Patents Issued in November 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180317866
    Abstract: A periodontal disease testing apparatus of the present invention includes: an X-ray CT scanner photographing a portion including a tooth, a gingiva, and alveolar bone within an oral cavity to generate volume data of the portion; region setting means setting a related region of a subject tooth based on the volume data; defining means defining a principal axis of the subject tooth; correcting means correcting the related region so as to align the principal axis of the subject tooth with a normal direction of a cross-section of an X-ray CT image; multi-planar reconstruction image generating means generating a multi-planar reconstruction image of the corrected related region; means for generating developed image and the like transforming a coordinate of the related region to generate a developed image and a rotated image; and navigating means indicating correspondences of a spatial coordinate among the multi-planar reconstruction image, the developed image, and the rotated image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: MEDIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironobu Tsuji, Yosuke Tsuji, Tatsuro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20180317867
    Abstract: A size and/or shape specific 3D-beam modulation filter and a size and/or shape specific immobilizer are provided for cone-beam breast computed tomography (bCT). The immobilizer places the breast on an optimal position in the field of view of the scanner system and the 3D-beam modulation filter modulates the incident x-ray beam in the cone-angle (i.e. z-axis of the detector panel) and fan angle (i.e. x-axis of the detector panel) directions in order to improve equalization of the photon fluence incident upon the detector panel and reduce unnecessary radiation dose that the breast receives. Both the immobilizer and the 3D-beam modulation filter are selected among a plurality of alternatives based on the specific shape, size and/or shape or size of the person's breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: John M. BOONE, Andrew M. HERNANDEZ, Peymon GAZI
  • Publication number: 20180317868
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor panel in which pixels are provided and a processor that generates an image that corresponds to the number of radiation photons incident on each of the pixels. In an imaging mode in which an image formed by radiation that has passed through a subject is generated, the processor generates a correction signal by correcting a value of a signal output from the conversion element of each of the pixels according to a correction coefficient for converting the value of the signal output from the conversion element on which a radiation photon was incident to a value that corresponds to an energy value of the radiation photon, and generates an image based on the number of correction signals of pixels on which a radiation photon was incident from among the correction signals of the pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kosuke Terui, Atsushi Iwashita, Sho Sato, Yoshiaki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20180317869
    Abstract: The present approach relates to the use of detector elements (i.e., reference detector pixels) positioned under septa of an anti-scatter collimator. Signals detected by the reference detector pixels may be used to correct for charging-sharing events with adjacent pixels and/or to characterize or correct for focal spot misalignment either in real time or as a calibration step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Xue Rui, Geng Fu, Yannan Jin, Jianjun Guo, Peter Michael Edic, Brian David Yanoff
  • Publication number: 20180317870
    Abstract: A mobile c-arm X-ray apparatus is described. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes an electrically operated X-ray source. The mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus also includes an electrical energy storage device having a high current-capable accumulator. The electrical energy storage device includes a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the electrically operated X-ray source and a second electrical terminal used by a system energy supply. A method for operating the mobile X-ray apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jens FEHRE, Ralf NANKE
  • Publication number: 20180317871
    Abstract: A workstation includes a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector includes a transmitter configured to transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; a receiver configured to receive the assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-seo PARK, Woo-sup HAN, Sang-uk KIM
  • Publication number: 20180317872
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation detector, a reader and a hardware processor. The radiation detector includes a substrate. On the substrate, radiation detection elements are arranged two-dimensionally. The radiation detection elements generate amounts of electric charges corresponding to doses of radiation by being irradiated with the doses of the radiation. The reader reads the amounts of the electric charges generated by the respective radiation detection elements as signal values, and generates image data based on the signal values. The hardware processor communicates with a portable terminal having a web browser, generates web content displayable on the web browser in response to a request from the portable terminal, and sends at least one of the web content and the image data to the portable terminal in response to the request from the portable terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tetsuo KUBOTA, Kazuhiko KATSUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20180317873
    Abstract: A system includes a storage device storing a set of instructions and at least one processor in communication with the storage device, wherein when executing the instructions, the at least one processor is configured to cause the system to determine a first scan area on a scanning object. The system may also acquire raw data generated by scanning the first scan area on the scanning object and generate a positioning image based on the raw data. The system may also generate a pixel value distribution curve based on the positioning image, and determine a second scan area on the scanning object based on the pixel value distribution curve. The system may also scan the second scan area on the scanning object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: SHENZHEN UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tianyi XU
  • Publication number: 20180317874
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes an electronic cassette and a console device for radio communication with the electronic cassette. The electronic cassette includes a transmitter for transmitting a beacon for the radio communication. A regulation unit regulates beaconing of the beacon in a predetermined specific state among plural operational states. The console device includes a receiver for receiving the beacon. A communication failure detector checks whether a communication failure has occurred in the radio communication according to a receiving state of the beacon in the receiver. A display panel or speaker generates alert notification to notify the communication failure assuming that the communication failure detector judges that the communication failure has occurred. An operational state detector checks whether the electronic cassette is in the specific state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu KUDOU
  • Publication number: 20180317875
    Abstract: A wearable telemetry device for monitoring a target object, for example, a baby, includes a strap and an enclosure that encloses components including a processor, sensors, an audio capture device, an output device, and a rechargeable power unit. The processor executes modules of the wearable telemetry device for receiving user input data from a user device, facilitating communication between the target object and the user device via a transceiver, activating and controlling the sensors, the audio capture device, and the output device based on the user input data, filtering sensor data, computing monitoring indexes by processing health parameters, motion, and/or position of the target object detected by the sensors, in accordance with threshold data, ambient audio signals received by the audio capture device, and/or the user input data, and generating and transmitting alert notifications based on the monitoring indexes to the target object, and/or the user device via the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Andrey Bakhriddinovich Khayrullaev, Evgeniy Vacheslavovich Borodin, Maxim Anatoljevich Maltsev
  • Publication number: 20180317876
    Abstract: A digital electronic stethoscope includes an acoustic sensor assembly that includes a body sensor portion and an ambient sensor portion, the body sensor portion being configured to make acoustically coupled contact with a subject while the ambient sensor portion is configured to face away from the body sensor portion so as to capture environmental noise proximate the body sensor portion; a signal processor and data storage system configured to communicate with the acoustic sensor assembly so as to receive detection signals therefrom, the detection signals including an auscultation signal comprising body target sound and a noise signal; and an output device configured to communicate with the signal processor and data storage system to provide at least one of an output signal or information derived from the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Dimitra Emmanouilidou, James E. West, Mounya Elhilali, Ian Mclane
  • Publication number: 20180317877
    Abstract: An enhanced stethoscope device and method for operating the enhanced stethoscope are provided. The enhanced stethoscope device generally operates by providing stethoscope sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and other sensors to obtain a series of measurements about a subject. The series of measurements may be correlated, such as by machine learning, to extract clinically relevant information. Also described are systems and methods for ultrasonic beamsteering by interference of an audio signal with an ultrasonic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Alaina Ann Brinley RAJAGOPAL
  • Publication number: 20180317878
    Abstract: The invention relates to determining a fetal heart rate from an ultrasonic Doppler echo signal, which comprises at least two channels, including a first channel obtained for a first depth range and a second channel obtained for a second depth range. A first heart rate is determined from the first channel (51, 53, 55) and a second heart rate is determined from the second channel (52, 54, 56). External information on the fetal heart rate and/or the maternal heart rate, extracted from an independent source (60, 61, 62) such as an ECG, is used to select one of the first heart rate and the second heart rate as the fetal heart rate to be determined. A preferred embodiment provides for elimination of double counting heart rates by cutting out unwanted signal contributions. The disclosure further provides for an adaptive signal processing and data acquisition controlled by patient related data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Markus WOHLSCHLAGER, Hansjoerg GEYWITZ
  • Publication number: 20180317879
    Abstract: An integrated therapeutic and imaging device that uses at least two balloons to provide a guarded zone that can be evacuated and replaced with a fluid that is sufficiently clear to permit optical coherence tomography (or even high resolution ultrasound) imaging that would otherwise be of poor quality or impossible. Methods of making and operating the imaging device to obtain clear, high quality images, as well as treating a patient's tissue with the device within a living body in association with obtaining an image of the patient's tissue, are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brown
  • Publication number: 20180317880
    Abstract: A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Paul A. Magnin, Russell W. Bowden, John W. Goodnow
  • Publication number: 20180317881
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe is guided to an optimal position on a patient's body by illuminating the patient's body with a laser, by displaying icons of the probe position and the optimal position on a 3-D model of the patient's body, or by playing an audio signal that varies according to distance of the probe position from the optimal position. In certain embodiments, the probe is guided to a series of optimal positions for conducting a vascular exam, responsive to a database of human anatomy and vasculature and responsive to a database of vascular exam procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: TARA ASTIGARRAGA, OSSAMA EMAM, AL A. HAMID, KIMBERLY GREENE STARKS
  • Publication number: 20180317882
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes system, application, and/or methods for enabling operation of a transducer probe with a medical imaging device. An example method includes the steps of retrieving a user identification code assigned to a user associated with an imaging device, retrieving a transducer identification code of a transducer probe from a memory of the transducer probe responsive to connecting the transducer probe to the imaging device, generating a temporary digital key based on the user identification code and the transducer identification code, retrieving a stored digital key from the memory of the transducer probe, verifying an association of the transducer probe including comparing the stored digital key with the temporary digital key, enabling operation of the transducer probe with the imaging device if the stored digital key matches the temporary digital key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: DALE ALLEN CHERMAK
  • Publication number: 20180317883
    Abstract: A portable ultrasound probe is described having a mechanical transducer, rotating mirror, and mirror motor. The transducer can be used for diagnostic imaging and procedural guidance imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: JARI HUHTAMAKI, Tuomo Liedes, Tanar Ulric, Craig Bockenstedt, Blake Little
  • Publication number: 20180317884
    Abstract: This device (2) for generating ultrasonic waves in a target region of a soft solid, includes at least two ultrasound sources (32), light sources (40) distributed around a central axis (X2) of the device (2), for enlightening a zone of the soft solid via subsurface scattering, and a video camera (50), for capturing images of the zone enlightened by the lighting means. The ultrasound source (32), the light sources (40) and the video camera (50) are mounted on a body of the device (20) and oriented toward a common target zone which includes a focal point of the ultrasound sources (32). A boresight of the video camera is aligned on the central axis (X2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jean-Yves CHAPELON, Jean-Louis MESTAS, Cyril LAFON, Bernard GREILLIER, René MILLERET
  • Publication number: 20180317885
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic method utilizing an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasound probe, including controlling operations of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus on the basis of an instruction signal input from an operator and displaying, in response to an operation by the operator, a plurality of first body marks on a first display screen at a time, each of the first body marks being different from each other in a body pattern which is a patterning of a body part seen in a predetermined direction, and being further superimposed on by a probe mark which indicates a position and a direction on the body pattern which the ultrasound probe is put.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Rika Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20180317886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting microbubbles in a vessel of an affected part, comprising aggregating the microbubbles, acquiring phase-contrast magnetic resonance images and analyzing the phase-contrast magnetic resonance images. Thus, the present invention can detect or monitor the size and location of MBs in vessels of any part of body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: HSU-HSIA PENG, CHE-WEI WU
  • Publication number: 20180317887
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing shear wave elastography using push and/or detection ultrasound beams that are generated by subsets of the available number of transducer elements in an ultrasound transducer. These techniques provide several advantages over currently available approaches to shear wave elastography, including the ability to use a standard, low frame rate ultrasound imaging system and the ability to measure shear wave speed throughout the entire field-of-view rather than only those regions where the push beams are not generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: James F. Greenleaf, Shigao Chen, Pengfei Song, Armando Manduca
  • Publication number: 20180317888
    Abstract: An ultrasound microbeamformer for one or more transducer arrays includes a plurality of channels, each of which has two transmitters and a receiver which is selectively coupled to two or more transducer elements by T/R switches and dynamically switchable receive switches (RXSW). The transmitters enable different transducers to be actuated differently, such as transmitting a high frequency pulse or waveform with one transmitter and a low frequency pulse or waveform with the other transmitter. The transmitters may both be used during the same transmit-receive cycle to simultaneously transmit and receive both high and low frequency signals for the formation of a common image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: STEVEN RUSSELL FREEMAN
  • Publication number: 20180317889
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to imaging catheters. A method is provided that includes: receiving, from a plurality of transducers disposed on a catheter probe, a corresponding plurality of analog signals; selectively sampling the plurality of analog signals; multiplexing to produce a sequence of samples; and transmitting the sequence of samples to a receiver circuit. The receiver circuit includes a clock; an analog to digital converter (ADC) in communication with the clock; and a sampling phase correction circuit in communication with the clock and the ADC. The method further includes: determining optimum sampling times based on measured signal delays associated with the system; adjusting a phase of the clock based on the measured signal delays; and communicating the phase-adjusted clock to the transmitter circuit for the selective sampling of the analog signals. Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology may further be utilized in conjunction with beamforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Carpenter, M. Wasequr Rashid, F. Levent Degertekin, Stevan Freear, David Matthew Joseph Cowell
  • Publication number: 20180317890
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes a probe to acquire ultrasound data from an object; a communicator; a display; and a processor to generate a first ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data; display the first ultrasound image on the display; control the communicator to transmit the first ultrasound image to an external device so that the first ultrasound image is displayed on the external device; generate a second ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data and a control command received from the external device, the control command being based on a touch input with respect to the first ultrasound image displayed on the external device; display the second ultrasound image on the display; and control the communicator to transmit the second ultrasound image to the external device so that the second ultrasound image is displayed on the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jongwoo JUNG, Eun-ho YANG
  • Publication number: 20180317891
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a urine test container, Specifically, the present invention relates to a container capable of readily separating first urine while receiving whole urine in order to remove the inconvenience of discarding the first urine and putting the remaining urine in a container in a medical institution such as a hospital and a health care institution, because the quality of a test is decreased due to a plurality of epithelial cells included in the first urine in a urine test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: CHANG UK KIM
  • Publication number: 20180317892
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices for collection, containment, storage and distribution of human stool samples for use in diagnostics related to infectious disease, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) and other disease states or clinical conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: George CATLIN
  • Publication number: 20180317893
    Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, III, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
  • Publication number: 20180317894
    Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Kapushion
  • Publication number: 20180317895
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for acquiring a tissue sample in an endoscopic procedure. In one implementation, a biopsy needle is provided. The biopsy needle includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body includes a lumen extending therethrough and a distal end. The distal end includes at least two tines and a plurality of cutouts. Each of the tines includes two ground bevels formed on two grind planes. Each cutout resides between two adjacent tines and includes a V-shaped section. Each cutout may further include a longitudinally straight section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: HOYA Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Kadamus, Robb Morse Gavalis, Jason Zachary Moore
  • Publication number: 20180317896
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for secure connections between tubular structures. In one implementation, a first tube constructed of nitinol may have windows formed on an end thereof. A second tube constructed of stainless steel tube may be inserted within the first tube, and the windows may be filled with adhesive or solder. The adhesive or solder may bond with the first tube, forming connection pins which secure the tubes together. In some embodiments, the connected tubes may form an endoscopic needle. The nitinol portion of the needle may be sufficiently flexible for positioning within the bending section of an endoscope without deformation. The stainless steel portion of the needle may render the needle significantly less expensive than prior needles constructed solely of nitinol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: HOYA Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher KADAMUS, Robb Morse GAVALIS, Azadeh KHANICHEH, Isaac OSTROVSKY, Hrishikesh Vishvas DEO, James S. PELLETIER
  • Publication number: 20180317897
    Abstract: A surgical retractor system secured to a surgical operating table. The retractor system includes a single cross bar and a one-piece frame for positioning of surgical retractor blades relative to a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: William Harvey, Dan Farley
  • Publication number: 20180317898
    Abstract: An orthopedic distraction device is provides. The orthopedic distraction device includes a first upper paddle for engaging a first bone of a joint, a lower paddle for engaging a second bone of the joint and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a drive assembly operable to move the upper paddle relative to the lower paddle. The lower paddle is releasably connected to the displacement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: OMNIlife science, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Plaskos, Alexander Todorov, Christian Joly, Frederic Leger, Martin Joseph Nichols
  • Publication number: 20180317899
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a minimally-invasive surgical system and methods of use which can mimic a mosquito proboscis to efficiently penetrate tissue. The delivery system can utilize a plurality of modular strut instruments to create a working tissue canopy and apply any number of surgical actions to a target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Gabriel Zada
  • Publication number: 20180317900
    Abstract: An atrial retraction device is disclosed. In minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, there is often the need to make a second incision in the chest to place an atrial retractor for gaining clear access to the mitral valve of the heart by a cardiothoracic surgeon. The atrial retraction device of the present invention eliminates the need for a second incision, and provides an adjustable retraction device and associated surgical adjustor that reduces patient trauma, reduces surgical time, and does not require frequent adjustments during surgery. The atrial retraction device uses an adjustable band and roller arrangement to maintain clear and unobstructed access to the mitral valve during surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Gdowski, Martin Gene Gira, Kyle Steven Meyers, Lauren Aimee Seitz, Ian Benjamin Baranowski, Margaret Rose Ferrari, Fabio Molina Sagebin
  • Publication number: 20180317901
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20180317902
    Abstract: A surgical device for retracting tissue of a subject while offering lighting and suction means integrated into the same device. This device is useful in many different surgical procedures, including those requiring precise tissue retraction in small openings of a subject, such as facial orbital fracture repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Megan E. Green, Madeline M. Morris, Maria Filippa Trikantzopoulou, Patrick S. Cottler, Jonathan S. Black, Anthony J. Archual
  • Publication number: 20180317903
    Abstract: A medical device for use in the creation of a temporary pneumoperitoneum includes a substantially dome-shaped body having a vacuum port providing a fluid passageway between an underside of the dome-shaped body and an upside of the dome-shaped body. A frustoconical port is provide in the domed-shaped body for reception and through passage of one or more pieces of associated medical apparatus therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn S. Foley
  • Publication number: 20180317904
    Abstract: A loading unit assembly for use with a surgical suturing apparatus includes a surgical needle and a support structure configured for releasably securing the surgical needle. The support structure may include a first finger and a second finger adjacent to the first finger. The first and second fingers may define a first channel therebetween. The support structure may also include a third finger defining a seat portion and a back portion. The seat and back portions may be in facing relation with the first and second fingers. The third finger and the first and second fingers may define a second channel therebetween. The surgical needle may be loaded in the second channel and may be in abutment with at least the seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Malkowski, Jason Pinsonnault, Tomasz Hejmowski
  • Publication number: 20180317905
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
  • Publication number: 20180317906
    Abstract: Inserters for dynamic implants include hooks that engage connecting means of the implants and rams that press against bridges of the implants when the inserters are actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Chad Hollis, Daniel Sayger
  • Publication number: 20180317907
    Abstract: A surgical staple includes a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The first and second legs each have a first end portion and a second end portion. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member. The second portion of the backspan and the third portion of the backspan are in lateral contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20180317908
    Abstract: A surgical staple includes a body includes a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a crimped region. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member. The second portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the first leg and a first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the second leg and a second end portion of the looped member. The crimped region includes a crimped section in at least one of the second portion or the third portion of the backspan. A combined wire thickness of the second and third portions of the backspan in the crimped region is about equal to the diameter of the body of the surgical staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20180317909
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a longitudinally extending threaded hole. A shaft comprising a threaded portion is rotatably engaged within the threaded hole. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal extension of the shaft comprises a driver. A distal force applicator comprises the driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: In2Bones USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Hawkins Wahl
  • Publication number: 20180317910
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a longitudinally extending threaded hole. A shaft comprising a threaded portion is rotatably engaged within the threaded hole. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal extension of the shaft comprises a driver. A distal force applicator comprises the driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: In2Bones USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Hawkins Wahl
  • Publication number: 20180317911
    Abstract: A method for producing a suture includes a first step of heating a suture raw material under a set temperature condition, a second step of compression molding, by applying pressure, the heated suture raw material, and a third step of forming cut lines at a first edge and a second edge of the compression molded suture and forming, by applying tensile force, a barb part in the compression molded suture having the cut lines, wherein the cut lines are continuously formed at predetermined intervals while being inclined at a predetermined angle toward one direction or both directions of the first and second edges. Thus, a suture which enables a sutured part to show an excellent recovery and a lifting effect to be semi-permanently maintained and which has an excellent strength is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Min-Seo JANG
  • Publication number: 20180317912
    Abstract: A dual action surgical thread is provided. The thread is designed for use in general surgical and cosmetic surgery applications where a lifting or tensioning of skin is desired. The thread allows for lifting action along an entire inserted length by providing parallel sections of lifting and anchoring along a folding zone, where a distal end of the thread is folded back along the shaft of the thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Marco Brandi
  • Publication number: 20180317913
    Abstract: A surgical loading unit includes an elongate body, an end effector pivotably coupled to the elongate body, and a flexible knife bar extending through a distal portion of the elongate body and a proximal portion of the end effector. Articulation of the end effector relative to the elongate body in a first direction moves a first segment of the knife bar in the first direction and moves a second segment of the knife bar in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: John Beardsley
  • Publication number: 20180317914
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongated tool assembly having spaced first and second jaws positioned to receive a body organ. The length of the tool assembly (which may have a curved configuration) is selected to receive and staple and/or transect a body organ in a single actuation of the tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Ayman Badawi
  • Publication number: 20180317915
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided comprising: a first jaw having a distal end and a proximal end wherein the proximal end of the first jaw is attached to a lever arm that includes a levering cam slot having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a second jaw having a distal end and a proximal end wherein the proximal end of the second jaw is secured to a base that includes a linear cam slot aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second jaw axis and having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a pivot rotatably mounting the first jaw to the second jaw, wherein a pivot axis extends between the first jaw and the lever arm; a cam pin configured to extend through and engage the levering cam slot and the linear cam slot; a linear drive member operatively coupled to drive the cam pin to follow the linear cam slot; wherein the cam pin imparts a lever force upon the lever arm that rotates the first jaw way from the second jaw when the cam pin contacts the distal portion of the levering cam slot and wherein the c
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: William A. MCDONALD, II