Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9956001
    Abstract: A dermal abrasion system includes a cream that may be applied to skin thereby facilitating the cream to liquefy contaminants in the skin. A scraper is provided and the scraper may be manipulated. The scraper frictionally engages the cream when the cream is applied to the skin. The scraper abrades the liquefied contaminants from the skin thereby enhancing cleanliness of the skin. The scraper has a scraping edge. The scraping edge is continuous such that the scraper may abrade the skin from a selected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Dominique Calhoun
  • Patent number: 9956002
    Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. The transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein and a molded plastic length that extends through the apertures, thus attaching the plastic length to the rigid length. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9956003
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity and at least one mating element. A second member is disposed with the first member and is configured to penetrate tissue. A part is moveable relative to the second member and configured for disposal of an implant. The at least one mating element is engageable such that the first member is moveable relative to the second member to dispose the implant at a desired orientation relative to the second member. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc
    Inventor: Julien J. Prevost
  • Patent number: 9956004
    Abstract: An open implant closure structure includes a helically wound guide and advancement structure having at least two helically wound forms thereon providing a multi-start closing mechanism for use between spaced arms of a cooperating open medical implant having mating helically wound structure thereon. Illustrated structures include interlocking flange forms, v-threads, square threads, reverse angle threads and buttress threads and receivers with break-off extensions and cooperating tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9956005
    Abstract: A pedicle screw implant construct kit, comprising at least one pedicle screw, at least one collar comprising a recess for receiving a rod, the collar configured to be coupled to a head of the pedicle screw, an elongated rod for connecting the collar to one more additional collars to couple between the pedicle screw and one or more additional screws, and a locking ring sized to be positioned over at least a distal portion of the collar to restrain relative movement of the screw head and rod by exerting radial compression force onto the collar. In some embodiments, the components of the kit are comprised of carbon reinforced composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Carbofix In Orthopedics LLC
    Inventors: Mordechay Beyar, Oren Globerman
  • Patent number: 9956006
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9956007
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Patent number: 9956008
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a device body configured for implantation in a human body and a clamp that is formed from shape memory material and attached to the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Anand K. Agarwal, Vijay K. Goel, John R. D'Onofrio, Nathaniel E. DuBois, Jared R. Pack, David J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9956009
    Abstract: A posterior cervical fixation system including an occipital plate member, a cross connector, a pair of elongated spinal rods and a plurality of polyaxial screws. The occipital plate member configured for fixing to an occipital bone comprises an aperture to receive a bone anchor member to secure the occipital plate member to the occipital bone and at least one rod clamping element dimensioned to receive at least one spinal rod. The cross connector secures the pair of elongated spinal rods to vertebral bodies. The cross connector includes a pair of collet connectors and a cross bar that is configured to secure the pair of elongated spinal rods in a desired distance. Each polyaxial screw has an anchor head associated with a fastening member. The pair of elongated spinal rods is configured to extend along the vertebral bodies between the occipital plate member and at least one of the polyaxial screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Patent number: 9956010
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device comprising a bearing and a retaining portion. The bearing defines a bearing internal bore and has a rounded exterior surface, an upper surface, an intermediate surface, and a lower surface, and at least one slot in the bearing extending from the exterior surface to the internal bore. The retaining portion defines a recess shaped to accept the exterior surface of the bearing therein such that in a steady state of the bearing, the bearing can move within the recess, and, when at least one force is imparted against one of the upper and lower surfaces of the bearing, the bearing deforms outwardly to fix the bearing in place within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligent Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Evan Richelsoph, David Frederick Waller
  • Patent number: 9956011
    Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng, Murali P. Kadaba, Daniel H. Kim
  • Patent number: 9956012
    Abstract: An extension device for a bone anchor is provided, where the bone anchor includes an anchoring section and a receiving part connected to the anchoring section having a central axis. The extension device includes a first sleeve with a first sleeve axis that is coaxial to the central axis of the receiving part and is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part. The extension device further includes a second sleeve with a second sleeve axis coaxial to the central axis. The second sleeve is positioned within the first sleeve, is positionable relative to the first sleeve along the central axis, and is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part. The extension device also includes a locking member that, in a first configuration, inhibits decoupling of the first sleeve or the second sleeve from the receiving part when the other one of the first sleeve or the second sleeve is coupled to the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Timo Biedermann, Berthold Dannecker
  • Patent number: 9956013
    Abstract: Various bone fixation/fusion devices are sized and configured to be placed across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SI-BONE INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reiley, John T. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9956014
    Abstract: A method for joining two or more segments of a bone implant comprises the steps of placing a plurality of thin layers of an intermetallic material between first and second segments of the bone implant and applying a mechanical load to the plurality of layers. In a subsequent step, the plurality of layers are ignited by applying an external activation energy thereto, the ignition heating the plurality of layers to a reaction temperature and causing the segments to become affixed to one another after cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Cyril Voisard, Robert Frigg, Goetz Thorwarth
  • Patent number: 9956015
    Abstract: System, including methods and devices, for fixing bone. The system may include a bone plate having two or more plate members connected to one another with one or more movable joints. Each joint may permit the orientation of the plate members to be adjusted relative to one another in a single plane or two or more nonparallel planes. The joint may have a movable configuration and a fixed configuration. Methods of creating the bone plate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Ehmke, Brian R. Conley
  • Patent number: 9956016
    Abstract: A member of a modular bone plate is provided, the member comprising a top surface defining a top plane; a bottom surface defining a bottom plane; a connection portion including a hole with a center axis that intersects the top plane and the bottom plane; wherein a first portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a projection forming a first free end of the member and wherein a second portion of the edge of the hole is provided with a groove that is configured to accommodate a projection of a connection portion of a second member of the modular bone plate. Furthermore, a modular bone plate having at least two such members is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markku Biedermann
  • Patent number: 9956017
    Abstract: A bone plate and method for use thereof affords use of at least two surgical approaches to attach the bone plate to a fractured bone to facilitate reduction and repair thereof. The bone plate includes two domains extending in different directions from a transition zone. The directions in which each of the two domains extend are generally opposite, and the transition zone is configured to afford portions of the two domains to be substantially disposed in planes that are transverse to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TOBY ORTHOPAEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9956018
    Abstract: A bone screw includes a screw shaft with an external thread. The screw shaft anchors the bone screw in a bone. A proximal end of the screw shaft includes a screw head. The ratio between the outer thread diameter and the thread core diameter increases toward the screw head in a proximal screw shaft portion or in the area of the thread's run-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Andrea Peukert, Sven Krüger, Michael Rauschmann, Bronek Boszczyk
  • Patent number: 9956019
    Abstract: A mixing device comprises a mixing space for mixing bone cement, at least one mixing element supported in the mixing space such that it can rotate, a gear for rotating the at least one mixing element, and at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element that is connected to the gear such that the gear can be driven by an elastic energy from the energy-storing element and such that the at least one mixing element can be rotated in the mixing space by means of the gear upon the release of elastic energy from the energy-storing element. Additionally, a vacuum mixing system and mixing method comprise the mixing device for mixing the bone cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 9956020
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including an inner surface that defines a cavity and an outer surface configured to space tissue. The first member includes a first locking surface. A second member is configured for disposal within the cavity and extends between a first end configured to penetrate tissue and a second end configured to generate a signal representative of a position of the second member. The second member includes a second locking surface. The members are disposable between a first orientation such that the locking surfaces are engaged to resist relative axial translation of the members and a second orientation such that the locking surfaces are disengaged and the second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Benson, Larry T. McBride
  • Patent number: 9956021
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a tensioning and crimping tool, the tensioning and crimping tool including a housing unit, a crimping section including a housing, a trigger-handle mounted to the housing, a crimping unit, including an inner crimping tube and an outer crimping tube, where the outer crimping tube is mounted around the inner crimping tube and configured to move in an axial direction relative to the inner crimping tube to crimp a crimp onto the cable, a tensioning section including the housing, a collet opener end, and a tensioning unit including a collet, a cone sheath, a tensioning rod, a tensioning nut rotatable on the tensioning rod, an inner spring configured to actuate the collet in a first direction, and an outer spring configured to actuate the tensioning rod in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: This Aebi, Simon M. Bosshard, Rhett A. Rapier
  • Patent number: 9956022
    Abstract: A forceps includes a shaft defining first opposed distal recesses, a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft and defining second opposed distal recesses, and an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. Each jaw member defines a proximal flange and a distal jaw body. The proximal flanges each define an aperture and a cam slot. A pivot pin extends through the apertures with ends of the pivot pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the first recesses and fixedly engaged therewith. A drive pin extends through the cam slots with ends of the drive pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the second recesses and fixedly engaged therewith such that translation of the drive bar relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members between spaced-apart and approximated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: James D. Allen, IV
  • Patent number: 9956023
    Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Danek, Bryan E. Loomas, Thomas M. Keast, Michael D. Laufer
  • Patent number: 9956024
    Abstract: A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP
    Inventors: Rachid Mahrouche, Dan Wittenberger
  • Patent number: 9956025
    Abstract: A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using injection of an impedance-modifying agent and evaluation of changes in impedance measurements recorded by an electrode located distal to an occlusion element of the treatment device used to inject the impedance-modifying agent. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the changes in impedance over time within the pulmonary vein. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventors: Nicolas Coulombe, Jean-Pierre Lalonde
  • Patent number: 9956026
    Abstract: A blood vessel cauterizing tool assembly includes a housing that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends between the first and second ends. A cauterizing rod is attached to the housing and extends outwardly away from the first end. A power source is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the cauterizing rod. A switch is mounted on the housing and is operationally coupled to the power source and the cauterizing rod. The switch is actuated to turn the cauterizing rod on or off. A pull tab extends through the perimeter wall and is positioned in a cut off position breaking a circuit between the switch and the power source. The pull tab is removable from the housing to close the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Virginia Rost
  • Patent number: 9956027
    Abstract: A device and method for detecting faults in a shield of an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device has a relay configured to selectively interrupt power to the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a shield in the electrosurgical instrument, control circuitry to control the relay, and a battery power source. The monitoring circuitry has an envelope detector and an detected average shield current detector. The monitoring circuitry is configured to compare a shield current peak value to a shield current peak threshold value, and to compare an detected average shield current value to an detected average shield current threshold value. The device is further configured to operatively couple an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument and a return electrode to an electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ENCISION INC.
    Inventor: David Newton
  • Patent number: 9956028
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively heating a biological target within a treatment region of a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering to the subject a dielectric heating modulator that becomes associated with the biological target. The method also includes positioning the treatment region between first and second electrodes connected to a generator, and activating the generator to apply an alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region to thereby heat the treatment region. The dielectric heating modulator causes the biological target to heat at a faster rate than non-targets within the treatment region, which preferably results in the killing of the biological target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVOLINK, LLC
    Inventor: Michel Marc
  • Patent number: 9956029
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within the lumen, the fluid delivery tube defining a proximal end a distal end. An electrically conductive treatment element is in electrical communication with and coupled to the distal end of the first shaft, the electrically conductive treatment element includes a conductive fluid conduit in fluid communication with and affixed within a portion of the fluid delivery tube. A second shaft is in electrical communication with the first shaft, the first shaft being slideably disposed within the second shaft and movable from a first position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is proximate to the distal end of the second shaft to a second position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is advanced a distance away from the distal end of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Sylvester, Himanshu K. Bhatt, Tarquinio A. Bruno, Bhavesh D. Patel
  • Patent number: 9956030
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
  • Patent number: 9956031
    Abstract: A treatment device for an endoscope includes a pair of forceps pieces which has forceps surfaces in contact with a subject tissue and are opened and closed with the forceps surfaces facing each other. Concave portions are formed in the central portions of the forceps surfaces to form the forceps surfaces around the concave portions, and on the forceps surfaces, a first region on the proximal end side of the forceps pieces has a plurality of first teeth with top surfaces formed to be unsharp, and a second region on the distal end side of the forceps pieces to the first region has a plurality of second teeth with top surfaces formed to be sharp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kaneko, Takashi Toyonaga
  • Patent number: 9956032
    Abstract: An internally-cooled RF electrode can have a construction that provides for an electrode hub having reduced weight and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: COSMAN INSTRUMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Cosman, Eric R. Cosman
  • Patent number: 9956033
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. A balloon may be coupled to the distal region. An electrode may be disposed within the balloon. A virtual electrode may be defined on the balloon. The virtual electrode may include a conductive region having an edge and a peripheral region disposed at least partially along the edge of the conductive region. The peripheral region may be configured to dissipate forces, electrical current, or both accumulating along the edge of the conductive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Squire, Adam J. Royer, Jeffrey S. Lindquist, Daniel J. Horn
  • Patent number: 9956034
    Abstract: A system for controlled sympathectomy procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed. Systems and methods for accessing target tissues as part of a neuromodulation procedure from within a lumen are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AUTONOMIX MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Landy Toth, Roy Martin
  • Patent number: 9956035
    Abstract: Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Patent number: 9956036
    Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman, Christopher W. Sicvol
  • Patent number: 9956037
    Abstract: An irrigated medical device, including an inlet tube configured to receive an irrigation fluid from a pressurized fluid source, at least first and second outlet tubes configured to deliver the irrigation fluid to respective outlets of the device, a manifold containing a chamber coupled between the inlet tube and at least the first and second outlet tubes, and a ball including a magnetic material contained inside the chamber. The irrigated medical device also includes a magnetic field generator disposed outside the chamber and configured to generate a variable magnetic field within the chamber so as to move the ball between at least a first position in which the first outlet tube is blocked, a second position in which the second outlet tube is blocked, and a third position, in which neither of the outlet tubes is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 9956038
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and systems, as well as associated methods of using them, that employ a remote Dicke switching element—i.e., distal to a radiometer. The devices, systems, and methods are suitable for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in a wide variety of tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CORAL SAND BEACH LLC
    Inventor: Robert Allison
  • Patent number: 9956039
    Abstract: Provided is a surgical handpiece for providing an electromagnetic cutting blade. The handpiece, comprises a body portion having an input end and an output end, a plurality of optical fibers for receiving laser energy having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range, wherein the optical fibers are received in the body portion at the input end and extend to the output end, and an optical fiber transition region within the body portion for arranging the plurality of optical fibers into a predetermine cutting shape at the output end, wherein laser energy transmitted from the arranged optical fibers at the output end interact with water molecules near the surgical target to generate micro-explosions that result in a cutting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BIOLASE, INC.
    Inventors: Dmitri Boutoussov, Vladimir Netchitailo, Jr., Amado Carino
  • Patent number: 9956040
    Abstract: A laser ablation surgery system with a safety control of non-target tissue temperature and laser ablation surgery method are provided. The system includes a laser source configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength absorbable by a target issue through an optical fiber connected thereto, a temperature sensor disposed at an irrigation fluid outlet of a flow sheath of a continuous flow endoscope, and a system control operably connected to the laser source and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of an effluent exiting a body cavity adjacent to the target issue during a laser ablation surgery. The system control includes at least one predetermined effluent temperature threshold and a laser control mechanism. The system control is configured to activate the laser control mechanism when the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the effluent exceeding the predetermined effluent temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Emilio F. Lastarria
  • Patent number: 9956041
    Abstract: A robotic device for performing intracranial procedures, comprising a baseplate for mounting on the subject's skull and a rotatable base element rotating on the baseplate. The rotatable base element has a central opening through which a cannulated needle can protrude such that it can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the baseplate. This cannulated needle is robotically controlled to provide motion into and out of the subject's skull. A flexible needle is disposed coaxially within the cannulated needle, and it is controlled to move into and out of a non-axial aperture in the distal part of the cannulated needle. Coordinated control of the insertion motion of the cannulated and flexible needles, and rotation of the combined cannulated/flexible needle assembly enables access to be obtained to a volume of a region of the brain having lateral dimensions substantially larger than the width of the cannulated needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventors: David Zarrouk, Moshe Shoham, Menashe Zaaroor, Hadas Ziso
  • Patent number: 9956042
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using a robotic system to perform procedures within a cavity using a virtual fixture. The robotic system includes a rigid central stem including an access channel positioned longitudinally along the rigid central stem and a dexterous arm at least partially positioned within the access channel of the central stem. The dexterous arm includes a plurality of individually adjustable segments. A control system receives a positioning command from a manipulator control indicative of a desired movement of a distal end of the dexterous arm. A virtual fixture is defined that is representative of the access channel of the rigid central stem. The position of the dexterous arm is adjusted such that the distal end of the dexterous arm performs the desired movement while the portion of the dexterous arm that is positioned within the first access channel is not moved beyond the defined virtual fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Nabil Simaan, Andrea Bajo, Ryan B. Pickens, Stanley Duke Herrel
  • Patent number: 9956043
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Shane Michael Farritor, Mark Rentschler, Amy Lehman, Stephen R. Platt, Jeff Hawks
  • Patent number: 9956044
    Abstract: To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Gomez, Nicola Diolaiti, David Q. Larkin, Paul E. Lilagan, Probal Mitra, Tabish Mustufa
  • Patent number: 9956045
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cannulated surgical tools comprises a hollow body with lavage fluid holes and a brush adaptor at a first end and an inlet adaptor affixed to a second end. A body hub, consisting of inlet channel and drain channel is in liquid communication with an inner lavage fluid tube. A lavage connection tube is in liquid communication with the hollow body at the brush adaptor and through the upper connecting lavage fluid orifice. An inner lavage fluid tube, having an inner channel, extends within the hollow body with a distal end in liquid communication with the inner channel within the inlet adaptor. There are multiple spray openings proximate the distal end of the inner lavage fluid connection tube and a tube brush is dimensioned to fit within the inner channel. The apparatus can be combined with a reservoir to make the unit self-contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: William R. Krause
  • Patent number: 9956046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical imaging system (10) for planning an implantation of a cardiac implant (42), comprising: a receiving unit (12) for receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac images (14, 14?) showing different conditions of a heart (32) during a cardiac cycle; a segmentation unit (22) for segmenting within the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?) a target implant region (38) and a locally adjacent region (40) that could interfere with the cardiac implant (42); a simulation unit (24) for simulating the implantation of the cardiac implant (42) within the target implant region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); a collision evaluation unit (26) for evaluating an overlap (46) of the simulated cardiac implant (42) with the segmented locally adjacent region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); and a feedback unit (28) for providing feedback information to a user concerning the evaluated overlap (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Frank Michael Weber, Thomas Heiko Stehle, Irina Wachter-Stehle, Jochen Peters, Juergen Weese
  • Patent number: 9956047
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ConforMIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, Nam T. Chao, John Slamin, Philipp Lang, Wolfgang Fitz, Daniel Steines
  • Patent number: 9956048
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ConforMIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Bojarski, Nam T. Chao, John Slamin, Philipp Lang, Wolfgang Fitz, Daniel Steines, Thomas Minas
  • Patent number: 9956049
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating an organ timing signal relating to an inspected organ within the body of a patient, including a medical positioning system, and a processor coupled with the medical positioning system, the medical positioning system including at least one reference electromagnetic transducer placed at a reference location, at least one inner electromagnetic transducer attached to a surgical tool inserted in a blood vessel in the vicinity of the inspected organ, and a medical positioning system processor coupled with the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagnetic transducer, the medical positioning system processor determining the three-dimensional position of the inner electromagnetic transducer, by processing transmitted electromagnetic signals transmitted from one of the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagnetic transducer with detected electromagnetic signals detected by the other of the reference electromagnetic transducer and the inner electromagne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MediGuide Ltd.
    Inventors: Itzhak Shmarak, Gera Strommer, Uzi Eichler
  • Patent number: 9956050
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, David C. Yates