Patents Issued in September 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10070895
    Abstract: A dual tulip assembly has a bone screw and a dual tulip. The dual tulip has a first tulip and a second tulip. Each first and second tulip has a slotted opening for receiving a rod. Each tulip is defined by a pair of sides, one side being common to both first and second tulips. On each side of each slotted opening, the sides have a proximal end with threads for engaging a set screw to secure a rod. The first tulip has an annular tapered distal end with an opening for receiving and securing the bone screw. The second tulip has a base forming a closed distal end. The bone screw has at least a partially hemispherical head. The bone screw has one of the following head shapes; at least partially a hemispherical or spherical head, or any other bulbous head. The dual tulip is a single piece structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Richard Barra, Karen Avanesov
  • Patent number: 10070896
    Abstract: An anchoring member is provided suitable for use in a polyaxial bone anchoring device, the anchoring member (1) comprising a bone anchoring section (2) with a bone engagement structure in at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; a head (3); a central axis (C) extending through a center of the head (3) and the bone anchoring section (2), and a neck portion (24; 24?; 24?; 24??) between the bone anchoring section and the head, wherein the neck portion is asymmetric with respect to the central axis (C); and wherein the bone anchoring section (2) has a contour in a circumferential direction adjacent to the neck portion and wherein the neck portion is at least partially recessed with respect to the contour of the bone anchoring section at one side and extends beyond the contour of the bone anchoring section at an opposite side from the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 10070897
    Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Gregory, Fabio Pinto
  • Patent number: 10070898
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprises surgical instruments for use with an implantable interspinous device having at least one pair of wings for securing the implantable device to a spinous process. The instrument system may include a surgical instrument for expanding or spreading the pair of wings to accommodate the spinous process. Further, a surgical instrument may be provided for crimping or compressing the pair of wings against the spinous process for secure attachment of the device to a vertebra. The surgical instruments may be configured similar to pliers and apply force to the pair of wings within a predetermined range so as to avoid damage, weakening or breakage of the pair of wings. The surgical instrument system may also include interspinous devices of differing sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PARADIGM SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Frank T. Trautwein, Ralf Riesinger
  • Patent number: 10070899
    Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc
    Inventors: Jody L. Seifert, Michael L. Boyer, II, David C. Paul, Noah Hansell, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 10070900
    Abstract: An instrument for obtaining spinal rod measurements in situ includes a measurement member, a first indicating member, and a second indicating member. The measurement member measures a length between two spinal implants. The first indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a first measurement scale coupled with a first shaft for engaging a first spinal implant of the two spinal implants. The second indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a second measurement scale coupled with a second shaft for engaging a second spinal implant of the two spinal implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Kyle Hayes, Wally Gillespie
  • Patent number: 10070901
    Abstract: Instruments are provided for shifting elongate members, such as spinal rods, with respect to coupling members of spinal fixation systems. The instruments include a low friction drive mechanism having one or more rolling elements that ride along a helical groove or track in order to transform rotational movement of a drive member into linear shifting of a reducer member that shifts the elongate member. A one-way locking mechanism may be provided to selectively prevent unwanted counter-rotation of the low friction drive mechanism. The one-way locking mechanism may include annular ratchet teeth arranged on the exterior of the drive member and a ratchet pawl located adjacent to the teeth and selectively engageable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Sandstrom, Jeffrey Hoffman, Jeffrey D. Vlahos
  • Patent number: 10070902
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including an inner surface that defines a cavity. The inner surface includes a baffle. The body is disposable between a contracted configuration and an in vivo expandable configuration. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Lange, Darren L. Davis
  • Patent number: 10070903
    Abstract: A computer assisted surgical system that includes an apparatus for imaging a region of interest of a portion of an anatomy of a subject; a memory containing executable instructions; and a processor programmed using the instructions to receive two or more two-dimensional images of the region of interest taken at different angles from the apparatus and process the two or more two-dimensional images to produce three dimensional information associated with the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Arno Blau
  • Patent number: 10070904
    Abstract: A plating system is described that uses various configurations of bone fixation implants that are configured to be attached to one or more portions of bone. The bone fixation implant may include at least one structural portion (e.g., a wire, plate, mesh, etc.) that includes metal and a polymer body at least partially surrounding the at least one structural portion. The polymer body may define an engaging surface that is configured to engage an attachment member that is applied to the bone fixation implant to fix the bone fixation implant to the bone, such that direct contact between the metal of the structural portion and the attachment member is prevented. Overlying muscle and tissue may be secured to the bone fixation implant to encourage incorporation of the tissue structure into the implant and promote stabilization and healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jeko Metodiev Madjarov
  • Patent number: 10070905
    Abstract: A device can be provided that includes a bone plate having an upper surface and a bone-facing surface, wherein the bone plate includes one or more openings extending through the bone plate from the upper surface to the bone-facing surface, and one or more sliding elements each including a fastener receiving hole. The one or more openings can at least partially surround a periphery of one of the receiving holes. Further, the one or more openings can be at least partially filled with an elastomer to support elastic suspension of the one or more sliding elements in the bone plate, thereby enabling relative displacement between the one or more sliding elements and the bone plate. At least one sensor can also be provided that is operable to assess a dynamic parameter of one of the one or more sliding elements within the bone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 10070906
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a device for securing a ligature to an osseous structure, the device comprising a first part, a second part, a flexible elongate member for engaging the osseous structure, a closure element, and a deformable element between the first and second parts for holding open a gap G between them. The flexible elongate member is threaded through an orifice in the first part and the gap G. The closure element is configured for clamping the first and second parts against each other, overcoming the resilience of the deformable element, so as to frictionally lock the flexible elongate member threaded through the gap G. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method for using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Stephane Douget, Richard Minfelde, Gilles Larroque-Lahitette
  • Patent number: 10070907
    Abstract: An apparatus for bone cement delivery comprising, a proximal nozzle having a proximal end configured to couple to a bone cement source and a first distal delivery end having a circular cross section, a distal nozzle having a proximal end configured to slideably couple to the first distal delivery end and a second distal delivery end having an oblong cross section, that can be slanted, and an attachment mechanism configured to slideably retain the distal nozzle to the proximal nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet SAS
    Inventors: Alexis Dupuy, Sebastien Chaligne, Julie Mottet, Lenaic Giffard
  • Patent number: 10070908
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting an elongated element. The surgical instrument may have a compact size for use in-situ during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument is also configured to provide the necessary mechanical advantage to cut the elongated element. The surgical instrument may include first and second arms that are pivotally connected together at a pivot. The arms include blades positioned at or towards distal ends of the arms that act together to cut the elongated element. A force mechanism is positioned between the arms to pivot the arms between an open orientation and a closed cutting orientation. The force mechanism may be positioned directly between the arms to reduce the overall size of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Steele
  • Patent number: 10070909
    Abstract: Devices and methods for bending or cutting implants are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an instrument can include a rotatable drive shaft that urges first and second portions of a modular bending or cutting template toward one another to bend or cut an implant disposed between the template portions. A linkage assembly can be included to provide a mechanical advantage in urging the template portions toward one another. In some embodiments, an instrument can include a rotatable drive shaft that, depending on direction of rotation, pushes or pulls a first modular template portion with respect to a second modular template portion to bend an implant disposed between the template portions in one direction or another direction. In some embodiments, an instrument can include a worm drive that rotates a cutting wheel with respect to a cutting plate to cut an implant inserted through openings formed in the cutting wheel and the cutting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Medos International Sàrl
    Inventors: Renaud Rouge, Henri Defossez, Thibault Chandanson, Joseph Caulfield, Daniel Lyness
  • Patent number: 10070910
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Frank W. Ingle, Robert F. Bencini, Josef V. Koblish, Jonathan A. Wohlgemuth, Paul A. Roche
  • Patent number: 10070911
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Metavention, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobak Robert Azamian, Jonathan Allen Coe, Scott Bradley Vafai
  • Patent number: 10070912
    Abstract: A coupling means (8;8?;8?,14) serves for connecting a suction channel (27) of an electrosurgical instrument (1) to a vacuum source via a suction tubing (11) and/or for guiding an electrical cable (12), that supplies electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical instrument (1). The electrosurgical instrument (1) comprises a hollow elongated main body (2) having a first end (7) for securing a first means (3) for application of the electrical energy to a surgical site and an opposite second end (9), which hollow elongated main body (2) has a switch means (5) to be operated by means of an associated actuator (4) to control application of the electrical energy to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Bernard, Niels Kornerup, Jesper Schantz Simonsen
  • Patent number: 10070913
    Abstract: A grasping surface opposed to a second jaw is provided on an outer surface in a first jaw of the grasping treatment unit, and a heat applying portion applying heat to a treated target is provided in a grasping-surface-side part in the first jaw. The heat applying portion includes a projection portion in which the grasping surface projects toward the second jaw, and the projection portion includes a first thermal conduction portion, and a second thermal conduction portion with a thermal conductivity which is different from that of the first thermal conduction portion. The second thermal conduction portion is continuous with the first thermal conduction portion in a longitudinal direction of the first jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Yusuke Takei, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10070914
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of a biological tissues comprising target tissues and other tissues. The method includes elevating a temperature of the target tissues above a physiological temperature of the biological tissues to treatment temperature, and generating an electric field extending through at least a portion of the target tissues using a pre-defined sequence of short voltage pulses applied between at least two electrodes. In the method, the treatment temperature is maintained during the generating. Further, the pre-defined sequence is selected such that a magnitude of the electric field generated is sufficient to induce electromanipulation in the portion of the target tissues without substantially elevating of the temperature of the portion of the target tissues above the treatment temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Old Dominion University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Richard Heller, James Camp, Stephen P. Beebe, Shu Xiao, Amy Donate
  • Patent number: 10070915
    Abstract: A hernia repair system includes a surgical mesh, one or more electrosurgical instruments, and one or more return electrodes. The one or more electrosurgical instruments are configured to position the surgical mesh adjacent tissue in an underlying tissue site. The one or more return electrodes are positionable adjacent the tissue and externally relative to the underlying tissue site. The one or more electrosurgical instruments and the one or more return electrodes are configured to selectively apply an effective amount of pressure and electrosurgical energy to the surgical mesh such that upon the application of electrosurgical energy and pressure, the surgical mesh seals to one side of the tissue at the underlying tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jason L. Craig
  • Patent number: 10070916
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. One or more drive surfaces are disposed on the actuating mechanism and configured to compress a spring upon movement of the actuating mechanism to the actuated position. The spring imparts a spring force in a distal direction to bias the actuating mechanism to the unactuated position. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extends along a length of one or both of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Ryan C. Artale
  • Patent number: 10070917
    Abstract: Disposable electrosurgical probes for treating tissue, and surgical procedures that make use of such probes. Such a probe includes a working element, an elongate sheath secured to the working element, and a core member within the sheath. At least one active electrode and conductor are disposed in a first of a plurality of internal longitudinal channels within the core member. The electrode is adapted to extend from a distal end of the sheath and configured to perform cutting, coagulation, or ablation of tissue with radio frequency current. The probe further includes a fluid passage defined by at least a second of the internal longitudinal channels within the core member. At least the working element, the sheath, and the core member are formed of a disposable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: endoMedical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Alan VanDusseldorp, Sr., Keldon S. Pickering
  • Patent number: 10070918
    Abstract: An ablator system includes a tool for insertion into a patient to ablate tissue. A system also includes a control unit and a pump system. A tool is adapted to receive RF energy from a control unit and ablate tissue between an electrode embedded in the tool and a return element. A control unit measures impedance between the electrode and return element and can disable the RF energy supply if the impedance is outside of an acceptable threshold value range. A tool has at least one port through which irrigation and suction are supplied by the pump system to remove debris. A tool houses a scope in an internal channel to provide visual feedback of the surgical site. A system therefore provides a tool that is visually guided to a surgical site, ablates tissue while utilizing active safety measures, and provides irrigation and suction to clear debris from the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: William Hassler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10070919
    Abstract: An ablation electrode assembly is provided with improved irrigation cooling of the assembly and ablation site. The assembly includes a proximal end configured to be coupled to a catheter shaft and a distal end configured to deliver ablation energy to tissue. The assembly further includes a fluid manifold extending from the proximal end to the distal end and configured to fluidly communicate with a fluid lumen in the catheter shaft. The fluid manifold defines an axial passageway centered about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the assembly. The axial passageway has a distal end terminating prior to the distal end of the electrode assembly. The assembly further includes means for creating turbulence in fluid exiting the first axial passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Christian
  • Patent number: 10070920
    Abstract: Provided is a catheter that is manufacturable in a simplified fashion. The catheter 1 includes: a catheter tube 11 including a tip-flexible part 11A that has an inner tube (first tube 61) and a plurality of divided tube members 620 to 625 that are disposed on outer circumference of the inner tube and independent of each other; one or a plurality of metal rings disposed in the tip-flexible part 11A; one or a plurality of temperature sensors disposed corresponding to the one or the plurality of metal rings; and a handle 12 attached at a base end of the catheter tube 11. A rate of a thickness of the metal ring to an outer diameter of the metal ring is 7.5% or greater. The metal ring and the plurality of divided tube members 621 to 625 are both so disposed in the tip-flexible part 11A as to be fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube side by side in an axial direction of the catheter tube 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Japan Lifeline Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Masuda
  • Patent number: 10070921
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device for providing treatment to diseased tissue and cells. The medical device is configured to ablate a target tissue surface, optionally within a resection cavity, and further deliver a therapeutic that targets diseased (e.g., cancer) cells via a marker whose expression is upregulated by the ablation. The ablation directly kills diseased cells associated with the tissue surface. While some diseased cells evade direct ablation, those cells nevertheless upregulate certain cell surface markers in response to the ablation, even while other, healthy or normal cells do not upregulate expression of the marker in response to the ablation. Devices and methods disclosed herein are used to deliver a therapeutic that uses the upregulated cell surface marker to cause the death of those diseased cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Innoblative Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Michelle Hasse, Tyler Wanke
  • Patent number: 10070922
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Patent number: 10070923
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 10070924
    Abstract: A drape suitable for use with a multi-tier back table has a first fabric portion configured to substantially cover a lower table surface and a second fabric portion configured as a pocket that receives at least a substantial portion of an upper table surface. By one approach this pocket includes at least one hand slot configured to receive a user's hand such that the user can lift the second fabric portion and slide the pocket over the upper table surface. A third fabric portion having a vertical panel connects the first and second fabric portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Lother, Amanda Jaron
  • Patent number: 10070925
    Abstract: A medical manipulator is improved in terms of invasiveness into a body tissue and an emergency avoidance difficulty. The medical manipulator includes a driving unit including a vibration-type actuator including a vibrating unit that generates a vibration wave, a moving unit movable relative to the vibrating unit in response to receiving the vibration wave, and a pressure application unit configured to apply a pressure between the vibrating unit and the moving unit. The medical manipulator further includes a manipulator unit connected to the driving unit and configured to be movable by being driven by the driving unit, a supporting unit that supports the driving unit and the manipulator unit, a driving circuit connected to the vibrating unit and configured to apply an AC voltage to the vibrating unit, and a torque control unit configured to control a holding torque with which the moving unit is held by the vibrating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazufumi Onuma
  • Patent number: 10070926
    Abstract: A pedicle depth measuring apparatus comprises an outer tubular member comprising a first end and a second end. A head member is joined to the second end. The head member comprises a base surface comprising an opening. An inner member is slidable within the outer tubular member. The inner member comprises a first end and a second end, the second end being slidable through the opening. The second end further comprises a marker disposed at a distal end. The marker comprises a material that is radiographically distinguishable, in which a placement of the marker within a cannulation of a patient's pedicle is observable. An indicator member is operable for indicating a distance between the marker and the base surface, in which the distance indicates a choice of a size of a pedicle screw to be installed for mitigating damage to the patient's nerve root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 10070927
    Abstract: A distal tip assembly for an elongate medical device having an axis comprises a shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a wall, and a central lumen extending axially between said proximal end portion and said distal end portion. The distal tip assembly further comprises a position sensor disposed in an outer sleeve such that the sensor can shift relative to the sleeve. The sleeve is disposed at least in part in the wall and is substantially fixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Brian M. Monahan, Salome A. Gonzalez, James V. Kauphusman, Sacha C. Hall
  • Patent number: 10070928
    Abstract: A method of planning a procedure to fasten an implant to a bone includes displaying a model of the bone and a model of the implant on a display device. The model implant is positioned on the model bone in a desired implant position. A first boundary volume of a first fastener configured to fasten the prosthesis to the bone is also displayed on the display device. The first boundary volume represents a range of possible positions that the first fastener may have with respect to the prosthesis when fastened to the bone. The boundary volume may be used to determine a desired size, shape, and/or positioning of the fastener with respect to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Mako Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Philip Harris Frank, Ali Zafar Abbasi
  • Patent number: 10070929
    Abstract: A system of this invention is directed to a surgical operation support system that supports determination of an appropriate disposition of a bone in a living body during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Atsushi Tanji
  • Patent number: 10070930
    Abstract: A method of jointed device movement inside a body comprising: measuring movement of at least one input object portion; mapping the measured input object portion movement to a jointed device portion movement; and moving the device portion according to mapped measured movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd.
    Inventors: Dvir Cohen, Eli Shapira
  • Patent number: 10070931
    Abstract: A system and method of maintaining a tool pose for a computer-assisted medical device with an articulated arm including one or more first joints and one or more second joints, a tool distal to the first joints and the second joints, and a control unit coupled to the first joints and the second joints. The control unit maintains a pose of the tool during movement of the first joints using the second joints by determining a reference coordinate frame for the tool, determining a reference transform of the tool in the reference coordinate frame prior to the movement of the first joints, determining an actual transform of the tool in the reference coordinate frame while the first joints are being moved, determining differences between the reference transform and the actual transform, and maintaining the pose of the tool by driving the second joints based on the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Nitish Swarup, Paul G. Griffiths, Goran Lynch
  • Patent number: 10070932
    Abstract: An optimization unit controls electrical currents of a set of electromagnets to generate a wanted maneuvering magnetic field pattern (MMP) for moving an in-vivo device in the GI system. The optimization unit may calculate a magnetic force and a magnetic field to maneuver the in-vivo device from a current location and/or orientation to a new location and/or orientation. The optimization unit may solve a magnetic force optimization problem with respect to the magnetic force in order to determine electrical currents suitable for generating the wanted MMP. The optimization unit may additionally or alternatively solve a minimum electrical power optimization problem with respect to the electrical power to be consumed by the electromagnets in order to recalculate or adjust the electrical currents. The optimization unit may solve one or more of the optimization problems while complying with a set of constraints associated with or derived from each type of optimization objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Eshel Hason, Golan Inbar, Dori Peleg
  • Patent number: 10070933
    Abstract: A custom procedure kit is provided, which comprises a plurality of medical-procedure tools and a cover that is wrapped around the plurality of medical-procedure tools to form wrapped tools. An outer container is fully disposed about the wrapped tools, and at least one sheet is disposed between the outer container and the wrapped tools. The sheet includes a listing of the plurality of medical-procedure tools and, for at least some of the medical-procedure tools, an unselected end-user selectable field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Adler, Kim Haines
  • Patent number: 10070934
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon can include a tray and a plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can have a plurality of structures located on an upper side of the tray for receiving the plurality of surgical instruments. The tray can receive a separate control unit. The tray can also have a fluid reservoir receiver for receiving a bottle or container of fluid, such as balanced salt solution. The fluid reservoir receiver can include one or more features, including, a spike, an air vent, and a light. A separate container can be used to place the bottle or container of fluid into the fluid reservoir receiver on the tray. This separate container can include a collapsible section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Ralph Kerns, Mark Humayun, Matthew T. McCormick, Trent Spencer Wells, Lawrence Chong, Jaw Chyng Lue
  • Patent number: 10070935
    Abstract: A lid (100) for a container (1901) includes a first sliding door (102) and a second sliding door (103). A lid body (101) has a container engaging section (104) and an interior section (103) having a sliding surface (120) and a sharps disposal aperture (119). The second sliding door interlocks between the sliding surface and the first sliding door. The first sliding door and the second sliding door are selectively slidable between: an open position (1100) with a minor protuberance (124) and the major protuberance (125) disposed beneath the second sliding door; a partially closed position (1500) with an edge (701) of the second sliding door disposed between the minor protuberance and the major protuberance; and a closed position (1700) with the major protuberance disposed between the edge of the second sliding door and the minor protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Monica Waimberk, James Burgess, Scott Bedoe
  • Patent number: 10070936
    Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Joshua A. Butters
  • Patent number: 10070937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a visualization apparatus for visualizing a quality of applying energy to an object. The quality of applying energy at a location on the object (3) is visualized based on a) a provided image of the object and b) a provided quality value which is a depth value indicative of the depth to which the applied energy has altered the object, representing the quality of applying energy to the object at the location on the object (3), wherein a visual property assigning unit (9) assigns a visual property to the location depending on the quality value and a display (10) displays the provided image and the assigned visual property at the location on the object shown in the image as a transmural region calculated using depth value(s) with respect to a wall of the object. In general a person who applies energy to the object is focused on the location at which energy is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Maya E Barley, Szabolcs Deladi, Erik Godefridus Antonius Harks, Jan Frederik Suijver, Mischa Megens
  • Patent number: 10070938
    Abstract: A wire stabilization device and method for stabilizing a localization wire during a tissue diagnostic procedure are disclosed. The wire stabilization device includes a device body and a device base. The device body is joined to the device base. The device body includes a base portion, a cover portion, a cover hinge, and a gripping feature. The cover hinge connects the base portion to the cover portion and allows the cover portion to rotate between open and closed positions. The gripping feature holds the localization wire between the base portion and the cover portion. The device base attaches to a patient's skin to stabilize the device body while the localization wire is held between the base portion and the cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: David LeBeau
  • Patent number: 10070939
    Abstract: A minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery method includes sequential steps of (a), aided by a guidance system, placing a guide wire in each pedicle of each vertebra of each spinal segment to be fused in a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery, (b) replacing one or more of the guide wires with respective pedicle markers, and (c) performing the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery using the pedicle markers and remaining ones of the guide wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Zaki G. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 10070940
    Abstract: An end effector is provided for connecting to a positioning arm of a positioning device of a medical navigation system. The end effector comprises a mating component for connecting to an output flange of the positioning arm, a handle portion having a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the mating component, the handle portion including a cable cut-out at the first end, and a camera mount connected to the second end of the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Synaptive Medical (Barbados) Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Andrew Bailey, Mariana Garcia Coni
  • Patent number: 10070941
    Abstract: A thin-form mouthguard can be formed from a U-shape planar sheet. The sheet can be made of expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene and have a thickness between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches. The sheet can also include instructions for modification of the mouthguard printed thereon. A method for preparing a mouthguard is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NORDIC DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Nord Andresen
  • Patent number: 10070942
    Abstract: The orthodontic cinch back instrument is an orthodontic tool used for cinching back an end of an orthodontic wire. The orthodontic cinch back instrument includes an elongated handle portion which extends along a longitudinal axis and has opposed first and second ends. First and second shank portions are respectively secured to, and extend longitudinally from, the first and second ends of the elongated handle portion. First and second arcuate head supports are respectively secured to, and extend from, the first and second shank portions. The first and second arcuate head supports are positioned and contoured antisymmetrically with respect to one another about a lateral axis. First and second heads are respectively secured to the first and second arcuate head supports and are positioned and angled antisymmetrically with respect to one another about the lateral axis. Each of the first and second heads has a slot formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sahar Faisal Al Barakati, Bader Khalid Al Balkhi
  • Patent number: 10070943
    Abstract: A carrier for at least one fastening element (4) to be fabricated having an attachment area whereby the carrier is provided with a holding piece (3) for attachment in a receiving part of a finishing machine and whereby the carrier includes a carrier piece (2) for the fastening element (4) and the carrier piece (2) is embedded at least partially in the carrier piece (2) in a manner so that the attachment area (4b) of the fastening element (4) can be fabricated. A method for producing a fastening element (4) to be finished and to be attached to an individual surface whereby the contour of the attachment area is defined with the aid of data of the surface onto which the fastening element (4) is to be attached and whereby a pre-shaped, not yet individualized fastening element (4) is formed by removal of material to produce the specific contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventor: Peter Fornoff
  • Patent number: 10070944
    Abstract: A resin MMF/reimplantation device is provided with a dental arch bar that includes an elongated pliable splint and a plurality of individual spaced apart attachment members. The pliable splint includes an interiorly facing side surface and an exteriorly facing side surface. The pliable splint includes a curable component that cures from a moldable state to a rigid state in less than one minute upon being activated. Each of the attachment members is partially embedded in the pliable splint with each of the attachment members having a protuberance portion extending outwardly from the exteriorly facing side surface of the pliable splint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Singer, Mark C. Domanski