Patents Issued in October 16, 2018
  • Patent number: 10098665
    Abstract: A spine derotation system includes bone fixation elements, fixture members, clamps and stabilizers. The clamps can collectively lock together multiple proximal ends of bone fixation elements extending from one lateral side of the spine. The stabilizers may include clamp stabilizers that are configured to couple together two or more clamps to each other so as to facilitate derotation and alignment of multiple vertebrae of a patient's spine. The stabilizers may also include fixture stabilizers that are configured to couple together two fixture members on the same vertebra to facilitate derotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Rutschmann, Madeleine Kaegi
  • Patent number: 10098666
    Abstract: A bone anchor coupler assembly is configured to couple a bone anchor to a spine stabilization member, and includes a coupler body and an angular adjustment member movably coupled to the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yann Amstutz, Didier Gonzalez, Michael Guetlin
  • Patent number: 10098667
    Abstract: Orthopedic devices including a connecting element suited for receiving at least part of a first rod, and a lock screw. The connecting element includes an anchor for securing the connecting element to a bone, in particular a vertebra, a first lateral opening, and a top opening with a first inner screw thread. The lock screw is received within the top opening and includes a proximal face presenting a screw drive, accessible from outside the connecting element, a distal end for locking the first rod within the connecting element, and wherein the lock screw is adapted to fit through the first lateral opening to be subsequently introduced into the top opening with the proximal face leading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Gilles Larroque-Lahitette, Georges Legallois, Bruno Ichelmann
  • Patent number: 10098668
    Abstract: An osseous anchoring implant, various embodiments of which comprise an osseous anchor and a head bearing fixation structure capable of receiving and fixing at least one bar, the head of the implant being traversed by at least one duct, which receives the bar through a lateral aperture, and by a threaded channel, whose axis is not parallel to the axis of the duct, which receives a fixation screw of the bar, the implant being characterized in that it comprises fixation structure of the head on the part of the implant which extends from the osseous anchor, these fixation structures allowing, prior to blocking and fixing, at least a determined mobility of the head around at least one axis not parallel to the axis of symmetry of the osseous anchor. The fixation screw of the bar may comprise a ball and socket at its base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LDR Medical
    Inventors: Christian Renaud, Gerard Castera
  • Patent number: 10098669
    Abstract: A polyaxial screw assembly having a threaded shaft, a rod receiver, a bushing, and a deformable tab is provided. The rod receiver includes a side wall forming a proximal end with an interior portion configured to receive a spinal rod and a distal end configured to receive the spherical head. The bushing is disposed between the spherical head and the sidewall of the rod receiver is configured to engage the spinal rod. The deformable tab is within one of the rod receiver and the bushing and engages with the other of the rod receiver and the bushing. The deformable tab may be disposed within the side wall of the bushing. The deformable tab may be configured to apply an axial force along a longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft to increase a friction force between the rod receiver, the bushing, and the spherical head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Byrnes
  • Patent number: 10098670
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system including an insert positionable in the channel of the housing of a vertebral anchor, and an associated support construct including a spacer and at least one cord extending through the insert. In some instances the construct includes first and second cords extending through first and second bores of the insert. A clamping member clamps the cord(s) in the insert. In some instances the clamping member includes first and second tabs movable in channels in first and second flanges of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Karl P Belliard, Bruno Ichelmann, Wouter ten Tusscher
  • Patent number: 10098671
    Abstract: The invention discloses an implantable facet arthroplasty device suitable for treating adjacent level disease. The device is designed for implantation between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. Components of the device include: a crossbar; a first component having a first attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a first location of a spinal fusion device attached to a first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar; and a second component having a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a second location of a spinal fusion device attached to the first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar. The first component articulates relative to the second component and the first vertebra articulates relative to the device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Teena M. Augostino
  • Patent number: 10098672
    Abstract: Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Ahmnon D. Moskowitz, Nathan C. Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 10098673
    Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a pliable lead. A longitudinal member is flexible relative to the lead. The longitudinal member extends between a first end connected to the lead and a second end defining an opening configured for movement of the lead therethrough and disposal of the longitudinal member such that the longitudinal member is disposed about spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rooney, William Alan Rezach, Joshua W. Simpson, Sean P. Skubitz
  • Patent number: 10098674
    Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the cervical spinal column. The construct includes a sled adapted for positioning in a facet joint and two receivers slideably mounted on the sled. The receivers are adapted to support surgical instruments such as a drill, a tap, and a screw. The sled assists in orienting the instruments at a desired angle with respect to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew F. Cannestra
  • Patent number: 10098675
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bone fixation device, an implantation instrument, and system which are useful in bone fixation surgeries. The bone fixation device of the instant invention allows the surgeon the ability to navigate the rod while being inserted into a pedicle screw assembly through a non-linear pathway by incrementally changing the direction of travel as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Beacon Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Mitchell, Daxes Banit
  • Patent number: 10098676
    Abstract: A surgical implant which includes: a first anchoring portion comprising two first arms movable between an inserting position and an anchoring position, in which the first arms are spread apart so as to be anchored in a first bone; a second anchoring portion to be anchored in the second bone; and an intermediate portion connecting the first anchoring portion to the second anchoring portion. The intermediate portion comprises: a recess; and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are remote from one another. Bringing the first connecting portion and second connecting portion closer together moves the first arms from the inserting position thereof to the anchoring position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NOVASTEP
    Inventors: Loïc Girod, Grégory Gledel, Gilles Audic, Marc Augoyard, Romain Augoyard, Tristan Meusnier, Stéphanie Valentin
  • Patent number: 10098677
    Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Petersheim
  • Patent number: 10098678
    Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Nathan C. Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Ahmnon D. Moskowitz, Pablo A. Valdivia Y Alvarado
  • Patent number: 10098679
    Abstract: A bone peg configured for cooperation with a threaded aperture on a bone plate for use in stabilizing a fracture of a bone can include a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion can have a head threaded portion that incorporates head threads having a first pitch. The shaft portion can extend from the head portion to a distal end of the bone peg. The shaft portion can include (i) a shaft threaded portion that incorporates shaft threads having a second pitch, (ii) a first unthreaded portion and (iii) a second unthreaded portion. The shaft threaded portion is disposed intermediate the first and second unthreaded portions. The first unthreaded portion axially offsets the head threaded portion from the shaft threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Bourda, Edward Mebarak, Victor Jose Alvarez, Cesare Cavallazzi
  • Patent number: 10098680
    Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a broken bone while it heals is disclosed. The device is preferably a metal rod that has a threaded portion. The device is positioned into a bone, such as a metacarpal bone, by forming an opening in the bone suitable for receiving the device, and inserting it into the opening wherein the threaded portion retains the device in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Exsomed Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd P. Champagne, Jozef Zoldos
  • Patent number: 10098681
    Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering may be formed of a collagen material and is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Guobao Wei, Todd M. Boyce, Robert Cohen, Cristy Richards, Lawrence A. Shimp
  • Patent number: 10098682
    Abstract: A high pressure bone cement delivery device includes a delivery adapter having an input port, an output port and cavity having bone cement disposed therein. A pressure intensifier is coupled to the delivery adapter and includes a first chamber containing a gas, a second chamber containing a fluid. The pressure intensifier includes a piston having a first end movably disposed within the first chamber and a second end movably disposed in the second chamber. The pressure intensifier includes a second output port in communication with the second chamber and the input port. The first end of the piston includes a first end surface having a first surface area and the second end of the piston comprises a second end surface having a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sárl
    Inventors: Neil S. Sasaki, Michael A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10098683
    Abstract: A manually drivable device for the mixing of a pasty mixing ware from at least two fluid starting components comprising at least two cartridges having feed plungers; a mixing space to mix the starting components, mixing vanes being provided in the mixing space and mounted such that they can rotate; a lever rotatable about a pivot point operatable manually or a pin that can be shifted in longitudinal direction and operatable manually in order to operate the device; a gear connected to the lever or pin, and connected to the rotatable mixing vanes in the mixing space; and a facility for propelling the feed plungers such that the motion of the lever or pin drives the rotation of the mixing vanes in the mixing space and motion of the feed plungers into the cartridges. The invention also relates to a method for mixing fluid starting components using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 10098684
    Abstract: Apparatus, including a multiplexer, having a first output and multiple first inputs receiving analog input signals and an analog feedback signal and cycling through and selecting the signals for transfer in sequential signal groupings to the first output. The apparatus also includes an amplification circuit, having a second output and a second input connected to the multiplexer first output, that amplifies signals corresponding to the analog input signals with a selected gain so as to generate respective amplified analog signals at the second output. Circuitry selects a characteristic of the respective amplified analog signals from an initial signal grouping, feeds the characteristic back for input to the multiplexer as the analog feedback signal, selects a subsequent characteristic of the respective amplified analog signals from a subsequent signal grouping, and adjusts the amplification circuit gain so that the analog feedback signal and the subsequent characteristic have the same amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath, Meir Bar-Tal
  • Patent number: 10098685
    Abstract: A method and system for providing lesion depth feedback during an ablation procedure. In particular, the method and system provide feedback data or information relating to lesion depth in myocardial tissue during a cryoablation procedure. A plurality of tissue temperature measurements may be transmitted from a plurality of thermocouples disposed on a cryotreatment element, which measurements may be used to determine a slope of change in temperature sensed by each thermocouple over time. The circulation of coolant through the treatment element may be adjusted when the slope changes. A change in slope may indicate that the cryoablation temperatures have passed through target myocardial tissue into non-target, non-myocardial tissue, which may result in collateral damage to structures near the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Regina E. Groves, Timothy G. Laske, Paul A. Iaizzo, John C. Bischof
  • Patent number: 10098686
    Abstract: A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube translatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different axial positions as it translates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a linear motion assembly, and a connection line fluidly coupled to a refrigerant fluid source for supplying refrigerant fluid to the refrigerant delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PENTAX OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick P. Wu, Timothy Douglas Holland, Cesar A. Ico, Richard S. Williams, Gabriel Francis W. Newell
  • Patent number: 10098687
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generate a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: David Staack, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yury Gogotsi, Gennady Friedman
  • Patent number: 10098688
    Abstract: A treatment system includes a pair of holding members, a high-frequency energy output section, a heat generating section and a control section. At least one of the pair of holding members moves to the other holding member. The high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section are provided on at least one of the holding members. The high-frequency energy output section exerts high-frequency energy to a living tissue to denature the living tissue, and collects the biological information of the living tissue. The heat generating section applies heat to it held between the holding members, generates the heat owing to the supply of the energy, and conducts the heat therefrom to denature the living tissue. The control section controls the output of the energy to the high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section based on the biological information collected by the high-frequency energy output section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Kenichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 10098689
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a jaw member of a surgical forceps includes forming a jaw frame having a distal jaw support. The method also includes forming an electrically-conductive defining an aperture having a first diameter, forming a stop member including a body having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and a shoulder having a third diameter greater than the first diameter. The method also includes inserting the stop member into the aperture such that the body extends through the aperture and the shoulder abuts a portion of the electrically-conductive plate surrounding the aperture, and overmolding an outer housing about at least a portion of the jaw frame, electrically-conductive plate, and stop member to secure the jaw frame, electrically-conductive plate, and stop member to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Purvish Soni
  • Patent number: 10098690
    Abstract: A method of sealing bowel tissue includes grasping bowel tissue between first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, applying a clamping pressure to the grasped bowel tissue in a range of about 1 kg/cm2 to about 2.5 kg/cm2, supplying energy to at least one of the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces such that the energy is conducted between the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces and through the grasped bowel tissue to seal the grasped bowel tissue, and monitoring one or more parameters during the supplying of energy to the electrically-conductive surface(s). Instruments, end effector assemblies, generators, and systems suitable for this purpose are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Shobhit Arya, Lei Su, Ara W. Darzi, George B. Hanna
  • Patent number: 10098691
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a frame, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a guard movable between a first position and a second position. The surgical instrument further comprises a spring positioned intermediate the guard and the frame. The spring is configured to bias the guard into the first position. When the guard is in the first position, a distal end of the guard is positioned at least flush with distal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode, which prevents current from arcing between the first electrode and the second electrode. When the guard is in the second position, the distal end of the guard is in contact with the tissue, which prevents current from arcing between the first electrode and the second electrode without passing through the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Long, David N. Plescia
  • Patent number: 10098692
    Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring and controlling tissue ablation using RF energy delivered by an imaging ablation catheter under direct visualization, using the control and modulation of a set of ablation parameters based on direct optical imaging of the tissue surface via the imaging ablation catheter, where a set of optical image-derived parameters modulates the setting of a subset of Radio Frequency dosing parameters. The ablation dosing algorithms based on image-derived information can be implemented manually or in semi-automated or automated forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John B. Allison, Jean-Luc Pageard, Brian Pedersen, Celina Escobedo
  • Patent number: 10098693
    Abstract: A resector balloon includes an outer wall having a resecting surface that resects biological material. The balloon also includes a woven sleeve including at least one woven thread disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. The woven sleeve forms at least a portion of the resecting surface. In certain embodiments, the woven sleeve includes weft knit threads including crossover points where the threads overlap. In some embodiments, the woven sleeve includes electrically conductive threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Sanovas Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Erhan H. Gunday, Lawrence J. Gerrans
  • Patent number: 10098694
    Abstract: An ablation catheter includes an elongate shaft and an inflatable ablation member. The inflatable ablation member includes a flexible circuit with a conductor in electrical communication with an ablation electrode. The flexible circuit is disposed outside of and carried by an outer surface of an inflatable balloon. The inflatable ablation member includes an ultrasound monitoring member configured for use in monitoring at least one aspect of tissue ablation with the ablation electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Apama Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, John P. Claude, Tom Saul
  • Patent number: 10098695
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described for the treatment of heart conditions such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including diastolic heart failure, by performing a pericardial modification procedure. Intraoperative test procedures for assessing the efficacy of the pericardial modification procedure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Samuel J. Asirvatham, Barry A. Borlaug, Christopher V. DeSimone, Prakriti Gaba
  • Patent number: 10098696
    Abstract: A microwave device for the ablation of biological tissues including a coaxial antenna, including an internal conductor, surrounded by a layer of dielectric material, an external conductor coaxial to the dielectric metal tip electrically connected to the internal conductor, and a quarter wave impedance transformer including a sleeve made of dielectric material having a proximal end covered with a layer of metal, the metal extending over nearly a quarter wavelength of electromagnetic field in the dielectric at the operating frequency of the device or of odd multiples of the quarter wavelength, the layer of metal material being connected electrically to the external conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: H.S.-Hospital Service S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Amabile, Simone Cassarino, Nevio Tosoratti
  • Patent number: 10098697
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to concurrently dissect and coagulate tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle and a shaft extending distally from the handle. The shaft includes an outer hypotube, a lumen coaxially-disposed within the hypotube and extending beyond a distal end thereof, a coaxial feedline coaxially-disposed within the lumen, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed coaxially about the inner conductor, and a coolant tube coaxially-disposed between the lumen and the coaxial feedline to form an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit. The instrument further includes a dissecting head assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The dissecting head assembly includes a dielectric core having a substantially planar radiating surface and at least one non-radiating surface, a reflective coating disposed on the at least one non-radiating surface of the dielectric core, and a blade extending from the radiating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10098698
    Abstract: A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Jui Ray Chia, Meiling Wu, Ion Ghinea, Ming Ko
  • Patent number: 10098699
    Abstract: A method of preventing contamination of gloves for the medical industry by using negative pressure to inflate the glove the allowing a user to merely insert their hands without touching the exterior portion of the gloves. The apparatus is comprised of a strip of sealed gloves, a regularly sterilized vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: James Buck
  • Patent number: 10098700
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises a surgical drape having a fenestration formed therein and a nerve stimulator attached to an outward side of the surgical drape. One or more electrical conductors may also be attached to the drape and to the nerve stimulator. An electroconductive material may be arranged on a patient-facing side of the surgical drape. A connector may be attached to the surgical drape, which connector terminates an electrical conductor and is configured to permit attachment of an external nerve block needle. The attached nerve stimulator may be configured to provide a time-out indication. In another embodiment, the device comprises a surgical drape having at least one electrical conductor attached to the drape. At least one second connector may be attached to the surgical drape and configured to be in electrical communication with, and terminate, a second end of one or more electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Admir Hadzic
  • Patent number: 10098701
    Abstract: A force measurement apparatus includes a force detection unit that measures a force generated when a forceps is brought into contact with an inside of a body when an operator inserts a forceps or an endoscope into the body and measures a force generated when the forceps acts on a living body from outside the body, a reference information generating unit that generates reference information serving as information of a force acquired by the force detection unit when the forceps is located at a predetermined position, and an individual force calculation unit that individually calculates a force generated when the forceps acts on the living body in the body based on the reference information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Tsusaka, Yudai Fudaba, Jun Ozawa
  • Patent number: 10098702
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, provide visual depictions of vessel that allow assessment of the vessel and, in particular, any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, simulate one or more treatment options for the vessel, and perform treatment on any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, including guiding placement of one or more treatment devices are provided. The method can include obtaining pressure measurements from first and second instruments positioned within a vessel of a patient during a diagnostic procedure where the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel; identifying a treatment option based on the obtained pressure measurements; and performing the identified treatment option, wherein a user display guides placement of one or more treatment devices associated with the identified treatment option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fergus Merritt, Justin Davies
  • Patent number: 10098703
    Abstract: An instrument including an end effector at a distal end; an actuator mechanism at a proximal end, the actuator mechanism including a first valve, a robotic control coupled to the first valve, and a manual control coupled to the first valve is provided. The instrument may further include a transport shaft between the actuator mechanism and the end effector, the transport shaft including a cavity, coupled to the first valve, facilitating material transport along the transport shaft, the first valve having an actuating axis perpendicular to a rotational axis of the robotic control. A method for using an instrument as above is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Radgowski, Craig Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10098704
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for manipulating an anatomy with a tool include defining a first virtual boundary associated with the anatomy and a second virtual boundary associated with the anatomy. The first virtual boundary is activated in a first mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the first virtual boundary in the first mode. The first virtual boundary is deactivated in a second mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the second virtual boundary in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: David Gene Bowling, John Michael Stuart, Jerry A. Culp, Donald W. Malackowski, Jose Luis Moctezuma de la Barrera, Patrick Roessler, Joel N. Beer
  • Patent number: 10098705
    Abstract: A surgical system having a patient side cart having at least one telesurgically operated instrument, the at least one telesurgically operated instrument comprising a surgical end effector having a plurality of effector components. A transmission is coupled to a motor. The drive train includes at least a first effector drive train and a second effector drivetrain. A controller comprises at least one processor for controlling the transmission. The controller is performs a method by locking an output gear of the second effector drivetrain rotating a camshaft to shift coupling of the motor from the first effector drivetrain to the second effector drivetrain; determining that the output gear is aligned by driving the locked output gear using a first torque; determining that the output gear is properly braked by driving the locked output gear using a second torque; disengaging the lock from the output gear; and driving the second effector drivetrain using the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel F. Brisson, Niels Smaby, Melody Wu
  • Patent number: 10098706
    Abstract: Provided is an operation input device for inputting an operation command to a medical manipulator having a distal-end-side moving portion having at least one joint on a distal end and a proximal-end-side moving portion that is connected to a proximal-end side of the distal-end-side moving portion and moves the distal-end-side moving portion, and the operation input device includes a first operation portion that generates a moving command for driving the distal-end-side moving portion in accordance with an operation command input with a palm or a finger and a second operation portion that is linked to the first operation portion and generates the moving command for driving the proximal-end-side moving portion in accordance with an operation command input with a wrist or an arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Ogawa, Kosuke Kishi
  • Patent number: 10098707
    Abstract: A surgical positioning system is provided that includes a dimensioned grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines corresponding to surgical variables and a substrate connected to or integral with the grid. This system is used to obtain subject specific data from an image of a subject obtained during a surgical procedure by following the steps of: providing a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables; placing the subject on a substrate; and obtaining subject specific data from an image of said subject. This invention relates to an apparatus made of a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables and a sealable container sized to receive the dimensioned grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Orthogrid Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Noble Kubiak, Richard Boddington, Edouard Saget
  • Patent number: 10098708
    Abstract: A dental device capable of monitoring at least one characteristic of the dental device. The characteristics are monitored by the use of microchips; radio frequency identification devices (RFID), bar codes, resistors, diodes, semiconductors, and magnetic strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTER-MED, INC.
    Inventor: Gary J. Pond
  • Patent number: 10098709
    Abstract: A method and system for generated an optimized placement of orthodontic brackets on a set of teeth with the goal of smoothing the orthodontic archwire associated with the brackets. The optimized placement takes into account at least one constraint, such as minimum height of the brackets or minimum distance from the center of the tooth. Generating the optimized placement may take the form of iteratively re-positioned the brackets on the underlying teeth to derive the most optimal placement within the bounds of the given constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Ian D. Kitching, Evan Yifeng, Pawan Deshmukh
  • Patent number: 10098710
    Abstract: An orthodontic retention system includes a fixed component that remains on teeth and a component that attaches to this fixed component. The fixed component and the component have mating or interlocking parts. The component that mates with the fixed component can be removable. The component that mates with the fixed component can be adjustable. The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth. The retention system also can include an element that replaces as tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Cosmo Haralambidis
  • Patent number: 10098711
    Abstract: An orthodontic screw system includes two rods connected to rotatable head members. The two rods are couplable to one or more of lower teeth or mandibular bones of a patient. The rotatable head members have threaded holes and pairs of the rotatable head members have opposite hand threads. The screw system also includes two twin screws that have threaded ends of opposite hand threads. Each of the two twin screws is engaged to threads of a pair of the rotatable head members. Rotation of one of the twin screws causes the pair of rotatable head members and the ends of the rods to either move together or move apart. The two twin screws are independently rotatable to cause independent expansion or contraction of different portions of the screw system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Yousefian
  • Patent number: 10098712
    Abstract: A dental abutment having a coronal portion for supporting a prosthesis separated from a post for seizing, galling or cold welding in a dental implant by a cylindrical portion and hemispheric base portion of length less than the combined length of the prosthetic head and locking taper post portions. The hemispherical portion of the abutment having a sloping shoulder with a surface that forms a small angle with a perpendicular to the cylindrical surface. A dental prosthesis system including such dental abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Bicon, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent J. Morgan, Robert E. Vasile
  • Patent number: 10098713
    Abstract: Provided are a system, method, and computer readable storage medium for generating an intra-oral scan of a dentition. A contiguous scan of an occlusal surface of at least a part of one arch of the dentition is generated. At least one additional surface is associated to the contiguous scan of the occlusal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ORMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert F. Dillon, Craig A. Andreiko, Andrew F. Vesper, Neil H. K. Judell, Timothy I. Fillion
  • Patent number: 10098714
    Abstract: A system for scanning a dental arch of a patient includes a reference element having a reference pattern thereon; a holding mechanism configured to hold the reference element in a fixed position inside the patient's oral cavity adjacent to and spaced from the dental arch, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to be installed on the patient without contacting an occlusal surface of the dental arch; and an intra-oral scanner configured to scan the dental arch and an adjacent portion of the reference element to obtain a scanned image comprising the scanned portion of the dental arch and the scanned adjacent portion of the reference pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Kuo