Patents Issued in August 2, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180214110
    Abstract: A medical image-processing apparatus of embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry extracts plural regions corresponding to at least one of a lobe and a subsegment forming a lung from three-dimensional medical-image data that is acquired by imaging in temporal order. The processing circuitry calculates a physical index relating to respiratory activity for each of the extracted regions. The processing circuitry detects an abnormal region having an abnormality relating to the respiratory activity out of the regions by comparing temporal changes of the physical index of the respective regions. The processing circuitry outputs information indicating about the abnormal region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuma IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20180214111
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and other embodiments associated with classifying a region of tissue using textural analysis are described. One example apparatus includes an image acquisition logic that acquires an image of a region of tissue demonstrating cancerous pathology, a delineation logic that distinguishes nodule tissue within the image from the background of the image, a perinodular zone logic that defines a perinodular zone based on the nodule, a feature extraction logic that extracts a set of features from the image, a probability logic that computes a probability that the nodule is benign or that the nodule will respond to a treatment, and a classification logic that classifies the nodule tissue based, at least in part, on the set of features or the probability. A prognosis or treatment plan may be provided based on the classification of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Anant Madabhushi, Mahdi Orooji, Mirabela Rusu, Philip Linden, Robert Gilkeson, Nathaniel Mason Braman
  • Publication number: 20180214112
    Abstract: A mobile X-ray system includes a movable base, a robotic arm mounted on the movable base, an X-ray source attached to the robotic arm, a radiation detector, one or more user interfaces, and a controller configured to determine a position of the X-ray source and a position of the detector and to automatically move the base and the robotic arm to align the X-ray source with the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Stephane Graziani
  • Publication number: 20180214113
    Abstract: Based on counts detected by a photon counting detector, a characteristic of X-ray attenuation amounts ?t is acquired for each X-ray energy bin. This characteristic is defined by a plurality of mutually different known thicknesses t and linear attenuation coefficients in the X-ray transmission direction. This substance is composed of a material which is included in an object and which is the same in type as the object or which can be regarded as being similar to the object in terms of the effective atomic number. Correcting data for replacing the characteristic of the X-ray attenuation amounts ?t by a linear target characteristic are calculated. The linear target characteristic is set to pass through the origin of a two-dimensional coordinate having a lateral axis assigned to thicknesses t and a longitudinal axis assigned to the X-ray attenuation amounts ?t. The correcting data are calculated for each X-ray energy bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Tsutomu YAMAKAWA, Shuichiro YAMAMOTO, Masahiro OKADA
  • Publication number: 20180214114
    Abstract: The present invention is a diaphragm including a disc formed from a first material and a rim formed from a second material. The disc and the rim are a unitary piece. The rim has a Shore A durometer hardness of between about 40 and 110.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph P. Keller, Dean Sitz, Mary Jo Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180214115
    Abstract: A device for digitizing the sound of a stethoscope and sending it to an electronic instrument. The device includes a solid body equipped with lateral slots able to house the ear tips of the stethoscope in an active measurement configuration, and with a hooking lip and a hooking system for connecting the device respectively to the membrane and to the Y-shaped tube of the stethoscope in a passive rest configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Claudio CARALLO, Marco BONANNO, Francesca PARDEO
  • Publication number: 20180214116
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: transmission and reception circuitry that generates reception signals corresponding to channels, from reflected waves arranged to be received at mutually the same time by transducer elements that transmitted an ultrasound wave, by controlling transducer elements included in an ultrasound probe; extracting circuitry that extracts, prior to a beam forming process, first signals corresponding to the channels from the reception signals corresponding to the channels while suppressing signals originating from a tissue and further extracts a second signal by performing the beam forming process after suppressing, of the extracted first signals corresponding to the channels, a component in a predetermined direction; calculating circuitry that calculates blood flow information from the second signal; and controlling circuitry that generates a blood flow image from the blood flow information and causes display to display the generated blood flow image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi SATO, Hiroki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180214117
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter related to methods and apparatus for determining brain swelling and brain shifting in a patient as well as predicting a possible resultant increase in intracranial pressure in the patient. The apparatus can include a transducer such as an ultrasound transducer communicatively connected to a controller via wires or via wireless communications device(s). A monitor and/or alarm device can be provided to notify a practitioner when the controller has determined brain swelling is occurring and/or when an imminent increase in intracranial pressure is likely to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro OURA
  • Publication number: 20180214118
    Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive system and method of determining pennation angle and/or fascicle length based on image processing. An ultrasound scan image is processed to facilitate distinguishing of muscle fiber and tendon. The processed ultrasound scan image is then analyzed. The pennation angle and/or fascicle length is determined based on the analysis. An example method includes receiving an ultrasound scan image of at least a portion of a skin layer as disposed above one or more additional tissue layers, the image provided by a plurality of pixels. The method continues by introducing noise into the pixels of the image and thresholding the pixels of the image to provide a binary image having a plurality of structural elements of different sizes. The method continues with morphing the structural elements of the binary image to remove small structural elements and connect large structural elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Pierre Sarnow, Stephen S. Kurtz, Andrew D. Jackson, Wayne Phillips
  • Publication number: 20180214119
    Abstract: Methods and system are described for multi-parametric, non-invasive, and real-time assessment of blood perfusion and oxygenation in the fetal brain during labor and delivery of a fetus through a vaginal birth canal of a maternal pelvis, and include positioning a probe device in the maternal pelvis during active labor, transmitting and receiving a plurality of ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) signals between the probe device and fetal brain, displaying in real-time on an US machine communicatively coupled to the probe device one or more images of venous and arterial blood flow of respective blood vessels in the fetal brain, measuring oxygen saturation of the respective venous and arterial blood vessels based on data from the one or more images, and estimating the oxygen measurement in the fetal brain during active labor based on the measured oxygen saturation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Mohammad Mehrmohammadi, Edgar Hernandez-Andrade, Juri G. Gelovani, Sonia S. Hassan, Yan Yan
  • Publication number: 20180214120
    Abstract: A catheter includes a sheath configured to be inserted into a body lumen, a drive shaft configured to be inserted into the sheath and to transmit mechanical drive force, an operation unit configured to operate the drive shaft, and a connection section having a proximal side connected to the operation unit and a distal side connected to the sheath in such a way as to be attachable to and detachable from the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuki SAKAGUCHI, Tomohito KOKETSU
  • Publication number: 20180214121
    Abstract: A directable acoustic transducer assembly is presented for use in a medical insertion device (MID). In an embodiment, the assembly aims an acoustic signal in response to a sensed or detected force or load imposed on the MID. The directable acoustic transducer assembly includes a switch array and a plurality of directional acoustic transducer elements. The switch array responds to the force or load and activates the directional acoustic transducer elements closest to the source of the force or load. The switch array may include a plurality of switches, at least one of which responses to a force or load and may activate directional acoustic transducer elements having a target tissue in the field of view. The assembly includes embodiments that are responsive to various loads. A directable acoustic transducer assembly may be part of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic system, such as an RF ablation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: John W. Sliwa, Stephen A. Morse
  • Publication number: 20180214122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for estimating the status of a bladder, especially with respect to the likelihood of an imminent voiding of the bladder. The apparatuses carry out computer-implemented methods of estimating a bladder status employing a bladder monitor which collects bladder data (e.g. using ultrasound) and transmits the bladder data to a data processor for algorithmic conversion to a bladder status. Such algorithms may be trained and tuned to a particular person's bladder. Having established a bladder status based on otherwise esoteric bladder data, the data processor may then trigger an alert signal where the bladder status meets particular criteria indicating an imminent voiding event. Such a trigger signal may be used to alert a nocturnal enuresis patient to an impending void so that they can be awoken before any bedwetting occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: University of Central Lancashire
    Inventors: Darren William ANSELL, Caroline SANDERS, Peter LEATHER, Mahdi AMINA, Kaya KURU
  • Publication number: 20180214123
    Abstract: In a sub-beam former which can control a plurality of capacitors (charge storage regions) of a delay circuit with a small number of signal lines, there is a restriction in the maximum delay amount according to the number of capacitors. An ultrasonic probe has a plurality of vibrators arranged in a two-dimensional manner, delay circuits respectively connected to the plurality of vibrators, and an in-probe beam former IC provided with a plurality of signal lines for setting delay amounts for the delay circuits, built thereinto. Each of the delay circuits delays a signal by a delay amount obtained by adding a first delay amount and a second delay amount together. The plurality of delay circuits are divided into a plurality of groups, and a common first delay amount is set for the delay circuits arranged in the same column, and a common second delay amount is set for the delay circuits arranged in the same column, by using the signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Shinta TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20180214124
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a device including a processor configured to control a robotic system to autonomously position a transducer at a plurality of locations adjacent a subject's skull and to autonomously locate a window on the subject's skull within which an artery can be located, from which artery a signal can be returned to the transducer, the signal having an energy level exceeding a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Michael O'Brien, Nicolas Canac, Michael Costa, Trevor Dunlop, Roman Flores, II, Robert Hamilton, Ilyas Patanam, Shankar Radhakrishnan, Mina Ranjbaran, Corey Thibeault, Samuel Thorpe, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Publication number: 20180214125
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating and using ultrasound gel module assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an ultrasound gel module assembly including a gel pad attached to a base component, where the gel pad is capable of conducting ultrasound, and a cover component covering a first side of the gel pad and in contact with the base component. In another embodiment, a method for using an ultrasound gel module assembly includes removing a cover component from a gel module assembly, where the cover component covers a first side of a gel pad attached to a base component, and the base component includes a set of attachment points configured to enable the base component to be connected to a holder, attaching the base component to the holder, and transmitting ultrasound through the gel pad from an ultrasound transducer connected to the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffry Tola, Thilo Hoelscher, Thomas Francis Doyle
  • Publication number: 20180214126
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (cMUT) including: an anchor; and a membrane coupled with the anchor, wherein the anchor includes at least one anchor groove. According to the cMUT, a probe, and a method of manufacturing the probe, it is possible to widen a contact area between the cMUT and a lens. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the interfacial strength between the cMUT and the lens while protecting the membrane of the cMUT. Also, the peeling phenomenon of the lens can be prevented, and the durability of transducers can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Young Il KIM, Kyung Il CHO, Bae Hyung KIM, Jong Keun SONG, Eun Sung LEE, Min Seog CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180214127
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus collects volume data which relates to an object, generates volume-rendered image data from the collected volume data, acquires a projection image of the object at a position at which virtual illumination is emitted toward the object, based on the volume-rendered image data, and corrects the projection image by using at least one conversion function, thereby obtaining a result image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Yun Tae KIM
  • Publication number: 20180214128
    Abstract: A method and ultrasound imaging system for displaying ultrasound includes acquiring first ultrasound data for a plane while in a first ultrasound imaging mode and acquiring second ultrasound imaging data for the plane while in a second ultrasound imaging mode. The first ultrasound data comprises a first plurality of values and the second ultrasound data comprises a second plurality of values. The method and system includes generating a surface-rendering based on both the first and second ultrasound data, where the surface-rendering comprises a non-planar surface. The first ultrasound data is represented by one of a plurality of colors and a plurality of grey-scale values in the surface-rendering, while the second ultrasound data is represented by a plurality of heights of the non-planar surface in a Z-direction. The method and system includes displaying the surface-rendering on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Branislav Holländer
  • Publication number: 20180214129
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus (10) for evaluating medical image data is disclosed. The medical imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe (14) for acquiring ultrasound image data of a patient (12) and an ultrasound segmentation unit (24) for segmenting anatomical features of the patient in the ultrasound image data and for providing ultrasound segmentation data (46). The apparatus comprises an image data interface (18) for receiving 3D medical image data of the patient and a medical image segmentation unit (26) for segmenting the 3D medical image data and for providing medical image segmentation data (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: CECILE DUFOUR, BENOIT JEAN-DOMINIQUE BERTRAND MAURICE MORY, GARY CHENG-HOW NG
  • Publication number: 20180214130
    Abstract: Aspects of various examples described herein can include using a wearable ultrasound device (e.g., a device wearable or manipulated using a fingertip). The wearable ultrasound device can include an ultrasound transducer element array, and can have a housing providing circuitry to process signals to or from the array, such as digitizing such signals. For example, a channel count of the analog signal channels corresponding to individual sensors in the array can be converted to a single digital channel (e.g., a serial channel), or at least a reduced channel count as compared to a count of transducer elements. In this manner, a wired or wireless coupling between the ultrasound “front end” circuitry in the wearable device and processing or display hardware elsewhere need not accommodate a large number of analog channels, and can instead, for example, have a digital communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: John A. Hossack, Gorav Ailawadi
  • Publication number: 20180214131
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for uploading an ultrasonic diagnosis image. The method may include generating an ultrasonic image to be uploaded, by extracting an ultrasonic image part from an ultrasonic diagnosis image, generating a hash tag by converting at least a part of ultrasonic diagnosis image information corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnosis image, into text data, and uploading the ultrasonic image to be uploaded and the hash tag together on the Internet service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Jeong Won RYU, You Chan CHOUNG
  • Publication number: 20180214132
    Abstract: A method of ultrasonic imaging includes displaying a first ultrasonic image, receiving an operator's input defining a region of interest, creating a first time intensity curve for the region of interest in the first ultrasonic image, displaying the first time intensity curve on a display device with the first ultrasonic image, and storing information on a position of the region of interest in a non-transitory storage medium. The method includes displaying a second ultrasonic image, reading information on the position from the non-transitory storage medium, creating a second time intensity curve for the region of interest in the second ultrasonic image; and displaying the second time intensity curve on the display device with the second ultrasonic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Hanako Kato
  • Publication number: 20180214133
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to set a plurality of small regions in at least one of a plurality of medical image data. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a feature value of pixel value distribution of each small region. The processing circuitry is configured to generate a feature value image of the at least one of the plurality of medical image by using the calculated feature value. The processing circuitry is configured to execute an image registration between the plurality of medical image data by utilizing the feature value image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka MINE, Satoshi MATSUNAGA, Yukifumi KOBAYASHI, Kazuo TEZUKA, Jiro HIGUCHI, Atsushi NAKAI, Shigemitsu NAKAYA, Yutaka KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180214134
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a controller configured to obtain a real-time scan image based on ultrasound data about a region of interest, determine whether a movement of a probe occurs based on the ultrasound data, and when the movement of the probe does not occur for a first time or more, obtain an ultrasound still image in which at least one image quality parameter according to a preset standard is changed based on the ultrasound data; and a display configured to display the real-time scan image and the ultrasound still image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Beom-gyu KIM, Gi-duck KIM, Sun-mo YANG, Eun-ho YANG
  • Publication number: 20180214135
    Abstract: Provided are a sound speed calculation system and a sound speed calculation method that can calculate a sound speed in a region of interest of a subject with high accuracy. A focus (F) of ultrasonic waves (w) is set in a portion that is farthest in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves (w) in a region of interest (35). Several second ultrasound transducers (51) to (69) receive ultrasound echoes from the focus (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180214136
    Abstract: Single and multiple allergy skin testing devices with rigid annular pain-reduction structures supported by respective compressible sleeves. Each rigid annular pain-reduction structure presses against skin before and while at least one corresponding sharp probe presses against the skin surrounded by the rigid annular pain-reduction structure, thereby causing a surrounding pain gate effect to reduce perceived pain due to the at least one sharp probe. Each allergy skin testing device includes: a central post having a sharp portion, a longitudinal portion, and a guide portion; a compressible structure having a leading portion, a resilient compressible portion, and a base portion; and a rigid annular probe portion having an annular skin-contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Caizza, Ziv Harish, Russ Weinzimmer
  • Publication number: 20180214137
    Abstract: A sweat sensing device includes a plurality of sweat collection pads communicating with a sensor. Each of the pads is activated by a timing circuit which allows one or more of the pads to be activated at a selected time and subsequent deactivated after a defined period of time. This allows for selective collection of sweat from a plurality of pads over a prolonged period of time. An impedance measuring circuit can be employed to determine if one or more of the pads becomes disconnected, in order to avoid irritation. Further, the devices can use a common microfluidic device which both transports sweat activating substance, such as pilocarpine, to the surface of the skin and directs sweat away from the skin to a sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Charles Heikenfeld, Zachary Cole Sonner
  • Publication number: 20180214138
    Abstract: What is described is a minimally invasive system comprising an elongate instrument and a stylet slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate instrument. The instrument includes a flexible proximal portion fixedly coupled to a rigid distal portion, and a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end through the flexible proximal portion and the rigid distal portion and defining a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The stylet includes a flexible body fixedly coupled to a steerable portion and a sensor element extending through the flexible body. The stylet is movable within the instrument between a retracted condition in which the steerable portion is retracted within the instrument and an extended configuration in which the steerable portion at least partially extends from the rigid distal portion of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Massimiliano Simi
  • Publication number: 20180214139
    Abstract: An interventional instrument (16) is inserted into a patient (14) to perform an interventional medical procedure guided by a medical imaging device (10). A trigger control (26) is activated. An electronic data processing device (30) is programmed to operate the medical imaging device to: acquire and display video (50) of the interventional instrument (16) inserted into the patient; detect activation of the trigger control; in response to the detecting, process a video segment (54) of the acquired video to identify a trigger image (60) as a frame of the video segment capturing a medical intervention event performed by the interventional instrument and a location (62) of the medical intervention event in the identified trigger image; and display a still image of the identified trigger image with a superimposed marker (102) indicating the identified location of the medical intervention event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: PINGKUN YAN, JOCHEN KRUESKER, SCOTT FREDERIC THOMPSON, WEI LIN, SAMUEL COONS
  • Publication number: 20180214140
    Abstract: A depth stop assembly for use with a biopsy device targeting cannula includes a depth stop and a thumbwheel. The depth stop is configured to receive the targeting cannula. The depth stop has a lock to selectively restrict axial movement of the targeting cannula relative to the depth stop. The thumbwheel is motion-coupled to the depth stop. The thumbwheel has a circumferential finger gripping area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew P. Nock, Edward A. RHAD, Robert M. HOUSEHOLDER, Melody L. MITRO
  • Publication number: 20180214141
    Abstract: An implant includes a collapsible tubular body, which, in an expanded configuration, extends from a first end to a second end centered along a longitudinal axis. The implant includes a hub coupled to the tubular body between the first and second ends. The hub is configured to removably connect to a deployment device. The deployment device is configured to manipulate and position the implant towards an implantation site in a vessel of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: TransCaval Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Max Pierre Mendez
  • Publication number: 20180214142
    Abstract: An intravascular delivery device is disclosed comprising a delivery wire having a proximal and a distal end and an interior lumen extending there between and wherein said distal end comprises a connection interface adapted to matingly interlock with a proximal end portion of a medical implantable device, wherein said delivery device comprises a locking unit arranged to secure said connection interface in a locking position in which said medical implant is pivotably locked before a controlled release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Occlutech Holding AG
    Inventors: Herbert Maslanka, Stevan Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20180214143
    Abstract: A tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone or tissue to tissue having a soft anchoring implant 100 with a length of suture 120 there through for tensioning the implant and facilitating attachment of other tissue. The implant 100 is a soft, flexible, three-dimensional structure that has a resident volume 200. An inserter tube 310 facilitates the placement of the implant 100 into bone or adjacent soft tissue where it may be deployed. Upon deployment, the soft anchoring implant 100 shortens axially and expands radially, achieving a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed, thus resisting pull out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Treg Brown, Nathaniel Cohen, Robert Fernandez, Richard D'Elia, Christopher D'Elia, Annette Branger, Steve Golden, Marnette Atkinson, Stewart Kume
  • Publication number: 20180214144
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical fastening device includes a fastener and a tube defining a longitudinal axis. The tube includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a lumen that extends along the longitudinal axis. The tube defines depressions that may be arranged helically about the tube along the longitudinal axis. The end effector may include one or more ribs extending along the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Fischvogt, Kevin Sniffin, Kevin Beaulieu, Brian Laird
  • Publication number: 20180214145
    Abstract: An all-suture suture anchor system includes an all-suture anchor, an inserter, and a specially designed drill. The drill is used to enlarge the hole and create a pocket under the bone surface from the pre-drilled hole. The created pocket is intended to accommodate the expansion of the anchor when deployed into the bone, generating a true mechanical interference under the bone surface. The anchor is loaded on the inserter and placed at full length vertically inside the drilled hole. While holding the inserter on top of the drilled hole, so that a feature on the inserter keeps the anchor to a desired depth below the bone surface, tension is applied to the suture limb that is connected to the bottom end of the anchor. This tensioning step to causes the length of the anchor to contract vertically and the anchor is simultaneously expanded circumferentially to fill the pocket previously created by the drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Hoang P Nguyen, Derek J. Harper, Kevin N. Baird
  • Publication number: 20180214146
    Abstract: A tissue closure system for closing vaginal tissue includes a tissue closure device having an end effector supporting one or more sutures securable to vaginal tissue. The one or more sutures may be separated from the end effector and tied to the vaginal tissue. The tissue closure system may include a tissue approximation device configured to apply negative pressure to vaginal tissue for approximating portions of the vaginal tissue together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: SCOTT J. PRIOR, THOMAS E. DROCHNER, MICHAEL B. LYONS
  • Publication number: 20180214147
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapler, comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface, an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface, a buttress material releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate, and an epoxy positioned onto the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate defining an attachment zone configured to retain the respective buttress material atop the respective tissue contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Rahim R. Merchant, Gerald N. Hodgkinson, Danny Berry, Sally L. Carter
  • Publication number: 20180214148
    Abstract: A sutureless device and methods for closing a tissue opening that minimizes the labor, cost, and skill typically required is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two anchors that attach to either side of an open tissue wound. The two anchors are connected together by a tie strip; the tie strip has a plurality of teeth and a rack. As the wound edges and anchors are brought together the ratchet system on the tie strip prevents the anchors and tissue wound from reopening. To control the distance between the two anchors, a rack and pinion system and a key or a lever system is utilized. The rack is located on the tie strip and the pinion is located on the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Brett D Christiansen, Christopher B Christiansen, James B Christiansen, Clancy B Christiansen, Candice S Christiansen, Bryce B Christiansen, Susan G Christiansen, Phillip Dietz
  • Publication number: 20180214149
    Abstract: An exemplary tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures includes a first device portion having a first mating surface, and a second device portion having a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface to compress tissue positioned therebetween. Each of the first and second mating surfaces includes a contoured portion, and the contoured portions are configured to mate with one another to facilitate alignment of the first and second device portions. A first one of the contoured portions may be formed with a concave contour and a second one of the contoured portions may be formed with a complementary convex contour. The device portions may further include first and second magnetic members configured to draw the device portions together to engage the first mating surface with the second mating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: John V. Hunt, Daniel W. Price, Nicholas B. Van Stolk, Gregory J. Bakos, Bethany F. Grant
  • Publication number: 20180214150
    Abstract: A tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures may include a first device portion having a first magnetic member and a second device portion having a second magnetic member. The magnetic members are configured to magnetically draw together the first and second device portions to compress tissue positioned therebetween. The compression device further includes a latching mechanism configured to couple the first device portion with the second device portion when the device portions are magnetically drawn together. The latching mechanism may include a first latching member extending from the first device portion and a second latching member extending from the second device portion. The latching members are configured to lockingly engage and thereby couple the first device portion with the second device portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Bethany F. Grant, John V. Hunt, Daniel W. Price, Nicholas B. Van Stolk, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20180214151
    Abstract: An exemplary tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures includes a first device portion and a second device portion configured to mate with the first device portion. The first and second device portions are configured to magnetically draw together to compress tissue positioned therebetween. The device further includes a circuit assembly including an electrical element and a battery configured to energize the electrical element. The electrical element may be in the form of an electromagnet or an illumination device, for example. In exemplary versions, the first device portion may include a first circuit assembly having a first electrical element and a first battery, and the second device portion may include a second circuit assembly having a second electrical element and a second battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Daniel W. Price, Nicholas B. Van Stolk, John V. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20180214152
    Abstract: An exemplary tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis includes a first device portion having a first mating surface, a first base wall recessed from the first mating surface so as to define a first inner recess, and a first set of suture bores extending through the first base wall and opening to an outer periphery of the first device portion. A second device portion of the device has a second mating surface, a second base wall recessed from the second mating surface so as to define a second inner recess, and a second set of suture bores extending through the second base wall and opening to an outer periphery of the second device portion. The first and second device portions are configured to compress tissue positioned between the first and second mating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, John V. Hunt, Daniel W. Price, Nicholas B. Van Stolk
  • Publication number: 20180214153
    Abstract: Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. A magnetic anastomosis compression device includes a first arm, a second arm, a resilient member, and a pair of magnets. The magnetic anastomosis compression device further includes a degradable retaining element. The retaining element temporarily holds the first arm and second arm in a wide configuration in opposition to the bias exerted by the resilient member. Upon the degradation of the retaining element, the resilient member causes the first arm and second arm to transition to a narrow configuration. The magnetic anastomosis compression device is configured to magnetically couple with another magnetic anastomosis compression device positioned within a different location within the intestinal tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Nicholas B. Van Stolk, Mark S. Ortiz, John Burke
  • Publication number: 20180214154
    Abstract: Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. An anastomosis compression assembly includes a first portion and a second portion, each including two or more segments securely fixed together by a pair of degradable joining members, and each further including interlocking mechanisms. The first portion and second portion are configured to be coupled together from different locations within the intestinal tract by the application of force. Once aligned, the first and second portions are securely attached to one another by engaging their respective interlocking mechanisms. After completion of the anastomosis procedure, the degradable links degrade and separate the anastomosis compression assembly into smaller fragments for ease of passage through the patient's intestinal tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Daniel J. Mumaw, Brian F. DiNardo, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Robert P. Kruth
  • Publication number: 20180214155
    Abstract: An occluding device for occlusion of fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel is manufactured by wedging fibers between adjacent coil windings of a primary coil so that the fibers extend generally radially across the primary coil body between the primary coil windings and outward therefrom. An elongated adhesive applicator is inserted into the primary coil lumen and subsequently proximally withdrawn while simultaneously depositing along the primary coil windings. The fibers and the adhesive are placed in overlapping locations so that the fibers extend through the adhesive. The fibers are thus blocked from slipping along their length relative to the coil body by the adhesive adhering to the fibers inside the primary coil lumen. The adhesive extends radially outward from the coil lumen no farther than the outer primary coil radius. The adhesive adheres to the fibers and may or may not adhere with the primary coil windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Kurt Tekulve
  • Publication number: 20180214156
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly having a trigger, an endoscopic assembly, a pair of jaw members, a drive bar disposed within the housing of the handle assembly, and a ratchet assembly disposed within the housing of the handle assembly. The drive bar is operatively coupled to the trigger and the pair of jaw members. The ratchet assembly includes a rack disposed on the drive bar, the rack defining a plurality of rack teeth, and a pawl housing slidably mounted within the housing of the handle assembly, the pawl housing having a pawl being selectively engageable with the plurality of rack teeth of the rack, wherein in a first position of the pawl housing, reversal of a direction of movement of the trigger is prohibited, and wherein in a second position of the pawl housing, reversal of the direction of movement of the trigger is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob Baril, Brian Creston, Thomas Zammataro
  • Publication number: 20180214157
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reducing stress on a blood vessel are disclosed herein. A damping device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include an anchoring member coupled to a flexible, compliant damping member including a generally tubular sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen configured to direct blood flow, a first end portion and a second end portion, and a damping region between the first and second end portions, The inner and outer surfaces of the damping member can be spaced apart by a distance that is greater at the damping region than at either of the first or second end. portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: David Stephen Celermajer, Anthony John Ujhazy, Mike Wallace, Zoran Milijasevic, Johnathon Choi
  • Publication number: 20180214158
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention uses a modified hydrogel intrasaccular occlusion device designed to implement an endovascular treatment to ameliorating or eliminating aneurysm recurrence, which hydrogel may optionally be impregnated with pharmaceutical compounds. The present invention also teaches the use of thin hydrogel coatings to ameliorate endovascular treatment related difficulties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel E. Walzman
  • Publication number: 20180214159
    Abstract: An absorbable occluder (100) comprises a woven mesh (110), wherein the woven mesh (110) comprises at least two polymer filaments with different centralized degradation time periods, or comprises a polymer filament made by blending at least two polymers with different centralized degradation time periods. The absorbable occluder (100) can avoid the tissue inflammatory response caused by the polymer filaments of the woven mesh (110) centralized degrading within the same period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Deyuan ZHANG, Dong XIANG, Xianmiao CHEN