element rotatably accommodated in the outer tubular element; the inner tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting tip at its distal end; a guide for rotating/oscillating the inner/outer tubular elements with respect to one another; the guide including an electric motor and power-supply; a first clutch keyed on the inner tubular element substantially at the proximal end of the inner tubular element; a second clutch keyed on the distal end of the motor output shaft to axially slide on the motor output shaft; and at least one elastic element to push the second clutch to couple with the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: FRII SA
    Inventor: Raffaele Riva
  • Patent number: 9872696
    Abstract: A battery-powered, modular surgical device includes an electrically powered surgical instrument operable to surgically interface with human tissue and a handle assembly connected to the surgical instrument. The handle assembly has a removable hand grip and a handle body. The hand grip is shaped to permit handling of the surgical device by one hand of an operator, has an upper portion and a cordless internal battery assembly that powers the surgical instrument. The internal battery assembly has at least one energy storage cell. The handle body is operable to removably connect at least the upper portion of the hand grip thereto and create an aseptic seal around at least a portion of the hand grip when connected thereto and electrically couple the internal battery assembly of the hand grip to the surgical instrument and thereby power the surgical instrument for interfacing surgically with the human tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 9872697
    Abstract: An ultrasonic medical treatment probe has a head with a distal-most circular rim extending along an endless uninterrupted perimeter around a broad recess and formed with a series of serrations or teeth. The rim is thin in comparison to the width of the recess. The serrations or teeth preferably extend continuously along an entire circumference or length of the rim. The probe head is provided along the rim with a plurality of notches or openings communicating with the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MISONIX, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Dan Voic
  • Patent number: 9872698
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member. The ultrasonic blade includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal portion is configured to oscillate along the longitudinal axis to ultrasonically treat tissue. The distal portion includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a notch, and planar side segments. The notch is disposed on the bottom portion. One of the top portion, the bottom portion, or the notch is configured to dissect tissue. The top portion is configured to seal tissue. The jaw member is configured to move relative to the ultrasonic blade and is configured to contact the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard