Patents Issued in May 10, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180125439
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus in which a radiation source support unit supports a radiation source is adapted to be capable of being quickly carried to a use position in a small radius. A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a leg unit that includes three or more wheel units and is capable of traveling on an apparatus-placement surface by using wheels, a body unit that is held on the leg unit, an arm unit as a radiation source support unit that is connected to the body unit, a radiation source that is mounted on the arm unit, a battery that is received in the body unit and drives the radiation source, and a circuit that is received in the body unit and relates to the drive of the radiation source. The wheel unit is formed of a revolving caster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki NABETA, Ryosuke OGURA, Masayoshi MATSUURA, Fumito NARIYUKI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180125440
    Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Eugene A. GREGERSON
  • Publication number: 20180125441
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information on a radiation image from a detection apparatus configured to take the radiation image by detecting radiation; a transfer request unit configured to transmit to the detection apparatus, based on the information, a transfer request signal for requesting transfer of a radiation image untransferred and stored in the detection apparatus; and an image acquisition unit configured to acquire the radiation image from the detection apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Keisuke Arima
  • Publication number: 20180125442
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for CT-based elastography. A CT gantry is rotated while acquiring CT image data at a first frequency while tissue vibration is induced at a second vibrational frequency. The data acquisition frequency and the vibrational frequency are harmonically related and are synchronized such that the vibrational period aligns with the data acquisition period. Displacement of each of a plurality of tissue points are calculated in each of a series of images and a displacement map is generated demonstrating relative tissue stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Arunark Kolipaka, Rick Layman, Richard D. White
  • Publication number: 20180125443
    Abstract: An image retrieval apparatus that retrieves a candidate medical image in diagnosis of diffuse lung disease based on a position of an abnormal shadow in an organ region in a target medical image, the apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to map the organ region in the target medical image to an image having a predetermined shape to make it identifiable whether the abnormal shadow is distributed over a first portion in the organ region or a second portion in the organ region, occurrence portions of the abnormal shadow within the first portion and the second portion are organizationally different, and calculate a position of the abnormal shadow after the mapping in the image having the predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: HIROAKI TAKEBE, Yasutaka Moriwaki, Masahiko SUGIMURA, Susumu Endo, Takayuki BABA, Yusuke UEHARA
  • Publication number: 20180125444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to device, system and method for detecting a cardiac and/or respiratory disease of a subject. The proposed device comprises a sound input (20) for obtaining a sound signal representing sounds generated by the subject's body; a motion input (21) for obtaining a motion signal representing motions generated by the subject's body; and a processor (22) for processing the obtained sound signal and motion signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Josephus Arnoldus Henricus Maria Kahlman, Jan Valentin Wendelin Sebastian Werth, Rick Bezemer
  • Publication number: 20180125445
    Abstract: An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Valery G. Telfort, Predrag Pudar, Dimitar Dimitrov, Phi Trang, Ammar Al-Ali
  • Publication number: 20180125446
    Abstract: An ultrasound system for performing cancer grade mapping includes an ultrasound imaging device (10) that acquires ultrasound imaging data. An electronic data processing device (30) is programmed to generate an ultrasound image (34) from the ultrasound imaging data, and to generate a cancer grade map (42) by (i) extracting sets of local features from the ultrasound imaging data that represent map pixels of the cancer grade map and (ii) classifying the sets of local features using a cancer grading classifier (46) to generate cancer grades for the map pixels of the cancer grade map. A display component (20) displays the cancer grade map, for example overlaid on the ultrasound image as a color-coded cancer grade map overlay. The cancer grading classifier is learned from a training data set (64) comprising sets of local features extracted from ultrasound imaging data at biopsy locations and labeled with histopathology cancer grades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Lilla Boroczky, Amir Mohammad TAHMASEBI MARAGHOOSH, Shyam Bharat
  • Publication number: 20180125447
    Abstract: A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Nebojsa Duric, Peter John Littrup
  • Publication number: 20180125448
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to generate an anatomy image and a number of needle frames at different transmit beam angles. The system analyzes the data in the needle frames and selects segments therein that are identified as likely representing an interventional instrument. Data from one or more needle frames are blended with the data for the anatomy image of the tissue to create a composite image of the tissue and the interventional instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Kerem Karadayi
  • Publication number: 20180125449
    Abstract: In at least some aspects, a handheld ultrasound imaging device comprises: a housing; an ultrasound imaging unit disposed at least in part within the housing, the ultrasound imaging unit including an ultrasound transducer; a display rotatably coupled to the housing; and a releasably engageable catch; wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch restricts movement of the housing relative to the display. In at least some aspects, a method comprises: positioning a handheld ultrasound imaging device having a housing and a display on a surface with a screen of the display facing toward the surface; providing relative movement between the housing and display to position an ultrasonic transducer of the handheld ultrasound imaging device in an at least partially upright position; and applying a sterile cover on at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer without touching the handheld ultrasound imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Frank William Mauldin, JR., Kevin Owen, Adam Dixon
  • Publication number: 20180125450
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method including obtaining ultrasonic images of one or more vessel to be catheterized with an ultrasonic imaging device 212 and identifying the center(s) of the vessel(s) with the ultrasonic images. One of the vessels is punctured with a needle 220 based on the identifying of the center of the vessel. A guide wire 230 is inserted into the vessel and maneuvered with guide wire ultra-sonic feedback control. The guide wire ultra-sonic feedback control includes obtaining ultrasonic images of the vessel and the guide wire 230 in the vessel, and displaying the ultrasonic images of the vessel and the guide wire 230 in the vessel to a user. A catheter sheath 240 is inserted over the guide wire 230 and maneuvered with sheath ultrasonic feedback control. The guide wire 230 is removed and a catheter 250 is inserted into the catheter sheath 240 and maneuvered with catheter ultrasonic feedback control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: U.S. Government, as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Lorne H. Blackbourne, Jose Salinas, Ronald D. Grisell
  • Publication number: 20180125451
    Abstract: For sound speed imaging, different receive apertures are used instead of multiple transmissions from different angles. Acoustic echoes from a same transmission are receive beamformed with different apertures of the transducer array. The axial shift between the beamformed signals from the different apertures is used to solve for the speed of sound at one or more locations. The resulting measure of the speed of sound is displayed as the speed of sound in the tissue and may be diagnostically or prognostically useful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: David P. Duncan, Yassin Labyed
  • Publication number: 20180125452
    Abstract: A probe sleeve for holding a probe in various stages of cleanliness with indicators thereto. The probe sleeve comprising an envelope portion, a sealing system, and a plurality of indicator zones. The envelope portion comprising a mouth. The mouth is operative to receive and release the probe. The envelope is operative to hold the probe. The plurality of indicator zones comprise a first indicator zone and a second indicator zone. The plurality of indicator zones display a status indicator related to the state of the probe. The sealing system is configured to selectively close and open the mouth. The first indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is clean. The second indicator zone is operable to signify that the probe is not clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Dale Sell
  • Publication number: 20180125453
    Abstract: A side-fire ultrasonic probe includes an alignment feature that, when used to connect the probe with a needle guide for intra-cavity medical procedures, enables alignment of a needle in an imaging plane of an ultrasonic transducer. The alignment feature is configured such that alignment of the needle within the imaging plane is accomplished when a protective sheath is disposed between the alignment feature and the needle guide. This configuration can be used with high frequency ultrasonic arrays having frequency distributions centered at about 20 MHz, and for medical procedures, such as biopsying organs or other bodily intra-cavity structures, and delivering intra-cavity therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: N. Chris Chaggares, Eric Michael Rieder
  • Publication number: 20180125454
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus and a method of emitting plane wave are provided. The ultrasound apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a transceiver circuit, a switch module and a processor. The ultrasound probe has a 1st to a Mth transducer elements for respectively emitting ultrasound beams to form the plane wave, and the transceiver circuit has a 1st to a Nth transceiving channels. M, N are positive integers, and M is a multiple of N. During a scanning period, the processor controls the switch module to initially and respectively connect the 1st-Nth transceiving channels to the 1st-Nth transducer elements, such that the 1st-Nth transducer elements successively emit the ultrasound beams. After the ultrasound beam is emitted by the Nth transducer element, the processor controls the switch module to respectively connect the 1st-Nth transceiving channels to the (N+1)th-(2N)th transducer elements, such that the (N+1)th-(2N)th transducer elements successively emit the ultrasound beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Leltek Inc.
    Inventors: Ying-Yi Liu, Sheng-Chang Peng, Kuo-Ping Liu
  • Publication number: 20180125455
    Abstract: A method is described for acquiring 3D quantitative ultrasound elastography volumes. A 2D ultrasound transducer scans a volume of tissue through which shear waves are created using an external vibration source, the synchronized measurement of tissue motion within the plane of the ultrasound transducer with the measurement of the transducer location in space, the reconstruction of tissue displacements and/or tissue velocities in time and space over a volume from this synchronized measurement, and the computation of one or several mechanical properties of tissue from this volumetric measurement of displacements. The tissue motion in the plane of the transducer may be measured at a high effective frame rate in the axial direction of the transducer, or in the axial and lateral directions of the transducer. The tissue displacements and/or tissue velocities over the measured volume may be interpolated over a regular grid in order to facilitate computation of mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Septimiu Edmund SALCUDEAN, Caitlin Marie SCHNEIDER, Robert N. ROHLING, Ali BAGHANI, Mohammad HONARVAR
  • Publication number: 20180125456
    Abstract: Control device 10 of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a hardware processor that sets, among a plurality of operation modes in which pulse waveforms of ultrasound pulses to be transmitted are different from one another, at least first and second operation modes for which observation results are to be simultaneously displayed on a screen, sets at least one operation type that defines transmission timing of ultrasound pulses, and sets a switching frequency of a switching signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Mutsuhiro AKAHANE, Yasuhiro NAKAMURA, Yosuke KIMURA, Kazuya OSADA
  • Publication number: 20180125457
    Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a B-mode image generation unit; a region selection information input unit; a region-of-interest setting unit configured to set a region of interest of an ultrasound image to be subjected to processing suitable for an operation mode selected, in accordance with the input, from a plurality of operation modes for detecting a selected one of a plurality of pieces of characteristic biological information, by calculation using a region-of-interest setting method previously associated with the operation mode, based on a desired region selected in the region selection information; and a mode image composition unit configured to generate a mode composite image in which an operation mode image presented in two dimensions additional information obtained by performing processing suitable for the operation mode selected in accordance with the input on the region of interest is superimposed on a B-mode image generated by the B-mode image generation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehiro YOSHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180125458
    Abstract: An ultrasonic image generation system has a probe having an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal, a processor configured to generate an ultrasonic image signal by processing a received signal of the ultrasonic transducer as well as to generate a drive signal that is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer, and a probe-side wireless communicator; and a terminal having a terminal-side wireless communicator configured to wirelessly communicate with the probe-side wireless communicator, a display configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image signal, and an operation panel configured to input general measurement information, wherein the probe has a controller configured to determine control information necessary for generation of the drive signal and processing of the received signal from the general measurement information transmitted from the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroaki TAKAGI, Naoto YONEDA, Naoto ADACHI, Masaya TAMAMURA, Amane INOUE
  • Publication number: 20180125459
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a selection unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a medical image accompanied by supplementary information indicating a site. The selection unit selects one of a plurality of instruction instruments each corresponding to a site. The display control unit displays the medical image, the instruction instrument, and an ultrasound image together on a display. Upon receipt of a change instruction to change either the instruction instrument or the medical image, the selection unit newly selects the medical image or the instruction instrument corresponding to the instruction instrument or the medical image after the change. The display control unit displays the instruction instrument or the medical image after the change, the medical image or the instruction instrument newly selected, and the ultrasound image together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro OOMORI, Go TANAKA, Eiji GOTO, Osamu NAKAJIMA, Takayuki GUNJI
  • Publication number: 20180125460
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a two dimensional (2D) scan plane. The methods and systems acquire ultrasound data along first and second 2D planes from a matrix array probe. The second 2D plane includes an anatomical structure. The first 2D plane extending along the azimuth direction and the second 2D plane extending along the elevation direction. The systems and methods further identify when the anatomical structure is symmetric along the second 2D plane with respect to a characteristic of interest, and select select ultrasound data along the first 2D plane when the anatomical structure is symmetric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Christian Fritz Perrey, Walter Duda, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180125461
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe including an active thermal management system is disclosed. The active thermal management system may include a fluid chamber coupled to a transducer assembly of the ultrasound probe. The fluid chamber may include a coolant that may dissipate heat from the transducer assembly. The active thermal management system may further include a heat sink coupled to the fluid chamber and thermal management system. The heat sink may include fins that extend into the coolant. The coolant may be a liquid or a gas. The coolant may be circulated within the fluid chamber by a circulation device. The circulation device may be a pump, a fan, or an impeller. An ultrasound probe may further include a window that forms an enclosure over the lens of the transducer assembly. The enclosure may be fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and filled with coolant to dissipate heat from the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: DENNIS DEAN CLARK, JEFFREY SCOTT HART, RYAN MANNING
  • Publication number: 20180125462
    Abstract: Provided is a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The probe includes: the transducer module including a transducer configured to transmit or receive ultrasound waves; a first casing positioned below the transducer module to support the transducer module; a second casing extending along a perimeter of the first casing and integrally formed with the first casing; and a heat spreader positioned below the transducer module and above the first casing, where the heat spreader is a sheet of metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Chang-yeon WON, Chang-min KIM, Sang-dong JANG, Yoon-seok KIM, Jung-min KIM
  • Publication number: 20180125463
    Abstract: A matrix array probe including a transducer array and integrated circuitry coupled to the transducer elements dissipates heat generated by the array and integrated circuitry through the cover of the transducer probe. A pump in the probe connector pumps fluid through a closed loop system including inbound an outbound fluid conduits in the cable. The fluid conduits in the cable are separated by the cable electrical conductors for the probe. The heat transfer in the probe is done by a heat exchanger in the transducer backing block. Additional cooling may be provided by metal to metal contact with a chiller in the ultrasound system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Edward Davidsen, Michael Scarsella, James Christopher Taylor, Andrew Lee Robinson, Wojtek Sudol
  • Publication number: 20180125464
    Abstract: A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Kolb, Alan K. Lofquist, C. Frederick Battrell
  • Publication number: 20180125465
    Abstract: An intraosseous access system can include a needle that defines a lumen and a longitudinal axis about which the needle can be rotated during an insertion event. The needle can include a proximal end that remains at an exterior of a patient during use, a distal end that can be inserted through the skin of the patient into contact with a bone of the patient, and a distal tip at a distalmost point of the distal end of the needle that is positioned at the longitudinal axis of the needle. The system can further include an obturator sized to be received within the lumen of the needle that can inhibit material from entering the needle as the system is inserted into the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Piper Access, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Muse, Ryan Carter Patterson
  • Publication number: 20180125466
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Andrew T. Beckman, Lee Reichel, Chris W. Cicenas, Luke C. Stonis
  • Publication number: 20180125467
    Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a handle unit, a hollow needle comprised in a disposable unit, which is releasably attached to the handle unit, and a sample-receiving device, which is movable in the hollow needle between two positions. Tissue is severed when the sample-receiving device is in a first one of the positions, and the severed tissue sample is ejected from the sample-receiving device in a second one of the two positions. A control system is provided for controlling movement of the sample-receiving device and for arresting the sample-receiving device in the second position. The distance between the two positions and/or a length of the hollow needle may be detectable in a calibration cycle, which is automatically initiated upon attachment of the disposable unit to the handle unit. The disposable unit may include electronic memory means for communicating with the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Claus Reuber, Karsten Videbaek, Henrik Bagger Olsen
  • Publication number: 20180125468
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for performing tissue removal and analysis based on the in-situ optical analysis of tissue and of liquid collected from the tissue region. In one example embodiment, a tissue removal and analysis probe includes an elongate tissue removal device, an optical fiber, and a fluid fillable conduit, where distal ends of the optical fiber and the conduit are in communication with an external region that is adjacent to a distal functional portion of the tissue removal device. The results of optical analysis one of both of external tissue and collected fluid may be employed to determine whether or not tissue removal is to be carried out. Various devices may be interfaced with the conduit for optical analysis of the collected fluid. In one example embodiment, the tissue removal device may be movable relative to the optical fiber and conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Siu Wai Jacky MAK
  • Publication number: 20180125469
    Abstract: A ancillary handle includes: a gripping part of the ancillary handle, a receiving part having an elongate seat for the shank, and a locking device for locking the shank and fixing the surgical instrument to the ancillary handle. A locking part engages in a groove on the outer surface of the shank. The locking part translates between: iii) a locking configuration, in which the locking part engages in the groove and blocks the surgical instrument, and iv) an unlocking configuration, in which the locking part frees the shank. The locking device includes an actuation part for moving the locking part between the locking and unlocking configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: NOVASTEP
    Inventors: Rémi LE BESQUE, Loïc GIROD, Wilfried DULIN
  • Publication number: 20180125470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The method includes introducing a mechanical closure device into an atrium of the heart and transeptally deploying the closure device across the interatrial septum to provide proximation of the septum secundum and septum primum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: CORDIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: CHAO-CHIN CHEN, RANDY DAVID B. GRISHABER, GENE W. KAMMERER, ISAAC JOHN KHAN, JIN PARK
  • Publication number: 20180125471
    Abstract: A surgical introducer system having a sidewall that forms an introducer passage, and a probe receptacle located at the distal end of the introducer. The probe receptacle has an inner surface having a first lateral size at a proximal receptacle end and a second lateral size in the lateral direction at the distal receptacle end, and the first lateral size is greater than the second lateral size. The inner surface receives the distal tip of a navigation probe and restricts movement of the distal probe tip in the lateral direction, and the sidewall is spaced from the navigation probe shaft to allow the shaft to move in the lateral direction within the passage when the distal probe tip is positioned in the probe receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20180125472
    Abstract: A suture anchor assembly and a method of tissue repair using the assembly. The assembly includes a soft suture anchor formed of a flexible tubular sheath with opposing open ends which receives a suture strand from a suture construct. The suture strand has a tensioning free end and an opposite tissue-fixation end. A tissue-fixation device, such as a disk, is coupled to the tissue-fixation end of the suture strand. The suture strand has uni-directional barbs which allow one-way tensioning, to provide secure fixation of soft tissue to bone as the strand is pulled through the sheath of the soft anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20180125473
    Abstract: Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue capture anchor is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and spreader and inside surfaces of a bone hole to secure the tissue within the hole. A bone anchor is described that comprises an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. The spreader captures tissue via a suture loop at the distal end of the bone anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that allow use of single bone anchor to secure tissue to bone or also to use more than one bone anchor to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm Heaven, Michael Ko, John P. Greelis, Mikxay Sirivong
  • Publication number: 20180125474
    Abstract: A number of surgical procedures, particularly orthopaedic procedures, involve manual percussion, typically mallet-applied. As discussed in detail herein, such procedures can be problematic as they not only require a second set of hands but are often associated with incomplete and/or uncontrolled axial movement and/or injury to the surgeon's hands. Described herein are specialized hand-held devices, as well as systems, kits, and methods associated therewith, that avoid such problems by joining or replacing the external “mallet” with an internal “hammer” that can automate the delivery of controlled repetitive “strikes”, more particularly repeated strikes to a proximal end of a drill, driver and/or insertion device, so as to mete out pre-determined incremental movement to a distal end component, such as a sharpened socket-forming tip, an interference-plug type suture anchor, or a dilating device for modifying the cross-section of a tunnel formed in a bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Tenjin LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Dougherty, Robert A. Van Wyk, Gary R. Heisler
  • Publication number: 20180125475
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Matthew Prygoski, Daniel P. Murphy, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Michael Giordano, J. Craig Fryman, Alex McMullen, Kevin T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20180125476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan A. Kaiser, Gregory J. Denham, Kevin T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20180125477
    Abstract: Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20180125478
    Abstract: A pushing tool of the present invention includes a tissue pushing part having a shaft portion that is formed in a rod-shape, a linear portion including a pressing portion that is connected to the shaft portion and extends in a longitudinal direction, and a stopper maintaining an angle between the shaft portion and the linear portion at a desired angle when the pressing portion is closely pressed against an outer surface of a hollow organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke MOTAI
  • Publication number: 20180125479
    Abstract: Methods for repairing a meniscus, and particularly a torn meniscus. A method of repairing a meniscus may include using a suture passer to pass a suturing element from the region between the superior surface of the meniscus and the femoral condyle, through the meniscus tissue, into the region between the inferior surface of the meniscus and the tibial plateau, across the inferior surface of the meniscus, and back to the superior surface of the meniscus, without deeply penetrating the posterior capsular region of the knee. Equivalently, the suture element may be passed from the inferior surface of the meniscus to the superior surface and back to the inferior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Justin D. Saliman, Brad S. Culbert, Alexander Jasso, Michael J. Hendricksen, John G. McCutcheon, Christopher P. Bender, Michael Murillo
  • Publication number: 20180125480
    Abstract: This instrument is intended to facilitate intra-corporeal laparoscopic tying of knots. The shafts of two small diameter laparoscopic graspers are combined within a common external sheath, and both are joined to a common handle, to be used by one hand. One grasper has no handle, but is able to rotate, and acts as a donor grasper, whilst the other has a regular scissors type of handle, is stationary, and acts as a recipient grasper. The instrument enables the head end of a suture to be passed from a donor grasper to an adjacent recipient grasper, passing behind and around its tail strand, forming the knot, in the same manner as the tying of shoe-laces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Fan
  • Publication number: 20180125481
    Abstract: A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Publication number: 20180125482
    Abstract: A device for fixing a first and a second tissue part or a tissue part and an implant part to each other is provided, providing a fastener including a thermoplastic material and a fastening instrument. The fastening instrument includes a first instrument component with a first contact surface facing toward a distal side and a second instrument component has a foot with a second contact surface distally of the first contact surface and facing toward a proximal side. The first instrument component and the second instrument component are displaceable with respect to each other, so that the fastener is compressible between the first and second contact surfaces by application of a relative force between the components. The instrument also includes an energy source for coupling mechanical energy into one of the instrument components to soften and/or melt an end portion of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Andrea Müller, Andreas Wenger
  • Publication number: 20180125483
    Abstract: A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Nathan C. Moskowitz
  • Publication number: 20180125484
    Abstract: A loading unit for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including single and double retention slots. At least one single retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a third retention guiding surface configured to engage a third pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, and a fourth retention guiding surface configured to engage a fourth pusher guiding surface a the single pusher retained therein. At least one double retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein, and a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20180125485
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is mounted onto the distal portion of the elongate body for articulation and includes a staple cartridge that supports a plurality of staples and pushers. An actuation sled is movable through the staple cartridge to eject staples from the staple cartridge and a clamp member is movable through the tool assembly to move the tool assembly from an open position to an approximated position and to advance the actuation sled through the staple cartridge to eject staples and transect tissue. In order to minimize the space for the firing assembly in the proximal portion of the tool assembly, the actuation sled and clamp member are supported in a nested relationship in a pre-actuated state of the tool assembly. The clamp member is subsequently moved to a position proximal of the actuation sled during a firing stroke of the stapling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: John Beardsley, David Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20180125486
    Abstract: A circular surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that is supported on a distal end of an elongate shaft of the stapling device. The reload assembly includes a housing, a pusher assembly movably supported within the housing, a knife carrier movably supported within the pusher assembly, and an annular knife supported on the knife carrier. The elongate body includes a pusher drive member and a knife carrier pusher. The knife carrier includes first engagement structure that is configured to releasably engage second engagement structure formed on the knife carrier pusher to releasably couple the knife carrier pusher to the knife carrier. A reload insert or member is supported on or integrally formed with the housing of the reload assembly. The reload member includes a first portion configured to prevent separation of the first and second engagement structures and a second portion configured to accommodate separation of the first and second engagement structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Guerrera
  • Publication number: 20180125487
    Abstract: An end effector includes a cartridge assembly having a first tissue contact surface, an anvil assembly having a second tissue contact surface, and one or more tissue pockets defined in one of the first or second tissue contact surfaces. The anvil and the cartridge assemblies are moveable between an open position and a closed position to selectively clamp tissue between the first and second tissue contact surfaces. Each tissue pocket is configured to capture tissue therein while the anvil and the cartridge assemblies are disposed in the closed position. Each tissue pocket is configured to prevent the tissue from migrating away from the first and second tissue contact surfaces while the tissue is clamped between the first and second tissue contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: John Beardsley
  • Publication number: 20180125488
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing comprises a first shroud portion, a second shroud portion, a working assembly nested in the first shroud portion, wherein the working assembly is detachable from the first shroud portion, wherein the second shroud portion is removably couplable to the first shroud portion to permit the working assembly to be detached from the first shroud portion, and at least one securing member movable to secure the working assembly to the first shroud portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV