Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 9919098
    Abstract: An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into a patient's body, in particular a penis erection stimulation system, comprises one or more long, flexibly bendable infusion needles, the tip ends of which are disposed within and implanted along with at least one first housing, in particular adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. The respective other end or ends of the infusion needles are disposed and implanted along with at least one second housing remote from the first housing. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9919099
    Abstract: Implanted drug pump devices can be refilled via a fill port in the drug reservoir that includes a self-resealable septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MINIPUMPS, LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Jason Shih, Julian D. Kavazov
  • Patent number: 9919100
    Abstract: A safety needle device comprising a body piece including a rear end connected to a cannula and a front end having a needle for connecting to a patient, a sliding gap at the front end of the body piece, a lock button at a rear end of the body piece, a sliding piece adopting a locked position wherein the sliding piece is folded and locked onto the body piece and a sliding position wherein the sliding piece is unfolded and unlocked from the body piece; retaining flaps at a bottom of the sliding piece for receiving the fingers of a hand of a user when the needle device must be disconnected from the patient, and locking parts in the sliding piece to lock the sliding piece and the body piece in a position wherein the needle is removed from the patient and protected by walls of the sliding piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LEXEL S.R.L.
    Inventor: Nestor Rava
  • Patent number: 9919101
    Abstract: Clips or straps may be used to position a patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) pump control in a position where a patient can easily operate a PCA pump. A strap that allows a PCA pump control to always be in hand or very close at hand is preferable to a strap or clip that merely keeps a PCA pump control nearby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: atHand Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Stephanie Barnard
  • Patent number: 9919102
    Abstract: A drug delivery system provides for controlled mixing of drugs, using flow controllers to guide drugs into single or multiple catheters, enabling a single lumen catheter to dispense multiple drugs, diluting a concentrated drug to provide varying drug concentration, using a buffer fluid to deliver precise amounts of drug or to separate drugs within a catheter, and using a patient's bodily fluid as a diluent or buffer fluid. A drug testing/filler apparatus may be used prior to system use to facilitate filling of multiple reservoirs and may also be used for refilling. The system can provide bolus or continuous delivery and enable the measured delivery of drug to selected distal locations at independent rates. New types of catheter systems, catheter hub assemblies, and uses therefore are also described. New methods for promotion of healthy pregnancy and treatment of a developing fetus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 9919103
    Abstract: Containment devices and methods of manufacture and assembly are provided. In an embodiment, the containment device includes an elongated microchip element comprising one or more containment reservoirs that are configured to be electrically activated to open. The containment device also include an elongated electronic printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a substrate. The elongated PCB comprises a first side on which one or more electronic components are fixed and an opposed second side on which the elongated microchip element is fixed in electrical connection to the one or more electronic components. Further, the containment device includes an elongated housing fixed to the elongated PCB. The elongated housing is configured to hermetically seal the one or more electronic components of the elongated PCB within the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MICROCHIPS BIOTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Farra
  • Patent number: 9919104
    Abstract: The protrusion relates to a device comprising a main body case having a sensor mounting component, a measurement component that is connected to the sensor mounting component, a controller that is connected to this measurement component, and a display component that is connected to this controller. A communication component that is connected to the controller communicates pharmaceutical injection information and non-pharmaceutical-injection information to a specific pump. The controller performs communication at a first output when communicating non-pharmaceutical-injection information to the pump, and performs communication at a second output that is smaller than the first output when communicating pharmaceutical injection information to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Ohzawa
  • Patent number: 9919105
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for determining a recommended bolus dose of therapeutic fluid to be delivered to the body are disclosed. Such a recommended bolus dose may be provided by establishing an initial bolus dose for a user based on one or more first parameters relating to the user and adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) this initial bolus dose amount based on one or more second user parameters by multiplying the initial bolus dose by one or more multiplier values that correlate to at least one of the second parameters and/or by adding or subtracting an absolute value of at least one of the second parameters from the initial bolus dose amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Gali Shapira, Iddo M. Gescheit
  • Patent number: 9919106
    Abstract: An injector device for the percutaneous injection of fluids, such as medications, is disclosed. The device can have a mobile phone case. The mobile phone case can hold an auto-injector cartridge having a trigger, spring-loaded needle and reservoir holding a medication such as epinephrine or insulin. The device mobile phone case can communicate injection data to the phone. The phone can communicate the injection data to an emergency service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Steven A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 9919107
    Abstract: A liquid administration device includes an inner structure that includes a cylindrical body that has a bottom part in a distal portion thereof and an opening portion in a proximal portion thereof, a needle tube that is mounted in the distal portion of the cylindrical body and has a sharp needle tip at a distal end and a proximal end of which is communicatable with an inside of the cylindrical body, and a gasket that is located in the cylindrical body; an operation member that includes a plunger, the operation member being configured to perform a pressing operation in which the plunger is moved relative to the cylindrical body in a distal direction while being pressed; an engagement portion that includes: a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaomi Imai, Shigeaki Fuke, Manabu Arinobe, Kenji Handa
  • Patent number: 9919108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reservoir unit (40, 140, 240) for a drug delivery arrangement (1, 100, 200), the reservoir unit (40, 140, 240) comprising: a housing (41, 141, 241) adapted to accommodate a fluid substance and comprising a displaceable wall (43, 143, 243), a fluid transport member (50, 150, 250) comprising a fluid outlet (52, 152, 252), first fluid communication means (53, 153, 253) for providing fluid communication with an interior of another reservoir, and second fluid communication means (54, 154, 254) for providing fluid communication with an interior (44, 144, 244) of the housing (41, 141, 241), and coupling means (45, 145, 245) adapted for connection with mating coupling means associated with the other reservoir. The invention further relates to a drug delivery arrangement (1, 100, 200) employing the reservoir unit (40, 140, 240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Klaus Bendix, Thomas Lindblad, Nick Smartt
  • Patent number: 9919109
    Abstract: A liquid administration tool includes a structure including a tubular body in which liquid is fillable, the tubular body having a bottom portion at a distal end and, an opening portion at a proximal end, and a needle tube positioned at a distal portion of the tubular body, the needle tube having a needle tip at a distal end thereof, and the needle tube being communicable at a proximal end thereof with an inside of the tubular body; an operation member having a pusher; a cover member; a biasing member configured to bias the cover member in the distal direction; a locking unit configured to restrict the movement of the cover member; and a movement amount restriction unit configured to restrict the movement amount of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu Arinobe, Masaomi Imai
  • Patent number: 9919110
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a safety syringe system, comprising: an off-the-shelf syringe assembly comprising a syringe body and a plunger tip; a needle assembly removably coupleable to the distal end of the syringe body such that medicinal fluid may be transferred through a retractable needle coupled to a needle housing comprising the needle assembly upon insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; and a plunger control assembly coupled to the plunger tip and configured to facilitate manual insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; wherein upon insertion of the plunger tip to a final insertion state and release of an associated manual insertion load, the plunger tip may be proximally withdrawn, pulling the retractable needle proximally relative to the needle housing to a safe locked and retracted state wherein it is no longer exposed for injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Credence MedSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Diaz, John F. Shanley, Alan E. Shluzas, Jeff Tillack, Dan Thayer
  • Patent number: 9919111
    Abstract: Penetrating systems and devices are described herein which include a penetrating portion having a fluid reservoir portion formed from two concentric hollow cylinders joined at one end with a substantially ring-shaped first end piece and associated at the other end with a substantially ring-shaped second end piece, the outer hollow cylinder including a plurality of pores in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir portion, the inner hollow cylinder defining a lumen in fluid communication with a second fluid reservoir portion, and the substantially ring-shaped second end piece forming a deformable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9919112
    Abstract: Penetrating systems and devices are described herein which include a penetrating portion with two concentric hollow cylinders joined at one end with a substantially ring-shaped end piece and at the other end with a hollow structure forming a fluid reservoir portion, the outer hollow cylinder including a plurality of pores in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir portion, the inner hollow cylinder in fluid communication with a second fluid reservoir portion, and the hollow structure formed at least in part from a deformable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9919113
    Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a second connector to a drug delivery device includes at least a container for a product, the container including a distal tip and an axial passageway defined through the distal tip, the adaptor having a longitudinal axis and being intended to be mounted on the distal tip, the adaptor including a first part and a second part, the first part being provided with an unreleasable attachment able to fix the first part to the distal tip, the second part being provided with a connector able to connect the second part to the second connector, the adaptor further including a securer able to anchor the first part to the second part. The drug delivery device includes the adaptor and a method for mounting the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventor: Emeric Mermet
  • Patent number: 9919114
    Abstract: A cutting element for a retracting needle syringe having a plunger with a cuttable distal end and a spring biased needle held by a cuttable support and a cutting element capable of cutting the cuttable distal end and the cuttable support includes a body portion having a proximal end, a distal end side wall therebetween and a passageway therethrough. The distal end of the body portion includes a cutting edge and a raised distally projecting tapered cutting tooth having distally converging edges. At least one tooth edge includes a sharp side wall for cutting the distal end of the plunger and the needle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Andrew G. Summerville, Jon D. Swenson, Christina Joy D'Arrigo
  • Patent number: 9919115
    Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Manta Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Jones, Richard L. Miller
  • Patent number: 9919116
    Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip having a plurality of blisters, each blister having a breachable lid and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, an indexing wheel mounted in the housing rotatable to drive a strip to sequentially move blisters into alignment with a blister piercing member, a control element pivotally mounted to the housing and a drive mechanism configured to couple the control element to the indexing wheel during part of the rotation of the control element by a user so that the indexing wheel rotates together with the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vectura Delivery Devices Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Eason, Peter Evans, Graham Gibbins
  • Patent number: 9919117
    Abstract: A nozzle for use in delivering a mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation. The nozzle includes a drug product inlet configured to receive a mixture of aerosolized propellant and an intranasal dosage form. The inlet is disposed at the proximal end. A nozzle body is secured to the drug product inlet. Two or more channels are disposed within the body. Two or more orifice apertures are disposed at the distal end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: IMPEL NEUROPHARMA INC.
    Inventors: John D. Hoekman, Michael Hite, Alan Brunelle, Joel Relethford
  • Patent number: 9919118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mallinckodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Jeff Milsap, Jaron M. Acker
  • Patent number: 9919119
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for intubation where indicators of a bougie's axial orientation and insertion depth into the trachea are not visible. In particular, a bougie having one or more tactile indicators of axial orientation and/or depth of insertion are disclosed. The tactile indicators can include finger grooves and/or a ridge to name two examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Shannon Sovndal
  • Patent number: 9919120
    Abstract: The present invention is relating to various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a fabric body structured to accommodate one or both of a nasal and oral region of a user's face. The fabric body includes a fabric connecting member extending therefrom structured to receive a coupling device for delivering a gas to the respiratory interface device. In another embodiment, the fabric body includes a non-fabric support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 9919121
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: InnoMed Healthscience, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Wood
  • Patent number: 9919122
    Abstract: A fluid trap is disclosed herein. The fluid trap has a tube connector defining a first interior passageway and a second interior passageway. The tube connector is adapted for connection with a dual lumen tube such that the first interior passageway is in fluid communication with one of the dual lumen and the second interior passageway is in fluid communication with the other of the dual lumen. The fluid trap also includes a reservoir operatively connected to the tube connector. The reservoir is in fluid communication with only one of the interior passageways, and is configured to retain fluid from that passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vyaire Medical Consumables LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kendrick, Mark Woelfel
  • Patent number: 9919123
    Abstract: The flow rate of a gaseous sample of exhaled breath through an analytical device is controlled by a pump, and in certain embodiments two pumps. Placement of the analyte sensor in a secondary stream branching off of the primary stream through the device offers further control over the manner, duration, and quantity of the breath that is placed in contact with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Circassia AB
    Inventors: Kevin Nason, Jonathan Fay, Bryan P. Flaherty, Bhairavi R. Parikh
  • Patent number: 9919124
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is provided a tubing arrangement and associated connectors, including a delivery adaptor and a Y-connector, which may be used to facilitate the operative interface of a patient interface to a ventilator within a ventilation system. The delivery adaptor is connected between the outlet connector of the flow generator and the main delivery tube (i.e., the quad-lumen tube) in the ventilation system. The delivery adaptor functions to retain the pneumatic isolation of a sense line of the ventilation system from certain other lumens of the quad-lumen tube, and further connects one of the small lumens of the quad-lumen tube to an external oxygen source or an external humidification source. The oxygen or humidification is delivered to such lumen through the adaptor. The oxygen or humidification is then bled into the air stream at the outlet of such lumen which is at the Y-connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samir S. Ahmad, Mark J. Zechmeister, Enrico Brambilla, Leonardo Alberto Baloa Welzien
  • Patent number: 9919125
    Abstract: A component useable with one or more tube has a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Gulliver, Michael Paul Ronayne, Puqing Zhang, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Rex Gordon Faithfull
  • Patent number: 9919126
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for use with a breathing assistance and/or resuscitation apparatus, which conveys gases along a gases pathway to a patient, includes a mounting for connecting the pressure regulating device to a first outlet in fluid communication with the gases pathway. The mounting holds a valve member that selectively blocks, at least in part, the first outlet. A control member can be manipulated to adjust a property of the valve member. The valve member at least partially blocks the first outlet when the pressure of gases in the pathway is below a selected level, and allows at least a portion of the gases to flow out of the first outlet when the pressure of said gases is above the selected level. The property includes a selected level of pressure whereby manipulation of the control member adjusts the level of pressure between a maximum level and a minimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: David Kemps
  • Patent number: 9919127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for slow wave sleep improvement. The method includes recording a biosignal from a skin area of a patient using an electrode system. The slow wave stage of NREM sleep is detected by analyzing an oscillation rate of the biosignal. If the slow wave stage is detected, threshold electrocutaneous stimulation is applied to improve the quality of sleep. The described embodiment relates to an apparatus for slow wave sleep improvement comprising an electrode system, a measuring unit, a therapy unit and a processor. The processor is coupled to the measurement unit for receiving the biosignal corresponding to the electrodermal activity. The processor proceses the biosignal to determine the slow wave sleep stage and activates the therapy unit to deliver threshold electrocutaneous therapy to the patient with the purpose of improving the slow wave sleep stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMSTONE, INC.
    Inventors: Valery V. Dementienko, Roman G. Maev, Alexander S. Bugaev, Peter Indursky, Viacheslav V. Markelov, Viacheslav M. Shakhnarovich, Emil E. Strumban
  • Patent number: 9919128
    Abstract: A catheter can efficiently transmit an operator's pushing force to a distal end of the catheter with a reduced risk of getting caught at a curved region of a lumen (e.g., a blood vessel, bile duct, pancreatic duct or the like). The catheter includes a first core wire and a second core wire disposed between an inner tube and an outer tube. The second core wire can move to an optimal position depending on external forces exerted at a curved region of the lumen when the catheter is inserted into the curved region. Therefore, there is a reduced risk that the first core wire and the second core wire will interfere with each other, which would prevent the catheter from bending along the lumen and potentially break one or both of the first core wire and the second core wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishigishi
  • Patent number: 9919129
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve CED devices with various features for reducing or preventing backflow. In some embodiments, CED devices include a tissue-receiving space disposed proximal to a distal fluid outlet. Tissue can be compressed into or pinched/pinned by the tissue-receiving space as the device is inserted into a target region of a patient, thereby forming a seal that reduces or prevents proximal backflow of fluid ejected from the outlet beyond the tissue-receiving space. In some embodiments, CED devices include a bullet-shaped nose proximal to a distal fluid outlet. The bullet-shaped nose forms a good seal with surrounding tissue and helps reduce or prevent backflow of infused fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Deep Arjun Singh, PJ Anand, Blake Sama
  • Patent number: 9919130
    Abstract: A guide wire control device and methods of use are described herein. A guide wire is retained by a lock mechanism to a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly controllably moves within a stationary assembly. The guide wire control device provides improved control of guide wires during transcatheter surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Ring
  • Patent number: 9919131
    Abstract: A catheter for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor in an integrated configuration that facilitates a path in the tip section for extension and retraction of a component, including an injection needle, with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Birchard, Jerett A. Creed, Wai Chung Wong
  • Patent number: 9919132
    Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Salome A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9919133
    Abstract: The surgical drain anchoring device includes a resilient, flexible pad having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, a centrally positioned aperture, and a slit extending radially outward from the aperture to the perimeter of the device. A neck member positioned on the upper surface defines a central channel aligned with the aperture, and a tapered member aligned with the aperture extends from the lower surface so that a surgical drain can pass through the neck, the aperture, and the tapered member. An outer ridge member adapted for attachment of an external drainage bag thereto also extends from the upper surface. The external drainage bag includes a primary opening configured to attach onto the outer ridge member and a secondary opening configured to drain fluid from the drainage bag. The device can also include a strap, tie, or clip configured for securing the neck around the surgical drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Abdullatif E. A. H. Al-Terki
  • Patent number: 9919134
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin penetration point without the use of sutures or skin tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Rosenberg, Mark R. Christianson, Kyle P. Taylor, Andrew T. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 9919135
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheath for gastrostoma (1), a sheathed dilator, a gastrostomy catheter kit and a method of splitting a sheath for gastrostoma. The sheath for gastrostoma (1) includes a sheath body (11) in which a gastrostomy catheter (2) is inserted and a handle (12). The sheath for gastrostoma (1) lowers the insertion resistance of a gastrostomy catheter when inserted in a fistula before insertion of the gastrostomy catheter in the fistula for replacement in the patient's body. According to the invention, a sheath for gastrostoma, a sheathed dilator, a sheath for gastrostoma with insertion aid, a gastrostomy catheter kit and a method of splitting a sheath for gastrostoma which can lower the insertion resistance during placement of a catheter in the patient's body, facilitate air supply control of an endoscope and stabilize endoscopic visual field during surgery are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Suzuki, Hideaki Matsunami, Yukihiko Sakaguchi, Masao Ikeda, Tomokazu Nakayama, Keiji Kamada, Ryo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9919136
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub having an elastomeric septum that divides the catheter hub into a distal chamber and a proximal chamber. The septum also includes at least one slit that is closed and sealed when the septum is in an at-rest state. A septum activator is proximal the septum. When an external force pushes the activator against the septum, the activator deforms the septum so as to break the seal and create a flow path through the septum. A portion of the septum activator can be collapsible when subjected to the outside force. When the outside force is removed, the collapsible portion springs back to its at-rest shape, helping to pull the activator out of deforming engagement with the septum so that the septum can reseal. The activator can also be spring-biased away from engagement with the septum so that when the outside force is removed, the spring urges the activator out of engagement with the septum. With the activator removed, the septum slit can reseal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Siew Ping Lim, E-Jen Teh, Soo Yong Tan, Teng Sun Teoh
  • Patent number: 9919137
    Abstract: An inflation system having two pressure vessels integrated into a balloon catheter. A pressurized chamber and a vacuum chamber are integrally attached to proximal end of the balloon catheter and activated by a common valve or switch. Pressure or vacuum is selectively transmitted to the balloon depending on the valve/switch position. The working fluid may be air, or a combination of air and saline with an intermediate piston/cylinder assembly. The balloon catheter may be a part of a heart valve delivery system with a balloon-expandable heart valve crimped onto the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey H. Chen, Andrew Phung, Thomas Chien, Da-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9919138
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is provided by moving cerebrospinal fluid containing particles know to contribute to onset of Alzheimer's disease from a source of cerebrospinal fluid to the stomach or bladder, where the particles are safely digested by gastric acid or excreted, the system including an implantable pump, an inlet catheter, an outlet catheter, and a one-way valve. The system further includes at least one filter to filter harmful particles from the cerebrospinal fluid and return the filtered cerebrospinal fluid back to the source of cerebrospinal fluid, where the harmful particles blocked by the filter may be rinsed off the filter and transported to the stomach or bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Tim Lenihan, Bruce Meadows
  • Patent number: 9919139
    Abstract: With the present invention the sheet shaped therapeutic substance can be accurately and easily affixed to the inside of the human body. As shown in FIG. 6A, the sheet shaped substance can be mounted on the head with wrinkles being formed. When this takes place, the sheet shaped substance is held in contact with the outer periphery of the head. Then, by making the pressure of the fluid inside the vent apertures positive, the sheet shaped substance can be blown off. The surface of the head is closely parallel to an inner surface of the esophagus wall for the sheet shaped substance to be affixed. Therefore, this particularly makes it possible to perform such applying step (FIG. 6B) in a more reliable fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Women's Medical University
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Nobuo Kanai, Masayuki Yamato, Teruo Okano
  • Patent number: 9919140
    Abstract: An implantable oxygenator may have a configuration that is suitable for implantation within a human body be implanted within a human body, such as within a human eye. The implantable oxygenator may include an electrolyte reservoir having a configuration suitable for storing electrolyte and an electrolysis system having a configuration that performs electrolysis on a portion of the electrolyte, thereby producing oxygen in the region of the electrolysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Mark S. Humayun, Karthik Murali, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro, Yu-chong Tai, Nicholas Scianmarello
  • Patent number: 9919141
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a needle-shaped body, including supplying a first aqueous solution to an intaglio plate, supplying a second aqueous solution to the intaglio plate, drying the first and second aqueous solutions in the intaglio plate such that a dried body is formed on the intaglio plate, and separating the dried body from the intaglio plate such that a needle-shaped body including a needle-shaped projection and a support base which supports the needle-shaped projection is obtained. The intaglio plate includes a recess corresponding to the needle-shaped projection, the first aqueous solution is supplied to fill at least a portion of the recess, the first aqueous solution and the second aqueous solution are immiscible, the first aqueous solution forms a projection side layer in the needle-shaped body, and the second aqueous solution forms a support base side layer on the projection side layer in the needle-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hanae Tagami, Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9919142
    Abstract: An injection site for medical lines includes a tubular body made of molded plastic material within which an elastic element made of thermoplastic material is overmolded on an enlarged end of the tubular body. The enlarged end delimits an inner annular flange and is formed with at least one radial through-hole through which the elastic element is overmolded in order to rest axially against the inner annular flange and fill the radial through-hole with an appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INDUSTRIE BORLA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 9919143
    Abstract: The assembly is generally tubular and comprises a female connector portion comprising a cannula adapted to receive a male connector, the female connector portion comprising one or more septum units. Each of the septum units comprises slits and flaps. The flaps, when in a closed position, substantially close the cannula. The septum units are positioned adjacent to one another in a “back to back” orientation such that the first septum slits are transverse to the corresponding second septum slits such that the slits of the first septum are supported by flaps of the second septum and slits of the second septum are supported by flaps of the first septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Catheter IP Holding Company Ltd.
    Inventor: M. Samy Ahmed Hamboly
  • Patent number: 9919144
    Abstract: An iontophoresis drug delivery system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoresis drug delivery. The system includes an iontophoresis catheter fitted with a drug coated balloon. The iontophoresis catheter includes a balloon near its distal tip or end that contacts the vessel wall circumferentially when inflated. One or more electrodes are associated with a surface of the balloon, and may be disposed on an outer surface of the balloon. The electrodes are operably coupled to an energy source configured to produce a bipolar or monopolar electric field between two balloon electrodes and/or between one balloon electrode and another electrode placed in contact with a part of the patient's body. During use, the disclosed drug-delivery catheter produces an electric potential gradient within adjacent tissue, that, in turn, facilitates iontophoresis delivery of a drug. The disclosed catheter can also include a store of one or more drugs to be delivered to the targeted tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Adrian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Peter Meyer
  • Patent number: 9919145
    Abstract: Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Bondhus, Patrick D. Wells
  • Patent number: 9919146
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods that can treat dementia or other brain disorders via electrical stimulation. Embodiments disclosed herein utilize brain stimulation of brain areas involved in memory and cognition through an intraventricular approach. Brain stimulation is combined with CSF flow in an intraventricular electrode having one or more passageways to permit fluid to flow therethrough. For example, an intraventricular electrode shunt catheter can be safely placed in any part of the ventricular system and through any foramen or aqueduct of the ventricular system without fear of obstruction to CSF flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Sherwin Hua
  • Patent number: 9919147
    Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil H Talbot, Jordan M Neysmith, Dustin Tobey