Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9956352
    Abstract: A medical device having a frontal attachment and a connector housing having at least a body part of an associated medical apparatus, the frontal attachment slidably engaging the connector housing and having a forwardly projecting, rearwardly biased needle and a needle retraction assembly, and the connector housing having a needle retraction cavity laterally offset from the needle in a first position, the needle retraction cavity being selectively movable relative to the frontal attachment following use to reposition the needle retraction cavity into alignment with the needle to permit retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Retractable Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J Shaw, Mark Small, Ni Zhu
  • Patent number: 9956353
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide automatic injection devices in which a shroud is automatically deployed to protectively sheath a needle after an injection is performed. Exemplary embodiments also provide shroud deployment assemblies including a shroud and a syringe carrier that, when cooperatively configured in an automatic injection device, ensure that the shroud is automatically and completely deployed after an injection is performed using the automatic injection device. Exemplary embodiments are also configured to ensure that, once the shroud is deployed to an extended position to sheath the needle, accidental forces applied to the shroud do not succeed in subsequently retracting the shroud to a retracted position in which the needle would become exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AbbVie Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Rao, Sherwin Shang, Esra Ozdaryal, Eduard Tsvirko, Edwin Chim, David Post, Vincent Dipalma
  • Patent number: 9956354
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nozzle device and a minimally invasive injection device, and the nozzle device for a minimally invasive injection device according to an exemplary embodiment includes an outlet to generate a microjet of a liquid, and an injection part of a micro-scale size connected to the outlet and adapted to be inserted into a skin tissue to a preset depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Min Kyoung Kwon, Ji Hye Jang, Joon Ho Bae, Jin Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 9956355
    Abstract: A handheld cryoanesthesia or analgesia device for cooling a target area on cutaneous membranes, mucous membranes, and tissue of the mucocutaneous zone having an elongated body and a thermoelectric cooling system disposed within the elongated body. The thermoelectric cooling system is configured to physically contact and thermally couple the target area of the cutaneous membranes, mucous membranes, and tissue of the mucocutaneous zone to induce cryoanesthesia or analgesia. The thermoelectric cooling system includes a thermally-conductive cold tip, a thermally-conductive cooling power concentrator thermally coupled to the cold tip, at least one Peltier unit module thermally coupled to the cooling power concentrator, a heatsink thermally coupled to at least one Peltier unit module, a power source, at least one thermal sensor, and a controller operably outputting a control signal to the Peltier unit module to maintain a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Cagri Giray Besirli, Stephen Smith, Kevin P. Pipe, Gun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9956356
    Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STAMFORD DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Grehan, Niall Smith
  • Patent number: 9956357
    Abstract: An atomizer for an inhaler includes a housing, a gasket, a liquid absorbing sheet, a wick, and an atomizing element. The housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing form a liquid reservoir therebetween for storing liquid. The gasket is sleeved on the first housing, the gasket defines a liquid conducting hole in communication with the liquid reservoir. The liquid absorbing sheet is sleeved on the first housing in contact with the gasket, the liquid absorbing sheet is configured to absorb the liquid in the liquid reservoir via the liquid conducting hole. The wick is in contact with the liquid absorbing sheet and configured to draw the liquid from the liquid absorbing sheet. The atomizing element is fixed to the wick and configured to atomize the liquid in the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SMOORE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Zhiping Chen
  • Patent number: 9956358
    Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Sias, Alexandra Do, Nikolai Poulsen, Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Timothy McMorrow, W. F. Anthony Miles
  • Patent number: 9956359
    Abstract: The invention of the present application relates to an apparatus to aid in administering inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol to a patient. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an aerosol delivery device. The apparatus comprises steps on the top and bottom of the apparatus, which when used aid the patient causes mandibular advancement, and opening of the mouth, causing opening of patient's airway, resulting in improved aerosol lung deposition. The invention also relates to a method of using such apparatus in a combination with an aerosol delivery device or a system, and to the mouthpiece of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kurt Nerner Nikander, Dirk Von Hollen, John S. Viviano, Eugene Nelson Scarberry, Ian Thomas Petherbridge
  • Patent number: 9956360
    Abstract: A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 ?m, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PNEUMA RESPIRATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Louis Thomas Germinario, John H. Hebrank, Charles Eric Hunter, Jack C. Hunter, Chengjie Li, Christopher W. Maurer
  • Patent number: 9956361
    Abstract: A device outputs portioned medications (M) from individual chambers of a strip arranged one behind the other. The strip includes a base strip and a closure strip and the raised chambers of the strip can be opened by pressing a handle by sharp-edged deflection of the closure strip. In order to simplify the design and for safe operation, a chamber elevation directed toward the mouthpiece opening blocks the actuation of the handle using a blocking element, in which position a chamber arranged in front that has already been freed from the closure strip lies above a fall-through opening, which opening is closed using a flap that can be moved into the opening position by the suction air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred Von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 9956362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry powder inhaler device comprising a body having a guide surface formed on an inner surface thereof, a trigger having a socket with a shape complementing the guide surface, and a spring, characterized by comprising at least one retaining element (8) positioned on the inner surface (1) of the body diagonally across the spring (6) to enable the trigger (5) to perform a stable axial displacement and a mechanism check or quality control to be made as one of the parts of the device (7) body is not closed or assembled yet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Arven Ilac Saniyi ve Ticaret A.S.
    Inventors: Zafer Toksoz, Umit Cifter, Ali Turkyilmaz, Onur Mutlu
  • Patent number: 9956363
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes providing a measured pressure, and calculating a net flow based on at least one measured inlet flow and measured outlet flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort, and used to help compute a patient effort. A ventilation cycle is initiated using the computed patient effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Milenko Masic
  • Patent number: 9956364
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods described may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Jeff Milsap, Jaron M. Acker
  • Patent number: 9956365
    Abstract: A lung ventilation apparatus and system are described. The lung ventilation apparatus may include a control panel; and a graphical user interface associated with the control panel, the graphical user interface comprising a central strip content item covering at least 50% of a total area of the graphical user interface, the central strip content item representing at least one of a patient monitoring screen or surveillance screen, the central strip content item comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises numerical elements indicating ventilation parameters of a patient, and the second portion comprises a graphical element indicating pressure at a patient airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VYAIRE MEDICAL CAPITAL LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Bonassa, Adriano De Lima Santos, José Augusto Calvo Lonardoni
  • Patent number: 9956366
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for securing nasal tubes are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a bridle, a magnetic portion connected to the bridle, a delivery probe, a retrieval probe, and a clamp. The delivery probe includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end configured to deliver the magnetic portion, and a bridle lock configured to release the bridle upon actuation of an actuator. The retrieval probe includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end including a magnetic portion configured to magnetically couple with the other magnetic portion, and a magnetic coupling indicator configured to provide an indication in response to a magnetic coupling. The clamp includes a channel portion with an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of a nasal tube. The clamp is configured to secure the nasal tube following placement of the bridle by the delivery and retrieval probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Kirkpatrick, Crystal Koelper, Jill Lazar, Michael Masino, Shawn Purnell, Michael C. Shaughnessy, Stephanie Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 9956367
    Abstract: An airway device configured for intubation under blind or optionally under indirect vision of a fiber optic scope. It also configured to be used as a supraglottic airway device supporting external breathing or anesthesia circuits. The device comprises a tube system with expansion projections, a base, one or more inflation balloons, and a gastric suction tube. The device can include a stylet to guide endotracheal tube during intubation. The tube system can include an air tube and fiber-optic-probe tube. The balloon system can move the end of the tube system anteriorly to align it with the laryngeal opening. The balloon system can seal the airway leakage for low positive pressure ventilation for the device to operate as a supraglottic airway device. The inflation balloon and expansion projection can displace tissue that can block the airway path. The base can carry esophageal gastric drainage tube to the upper esophageal sphincter to block and drain gastric content regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Yang Sun
  • Patent number: 9956368
    Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion assembly (100) that is customizable to compensate for anatomical variances from patient-to-patient and, therefore, provides an effective seal with the patient's face. The cushion assembly includes a cushion member (102) having a first side structured to engage the patient's face, and a second side disposed opposite the first side, a plurality of plate members (108, 110, 112, 114, 116), and an adjustment mechanism (120, 122, 124). The adjustment mechanism is structured to adjust the position of the plate members, thereby changing the shape of the cushion member to generally conform to the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Lauren Patricia Chodkowski, Maureen Harp, Kevin Daniel Himes
  • Patent number: 9956369
    Abstract: A mouthpiece having a vestibular shield overlapping a user's teeth and gums, a gases passageway extending through the vestibular shield allowing for the passage of the gases through the mouthpiece and an extra oral sealing member is associated with the gases passageway. The passageway in use causes gases to be diffused when exiting from the gases passageway. The mouthpiece may have a noseflap to seal the user's nose or provide a passageway for the user's nasal passages. The mouthpiece may have an adjustment arrangement to alter a distance between the vestibular shield and the extra-oral sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Adam Alexander Tebbutt, Blair Albert Neal, Lewis George Gradon, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock
  • Patent number: 9956370
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Inova, Labs, LLC.
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Allan Sten Westersten, J. David Shockley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9956371
    Abstract: A ventilator with an integrated cough assist for use with a patient circuit in fluid communication with a patient connection of a patient, and operable in a ventilation mode and in a cough-assist mode. The ventilator includes a user input for switching operation from ventilation mode to cough-assist mode without disconnecting the ventilator from the patient, and a controller operable in response to the user input and controlling operation of the ventilator in cough-assist mode to provide for at least one cough assist to the patient having an insufflation phase followed by an exsufflation phase. A cough-assist valve in a first state for the insufflation phase communicates a positive pressure to the ventilator connection and in a second state for the exsufflation phase communicates a negative pressure to the ventilator connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ventec Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. DeVries, David M. Good
  • Patent number: 9956372
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a tracheal humidification device. The tracheal humidification device may include a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion may include a tracheostomy connection port formed to couple with a tracheostomy connection tube; and a heat moisture exchanger port formed to couple with a heat moisture exchanger. The second body portion may be coupled with the first body portion, for example, rotatably coupled. The second body portion may include a nebulizer port formed to couple with a nebulizer and having a closable seal that is closable when the nebulizer is not coupled with the nebulizer port; and a suction port having a closable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip Polin
  • Patent number: 9956373
    Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GENO LLC
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David H. Fine
  • Patent number: 9956374
    Abstract: An isolation chamber and disinfection system. The novel system includes an enclosure for providing a sturdy, lightless and soundproofed environment and for containing a solution for supporting a user in a state of floatation; a disinfection system for disinfecting the solution, the disinfection system including an ultraviolet disinfection system and an ozone injection system; and a pump for removing the solution from the enclosure and circulating it through the disinfection system at a predetermined flow rate. The enclosure is formed from interlocking, foam-insulated panels and lined with a potable liner that holds the solution. In relationship to the isolation chamber, in accordance with the present teachings, an improved method of disinfection is taught using UV radiation with ozone injection. Ozone has a short half-life and leaves substantially no toxic byproducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Craig Hoefler
  • Patent number: 9956375
    Abstract: A device and method for administering light and acoustic vibrations for therapeutic treatment of one or more users is disclosed. The device has acoustic transducers positioned along a longitudinal center plane and comprises two longitudinal side sections that take an elliptical segment form. The acoustic transducers direct acoustic vibrations upwards, and the device also has light fixtures that direct light downward in the device interior. The components of the device work together to provide auditory, ocular, and dermal stimulation with a substantial reduction in undesirable rattling and echo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Barry McNew
  • Patent number: 9956376
    Abstract: An elastic percutaneous elastic introducer sheath is disclosed which can locally expand and reduce to accommodate a transcatheter medical device. The elastic introducer sheath includes a non-circumferentially continuous elastic frame, a liner, and a jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Marc A. Anderson, Donna Barrett, Evelyn Birmingham, Constantin Ciobanu, Kate Corish, Niall Duffy, Gavin Kenny, Patrick E. Macaulay, Luke McCartney, Deirdre Bridget McGowan Smyth, Bernard Patrick Mulvihill, Stephen J. Peter
  • Patent number: 9956377
    Abstract: A renal flow system injects a volume of fluid agent into a location within an abdominal aorta in a manner that flows bilaterally into each of two renal arteries via their respectively spaced ostia along the abdominal aorta wall. A local injection assembly includes two injection members, each having an injection port that couples to a source of fluid agent externally of the patient. The injection ports may be positioned with an outer region of blood flow along the abdominal aorta wall perfusing the two renal arteries. A flow isolation assembly may isolate flow of the injected agent within the outer region and into the renals. The injection members are delivered to the location in a first radially collapsed condition, and bifurcate across the aorta to inject into the spaced renal ostia. A delivery catheter for upstream interventions is used as a chassis to deliver a bilateral local renal injection assembly to the location within the abdominal aorta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Elkins, Aurelio Valencia, Samir R. Patel, Ricardo Aboytes, Harry B. Goodson, Craig A. Ball
  • Patent number: 9956378
    Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a first elongate tubular member having a proximal end portion defining a proximal end, a distal end portion having an opening therein and defining a distal end, and at least one lumen defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A second elongate tubular member has a proximal end portion defining a proximal end, a distal end portion defining a distal end, and at least one lumen defined between the proximal end and the distal end. The second elongate tubular member is received within the at least one lumen of the first elongate tubular member, such that the distal end portion of the second elongate tubular member projects from the opening in the distal end portion of the first elongate tubular member. An elongate, shape-imparting element is receivable in the at least one lumen of at least one of the first elongate tubular member and the second elongate tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CathRx Ltd.
    Inventors: Neil Lawrence Anderson, Evan Ka-Loke Chong, David Ogle, James Panos
  • Patent number: 9956379
    Abstract: Various methods can be employed to apply an antimicrobial coating to the outer surface of catheter tubing. The antimicrobial coating minimizes the risk of microbe colonization on the outer surface of the catheter tubing when the catheter tubing is positioned within the vasculature of a patient. A catheter can be manufactured using a pre-treatment process which applies the antimicrobial coating to the catheter tubing prior to applying a lubricant over top of the coating. The lubricant can function to retain the coating on the outer surface and also to limit the diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the coating. A catheter can include an antimicrobial coating that does not block the visibility of flashback. Because the antimicrobial coating can be minimally transparent, the coating can be applied to the outer surface in a striped pattern or other pattern that leaves a portion of the outer surface uncoated or minimally coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Siddarth K. Shevgoor
  • Patent number: 9956380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blood cannula for discharging blood into a vessel, in particular aortic cannula for discharging blood into an aortic arch during heart-bypass surgery, comprising a tubular body (1), the tubular body having a straight part at the proximal end (2) and a bent part at the distal end (3) leading into an outlet opening (5), wherein the distal end (3), in particular the bent part has an increasing cross section in the direction of blood flow (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ENMODES GMBH
    Inventors: Tim Kaufmann, Ulrich Steinseifer, Anton Moritz
  • Patent number: 9956381
    Abstract: A catheter guide device configured to facilitate precise placement of a downstream end of a catheter within a patient. The catheter guide device comprises a torque assembly configured to frictionally engage an exterior surface of a catheter and a hub configured to engage a catheter sheath and thereby prevent rotation of the catheter sheath relative to the hub. The torque assembly is rotatably secured to the hub such that rotating the torque assembly relative to the hub rotates the catheter relative to the catheter sheath and thereby moves the downstream end of the catheter within the patient. The hub additionally comprises a detent mechanism configured to engage a plurality of gear teeth on an exterior surface of the torque assembly to thereby impede unintended rotation of the torque assembly relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Florida Electrophysiology LLC
    Inventor: Usman Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9956382
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guide wire insertion device for a catheter procedure. The guide wire insertion device for a catheter procedure includes an injection unit (100) including an injection needle, and a guide wire transfer unit (200) which transfers a guide wire so as to insert the guide wire through the injection needle, and the injection unit and the guide wire transfer unit are integrated with each other so as to continuously perform injection of the injection needle and transfer of the guide wire. According to such a configuration, the injection of the injection needle and the insertion of the guide wire may be accurately and easily performed so that a catheter procedure is convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Yonsei University Wonju Industry—Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Sung Oh Hwang
  • Patent number: 9956383
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods of treatment are described herein. More particularly, medical devices and methods for providing access to a bodily passage during dilation are described herein. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member and a balloon. The elongate member is moveable between a first, non-expanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Darin Schaeffer, Paul Krakovitz, Dan Dalenberg
  • Patent number: 9956384
    Abstract: Articulating balloon catheters and methods of using articulating balloon catheters are described herein. An embodiment of an articulating balloon catheter comprises an elongate member and a balloon. The balloon is attached to the elongate member and is adapted to move between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The balloon has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an articulating region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The articulating region of the balloon is configured to provide articulation between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Steven Charlebois, Sara Sherman
  • Patent number: 9956385
    Abstract: A method of forming a coated medical device is described in which a coating including a therapeutic agent dispersed in a polymer or oligomer matrix is applied to an outer surface of the medical device. The coating is then post-processed to selectively remove a substantial portion of the polymer or oligomer matrix from the coating. The post-processed coating is then sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Patrick H. Ruane
  • Patent number: 9956386
    Abstract: A drug delivery system that can be deployed from a catheter and retained within the bladder for delivery of treatment drug solutions over a period of time. The delivery system includes an inflatable or expandable delivery element that can be collapsed within the catheter tip for navigation into the bladder before being inflated or expanded within the bladder. The inflated or expanded delivery element can engage the bladder walls or sized to be too large to be passed from the bladder such that the delivery element is retained within the bladder after inflation or expansion to administer a treatment drug solution over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian P. Watschke
  • Patent number: 9956387
    Abstract: An article of clothing is provided for topically delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a wearer of the article of clothing. The clothing typically includes at least three layers, an optional outer surface layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. A pharmaceutical composition is applied to the inner layer. The middle layer prevents the pharmaceutical composition from passing from the inner layer to the outer surface layer. A method for delivering a pharmaceutical is also disclosed, wherein a pharmaceutical composition is applied to the inner layer of an article of clothing and the clothing is worn by a person. A pharmaceutical preparation delivery kit is also provided, wherein the kit includes an article of clothing for topically delivering a pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Brown
  • Patent number: 9956388
    Abstract: According to some embodiments herein, systems for delivering therapeutic agents and/or methods of using such systems are provided. The systems can be configured to administer solution comprising therapeutic agent to a subject, and can further comprise an ultrasound applicator for applying ultrasound energy to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sonescence, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Silberg, Seth Putterman
  • Patent number: 9956389
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a reduced pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters. Certain embodiments are directed to connectors used to connect fluid passage tube used in transmitting negative pressure to a fabric channel used in a suction adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Armstrong, Iain Michael Blackburn, Robert Emmerson, Michael B. Mosholder
  • Patent number: 9956390
    Abstract: An implantable lead connector configured for long term implantation and to electrically interconnect multiple medical devices and to channel electrical signals between said interconnected devices and a target organ, comprising: a first port adapted to receive a first signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, a second port adapted to receive a second signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, and a third port configured to connect to a target organ, wherein at least one of said first and second ports is configured to connect to a signal generator not integrated with said connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics NV
    Inventors: Benny Rousso, Yuval Mika, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Daniel Burkhoff, David Prutchi
  • Patent number: 9956391
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an in vivo treatment of a skin lesion of a mammal comprising application of electrical energy to the skin lesion in a form of electrical pulses. At least one electrical pulse is applied. The pulse duration may be at least 1 nanosecond at the full-width-half-maximum. This treatment may prevent at least growth of the lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Robert Weissberg, Sudeep Deshpande, Chunqi Jiang
  • Patent number: 9956392
    Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device includes a garment configured to be worn on a torso of a patient. The garment has an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The garment is configured to house at least one defibrillator component, a first therapy electrode disposed in the anterior portion of the garment, a second therapy electrode disposed in the posterior portion of the garment, and an alarm module configured to alert the patient of an impending defibrillation shock from the at least one defibrillator component to be delivered by at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode. The first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode are configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one defibrillator component. At least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode is at least one of woven into the garment and comprises a textile material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, Emil Oskin
  • Patent number: 9956393
    Abstract: The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Elira, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul E. Perez, Peter I. Hong, Steven Diianni, Luis Jose Malave, Brad Stengel
  • Patent number: 9956394
    Abstract: A connector to couple an electrical stimulation lead to a lead extension can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that interlock with each other. Another connector can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that form a hook and loop fastener. Yet another connector defines a lumen for receiving a proximal portion of an electrical stimulation lead and a side-loading slit extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal surface of the connector and extending inwardly to the lumen for side-loading the electrical stimulation lead into the lumen through the side-loading slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Michael X. Govea
  • Patent number: 9956395
    Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a substantially porous element configured to be coupled to an electrode for delivery of electrical current to a patient in a neurostimulation procedure. The substantially porous material defining a contact surface, of which at least a portion contacts the patient during the neurostimulation procedure. A first insulating member is coupled to the substantially porous element and exposed at the contact surface to prevent a portion of the contact surface from contacting the patient to deliver the electrical current during the neurostimulation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Marom Bikson, Gregory Kronberg, Tamer N. Naguib, Denis Arce, Preet Minhas
  • Patent number: 9956396
    Abstract: A thin film for a lead for brain applications includes at least one section comprising a high conductive metal and a low conductive metal, whereby the low conductive metal is a biocompatible metal and has a lower electrical conductivity than the high conductive metal and whereby the high conductive metal is at least partially encapsulated by the low conductive metal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thin film for a lead for brain applications and a deep brain stimulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V.
    Inventors: Edward Willem Albert Young, Hoa Thi Mai Pham, Martinus Lambertus Wilhelmus Vorstenbosch, Ke Wang
  • Patent number: 9956397
    Abstract: Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Amitava Gupta, Marie Dvorak Christ, F. Richard Christ
  • Patent number: 9956398
    Abstract: A cuff for use in nerve stimulation includes a sheet of elastomer having at least one electrode and being pre-stressed so as to allow its spiral self-winding to form a cuff around the nerve. The sheet is delimited by a first width defining an outer edge of the cuff after winding, a second width defining an opposite inner edge, a first length and a second opposite length. The first width is at both ends connected to the two lengths by a respective bevel edge forming an oblique angle relative to the direction of greatest dimension of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sorin CRM SAS
    Inventors: Vincent Callegari, Hervé Mével, Stéphane Béfahy
  • Patent number: 9956399
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Carver, Weston H. Lee, Brian E. Kagarise, Bruce A. Hoo, Peter Wilbur Gleason, Phillip Charles Halbert
  • Patent number: 9956400
    Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the inner tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may further include a hub portion including at least a first hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the outer tubular member and a second hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. A first locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member may be disposed within the hub portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Haasl, Brian L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9956401
    Abstract: A seed assembly for delivery to an interior of a heart includes an electrical stimulation circuit for delivering an electrical stimulus to cardiac tissue. A first electrode assembly is mechanically and electrically coupled to the seed assembly via a micro lead, the first electrode assembly configured to deliver the electrical stimulus generated by the electrical stimulation circuit to the cardiac tissue. The seed assembly and the first electrode assembly are sized and shaped to fit entirely within the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Michael J. Pikus, Martin R. Willard