Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9949753
    Abstract: Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Wade A. Bowe, George Woodrow Burton, Paul Joseph Dalby, Ryan Michael Sotak
  • Patent number: 9949754
    Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate catheter shaft, a rotatable tip configured to rotate relative to the elongate catheter shaft, a drive shaft, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip includes a housing coupled with the elongate catheter shaft and cutting wedges extendable from the housing. The drive shaft has a central lumen extending therethrough and extends within the elongate catheter shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the wedges and is configured to rotate the rotatable tip. The OCT sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. The elongate catheter shaft is configured to move axially over the drive shaft to extend and retract the wedges from the housing while maintaining a fixed position of the imaging sensor relative to the cutting wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AVINGER, INC.
    Inventors: Richard R. Newhauser, Mark W. Askew
  • Patent number: 9949755
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular instrument system for accessing a site within a patient's body, such as for example, to inject or remove material. In one exemplary embodiment, an access device is coupled to an adapter and power drilled into a site within a patient. Once the access device is in position, the adapter may be further attached to other instruments, or to an injection or extraction system. The adapter may accommodate various other connectors to make the instrument system compatible with a variety of other surgical instruments and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shaun B. Hanson, Christopher D. Mandeen
  • Patent number: 9949756
    Abstract: Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CrossBay Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Bacich
  • Patent number: 9949758
    Abstract: A medical device, comprising: a medical strut; a preloader configured to store energy, wherein the medical strut is configured to transform the energy stored in the preloader to a first force applicable to a bodily tissue; an actuator configured to apply a second force to adjust the length of the medical strut, thereby facilitating the transforming the stored energy to the first force; and a controller configured to control the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Orthospin Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer Vikinsky, Jonatan Epstein, Ido Laufer, Liraz Shlomoff
  • Patent number: 9949759
    Abstract: A growing rod adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The growing rod comprises a base rod, an extendable rod having a proximal portion that is slidably coupled to the base rod and arranged with a gear rack, and a distraction unit. The distraction unit includes a housing attached to the base rod, a rotatable drive interface accessible by an external driver from outside of the housing, and a drive gear mechanism housed within the housing and coupled to the rotatable drive interface and the gear rack such that rotation of the rotatable drive interface causes linear movement of the extendable rod through the gear rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Lynch, Brad Juchno, Aditya Muzumdar, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Jeffrey David Gordon
  • Patent number: 9949760
    Abstract: A bone anchor assembly comprising a shank, receiver, pressure insert, sleeve and closure. The sleeve having a body constructed of deformable material and including a transfer of non deformable material molded into the body of the sleeve to transfer force around the body. The receiver having interior guides and the insert having guide followers that cooperate to align the insert in the receiver and prevent rotation of the insert in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9949761
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a system for noninvasive adjusting fastener tensioning has an elongated shaft having a slot defined therein. The shaft has a first end oppositely disposed from the second end. An associated rod or rods may pass through each end. Selectively adjustable fasteners may have a plurality of magnets disposed in the head of the fastener. An external drive device generating a magnetic field may be used to rotate the fasteners via the magnets in the fastener head externally without the need for surgery. The fasteners may move in and out from the shaft and contact the rod to adjust tensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER OF AKRON, AUSTEN BIONNOVATION INSTITUTE IN AKRON
    Inventors: Stephen D. Fening, Todd Ritzman
  • Patent number: 9949762
    Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Daniel E. Gerbec, Joel Dever
  • Patent number: 9949763
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member including a surface that extends between a first portion and a second portion. The first member defines a first implant cavity adjacent the first portion and a second implant cavity adjacent the second portion. The first implant cavity is spaced from the second implant cavity. The surface defines a medial cavity. A second member is movable relative to the first member. The second member includes a first end aligned with the medial cavity and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 9949764
    Abstract: A spinal alignment system can include a rod and a plurality of uniplanar screw assemblies that include a screw, a cap, and a housing. The screw and cap can be configured such that the relative angular displacement between the screw and the cap is limited to a first limit angle in a first plane and to a second limit angle in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the second limit angle being larger than the first limit angle. The housing can be coupled to the cap and configured to maintain the cap in proximity with the head of the screw. The housing can have two elongated elements forming a U-shaped saddle. The alignment system can also include a plurality of locking cap assemblies that capture the rod within the U-shaped saddle and are tightened to fixedly couple the rod to the respective uniplanar screw assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SEASPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Di Lauro, Nicholas M. Cordaro, Raymund Woo, Devin Mathios
  • Patent number: 9949765
    Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Nichols, Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
  • Patent number: 9949766
    Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Iott, Andrew Lee, Lawrence Binder, David C. Paul
  • Patent number: 9949767
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for manipulating a vertebra. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a frame configured to couple two or more surgical instruments attached to one or more vertebrae. Coupling the two or more surgical instruments together, the frame and/or at least one of the surgical instruments can be manipulated to move at least one of the surgical instruments, thereby effecting movement at least one of the vertebra or vertebrae to which the surgical instruments coupled to the frame are attached. In this way, the surgical device can be used to facilitate rotation of a vertebra relative to another vertebra to correct the angular relationship of the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, John R. Cournoyer, James R. Donahue, Richard W. Fournier, SeungKyu Daniel Kwak
  • Patent number: 9949768
    Abstract: A transconnector for use in interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinal rods in a spinal fixation procedure. The transconnector includes a bridge member and first and second spinal rod engaging members. The bridge member may include first and second members, wherein the first and second members are moveably associated with one another so that the distance between the first and second spinal rod engaging members can be adjusted. The first and second spinal rod engaging members include a rod receiving channel for receiving one of the spinal rods therein. The spinal rod engaging members may be articulating in, for example, the yaw and roll positions or non-articulating with respect to the bridge members. The spinal rod engaging members preferably include a spring, for example, a spring washer, to provide an opposing force so that the spinal rod engaging members can provisionally snap onto the spinal rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Rathbun, Jason Banowetz, Heather Eames
  • Patent number: 9949769
    Abstract: An interspinous process having a narrowed distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Serhan, Alexander Michel DiNello, William Christianson
  • Patent number: 9949770
    Abstract: A control instrument 100 for a guidewire comprising a first component moveable from a first position, in which the guidewire can move axially relative to the first component, to a second position in which the guidewire is fixed relative to the first component and a second, rotatable, component, wherein rotation of the second component causes the first component to move axially, only when the first component is in its second position, thereby moving the guidewire move axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Guetlin, Sarah Mueller, Janick Stucki
  • Patent number: 9949771
    Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure, an intramedullary (IM) apparatus for treating a fractured bone of an animal includes an IM nail elongated along a longitudinal axis and having at least three locking holes equally distantly defined thereon along the longitudinal axis, and a positional reference member having a longitudinal vernier scale thereon. The IM nail is configured to be inserted to a medullary cavity of a bone fragment, such that the IM nail is fixable to the bone fragment by a locking member correspondingly inserted into one of the locking holes through the bone fragment. The positional reference member is configured to be detachably mounted to the IM nail by two positioning members inserted into two of the locking holes such that the longitudinal vernier scale is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the IM nail, and each of the locking holes is locatable by the longitudinal vernier scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ta-Lun Tan
  • Patent number: 9949772
    Abstract: An extramedullary bone lengthener and use thereof that is an internal device that does not require nailing. The invention includes a telescoping plate that attaches to the upper and lower portions of the bone via screws; a small motor affixed on or within the plate. This motor, controlled remotely, will controllably lengthen the plate, thus lengthening the bone. The bone will be cut (osteotomy) then the plate will be applied to both ends and fixed to each end with screws. The motor will be controlled from outside by a remote control which will allow the plate to expand causing lengthening of the attached bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: Texas Tech University System, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Amr Abdelgawad, Noe Vargas-Hernandez, Khaled Emara, Mario E. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9949773
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an orthopedic bone plate and locking tab apparatus and method of use. The orthopedic plate includes a body with a first end, a second end, and a central portion extending between the first end and the second end, a first pair of lobes at the first end, a second pair of lobes at the second end, and a securing mechanism extending away from a bottom surface of the central portion. The securing mechanism includes a base portion projecting from the body portion of the bone plate and two opposing extension members projecting from the base portion. A method for inserting the bone plate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PARAGON 28, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Dacosta, Thomas Sangiovanni, Michael Houghton
  • Patent number: 9949774
    Abstract: In described embodiments, an implant assembly includes a first implant having a body with a first end and a second end and a hollow passage extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first implant is sized for insertion into a first bone segment. A connector has a first end rotatably connected to the first implant at the first end of the first implant, a second end insertable into a second bone segment, and a connector body extending through the hollow passage of the first connector. A method of inserting the implant assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Chen
  • Patent number: 9949775
    Abstract: A system includes and implant and an elongate device. The implant includes a first bone engaging portion and a flexible portion coupled to an end of the first bone engaging portion at an engagement portion. The flexible portion is configured to be compressed toward a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible portion. The elongate device includes an engagement end that is sized and configured to engage the engagement portion of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Reed, Dinesh V. Koka
  • Patent number: 9949776
    Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mobasser, Y. Raja Rampersaud
  • Patent number: 9949777
    Abstract: A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9949778
    Abstract: A spinal implant can be fastened on a bony element of a patient via a flexible tie. In some embodiments, the spinal implant has two jaws, each having a recess and an opening. The recess is configured to receive a portion of a rod. A portion of the flexible tie is passed through the opening and between a wall of the recess and a surface of the rod to form a loop that can be placed around the bony element. The two jaws are hinged at one end and engaged at the opposite end via a locking member. The locking member can be adjusted to simultaneously hold the jaws together in a fixed position relative to the rod and lock the flexible tie, which has been properly tensioned, in translation relative to the spinal implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Régis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 9949779
    Abstract: Devices for use in performing external fixation orthopedic surgery are provided. More particularly, a specialized transosseous wire having a rectangular cross-section is provided. The specialized wire is installed using a reciprocating motion. Thereafter, the specialized transosseous wires are affixed to a frame. Methods of using the transosseous wire are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: RMD ENTERPRISES GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Rosendo Miguel Diaz, Gregorio Caban, Mario Adrian Cala
  • Patent number: 9949780
    Abstract: A welled handle device comprising a base with a front and back end having a predetermined grippable silhouette or outer contour, a plurality of open wells formed in the base, and a tool portion connected to the front end of the base. The open wells contain regions which are substantially rough or textured and regions which are substantially smooth. A method of collecting medical waste comprising the steps of having waste on a hand or glove and gripping the grippable outer contour of the welled handle device, wherein at least some of the medical waste is collected within the wells of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECA MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 9949781
    Abstract: A grasping treatment unit includes a first jaw, and a second jaw openable and closable relative to the first jaw. In the first jaw, a heating wire continues without branching from a first extending end to a second extending end, and heat is generated over an entire length from the first extending end to the second extending end when the electric current flows through the heating wire. In a heating portion, a calorific value per unit area is higher in a distal portion than in a proximal portion in the first jaw when the heat is generated from the heating wire. On a treatment surface of the first jaw, an amount of heat transfer from the heating portion is greater in the distal portion than in the proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Yusuke Takei, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9949782
    Abstract: The method disclosed herein permits the operator of an electrosurgical device to move a safety switch-off threshold for a contact resistance at a neutral electrode from a first value to a second and slightly higher value. This way, for patients with a relatively high resistance yielding a somewhat elevated contact resistance despite correct attachment of the neutral electrode, uninterrupted operation of the device is achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Hagg, Juergen Beller, Peter Selig
  • Patent number: 9949783
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is presented including a power supply module configured to output power, a first energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a first waveform having a first phase, and to deliver the power in a first energy mode, and a second energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a second waveform having a second phase, and to deliver the power in a second energy mode. A host controller module is configured to control a type and a number of energy modalities provided by the generator platform and a comparator compares the first phase of the first waveform with the second phase of the second waveform in one or more of a plurality of sub-periods. An adjustment module adjusts a relative phase between the first and second waveforms based on results obtained from the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Randall L. Anderson, Donald W. Heckel
  • Patent number: 9949784
    Abstract: A medical system for delivering treatment or therapy to a patient has a kill switch for interrupting the delivery. The kill switch, which can disrupt the delivery directly or can cause an error message to be generated that disrupts the delivery, can be activated by the operator or remotely. In an ablation catheter system, a kill switch mechanism immediately and abruptly terminates delivery of ablation treatment or therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Nexus Control Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Todd J. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9949785
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes an end effector, a generator, and a controller. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and at least one electrode surface. The generator provides power to the end effector. The end effector applies ultrasonic energy to tissue via the blade or RF energy to tissue via the at least one electrode surface. The controller is configured to select between one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy, and thereby control the generator to provide the selected one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy at the end effector, based on a sensed operating condition of the end effector. The controller may select between ultrasonic energy and RF energy based on whether a clamp arm is in an open position relative to the blade, based on which button is being activated, and based on whether tissue is sensed at the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Benjamin D. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9949786
    Abstract: Surgical devices are provided having end effectors including a jaw closure. The devices herein generally include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector having first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to allow for the removal of the upper jaw and the cutting blade when the device is not in use. In certain aspects, the jaw and/or cutting blade can be cleaned, sterilized, and reused or completely replaced. In some aspects, the device can then be reassembled including the cleaned or new elements, and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Clauda, John Hibner, Adam Brown
  • Patent number: 9949787
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing including a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first, spaced position relative to each other to a second, closed position for manipulating tissue. A handle is included which is rotatable to force a drive flange of the handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis and the drive flange is located along the longitudinal axis. The forceps connects to an energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr, Darion R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9949788
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a first translatable member defining a notch, a lockout lever comprising a cam surface and a detent, a closure trigger, a jaw position sensor comprising a switch in a first state, and a translatable cam operatively coupled to the closure trigger. The detent of the lockout lever is configured to engage the notch of the first translatable member. In response to actuation of the closure trigger, the translatable cam is configured to slidably interface with the cam surface of the lockout lever to cause the lockout lever to: (i) disengage the detent of the lockout lever from the notch of the first translatable member, and (ii) actuate the jaw position sensor switch to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 9949789
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed for performing an electrosurgical treatment procedure on a bodily tissue. An electrosurgical apparatus is described, the apparatus comprising one or more probes having insulated and conductive regions for creating lesions in bodily tissue. A method of delivering energy to a patient's body is described, including methods of treating sacro-iliac related pain using electrosurgical probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Godara, Taylor Hillier
  • Patent number: 9949790
    Abstract: A system for performing single port laparoscopic procedures includes a transcutaneous seal and a plurality of tools. The tools comprise a substantially rigid tubular seal having a core which is translatably and rotatably disposed in the sleeve. The handle at the proximal end of the tool controls an end effector at the distal end of the tool. The sleeves of the tools are locked in the transcutaneous seals so that they remain in a fixed geometric relationship which prevents the tools from interfering with each other during laparoscopic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Maciej J. Kieturakis
  • Patent number: 9949791
    Abstract: A catheter carries a position sensor in a distal, on-axis position in an irrigated ablation tip electrode. The tip electrode has a shell wall that defines a cavity through which fluid flows and exits via fluid ports formed in the shell wall. The cavity is sealed by an internal member extends into the cavity with a baffle portion and a distal portion. The distal portion safely houses the position sensor and the baffle portion diffuses and disperses fluid entering the tip electrode for a more uniform flow through the cavity. The distal portion is configured to provide an annular region that runs along the length of the tip electrode to better feed fluid to the more distal fluid ports on the tip electrode for more uniform cooling at all locations on the tip electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael Olen Zirkle
  • Patent number: 9949792
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Harry A. Puryear, Riki Thao, Hong Cao
  • Patent number: 9949793
    Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a shaft comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to buckle upon application of a first critical force. The second segment includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is configured to buckle upon application of a second critical force. The second critical force is lower than the first critical force. The medical device further comprises a coil disposed radially inwardly of the inner surface of the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Olson, James V. Kauphusman, Linda K. Nemec, Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 9949794
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device for treating tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and a distal end and configured to deliver energy, a wire extending adjacent the inner conductor and axially translatable relative thereto, the wire including a length and a distal end, a distal tip disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal end of the inner conductor and the distal end of the wire; and an outer conductor including a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the outer conductor at least partially surrounding the inner conductor and the wire at least partially along their lengths. The distal tip is movable substantially along the longitudinal axis with respect to the outer conductor and relative movement of the distal tip towards the distal end of the outer conductor causes at least a portion of the inner conductor to move away from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rusin, Darion Peterson, Tao D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9949795
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fortified plastic connector mount having a plastic generally conical nose with a top and bottom, the bottom formed as part of or affixed to the flat top of a body and the top of the nose having a square channel guide with corners. The channel is formed axial and centered in the nose and of a size to accept a tool or shaft. At 90 degree orientation from each other are four pairs of force buttressing ribs “FBR” wherein the FBR have a bottom affixed at said flat top, and the FBR has a support edge affixed to an annular outer wall of the nose. The four pairs of FBR each pair being positioned along one of the four sides of the square channel. In some instances, each FBR further comprises an interior edge and an outer edge and each outer edge is aligned with a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECA MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 9949796
    Abstract: A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Alberto Fernandez Dell'Oca, Glen Pierson
  • Patent number: 9949797
    Abstract: A method of implanting a hip joint prosthesis into a patient can include obtaining image data of hip joint anatomy of the patient. Physical activities that the patient desires to participate in subsequent to implanting the hip prosthesis can be determined. A size and an initial placement of the hip joint prosthesis based on the image data can be determined. A desired range of motion of the hip joint prosthesis based on the determined physical activities can be determined. A plan can be created comprising a desired implanted location of the hip joint prosthesis and based on the desired range of motion. The plan can be incorporated onto a guide. The plan can be executed with the guide thereby implanting the hip joint prosthesis into the patient at the desired implanted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Meridew, William Jason Slone, Mark Scrafton, John White, Seth Nash
  • Patent number: 9949798
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 9949799
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for performing minimally invasive surgery through an aperture of a patient. In accordance with a method, parameters are received from an input device associated with a surgeon, the parameters indicating a desired state of an end effector of a surgical instrument oriented through the aperture. The surgical instrument is included in a mechanical assembly having a first set of joints. Instructions are then computed for controlling the mechanical assembly using the received parameters by computing instructions for controlling a second set joints, the second set of joints including the first set of joints and an additional joint, the additional joint being absent from the mechanical assembly. The mechanical assembly is then driven so as to move the end effector toward the desired state based on the computed instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pushkar Hingwe, Samuel Kwok Wai Au, Raymond A. Bonneau, Nicola Diolaiti, Arjang M. Hourtash, Amy E. Kerdok, Michael Turner
  • Patent number: 9949800
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system is configured with rigid, curved cannulas that extend through the same opening into a patient's body. Surgical instruments with passively flexible shafts extend through the curved cannulas. The cannulas are oriented to direct the instruments towards a surgical site. A teleoperation control system that moves the curved cannulas and their associated instruments in a manner that allows a surgeon to experience intuitive control is disclosed. The flexible shaft instruments are controlled as if extending along a virtual straight line insertion and withdrawal axis. Various port features that support the curved cannulas within the single opening are disclosed. Cannula support fixtures that support the cannulas during insertion into the single opening and mounting to robotic manipulators are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Samuel Au
  • Patent number: 9949801
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, Pushkar Hingwe, Paul Millman, Bruce Michael Schena, Roman L. Devengenzo, Scott Luke
  • Patent number: 9949802
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool with the drive and control component and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool is sterilizable and disposable and the intermediate connector is sterilizable and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors or electrical connections within the drive and control component of the robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9949803
    Abstract: Medical or dental instruments having a lighting device, manufacturing methods for such instruments and various lighting devices having an optical semiconductor element are described. The lighting devices have, for example, a body, at least one radiation-emitting surface on a radiation-emitting end of the body and at least one fluid channel which is provided in the body and connects at least one opening which is provided on the radiation-emitting end to one or more fluid sources for dispensing fluid. The lighting devices have, for example, a hollow metallic sleeve, a transparent window for emission of electromagnetic radiation and a socket on which at least one optical semiconductor element is arranged. The socket is made of a ceramic, glass ceramic or glass material, and is connected to the hollow metallic sleeve by a material comprising metal and glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Heinrich, Thomas Jindra