Patents Issued in June 19, 2018
  • Patent number: 9999386
    Abstract: Methods and system to diagnose central sleep apnea of a patient employ a relatively short test, combining few breathing parameters. The test is short in comparison to commonly used time-consuming and complex multi-parameter sleep studies. The patient uses a positive airway pressure device, and follows breathing cues. The occurrence of a central apnea during the delivery of breathing cues may support a diagnosis of central sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Manuel Laura Lapoint, Sara Marie Sibenaller, Lauren Elizabeth Hueser
  • Patent number: 9999387
    Abstract: In order to assist in evaluating/monitoring pain, and in treating same, a touch-sensitive graphics tool is provided with a local application (TGapps) for displaying a graphical representation of a patient's body, on which the patient can delimit a zone. A control application cooperates with the local application in order to record each delimited zone together with the corresponding surface data. The control application has a first mode in which the local application (TGapps) can be used by the patient to delimit zones of pain and a second mode in which the local application can be used by the patient to delimit treated zones. The tool is configured to activate graphical and/or numerical comparisons between the surface areas of the pain zones and the surface areas of the treated zones. In this way, it is possible to evaluate pain and the effects of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: CENTRE HOSPITAILIER UNIVERSITAIRE DE POITIERS
    Inventors: Philippe Rigoard, Farid Guetarni
  • Patent number: 9999388
    Abstract: A method and device for determining respiratory airflow metrics during a single inspiratory breath and using those metrics to calculate indicators of aerobic capacity and athletic endurance as well as a method and device for strengthening the respiratory muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Chatham, Michael Zelina, Robert J. Bouthillier, Jorge Tomas
  • Patent number: 9999389
    Abstract: An activity meter (100) includes (i) a sleep level judging section (112) for repeatedly detecting a sleep level of a user and (ii) a notifying section (113) for automatically notifying the user of specific information only during a period during which a most recent sleep level is less than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Wataru Gotoh, Yutaka Otsubo, Masahiro Yamauchi, Kaoru Hieda, Shigeo Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 9999390
    Abstract: A body-mountable urea sensing device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent localized near the working electrode that selectively reacts with urea. A potentiometric voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode is related to a concentration of urea in a fluid to which the electrochemical sensor is exposed; the voltage is measured by the body-mountable device and wirelessly communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Huanfen Yao, Zenghe Liu
  • Patent number: 9999391
    Abstract: A wearable electromyogram sensor system is provided. The wearable electromyogram sensor system includes: an elastic band having a plurality of electrodes; an electromyogram sensor including an electrode connected to an electrode of the band so as to receive a bio-signal related to contraction of a muscle, and configured to sense a change of motion information through the bio-signal or previously sense the change of the motion information before the motion information is changed; and a fixing unit fixing the electromyogram sensor to the band. The electrode of the electromyogram sensor is connected to an electrode at an arbitrary position of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Keehoon Kim, Sin-Jung Kim, Min Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9999392
    Abstract: An equine performance tracking and monitoring system having real-time feedback may include a heart rate monitoring strap having a wireless transmitter, a wearable device, and a portable electronic device. Different components of the system may be connected by and/or information may be stored in a network. To measure the horse's heart rate, the disclosed systems may utilize a discrete-length heart rate monitoring strap having electrodes, one of which is positioned behind the left elbow of the horse. The horse's heart rate may be transmitted to the wearable device by the transmitter. The wearable device may include a sensor configured to measure the heart rate of the rider. The heart rate of the horse and the heart rate of the rider may each be presented to the rider, for example, via a display of the wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Hylonome LLC
    Inventors: Laxmi Stebbins Wordham, Katharine McGuinn Motley, Eliane Cordia van Reesema, Cornelis Josephus van Beckhoven
  • Patent number: 9999393
    Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin and a second surface including a plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel. The plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel are disposed on sections of the electrode assembly that are at least partially physically separated and may move at least partially independently of one another to conform to contours of a body of a patient. The electrode assembly is configured to dispense an amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface in response to an activation signal and to provide for a defibrillating shock to be applied to the patient through the amount of the electrically conductive gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich Herken
  • Patent number: 9999394
    Abstract: A motion analysis device that obtains a relation between a movement direction of a ball hitting surface of an exercise tool at a time of starting a swing and a posture of the ball hitting surface at the time of impact during the swing by using output of an inertial sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Shibuya, Masafumi Sato
  • Patent number: 9999395
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a user activity using a mobile terminal. The apparatus includes a sensing data collection unit to collect sensing data, a location determination unit to determine a location of the mobile terminal using the sensed data, and an action determination unit to determine an activity of a user that is using the mobile terminal based on the collected sensing data and the determined location of the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Chul Chae, Sun-Jae Lee, Kyung-Ah Chang
  • Patent number: 9999396
    Abstract: An exercise physiological sensing system, a motion artifact suppression processing method and a motion artifact suppression processing device for obtaining a stable exercise heart rate signal of a user during exercise are provided. The exercise physiological sensing system includes a bone conduction body, a signal-to-noise ratio analysis module, and a computation module. The bone conduction body has a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor detects a physiological signal from a detected area of the user. The signal-to-noise ratio analysis module is coupled to the physiological sensor and detects a quality stability of the physiological signal. The computation module is coupled to the signal-to-noise ratio analysis module and generates the stable exercise heart rate signal according to the physiological signal. Accordingly, the exercise physiological sensing system can effectively improve the stability of the detected physiological signal during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsing-Chen Lin, Shuenn-Yuh Lee, Tzung-Min Tsai
  • Patent number: 9999397
    Abstract: A biosignal processing apparatus and method thereof include a signal receiver and a signal processor. The signal receiver is configured to receive a biosignal having a corresponding electrical physical quantity from a sensor. The signal processor includes a voltage inputter and a current inputter, and configured to process the biosignal using one of the voltage inputter and the current inputter and based on the corresponding electrical physical quantity of the biosignal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: TakHyung Lee, JongPal Kim
  • Patent number: 9999398
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for transmitting messages generated by a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the method comprising: generating a first message at the CGM at a first time, the first message being related to blood glucose measuring; generating a second message at the CGM at a second time, the second time being after the first time, the second message being related to blood glucose measuring; determining an elapsed time since a transmitter of the CGM has transmitted data; determining whether the elapsed time is greater than a threshold; determining whether the second message is to be transmitted before the first message, in response to the elapsed time being greater than the threshold; and transmitting data corresponding with the second message before transmitting data corresponding with the first message to a diabetes management device, in response to determining that the second message is to be transmitted before the first message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Christen A. Rees, Sheldon A. White
  • Patent number: 9999399
    Abstract: A method and system for autoregressive model based pigtail catheter motion prediction in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. Parameters of an autoregressive model are estimated based on observed pigtail catheter tip positions in a plurality of previous frames of a fluoroscopic image sequence. A pigtail catheter tip position in a current frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence is predicted using the fitted autoregressive model. The predicted pigtail catheter tip position can be used to constrain pigtail catheter tip detection in the current frame. The predicted pigtail catheter tip position may also be used to predict abnormal motion in the fluoroscopic image sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Yu Pang, Yefeng Zheng, Matthias John, Jan Boese, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 9999400
    Abstract: Presented herein, in certain embodiments, are approaches for robust bone splitting and segmentation in the context of small animal imaging, for example, microCT imaging. In certain embodiments, a method for calculating and applying single and hybrid second-derivative splitting filters to gray-scale images and binary bone masks is described. These filters can accurately identify the split lines/planes of the bones even for low-resolution data, and hence accurately morphologically disconnect the individual bones. The split bones can then be used as seeds in region growing techniques such as marker-controlled watershed segmentation. With this approach, the bones can be segmented with much higher robustness and accuracy compared to prior art methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Behrooz, Peet Kask
  • Patent number: 9999401
    Abstract: A method for determining the velocity of a fluid in a volume to be imaged of an examination object with the aid of an imaging method is described. Attenuation values are acquired based upon image data of the volume to be imaged, depending on location and time. A temporally and spatially delineated region is specified based upon the acquired attenuation data, in which the acquired attenuation data behaves approximately linearly. Subsequently, temporal and/or spatial gradients and/or a combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient are determined based upon the attenuation values associated with the temporally and spatially delineated region. Finally, the velocity of the fluid is calculated based upon the determined temporal and/or spatial gradients or from the combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient and from the temporal gradient. A fluid velocity determining device, non-transitory computer readable medium and a computed tomography system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Johannes Georg Korporaal, Rainer Raupach
  • Patent number: 9999402
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, a computerized system and a computer program product for automatic image segmentation. The computer implemented method comprises obtaining an image of a tissue, wherein the image is produced using an imaging modality. The method further comprises automatically identifying, by a processor, a tissue segment within the image, wherein said identifying comprises identifying an artifact within the image, wherein the artifact is a misrepresentation of a tissue structure, wherein the misrepresentation is associated with the imaging modality; and searching for the tissue segment in a location adjacent to the artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Chevion, Pavel Kisilev, Boaz Ophir, Eugene Walach
  • Patent number: 9999403
    Abstract: A medical device includes a body, a mobile unit connected to the body, a connection device configured to provide a movable connection between the body and the mobile unit to allow the mobile unit movable with respect to the body. The connection device includes a first rotator, a second rotator, a first connector, and a second connector. By the connection device, the mobile unit may be moved to a user desired position easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheon Seop Shin, Soon Deok Kim
  • Patent number: 9999404
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in comprising: an ultrasonic probe for transmitting/receiving ultrasound to/from a subject; a reception beamformer for applying reception beamforming to ultrasonic echo signals obtained by the ultrasonic probe based on a plurality of different sound velocities; a spatial frequency analyzing section 81 for applying spatial frequency analysis to each of data obtained by the reception beamforming based on each of the plurality of different sound velocities; and a sound-velocity setting section 84 for setting a sound velocity corresponding to one of the results of spatial frequency analysis corresponding respectively to the plurality of different sound velocities that has a highest intensity for a given spatial frequency, as optimal sound velocity in the reception beamforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sei Kato, Hiroshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9999405
    Abstract: A processor identifies a curved structure in three-dimensional medical image data. The processor selects a plane in the three-dimensional medical image data based at least in part on the identified curved structure. The processor defines a curved image slice in the selected plane based at least in part on the identified curved structure. The curved image slice may be defined by drawing a pair of curved lines on opposite sides of the identified curved structure in the selected plane. The distance between the pair of curved lines may define a thickness of the curved image slice. The processor generates a rendered image of the defined curved image slice. The rendered image may be generally perpendicular to the selected plane. The rendered image and/or the selected plane having the pair of curved lines superimposed on opposite sides of the identified curved structure may be presented at a display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Klaus Pintoffl, Christian Fritz Perrey, Jos Stas
  • Patent number: 9999406
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder comprises an outer cup and a cap. A tray retains severed tissue samples from a biopsy procedure. In some versions, the tray is selectively detachable from the cap in a one-handed operation by the user. The tray may be ejected into a sample container, such as a formalin cup. The cap may include a threaded portion that is configured to engage a complementary threaded portion of a sample container to seal the sample container once the tissue samples have been transferred to the sample container from the tissue sample holder of the biopsy device. One or more ports may be provided in the cap to manage excess fluid within the outer cup of the tissue sample holder, and/or to provide integrated access for a marker delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, John S. Ehlert, James A. McCrea
  • Patent number: 9999407
    Abstract: Provided herein are a device and methods to obtain multiple serial samples from biologic tissues located in a tubular or cavitary space of a body. The device has a proximal and distal end, with a linear shaft connecting both ends. The distal end of the device comprises a tissue cutting assembly, a sample transport assembly and a sample storage assembly. The sample transport assembly comprises a slidable sample transport unit, a semi-cylindrical tubular sample chamber with a pair of axially linear rails located on both sides of said chamber and a system of differential pull wires. The sample transport unit slides on the rails of the sample chamber, providing longitudinally axial movement of the cup connected to said sample transport unit. The sample storage assembly comprises said sample chamber, a reversibly detachable sample catcher inserted in said sample chamber, a tubular sample housing and an expandable tubular sample housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Choon Kee Lee
  • Patent number: 9999408
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument and a buttress configured to hold a fluid adhesive. In some versions, the buttress contains a two-part fluid adhesive where two fluid materials form a fluid adhesive when combined. In some versions, the buttress is configured to be compressed by the surgical instrument thereby pressurizing a portion of the buttress. Thereafter, the buttress may be severed and the pressurized region may be operable to urge the fluid adhesive to a tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Stephen J. Balek, Matthew D. Holcomb, Edward A. Rhad, Donald F. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9999409
    Abstract: An internal tissue puncture closure method and apparatus. The method and apparatus provide a locking device for compressing and holding an external component such as a collagen sponge at a puncture situs. The locking device facilitates compression of the external component in a first direction, but prevents or locks against retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO PUERTO RICO, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Theresa Ditter
  • Patent number: 9999410
    Abstract: A sealant delivery device includes a delivery tube, a bioadhesive container, and an adapter. The delivery tube includes proximal and distal ends. The bioadhesive container holds a sealant activator and a sealant precursor separated from each other. The adapter is interposed between the delivery tube and the bioadhesive container. The adapter includes a first channel member that couples a first lumen of the delivery tube to the sealant activator, and a second channel member that couples the first lumen to the sealant precursor. The adapter provides separation of the sealant activator and the sealant precursor until a position distal of the bioadhesive container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventors: Edward E. Parsonage, Zachary J. Tegels, Martha Escobar, Russell D. Terwey, Troy T. White, Bernhard Kaeferlein, Timothy M. McGlinch
  • Patent number: 9999411
    Abstract: A vascular closure device, having an insertion sheath and a vascular closure implant positioned at least partially in the insertion sheath. The vascular closure implant may have an anchor element, the anchor element including an expandable material, a first puncture contact portion, a bend portion connected to the first puncture contact portion, the bend portion including a bend, and a second puncture contact portion connected to the bend portion. The vascular closure implant may also include a plug element coupled to the bend portion of the anchor element. The anchor element may be formed of an expandable material having the same or a different expansion rate than a material forming the plug element. The vascular closure device may additionally include a locator tube having a vessel locator positioned at least partially in the locator tube. The vessel locator may also have an elongated member that includes a superelastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC
    Inventor: JyueBoon Lim
  • Patent number: 9999412
    Abstract: A fistula management device for preventing enteric contents from leaking out of a bowel via a fistula opening in the bowel. The device comprises a tubular body that defines a main fluidic passageway extending from a first axial end to a second axial end of the tubular body. Inflatable cuffs are located at each of the first and second axial ends of the tubular body for creating a fluid seal between the first and second axial ends of the tubular body and inner walls of a bowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Barbra Miller
  • Patent number: 9999413
    Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Neurogami Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hebert, Bartosz Bojanowski
  • Patent number: 9999414
    Abstract: Rib refraction devices and methods of its use and manufacture are disclosed. A retraction device may include a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The second frame portion may be attached to the first frame portion. The second frame portion may mechanically move between a first position and a second position with respect to the first frame portion. The retraction device may also include a first blade being pivotally attached to the first frame portion and comprising a flexible material. The retraction device may also include a second blade being pivotally attached to the second frame portion and comprising a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: David S. Ruppert, John W. Durham, III, Alexander G. Verderber, Drew H. Brisley, Casey Haigh
  • Patent number: 9999415
    Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for MIS including an in vivo device and an in vitro device to stretch a surgery target is provided. The in vitro device comprises an in vitro magnet field-generating element. The in vivo device comprises an in vivo magnet-anchoring element to the surgery target. The in vivo magnet moves and/or rotates according to the direction change of the external magnetic field, which is generated by the in vitro magnet field-generating element, and thereby the surgery target can move in a controlled speed and/or rotate in a controlled angle according to the direction change of the external magnetic field. A method to control the auxiliary apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ankon Medical Technologies (Shanghai), LTD
    Inventors: Xiaodong Duan, Shaobang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9999416
    Abstract: This present invention relates to medical procedures and force application distraction devices for internal joint distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Reinhold Schmieding, Ricardo Albertorio, Kenneth Helenbolt, John P. Gualdoni
  • Patent number: 9999417
    Abstract: A suture anchor cartridge having a rectangular case portion that includes a top portion and a rectangular bottom portion, the bottom portion including an opening, and the top portion being slidably connected with the bottom portion. A suture anchor is suspended in the opening in the bottom portion. The suture anchor being held at a distal end and at a proximal end by the suture anchor cartridge, and a suture-threading loop is disposed within the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rickey Hart
  • Patent number: 9999418
    Abstract: A medical device is described, the medical device comprising a moveable member, moveable between a first position and a second position; an actuating member coupled to the moveable member, directly or indirectly, for manipulating the moveable member, that is for causing the movement of the moveable member; and an indicator mechanism coupled, directly or indirectly, to the actuating member, said indicator mechanism comprising at least two components that interact to produce an indication; the indicator and actuating member being cooperatively operable such that the interaction between the at least two components of the indicator mechanism occurs automatically to automatically indicate advancement of the moveable member to the second position from the first position upon a predetermined actuation of the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Anchor Orthopedics XT Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Harrison, Jeffery Arnett, Neil Godara, Laura Man Yee Yu
  • Patent number: 9999419
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing a human heart uses a catheter with an extendable tip and multiple tissue fasteners. The catheter is advanced into a human heart with the extendable tip adjacent a first tissue portion. The extendable tip is extended to form a tissue-receiving opening, the first tissue portion is positioned within the tissue-receiving opening, and the extendable tip is withdrawn to mechanically hold the first tissue portion. A first tissue fastener is secured to the first tissue portion, which is then released from the tissue-receiving opening. A second tissue fastener may subsequently be passed through a second tissue portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Alan B. Bachman
  • Patent number: 9999420
    Abstract: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Knapp, Bernhard Uihlein, Stanley O. Thompson, Timothy J. Coonahan, Jon Taylor
  • Patent number: 9999421
    Abstract: A method for repairing a soft tissue includes passing an asymmetric suture having a first region proximal to a first end of the suture, an asymmetric second region, and a third region proximal to a second end of the suture through a first suture anchor located at a first location on a bone beneath the soft tissue, passing the suture from the first suture anchor to a top surface of the soft tissue such that the first region of the suture forms a medial row, extending the suture along the top surface of the soft tissue such that the asymmetric second region of the suture forms a lateral row that lays across the top surface of the soft tissue, passing the suture through a second suture anchor located at a second location on the bone beneath the soft tissue, and tensioning the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Lee D. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9999422
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Shannon M. Rush, Sheriese Rush
  • Patent number: 9999423
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an articulation joint. The end effector is operable to manipulate (e.g., staple) tissue. The articulation joint couples the end effector with the shaft assembly and permits the end effector to deflect away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation joint comprises a locking assembly, which is operable to selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis. The locking assembly comprises a first locking member and a second locking member. The first locking member is unitarily secured to the end effector. The second locking member is movable along a first axis to selectively engage the first locking member to thereby selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The first axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schuckmann, David Bruns
  • Patent number: 9999424
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for reversibly coupling an implant to a deployment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ofek Levin, Arie Levy
  • Patent number: 9999425
    Abstract: A clip used to repair the tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include a shaft having a barb and a plurality of legs connected to the shaft. The plurality of legs may extend away from the barb in a first condition, and may extend towards the barb in a use condition. The clips may be delivered to the heart valve leaflet and applied to the same in a minimally invasive procedure using a transcatheter device. The device may be used to apply a single clip to the leaflet tissue or multiple clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Melinda K. Kovach
  • Patent number: 9999426
    Abstract: A stapling system configured to be operably engaged with a surgical device is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a staple cartridge carrier, a staple cartridge body, staples, drivers, a sled, an anvil, a housing removably attachable to the surgical device, and a drive system. The drive system comprises a rotatable shaft and a translatable drive member. The translatable drive member is selectively movable through the stable cartridge body when a rotary motion is applied to the rotatable shaft. The translatable drive member is configured to advance the sled to motivate the drivers to deploy the stables into tissue. The stapling system further comprises an electric motor operably engaging the rotatable shaft to selectively apply the rotary motion to the rotatable shaft. The electric motor is configured to receive power from a power supply only when the housing is attached to the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Mark H. Ransick, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 9999427
    Abstract: In various aspects, present disclosure is directed to methods, devices and systems whereby one or more low viscosity fluids may be introduced into a catheter and whereby the one or more low viscosity fluids may be converted into a high viscosity fluid in the catheter, which high viscosity fluid may be delivered from an exit port of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ARSENAL MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Zugates, Joseph Lomakin, Jennifer Mortensen, Jeffrey Groom, II, John Marini, Stephanie Webber
  • Patent number: 9999428
    Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument system for use in preparing a patient's bone is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a cutting guide block configured to be secured to a surgically-prepared surface of the patient's bone, and a cutting tool to be used in conjunction with the cutting guide block to resect a section of the patient's bone. A method of performing an orthopedic surgery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Keefer, Lauren Flakne, John Cuneo, Michael J. Fortin, Thomas J. Blumenfeld, Robert T. Trousdale
  • Patent number: 9999429
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides. Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: James V. Bono, Stuart L. Axelson, Jr., Adam Bastian
  • Patent number: 9999430
    Abstract: A tissue protection sleeve for use in suprapatellar surgery is provided. The sleeve has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve further comprises at least two open grooves that extend along the inner surface from the first end to the second end. The grooves are adapted to accommodate elongated fixation elements inserted into a tibia. A drill guide sleeve and a trocar for inserting a guide wire are also provided and can be accommodated by the tissue protection sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Hirsch, Claudia Graca, Ole Prien
  • Patent number: 9999431
    Abstract: The present invention includes a stapling assembly having a curved cartridge deck, a flexible firing bar, and a firing member capable of moving within the curved slot during a firing stroke. The curved cartridge deck has a curved slot, a first step with a first step height, and a second step with a second step height, wherein the height of the first step is different than that of the second step. The stapling assembly has a first row and a second row of staple drivers configured to support staples in a first unfired height and a second unfired height. The first unfired height is different than the second unfired height. The stapling assembly has an anvil with a first and second curved row of forming pockets and an unstepped tissue compression surface extending between the first curved row of forming pockets and the second curved row of forming pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9999432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snare device for catching an object, in particular for catching objects or foreign bodies in a human or animal body, comprising a hollow element, in particular a catheter, and a snare of a flexible elastic shape-memory material, wherein the snare can be moved relative to the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element and can be pushed out of the hollow element, and wherein the snare has a memorized original shape, to which the snare returns, when the snare is pushed out of the hollow element, by means of the material stresses caused when the snare is pulled in, and the hollow element has an outlet opening, which is arranged laterally on the hollow element and which is set back from the distal end of the hollow element and through which the snare can be pushed out of the hollow element and can be pulled into the hollow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PFM MEDICAL AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Kramann
  • Patent number: 9999433
    Abstract: A method of securing a turbinate to a nasal septum includes positioning an instrument in a nostril. The turbinate and nasal septum are pierced. The instrument is used to urge a barbed suture through the pierced turbinate and nasal septum. The turbinate is medialized against the nasal septum by urging the turbinate against the septum. The barbed suture holds the turbinate in a medialized state against the nasal septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Randy J. Kesten, Jessica M. Liberatore
  • Patent number: 9999434
    Abstract: A medical manipulator is provided with a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is provided with a brake rotor and a brake shoe which can contact the outer periphery of the brake rotor. On the outer periphery of the brake rotor, a first gear is provided along the circumference. On the portion of the brake shoe which is opposite of the outer periphery of the brake rotor, a second gear is provided which can mesh with the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Shinji Ishida, Hiroaki Sano, Tsuneyoshi Suzuki, Junichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9999435
    Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal direction, wherein a working section on the distal end and an actuating element on the proximal end are operatively connected by a thrust element extending along the longitudinal direction, wherein the working section has a jaw piece with first and second jaw parts, which jaw piece is arranged pivotably on a jaw part holder, which is arranged in the shaft so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction and rotatable about the longitudinal direction and the thrust element is coupled to the jaw piece, wherein the jaw piece, in the closed state, can be retracted into the shaft, and a blocking device is provided in the instrument which is configured to block a retraction of the jaw piece into the shaft in a predefined angle range about the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bastian Blase, Sebastian Röthig, Sebastian Schlegel