Patents Issued in April 19, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180104020
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dental network including a portable dental laser station controllable within a remote access system. The dental laser station can include a dental laser, and a dental handpiece assembly coupled to or including the at least one dental laser. Some embodiments include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a dental laser management process to exchange dentistry-related parameters between the dental laser station or components and a remote network. Some embodiments include a handpiece assembly structured so that any beam size on the output window or surface is greater than any beam size exiting at the input window or surface. Some embodiments include a laser power supply combination with at least one high voltage (HV) power supply, a coupled or integrated simmer supply, a direct current (DC) supply, and at least one laser configured with a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BIOLASE, INC.
    Inventors: DMITRI BOUTOUSSOV, MANVEL ANDRIASYAN
  • Publication number: 20180104021
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental handpiece system with rotary coupling comprising a dental handpiece and a dental handpiece tip wherein the system incorporates a swivel mechanism and dynamic fluid interface for the dental handpiece and dental handpiece tip to rotate freely relative to the dental handpiece cable thereby decoupling the handpiece from a torsion load applied to it by the handpiece cable and internal tubing and wires. The ultrasonic dental handpiece with rotary coupling generally includes a handpiece to which a piezo assembly and secondary coil are housed and a cable assembly including a primary coil and handpiece cable wherein the handpiece cable provides a supply of electrical energy and cooling lavage. The primary and secondary coils form a transformer wherein the secondary coil is inductively coupled to the primary coil with the secondary coil in electrical communication with the piezo assembly. A method of using a handpiece is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R GUARAGNO
  • Publication number: 20180104022
    Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Ka Man Cheang
  • Publication number: 20180104023
    Abstract: An advanced thermoplastic orthodontic retainer is disclosed. The prior art includes a clear piece of thermoplastic material of uniform thickness which is then heated to a soft state and adapted to a stone model of a patient's teeth. The present invention incorporates a gradient of thickness of the plastic running from one end to the other. This gradient will exist in the final retainer, and it will take into account the normal pattern of opening and closing of the jaw during which the posterior segment is open less than the anterior segment when the teeth are close to contacting. The present invention retains the ease of fabrication, low cost, and aesthetics of the currently prescribed removable appliance while improving the durability and functionality. Dentists and orthodontists can use the present invention to prevent the unwanted side effects of the prior art including but not limited to posterior open-bites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Brock Aaron Goodman
  • Publication number: 20180104024
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Brandon Owen
  • Publication number: 20180104025
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Todd Evan Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20180104026
    Abstract: A process for preparing a body having an osseointegrative topography formed on its surface. The process includes the steps of providing a primary body made of a titanium-zirconium alloy containing 13 to 17 wt-% of zirconium, sandblasting the primary body, and etching the sandblasted primary body with an etching solution including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and water at a temperature of above 80° C. to obtain the body, said etching being performed for a duration of 350 seconds at least.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: STRAUMANN HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Philippe HABERSETZER, Simon BERNER, Christoph APPERT
  • Publication number: 20180104027
    Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base acrylic portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence Norman Wallace
  • Publication number: 20180104028
    Abstract: A method for generating a virtual model of a subperiosteal dental implant device. The method comprises: obtaining a virtual mouth model of a patient providing a three-dimensional representation of at least a section of a jaw bone of a patient, using a non-invasive modelling method; positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model; positioning at least one implant head at a respective implant position; and designing and generating a virtual model of the subperiosteal dental implant device having a shape at least partially derived from a shape of the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model and at least a portion of each one of the at least one implant head extending from the subperiosteal dental implant device at the respective implant position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Jean Robichaud
  • Publication number: 20180104029
    Abstract: A method for clearing unwanted data from optically detected virtual representations of objects includes: a. Defining an extension line of the representation; b. Generating a projection plane at one point of the extension line, which is perpendicular to the generated projection plane; c. Projecting all known points in space of the representation from one region on the projection plane onto the projection plane, the corresponding point in space being stored for each projected point; d. Generating a two-dimensional curve on the projection plane; e. Determining maxima, minima and a center of the curve; f. Identifying projected points of the curve that—viewed from the center of the curve-lie outside of the minima or maxima; g. Removing the points in space that correspond to the projected points that were identified in step f.; and h. Optionally, repeating starting from step b. for one further point of the extension line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jurgen JESENKO, Engelbert KELZ
  • Publication number: 20180104030
    Abstract: Method for the production of a prosthetic article including mounting at least two implants supporting the prosthetic article to be realized, in a model reproducing the user's gum, with the implants along the profile, heating a first implant to fuse an end of a first metallic wire to a first abutment corresponding to the portion emerging from the model of the first implant, heating the wire at a temperature lower than its melting temperature, in order to stretch it between the abutments, so that its development line is substantially parallel to the profile of the model at each point, heating the second implant in order to allow the fusion of the other end the first wire on the second abutment, so as to form a first bridge, and shaping with the technical material the first and the second abutment to form the artificial teeth of the prosthetic article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Marco BARDELLI
  • Publication number: 20180104031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a restoration from a blank consisting of, or containing, a lithium silicate glass ceramic, wherein at least two layers of ceramic material of different compositions are filled into a mold layer-by-layer and after filling of the layers they are then pressed and sintered, wherein after filling of a first layer this is structured on its surface in such a way that the first layer, viewed across its surface, differs in its height from region to region, and then a layer with a composition that differs from the first layer is filled as a second layer into the mold. After sintering the dental restoration is produced from the blank by mechanical working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Markus VOLLMANN, Lothar VOLKL, Stefan FECHER, Carsten WIESNER
  • Publication number: 20180104032
    Abstract: Preparation of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention holes for seating of manufactured teeth, with the retention holes being enlarged relative to the manufactured teeth. A size and geometry of each of the enlarged retention holes are determined based on a size and geometry of the corresponding manufactured tooth. Wax in the enlarged retention holes permits adjustments in positioning of the manufactured teeth, and a helper structure preserves this positioning when the wax is removed and a curable gingiva material is filled into the retention holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul SCHNITZSPAN, Thorsten JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20180104033
    Abstract: A kit (1) for preparing a dental prosthesis, having a master model (2) manufactured by means of an additive technology using an arrangement of material in successive layers (3), such as 3D printing, and having a fixing screw (4) with an outer thread (4a) intended to removably fix a dental prosthesis element on the master model (2). The master model (2) has at least one reference surface intended to receive the dental prosthesis element bearing thereon, said reference surface being produced during the manufacture of the master model (2) by additive technology. The master model (2) has at least one threaded, cavity (6), of which the inner thread (6a), intended to receive said fixing screw (4) by screwing, is produced during the manufacture of the master model (2) by additive technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Benoît Blum, Alexis Dupasquier, Hervé Richard
  • Publication number: 20180104034
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for treating periodontal disease and/or other oral wounds using particularized oral appliances and associated negative pressure systems. The various oral appliances include one or a plurality of surfaces for engagement with various anatomical structures within the oral cavity, where the engagement can include sealing engagement with soft tissue (gingival) surfaces of the upper and/or lower dental arches. Additional features disclosed can further promote healing of regions affected by periodontal pocket formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Mark WOLGIN
  • Publication number: 20180104035
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a sterile dental pack is disclosed. The method includes preparing a first wrap and a second wrap; arranging a plurality of dental disposable supplies on the first wrap; and wrapping the plurality of dental disposable supplies within the first wrap and the second wrap to form an airtight container. Also disclosed is a sterile dental pack dispensing system. The sterile dental pack dispensing system may include a storage container with an opening, the storage container being configured to store a wrapped sterile dental pack; an output configured to receive the wrapped sterile dental pack from the storage container; and a fiber optic indicator configured to cause the wrapped sterile dental pack to move from the storage container to the output through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Paula Evette Nesbitt, Jarrett Anthony Scott
  • Publication number: 20180104036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a mapping of the contacts and/or distances between the teeth of the maxillary arch and the mandibular arch of a patient, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: obtaining the mandibular kinematics recorded on the patient; obtaining surface meshes of the maxillary arch and the mandibular arch and registering said meshes relative to one another; creating a reduced mesh of at least one of said arches, comprising the selection, in the mesh of said arch, of the cells in which the nodes are located at a distance of less than 1 cm from the mesh of the opposite arch; creating, for each cell of said reduced mesh, a bounding box comprising a plurality of voxels surrounding said cell; using the mandibular kinematics, calculating a network of contacts comprising, for each voxel of the bounding box, information on the existence of a contact between said voxel and a node of the mesh of the opposite arch during a relative movement of the mandibular arch in
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Maxime JAISSON
  • Publication number: 20180104037
    Abstract: An incontinence undergarment for adult men. The interior of the undergarment is lined and includes an elastic waistband and elastic leg openings. The undergarment also includes a hook and loop closure strip in the crotch area to enable easy urination without requiring complete removal of the garment. Along the sides of the closure strip are reinforcements, where the interior of the closure strip and the reinforcement sections are lined with plastic to prevent leakage. The undergarment may be available in various sizes, including S, M, L, and XL. It may also be available in a variety of color options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Eilise Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180104038
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member and a suture. The support member is configured to provide support to a portion of a body of a patient. The support member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the support member is configured to be disposed within a body of a patient. The suture is removably coupled to the first end portion of the support member and is configured to extend through an incision in the body of the patient from a location within the body of the patient to a location outside of the body of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: James Goddard
  • Publication number: 20180104039
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Olivera, Hoang Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20180104040
    Abstract: An embolic coil with a secondary, delivered shape utilizing regions of varying stiffness is described. In some embodiments, these regions of varying stiffness are created by utilizing a larger primary wind loop diameter to create selective regions with lower stiffness and higher flexibility. In some embodiments, these regions of higher flexibility correspond to inflection regions on a complex coil shape to ease deliverability of the coil during therapeutic procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Heath Bowman, Susanna Lin
  • Publication number: 20180104041
    Abstract: A method for mechanically capturing and removing a thrombus from a blood vessel includes advancing a guidewire into the thrombus. A self-expanding body is allowed to expand in the blood vessel, wherein the self-expanding body is fixed to a distal end portion of an elongate catheter. The self-expanding body preferably includes a tapered proximal end portion and an open distal end while in the expanded configuration. The self-expanding body forms a mesh structure adapted for allowing blood to pass therethrough. The thrombus is captured by the self-expanding body and then retrieved into an aspiration catheter. Aspiration is preferably applied during and after retrieval of the thrombus into the aspiration catheter. A thrombolytic drug may be delivered into the blood vessel before capturing and retrieving the thrombus. In preferred methods of use, the thrombus is captured and removed for reducing health problems associated with a stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: David L. Hauser
  • Publication number: 20180104042
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving an object (e.g., a vena cava filter) in a cavity (e.g., a vena cava) using a system configured to: (i) maintain grip of the unsheathed object in the cavity until deliberately released, (ii) prevent premature release of the object in the cavity, and/or (iii) facilitate retrieval by first everting said object, then withdrawing the object through a guiding catheter (e.g., retrieval via eversion).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Mitchell EGGERS, Jeremy DURACK, Joseph STEELE, Michael HOGAN, Raymond KIRK, David FRANKLIN
  • Publication number: 20180104043
    Abstract: A stent for transluminal implantation comprises a first, second and third stent section for splinting and/or keeping open a hollow organ which are connected to each other via elastic tubular sections. The stent combines at least three different stent designs in one stent and can therefore be adjusted to the motion behavior of a hollow organ in an improved fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Tilman Schlick, Markus Kuhnle
  • Publication number: 20180104044
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a close-cell structured stent which is composed of curved struts that intersect at a crossing angle of 90 to 170 degrees in the longitudinal direction. Methods for making the stent, use of the stent as a vascular stent, an esophagus stent, an intestine stent, a bile conduct stent, or a urinary tract stent, and use of the stent in the manufacture of stent graft for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms are also provided. The stent has both excellent longitudinal flexibility and radial strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Hugh Qinghong Zhao, Guixin Shi, Yongquan Gu, Qing Liu
  • Publication number: 20180104045
    Abstract: A method of tissue repair using a surgical assembly that includes the steps of assembling an implant and a driver, capturing tissue with the implant, installing the implant with the captured tissue in a socket or tunnel, advancing a tapered section of a set screw in the implant, thereby expanding the implant and fixing the implant with the captured tissue in the socket or tunnel, and releasing the driver from engagement with the set screw as the distal end of the set screw reaches the implant's closed end. A surgical assembly that includes an expandable implant having a hole with an entrance at a rear end of the implant and a closed end; a set screw, an implant insertion section, a driver engagement section, and a tapered section, where the implant insertion section is received in the hole of the implant, and a driver that is engaged with the set screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: William C. Benavitz, Donald K. Shuler, Stephen S. Burkhart, Maxwell C. Park, Peter J. Millett, Tai S. David
  • Publication number: 20180104046
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for synthesizing endothelial tissue of the cornea and is directed to a structured artificial construct that allows corneal endothelium to be regenerated from isolated cells outside the human or animal body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventor: Angela GUTERMUTH
  • Publication number: 20180104047
    Abstract: Described is an accommodating intraocular lens with a bi-convex, bi-aspheric, smooth surfaced optic held inside an anterior annulus via tabs. A second larger diameter annulus is positioned posteriorly and connects via a sloped surface to where the annuluses are at a maximum separation when viewing NEAR objects and minimum separation in the FAR position. The sloped surface is cut into ribbons, tabs and/or other annuluses without pushing the surfaces into the capsule when implanted; therefore, only the anterior and posterior annuluses have a force component against the capsule. The proximal edge of the anterior annulus is anterior to the apex of the anterior surface of the optic. The anterior capsule resting on the annulus leaves space for hydration of the capsule and reduces potential warpage of the optic. The annulus edge is designed to scrape posterior capsular opacification from the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne B. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20180104048
    Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis has a head plate as a first fastening element, a second fastening element for the mechanical connection to the ossicular chain, or to the inner ear, and a connecting element. The head plate has a central coupling region and radially outward extending bridging elements which are connected to the coupling region via a radially inner end region and each transition into an outer free end section. The bridging elements are connected to the coupling region so that they fold together upon introduction of a force component parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein their end sections are pivoted radially closer to the longitudinal axis and thereby also execute an axial movement. The bridging elements, without this force, extend from the coupling region at a predefined, fixed angle. The prosthesis can be inserted into the middle ear of the patient more easily and through a much smaller artificial opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
    Inventors: Karl-Bernd HUETTENBRINK, Axel LANG, Uwe Steinhardt, Markus GAECKLE
  • Publication number: 20180104049
    Abstract: An assembly includes an expandable prosthetic heart valve, a catheter shaft, and a stabilization device. The expandable prosthetic heart valve has a valve body and a plurality of leaflets coupled to the valve body. The catheter shaft has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The prosthetic heart valve is coupled to the distal end portion of the catheter shaft. The stabilization device is coupled to the catheter shaft adjacent the prosthetic heart valve and is movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the stabilization device is configured to contact surrounding tissue adjacent a site of implantation to stabilize the catheter shaft relative to the site of implantation while the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded from a radially-compressed state to a radially-expanded state at the site of implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jibin Yang, Scott Hyler Heneveld, SR., Matthew L. Pease, Brandon G. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20180104050
    Abstract: A biocompatible and biodegradeable construct comprising a base expandable member and an integral, internal support structure, the support structure comprising poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) or a magnesium alloy, the base expandable member comprising acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from small intestine submucosa (SIS) tissue, the acellular ECM exhibiting a flexible, porous, expandable structure, which is adapted to expand upon exposure to and absorption of a bodily fluid, wherein the construct seals a perivalvular leak when disposed proximate thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Robert G. Matheny
  • Publication number: 20180104051
    Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a replacement valve adapted to be delivered endovascularly to a vicinity of the heart valve; an expandable anchor adapted to be delivered endovascularly to the vicinity of the heart valve; and a lock mechanism configured to maintain a minimum amount of anchor expansion. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration; and locking the anchor in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Brian D. Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider
  • Publication number: 20180104052
    Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a replacement valve adapted to be delivered endovascularly to a vicinity of the heart valve; an expandable anchor adapted to be delivered endovascularly to the vicinity of the heart valve; and a lock mechanism configured to maintain a minimum amount of anchor expansion. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration; and locking the anchor in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Brian D. Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider
  • Publication number: 20180104053
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, the valve assembly being disposed within the stent. The heart valve further includes a first plurality of elongated legs coupled to the stent and transitionable from an extended configuration to a relaxed configuration. A first sealing portion connected to the first plurality of legs forms a sealing structure when the legs transition to the relaxed configuration to reduce perivalvular leakage between the implanted valve and surrounding tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Yousef F. Alkhatib, Tracee Eidenschink, Sounthara Khouengboua
  • Publication number: 20180104054
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a medical device for implantation in a patient-comprising a stent and a valve. The stent comprises a proximal region comprising a cylindrical shape having a first outer diameter in an expanded state, and a distal region comprising a cylindrical shape having a second outer diameter in the expanded state. The second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter. A proximal region of the valve is at least partially positioned within the proximal region of the stent, and the distal region of the valve is at least partially positioned within one of tapered and distal regions of the stent. When implanted, the proximal region of the stent and the proximal region of the valve are aligned with a native valve, and the distal region of the valve is distally spaced-apart from the native valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Chuter, Blayne A. Roeder, Sharath Gopalakrishnamurthy, Alan R. Leewood
  • Publication number: 20180104055
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Ulrich R. Haug, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Tom Saul, Dwight P. Morejohn, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20180104056
    Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a delivery catheter having a diameter of 21 french or less; an expandable anchor disposed within the delivery catheter; and a replacement valve disposed within the delivery catheter. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: inserting a catheter having a diameter no more than 21 french into the patient; endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve through the catheter; and deploying the anchor and the replacement valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Brian D. Brandt, Dwight P. Morejohn, Ulrich R. Haug, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Hans F. Valencia, Robert A. Geshlider, Jeff A. Krolik
  • Publication number: 20180104057
    Abstract: A replacement heart valve system may include a delivery sheath and a replacement heart valve. The replacement heart valve may include a mesh anchor member disposed within the delivery sheath in an elongated delivery configuration, the mesh anchor member being expandable to a deployed configuration when unconstrained by the delivery sheath. The mesh anchor member may include an upstream chamber, a downstream chamber, and a tubular middle portion extending between the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber. The replacement heart valve may include a diaphragm disposed within the downstream chamber of the mesh anchor member, wherein the diaphragm is configured to selectively prevent fluid flow through the replacement heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Fionn Stapleton, Sean O'Sullivan, John Kilcooley, Niamh McNamara, Desmond McGreevy
  • Publication number: 20180104058
    Abstract: A sizing tool for use in implanting a composite valved conduit having a prosthetic heart valve on a distal end attached to a conduit graft that extends to a proximal end. The tool includes a proximal handle and a distal shaft, a prosthetic heart valve sizer having an axis affixed to a distal end of the shaft, and a conduit graft replica having an axis mounted on the shaft proximal to the heart valve sizer. A method of securing a composite valved conduit includes introducing to an excised ascending aorta the sizing tool, measuring the aortic annulus with the prosthetic heart valve sizer, and determining whether the coronary arteries have sufficient length or whether an additional tubular coronary extension segment is required to add to one or both of the ends of the coronary arteries by extending the coronary arteries toward the conduit graft replica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Ruggero De Paulis, Michael C. Murad
  • Publication number: 20180104059
    Abstract: Therapy is provided to living tissue by contacting the living tissue with at least one reservoir loaded with cells or a therapeutic composition, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one conduit that includes a refilling port. A constituent selected from (a) cells, (b) bioagents from the cells or (c) the therapeutic composition is released from the reservoir to the living tissue. The reservoir is then refilled with (i) cells, (ii) nutrients for cells, or (iii) additional therapeutic composition; and (a) cells, (b) bioagents from the cells or (c) the therapeutic composition continue to be released from the reservoir to the living tissue after the refilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicants: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    Inventors: Ellen T. Roche, Kevin C. Galloway, William Whyte, Conor J. Walsh, Hugh O'Neill, David J. Mooney, Garry P. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20180104060
    Abstract: A device for covering and/or reconstructing a bone defect site includes a cap (molded shell, rigid shell, molded body) having a rim and at least one fixing device for fixing the cap on a bone. The cap has a dimensionally stable (rigid) nature. A wall of the cap facing the bone defect or a wall of the cap facing away from the bone defect corresponds to the shape of the regenerated bone, at least one positioning device being located on the rim of the cap. A method produces a cap for a covering device for a bone defect site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: ReOss GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus SEILER
  • Publication number: 20180104061
    Abstract: An intersomatic cage, an intervertebral prosthesis, an anchoring device and an instrument for implantation of the cage or the prosthesis and the anchoring device are provided. An intersomatic cage or an intervertebral prosthesis fit closely to the anchoring device, which includes a body of elongated shape on a longitudinal axis, of curved shape describing, along the longitudinal axis, an arc whose dimensions and radius of curvature are designed in such a manner that the anchoring device may be implanted in the vertebral plate of a vertebra by presenting its longitudinal axis substantially along the plane of the intervertebral space, where the anchoring device is inserted, by means of the instrument, through a slot located in at least one peripheral wall of the cage or on at least one plate of the intervertebral disc prosthesis to penetrate into at least one vertebral plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jerome Allain, Jean Lombard, Jeff Phelps, Pierce Nunley, Charles Gordon, Vincent Leone, Michael Hisey
  • Publication number: 20180104062
    Abstract: A shaped cartilage matrix isolated from a human or animal where the cartilage has been crafted to facilitate disinfection, cleaning, devitalization, recellularization, and/or integration after implantation. Also, a process for repairing a cartilage defect with the cartilage matrix. The matrix is in the form of an osteochondral plug including a cartilage cap ad subchondral bone, wherein one or more gaps, slats, bores, or channels extend through the tidemark at the interface between the cartilage cap and the subchondral bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Silvia Sihui Chen, Xiaofei Qin, Jingsong Chen, Lloyd Wolfinbarger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180104063
    Abstract: A structure for facilitating bone attachment includes a surface and bone ingrowth features formed in the surface. Each of the bone ingrowth features comprises an opening that opens to the surface and a body that extends from the opening into the structure. The opening has a first cross-sectional dimension and the body has a second cross-sectional dimension. The second cross-sectional dimension is greater than the first cross-sectional dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Wagdy W. Asaad
  • Publication number: 20180104064
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are orthopedic revision systems including a base member having a collar portion and at least one stabilization portion extending outwardly from the collar portion. The systems may further include a stem member having an attachment portion and a shaft portion, the stem member configured to be received at least partially through an opening in the collar portion such that the attachment portion lies adjacent the collar portion and the shaft portion lies adjacent the at least one stabilizing portion. In a method of performing revision surgery with such orthopedic systems includes forming an opening in the collar of the base member for receipt of the stem member by removing an inner portion of the collar portion and inserting the stem member at least partially through the opening in the collar portion such that the attachment portion lies adjacent the collar portion and the shaft member lies adjacent the at least one stabilizing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: David Viscardi, Nicholas Olson, Jonathan You
  • Publication number: 20180104065
    Abstract: A prosthetic glenoid component (10) comprising a concave external bearing surface (12), a glenoid-contacting surface (14) opposite to the bearing surface, and a plurality of fixation elements (16) protruding from said glenoid-contacting surface (14) oppositely to said bearing surface (12) for location into a peripheral portion (104b) of a glenoid cavity (104) to secure the component to the scapula (102), wherein a central portion (15) of the glenoid-contacting surface (14) is free of fixation elements so as to preserve the integrity of the glenoid vault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Amis, Diogo Geraldes, Hamidreza Alidousti
  • Publication number: 20180104066
    Abstract: A fusion cage may include an upper endplate directly hinged to a lower endplate. The fusion cage may be adjustable to provide various angles between the endplates. An insert may be coupled between the endplates to lock the endplates at a selected angle. Fasteners may extend through the fusion cage into adjacent bone portions. An instrument may couple to an endplate so that the hinged-together endplates may be inserted between bone portions. The instrument may be used to adjust the angle between the endplates and to couple the insert between the endplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Hyun Bae, Jeffery D. Arnett, Nicholas Slater
  • Publication number: 20180104067
    Abstract: A modular anterior lumbar interbody fusion device comprises a monolithic interbody fusion cage and a modular plate resiliently attached thereto. The cage includes an open architecture with top and bottom cross members and a pair of opposing arms projecting from respective side structures of the cage to define a pocket at the cage anterior end. The modular plate is received in the pocket and attached to the cage by resilient latches. The plate lies fully within the profile of the cage with the resilient latches lying fully within the thickness of the plate. The plate provides a structure to close the anterior portion of the modular cage after introduction of bone graft material while allowing for use with integrated fixation. Attachment features between the monolithic cage and modular plate are universal allowing for selection of various modular device configurations with minimal components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Edward Charles Skolnick, Christopher P. Carson
  • Publication number: 20180104068
    Abstract: An implant is described for use in the spine, including two blades attached to a blade actuating member. Each blade includes a protruding portion that engages a corresponding channel in the blade actuating member. The blade or blades are extended or retracted when the blade actuating member is translated along a first axis. Each blade is retained in channels within the blade actuating member, and channels within the body of the implant, that constrain each blade to move in a direction near perpendicular to the direction of motion of the blade actuating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: James A. Sack
  • Publication number: 20180104069
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cage which is inserted between vertebral bodies of a cervical vertebra or spine during an operation for treating a cervical disc disease, myelosis, or fracture of the cervical vertebra or spine, and more particularly, to a cage with spikes, including upper and lower spikes which are attached to a clip inserted into a main body of the cage, unfolded upward and downward from the main body, and locked to vertebral bodies of a cervical vertebra or spine positioned at the top and bottom of the cage such that the cage is fixed and locked between the vertebral bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Seo-Kon KIM, Il Kim