Patents Issued in April 19, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180103970
    Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for removal of obstructive material from a vessel comprising: an expandable structure sized for insertion into the vessel; and one or more portion protruding radially from a central longitudinal axis of the expandable structure such that a space between the protrusion and a closest portion of the expandable structure to the portion includes a radial component; wherein the space is sized and shaped to be suitable to accept obstructive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Danny FARIN, Gilad CIBULSKI, Avraham RAPAPORT, Itamar BONNEAU
  • Publication number: 20180103971
    Abstract: A medical device and a treatment method are disclosed that can be applied to body lumina with a wide range of inside diameters and can enhance a property for suction of a substance from the inside of a body lumen by restricting flow within the body lumen. The medical device includes an elongated shaft section; an expanding section that is an elastically deformable tubular body provided with a plurality of openings; a flexibly deformable tubular cover section that is coupled to an end portion on a proximal side of the expanding section, surrounds an outer periphery of the expanding section on the proximal side, but does not surround, and externally exposes, an outer periphery of the expanding section on a distal side; and a sheath capable of accommodating the expanding section and the cover section in a diameter-reduced state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaomi Imai, Yuuki Masubuchi, Takashi Kitaoka, Takahiro Chida, Kazuaki Kanamoto
  • Publication number: 20180103972
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and, particularly, ophthalmic surgical instruments are disclosed. Example surgical instruments include forceps for removal of an internal limiting membrane (ILM). The example forceps may include a textured surface formed at a distal end of the forceps jaws. The textured surface may have a plurality of microposts that operate to increase a coefficient of friction between the ILM and the forceps in order to reduce a normal force, applied by the forceps, needed to engage the ILM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Reto Grueebler, Markus Hupp, Pooria Sharif Kashani
  • Publication number: 20180103973
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to a housing. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. An end effector is supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft about a pivot axis and including a pair of laterally spaced flanges. The pairs of flanges of the jaw members are arranged in an offset configuration such that one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, John R. Twomey, Michael B. Lyons, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20180103974
    Abstract: A medical device for use in extraction of emboli from a body vessel is described. The medical device includes a tubular member comprising a proximal end and extending to a distal end, and a collection member having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and being movable therebetween, the collection member having an apical end disposed to the distal end of the tubular member and extending to a basal end defining a body portion therebetween, the apical and basal ends having a second lumen formed therethrough and in fluid communication with the tubular member, the collection member comprising at least one port formed through the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas A. Osborne, Charles W. Agnew
  • Publication number: 20180103975
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aortic punch comprising a first body member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second body member disposed at least partially within said first body member, a manual actuator, a piston having an anvil disposed at a distal end thereof, and a shear, said shear being integral with said second body member. The first body member and second body member are axially movable relative to one another between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position and within a range of intermediate positions while maintaining the piston and shear in position relative to each other in the axial direction, and separately the shear is axially movable via manual actuation relative to said anvil between an insertion position and a shearing position and a range of intermediate positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley Volden, Alan Genender, Derek Roberts, Brendan Fong
  • Publication number: 20180103976
    Abstract: An ultrasonic tip for fibrous tissue removal. The ultrasonic tip may be configured for at least torsional vibration and coupled to a distal end of a shaft of a surgical instrument with the shaft including a vibration conversion mechanism. The ultrasonic tip includes a plurality of slots extending between inner and outer circumferential surfaces to form a plurality of teeth. A depth of one of the slots at the outer circumferential surface is greater than a depth of the slot at the inner circumferential surface to define a sloped surface. The teeth include a cutting edge defined between the outer circumferential surface and a side surface defining the slot. The cutting edge includes a positive rake angle. The teeth may further include an inner cutting edge defined between the sloped surface and the inner circumferential surface with the inner cutting edge having a positive rake angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Cathal Heavey
  • Publication number: 20180103977
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes positioning a trocar having a pressure sensor in or on the trocar into a patient cavity such that distension of the patient cavity causes an altitude of the pressure sensor to increase. The method also includes distending the patient cavity by supplying an insufflation gas to the patient cavity, thereby increasing an altitude of the pressure sensor from a first altitude to a second altitude. The method also includes determining a change in pressure at the pressure sensor resulting from increasing the altitude of the pressure sensor from the first altitude to the second altitude and controlling the supply of insufflation gas to the patient cavity in response to the determined change in pressure resulting from increasing the altitude of the pressure sensor from the first altitude to the second altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Carl M. Geisz, Douglas E. Ott
  • Publication number: 20180103978
    Abstract: A shaped lead introducer being elastically deflectable and having a pre-set shape end portion and forming a pre-set angle for implanting leads into an epidural space of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip C. Falkner, Eric H. Bonde, John B. Horrigan
  • Publication number: 20180103979
    Abstract: An apparatus (51) includes a needle placement manipulator (1) and an attachment (52) for the manipulator. The manipulator includes a needle holder and a rotary mechanism. The rotary mechanism (3, 4) has a remote center of motion (RCM: 11) and is configured to position a needle holder (5) such that the axis of the needle holder traces a conical region of coverage (108), the conical region of coverage having the apex thereof at the RCM and the base thereof in a direction towards a subject of needle placement (14). The attachment supports the guide mechanism and is configured to be mounted onto the subject of needle placement. The attachment includes a guide portion (183c) configured to change an inclination of the rotary mechanism with respect to the subject of needle placement such that the axis of the needle holder intersects an insertion target (14) located outside of the conical region of coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Yasumichi Arimitsu, Kosuke Fujimoto, Brian Ninni, Nobuhiko Hata, Kemal Tuncali
  • Publication number: 20180103980
    Abstract: A medical instrument introduction device, includes an outer tube portion indwelled within a body wall; and an inner needle portion inserted through the outer tube portion, wherein the outer tube portion includes a base portion; a tubular conduit portion whose proximal end portion is connected to the base portion; and an anchor portion connected to a distal end portion of the conduit portion, wherein the conduit portion has a bellows folded shape in a natural state, a dimension of the conduit portion in an axial direction being capable of being increased as the folded shape is stretched by the inserted inner needle portion, and a force needed for stretching the folded shape being gradually decreased in a direction from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the conduit portion, and the anchor portion and the inner needle potion are couplable with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke MOTAI
  • Publication number: 20180103981
    Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
  • Publication number: 20180103982
    Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
  • Publication number: 20180103983
    Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
  • Publication number: 20180103984
    Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
  • Publication number: 20180103985
    Abstract: A transseptal insertion device is provided including device housing, a pusher slidably disposed in the device housing and a guide element extending from the pusher. The device housing is configured to be inserted into the right atrium of a patient's heart and the guide element can then be advanced from the device housing and against the cardiac septum to facilitate stable puncturing of the cardiac septum by a needle carried by a catheter inserted through the device housing, to provide access to the left atrium. The guide element can be formed as a webbing or ring. The pusher and/or guide element can optionally be inflatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Brijeshwar S. MAINI
  • Publication number: 20180103986
    Abstract: An external fixation clamp for receiving a fixation element includes an inner jaw and an outer jaw movable between an open position that permits the fixation element to be placed between the inner and outer jaws and a closed position that restricts removal of the fixation element from between the inner and outer jaws. A latch assembly may cooperate with the inner and outer jaws to secure the jaws in a closed position. The latch assembly may comprise a latch and a latch biasing member. The latch may be configured to translate linearly relative to one of the inner and outer jaws, and the latch biasing member may have a first higher level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the open position and a second lower level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Michael W. Mullaney
  • Publication number: 20180103987
    Abstract: An external fixation system for the correction of long bone deformities includes an elongate beam element having an engagement feature along a longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element, a connector element secured to the elongate beam and structurally configured to support a first bone anchor extending from the external fixation system, and a movable carriage engaged with the engagement feature along the longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element and selectively movable along the engagement feature of the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is selectively lockable into a position along the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is structurally configured to support a second bone anchor extending from the external fixation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael W. Mullaney, Stephen T. Miller, William B. Austin, Todd A. Martens
  • Publication number: 20180103988
    Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies positioned along a shaft and which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Sergio Muniz, Barclay Davis
  • Publication number: 20180103989
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plate system is provided. The plate is configured to receive bone screws for attachment to and immobilization of adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The system includes a lock configured to prevent the bone screws from backing out of the plate. The lock includes at least one blocking surface that is movable between a blocked configuration preventing the bone screw from backing out and an unblocked configuration allowing passage of the bone screw. The lock achieves a blocked position in a rotation of less than 90 degrees while maintaining or increasing a low-profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Joey Reglos
  • Publication number: 20180103990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw comprising a first end having an engagement contour, wherein the engagement contour is arranged for engagement with a tool for inserting or removing the bone screw, and a second end which is situated opposite the first end and on which a blocking element is arranged, wherein the blocking element is provided with a circumferential outside surface which comprises at least one clamping surface which—when viewed in an azimuth plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bone screw—widens outwardly in a wedge-shaped manner away from the longitudinal axis. The invention also pertains to surgical sets including at least one bone screw and at least one bone plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk THIEL, Andreas MULLIS, Juergen SCHONHARDT, Hermann ZEUNER, Simon Martin SCHAETZLE
  • Publication number: 20180103991
    Abstract: In methods and devices for treatment of tissue of a patient, one or more applicators is positioned adjacent to the tissue to be treated. A cold plasma and radiofrequency energy are applied to the tissue. A negative pressure may be used to draw the tissue towards and/or into contact with the energy delivery elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Stanislav Linhart, Tomas Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20180103992
    Abstract: A method for treating headaches caused by a blood vessel irritating an associated nerve. The method is performed using a doppler ultrasound device and a treatment device (e.g., electrocautery or radiofrequency ablation). The method includes receiving an estimated location of an origin of the headaches. The estimated location is investigated for a blood vessel using the doppler ultrasound device. When the investigation of the estimated location identifies a blood vessel, the estimated location is cauterized or radiofrequency ablated using the treatment device, such that pressure is reduced on a nerve associated with the identified blood vessel and such that the treatment device does not directly stimulate the nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Bahman Guyuron
  • Publication number: 20180103993
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electromechanical surgical system having an end effector and an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and a hand-held surgical instrument. A one-wire bidirectional serial communications interface or bus extends through the end effector, the adapter assembly, and the hand-held surgical instrument. The hand-held surgical instrument includes a master circuit coupled to the bus and configured to identify or control the adapter assembly or the end effector. A power source is couplable to the bus and configured to provide power to the adapter assembly or the end effector. A first switch connects the master circuit to the bus and a second switch connects the power source to the bus. A processor controls operation of the hand-held surgical instrument. The controller has a wake-up pin connected to the bus and is configured to receive a presence pulse from the adapter or end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Lech
  • Publication number: 20180103994
    Abstract: Systems and related methods for identifying and/or ablating targeted nerves are provided. A probe with stimulating electrodes and/or ablation members are provided. The probe may be inserted into a nasal cavity and current may be introduced through the electrodes to stimulate a targeted area. The response to stimulation may be used to identify the targeted nerve. Once identified, the ablation member may ablate the targeted nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jason William Fox, David Moosavi, Mojgan Saadat, Vahid Saadat, Caroline Sobek, Neekon Saadat
  • Publication number: 20180103995
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector including a first jaw member having a proximal portion including a first jaw guide member and a distal portion including a first tissue contacting surface, and a second jaw member having a proximal portion including a second jaw guide member and a distal portion including a second tissue contacting surface. The first and second tissue contacting surfaces each include a shear edge disposed between stepped surfaces. The jaw members are vertically movable between an open position and a first approximated position in which the tissue contacting surfaces vertically oppose and laterally align with each other, and laterally movable between the first approximated position and a second approximated position to laterally displace the tissue contacting surfaces with respect to each other. The jaw guide members control an open angle between the jaw members during movement between the first and second approximated positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: WEIJIANG DING, KAI LIU
  • Publication number: 20180103996
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: GARY M. COUTURE
  • Publication number: 20180103997
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a powered deployment assembly, and a cable assembly. The energizable member is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue, and is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The powered deployment assembly is configured to selectively move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position. The cable assembly having a cable coupled to the housing at a first end and having a plug coupled to the cable at a second, opposite end. The cable housing one or more first wires for selectively providing electrosurgical energy to the energizable member and one or more second wires for selectively providing power to the powered deployment assembly. The plug is configured to house a battery therein for powering the powered deployment assembly via the one or more second wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: DANIEL A. JOSEPH, BRIAN R. BUTCHER, AMARSINH D. JADHAV, PURVISH SONI
  • Publication number: 20180103998
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Dieter Manstein
  • Publication number: 20180103999
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Akos TOTH, Robin BEK, Dominique FILLOUX, Tejas N. MAZMUDAR, Csaba TRUCKAI
  • Publication number: 20180104000
    Abstract: A medical probe for insertion has at least one distal electrode coupled to an energy source to apply energy to tissue inside the body. A plurality of apertures are formed in the electrode. A fluid-directing assembly is disposed in the distal section of the probe having an axial channel that is in fluid communication with at least one trans-axial channel disposed at right angles to the axial channel and leading to an exterior of the assembly. A blocking terminus is disposed forward of the at least one trans-axial channel that prevents irrigation fluid from flowing axially in a forward direction so that the fluid flows outwardly into the lumen of the electrode in at least one trans-axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS BEECKLER, JOSEPH THOMAS KEYES
  • Publication number: 20180104001
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, an expandable dilator, and a wire assembly. The expandable dilator is located at the distal end of the shaft. The expandable dilator is operable to transition between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The wire assembly is disposed about an exterior of the expandable dilator. The proximal end of the wire assembly is proximal to the proximal end of the expandable dilator. The distal end of the wire assembly is distal to the distal end of the dilator. The wire assembly is configured to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jetmir Palushi, Ketan P. Muni
  • Publication number: 20180104002
    Abstract: A corrugated radiofrequency ablation catheter and an apparatus thereof. The radiofrequency ablation catheter is provided with a strip-shaped connecting catheter (10). An electrode frame is provided at the front extremity of the connecting catheter (10). A control handle (20) is provided at the rear extremity of the connecting catheter (10). The electrode frame is a corrugated electrode frame consisting of one or more corrugations. One or more electrodes (2) respectively are distributed on the corrugations. Slidable, supporting, wall-attaching adjustment wires (6) are provided within one lumen of the connecting catheter (10) and the electrode frame. The supporting, wall-attaching adjustment wires (6) are divided into a flexible segment (61) away from the control handle and a rigid segment (62) in proximity to the control handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Yonghua DONG, Meijun SHEN
  • Publication number: 20180104003
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electrophysiology catheters for cardiac medical procedures. More specifically, the instant disclosure relates to an ablation catheter for treating cardiac arrhythmias by ablating tissue, and having one or more subelectrodes internally fixed within the ablation catheter tip to capture electrophysiology characteristics of myocardial tissue in proximity to the one or more subelectrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: John W. Sliwa, Stephen A. Morse
  • Publication number: 20180104004
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device for providing treatment to diseased tissue and cells. The medical device is configured to ablate a target tissue surface, optionally within a resection cavity, and further deliver a therapeutic that targets diseased (e.g., cancer) cells via a marker whose expression is upregulated by the ablation. The ablation directly kills diseased cells associated with the tissue surface. While some diseased cells evade direct ablation, those cells nevertheless upregulate certain cell surface markers in response to the ablation, even while other, healthy or normal cells do not upregulate expression of the marker in response to the ablation. Devices and methods disclosed herein are used to deliver a therapeutic that uses the upregulated cell surface marker to cause the death of those diseased cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Michelle Hasse, Tyler Wanke
  • Publication number: 20180104005
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20180104006
    Abstract: A medical system, comprising an ablation catheter is disclosed. The ablation catheter includes an elongate shaft with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The ablation catheter also includes an expandable element in fluid communication with the lumen, a first temperature sensor operable to measure a first temperature; and a second temperature sensor operable to measure a second temperature. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are longitudinally separated from each other by at least a portion of the expandable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Dan WITTENBERGER, Rachid MAHROUCHE
  • Publication number: 20180104007
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation mechanism of the handle, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A portion of the optic fiber may be fixed to an inner portion of the housing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Matthew N. Zeid
  • Publication number: 20180104008
    Abstract: A surgical system including a fiducial, a surgical instrument, and an indicator is provided. The fiducial is configured for insertion into target tissue and has an RFID tag disposed therein. The surgical instrument is capable of receiving information from the RFID tag when it is placed in proximity to the fiducial and is configured to perform a surgical function. The indicator is coupled to the surgical instrument and is configured to indicate when the surgical instrument is in proximity to the fiducial. A method of performing a surgical procedure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: WILLIAM J. DICKHANS
  • Publication number: 20180104009
    Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided for acquiring a depth map of a surgical site of interest in a patient. The medical navigation system comprises a camera, a light projecting device, a display, and a controller. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory. The controller is configured to generate a signal provided to the light projecting device to project an edge indicator on the surgical site of interest, generate a signal to operate the camera to perform a focus sweep and capture a plurality of images during the focus sweep where the plurality of images includes the projected edge indicator, receive from the camera data representing the plurality of images captured during the focus sweep, and generate a depth map of the surgical site of interest using the data representing the plurality of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kamyar ABHARI, Gal SELA, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Kai Michael HYNNA, Tammy Kee-Wai LEE
  • Publication number: 20180104010
    Abstract: A method for image guided surgery includes obtaining intraoperative locations including intraoperative fiducial locations for a non-rigid structure and intraoperative rigid structure locations for associated rigid structures, estimating a gravity deformation for the non-rigid structure based on a first rigid registration for preoperative fiducial locations in a computer model relative to the intraoperative fiducial locations and a second rigid registration for the preoperative rigid structure locations for a rigid structure in the computer model with respect to the intraoperative rigid structure locations, modifying the preoperative fiducial locations using first rigid registration and the gravity deformation, determining a third rigid registration for the modified fiducial locations relative to the intraoperative fiducial locations, calculating a non-rigid transformation for the computer model using the volumetric gravity field deformation and first boundary conditions from errors in the third rigid registra
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael I. MIGA, Ingrid M. MESZOELY, Rebekah H. CONLEY, Thomas S. PHEIFFER
  • Publication number: 20180104011
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes: an adjustable end effector; an elongated instrument shaft defining an internal bore; and a drive assembly including a housing coupled to an end of the instrument shaft and an input device configured to facilitate controlled adjustment of the end effector via a drive cable extending along the bore of the instrument shaft. The input device includes: a drive shaft attached to a first portion of the drive cable, the drive shaft including an upstanding stem portion having a radially tapered outer surface; and a capstan attached to a second portion of the drive cable, the capstan defining an internal bore sized to receive the stem portion of the drive shaft, at least a lower portion of the internal bore having a radially tapered inner surface. The capstan and drive shaft are configured to transition from a disengaged state to an engaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Grant M. Kadokura, William A. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20180104012
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes: a distal movable component; a proximal drive assembly including a drive shaft, a capstan, and a plurality of splines; a first cable extending between the distal movable component and the drive shaft; and a second cable extending between the distal movable component and the capstan. The drive shaft includes a tapered projection, and the capstan includes a tapered bore in which the tapered projection of the drive shaft is received. The plurality of splines engage the tapered projection of the drive shaft with the tapered bore of the capstan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Aaron Wixey, Nicholas H. Ragosta
  • Publication number: 20180104013
    Abstract: Provided is an actuator that is able to adjust a ratio of a speed in a rectilinear-direction and a speed in a rotation-direction of an operation element. A differential drive mechanism (110A) includes a front conveyance roller (1112) and a rear conveyance roller (1113) that are able to convey a rod-shaped insertion unit in a long axis direction thereof and rotate the insertion unit about the long axis, and an angle changing mechanism that changes crossing angles of the front conveyance roller and the rear conveyance roller with respect to the insertion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Masaki HAMAMOTO, Hideki ETOH, Kazuhiro TANIGUCHI, Masazumi OKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20180104014
    Abstract: A surgical drape includes an impervious section having absorbing properties, an incision section including an incise foil, and a transparent section that is sized such that it allows a user to visually observe, through the surgical drape for registration purposes, a substantial part of a patient that is covered by the surgical drape. A method of registering a patient's body part with a pre-acquired image dataset of the body part is provided including providing a surgical drape including the impervious, the incision, and the transparent sections, covering the patient's body part with the surgical drape so as to provide a sterile workplace separated from an unsterile area by the surgical drape, using the transparent section of the surgical drape to visually identify the patient's body part covered by the surgical drape, and approaching and registering the patient's body part with a registration instrument such as for example a pointer instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Nadja HEINDL, Uli MEZGER, Conrad RODAS
  • Publication number: 20180104015
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a sanitation status of a portable surgical cart or medical tool supported by the portable surgical cart is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises at least one indicium that visually indicates a sanitation status of the portable surgical cart. The sanitation status is one of at least sterilized or contaminated. The apparatus is configured to be coupled to the portable surgical cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Carey Bryant, Thomas Watts
  • Publication number: 20180104016
    Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and tools kept inside the medical tool kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Mobilize RRS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Gerstner, Robert Gerstner
  • Publication number: 20180104017
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a color change sensor comprises a color change indicator and a substrate comprising a gas disposed on the color change indicator. The sensor may further comprise an interface layer that assists in containing the gas within the substrate. The sensor may be used with limited use, restricted use, or disposable apparatuses. The user may actuate the sensor by disrupting or removing the gas-containing substrate and/or the interface layer. Methods of making and using the color change sensor and related apparatuses are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory Heacock
  • Publication number: 20180104018
    Abstract: To make it possible to improve user convenience, provided is a control device including: a control unit configured to control a position and an attitude of a microscope unit by driving an arm unit that supports the microscope unit on the basis of a captured image of an operating site photographed by the microscope unit during an operation so that a position and attitude condition set before the operation is satisfied. The position and attitude condition is a condition that prescribes a position and an attitude of the microscope unit with respect to the operating site to obtain a desired captured image corresponding to the position and attitude condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ootsuki, Atsushi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20180104019
    Abstract: Medical appliances including reinforcing bands and radiopaque marker bands are disclosed. In some embodiments, bands within the scope of this disclosure may comprise two or more material layers. A first layer may control the mechanical properties of a multilayered marking band, a second layer may exhibit greater radiopacity that the first layer. Single layer bands are also within the scope of this disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: John William Hall, Craig Nordhausen