Patents Issued in December 6, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180344482
    Abstract: An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Philip J. Simpson, George A. Mansfield, III, Damien J. Shulock, David G. Matsuura, Walter Dean Gillespie, John E. Ashley
  • Publication number: 20180344483
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Jim R. Lynn, Russell W. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180344484
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Jim R. Lynn, Russell W. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180344485
    Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Benjamin J. Remington, Daniel R. Baker, Joseph N. Logan, Gregory C. Stalcup, Daniel E. Gerbec
  • Publication number: 20180344486
    Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Didier Poncet, David M. Warlop, Laurent Zanchin
  • Publication number: 20180344487
    Abstract: A garment with a single piece of enhanced and contoured foam padding with integral breast mound prostheses and incorporated pectoral and sternal padding for the bilateral mastectomy patient is disclosed. This said piece of enhanced padding is sewn into the said garment to restore a natural looking breast mound appearance in clothing while offering padded comfort over the sensitive pectoral and sternal areas caused by a mastectomy. This said padding within the said garment is intended to be sewn onto a cropped, middle layer of material within the said garment. This said middle layer of material with attached padding is then sewn between the inside of the front, inner layer and the inside of the back, inner layer of the said garment with mound prostheses facing the inside of the front layer of the said garment thus giving a natural breast mound appearance on the outside of the front layer of the said garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Nicole Elisabeth Marie Mommers-McCaffrey
  • Publication number: 20180344488
    Abstract: This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Muthu WIJESUNDARA, Wei Carrigan
  • Publication number: 20180344489
    Abstract: A biodegradable stent and a method for preparing the same, which more particularly relate to a technology of preparing a biodegradable stent with improved flexibility and mechanical strength. The method includes a step of solid-state drawing a biodegradable filament and a step of shaping and then annealing the drawn biodegradable filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Soo Hyun KIM, Young Mee JUNG, Seung Hyuk IM
  • Publication number: 20180344490
    Abstract: Systems and devices for crimping a medical device and associated methods are disclosed herein. A crimping device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a frame including a stationary plate, a movable member, and a plurality of blades arranged to form a channel and each including a pin that projects through a slot on the movable member and a corresponding slot on the stationary plate. The crimping device can be actuated to move the movable member relative to the stationary plate to drive the pins along paths defined by the slots to thereby drive the blades radially inward to crimp a medical device positioned within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Fox, David Trask
  • Publication number: 20180344491
    Abstract: An endovascular delivery system for an endovascular prosthesis includes a radiopaque marker system for accurate delivery of the prosthesis. The radiopaque marker system is disposed within a prosthesis or stent holder within the delivery system. The radiopaque marker system includes a plurality of radiopaque markers that provide different views rotation of the prosthesis or stent holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Michael V. Chobotov, Mark Geusen
  • Publication number: 20180344492
    Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus and method for inserting a branch stent. A plurality of insertion guide rods for being delivered to a vascular or non-vascular bifurcation to which a stent expansion wire is connected are configured in an insert tube. In this way, a branch stent can be immediately delivered to the vascular or non-vascular bifurcation and expanded through just one operation so that an operation related to the branch stent is conveniently and promptly performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Junghoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20180344493
    Abstract: A method for delivering catheters, and stents composed of soft, compliant polymers through anatomical passages. These devices have a bulbous or enlarged anchorage end with a diameter greater than the rest of the catheter. To facilitate implant and delivery a pusher catheter or sheath with an internal lumen larger than the outer diameter of the catheter but smaller than the outer diameter of the bulbous or enlarged anchorage end is provided. The distal end of pusher catheter or the sheath physically engages the proximal end of the bulbous or enlarged anchorage end and applies an axial force to coaxially advance the catheter over a guidewire through anatomical passages. This method allows a physician to move the catheter to an anatomical site without the device exhibiting buckling due to axial force applied. Similarly, this delivery method will allow more force to be applied to the distal end of the catheter diminishing the likelihood of buckling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Scott M. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20180344494
    Abstract: A system for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having functional zones for stability, protection, flexibility, trackability and pushability. The system further comprises a device for deploying an implantable medical device with the catheter. A method for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen using the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Eric K. Mangiardi, Martina Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20180344495
    Abstract: A deployment system for a self expanding stent includes a catheter assembly with a tip attached to a distal end segment of an elongate tube. The tip includes a proximal portion molecularly joined to a distal portion, which has a lower durometer hardness than the proximal portion. The proximal portion includes an anchor surface in contact with the distal portion, and oriented perpendicular to a central axis of the elongate tube. The elongate tube may be formed from a thermosetting polyimide, and the overmolded tip may be made from two different colored and different hardnesses of polyether block amide material. The tip is overmolded onto an untreated external surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Conor Dillon, William Riordan
  • Publication number: 20180344496
    Abstract: A deployment system for a self expanding stent includes a catheter assembly with a tip attached to a distal end segment of an elongate tube. The tip includes a proximal portion molecularly joined to a distal portion, which has a lower durometer hardness than the proximal portion. The proximal portion includes an anchor surface in contact with the distal portion, and oriented perpendicular to a central axis of the elongate tube. The elongate tube may be formed from a thermosetting polyimide, and the overmolded tip may be made from two different colored and different hardnesses of polyether block amide material. The tip is overmolded onto an untreated external surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Conor Dillon, William Riordan
  • Publication number: 20180344497
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used by the user are described. The method may include detecting motion of a handle of the handheld tool manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool. Furthermore, the method may include storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. The method may also include controlling, based on the motion data, a motion-generating mechanism of the handheld tool that moves the attachment arm relative to the handle in a degree of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Anupam J. Pathak, Dylan Owens
  • Publication number: 20180344498
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Allurion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel MOSS, Matthew S. LAKE, Jonathan WECKER, Shantanu K. GAUR, Samuel G. LEVY, Bruce A. HORWITZ, Jinyoung Daniel GWAK
  • Publication number: 20180344499
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for implementing an explorable stomach gastric bypass apt to be implanted in a patient who needs it. In particular, such device comprises a main body having at least one elastic portion made of silicone material and a covering element of the main body itself that in turn comprises an extensible portion. The extensible portion is positioned at the elastic portion and characterizes in that it comprises an excess of material compared to the size of the elastic portion itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: FRANCESCO LESTI
  • Publication number: 20180344500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member is formable from an elongated and narrower configuration to a contracted or expanded but wider configuration. When employed in the stomach, the device may be arranged transluminally with the distal member disposed in the duodenum and the proximal member disposed against the pyloric valve, intermittently occluding the pyloric valve and preventing or delaying the flow of gastric contents through the pyloric valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: BAROnova, Inc.
    Inventors: David NEEDLEMAN, Alex ROTH, Daniel R. BURNETT, Jimmy VAN WESTENBERG, Kobi IKI
  • Publication number: 20180344501
    Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Lam, Robert A. Vaughan, Chris Rothe, Kenneth H. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20180344502
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for supporting a plantar flexion ridge. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a leg calf shell further with a leg calf shell plantar flexion ridge at a lowermost point. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a boot shell connected to a bottom portion of the leg calf shell. The boot shell may include a boot shell plantar flexion ridge at an uppermost point or the boot shell. The boot shell plantar flexion ridge may contact the leg calf shell plantar flexion ridge at a plantar flexion ridges region. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a posterior stretch cord assembly. The first end of the posterior stretch cord assembly may attach to a back of the leg calf shell and the second end of the posterior stretch cord assembly may be attached to a back of the boot shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan Joseph Sutti, Franck Vautrin, Jeff Robbins
  • Publication number: 20180344503
    Abstract: A postural alignment apparatus is provided. The postural alignment apparatus is adapted to cue proper spinal alignment during exercise for complex exercises and posture-related activities, while freeing up the wearer's hands. The postural alignment apparatus may include a torso-wear component adapted to be worn along the torso of a human wearer, wherein the torso-wear component provides a spinal portion adapted to be located adjacent along a wearer's spine when the torso-wear component is worn. An elongated member is attached to the spinal portion so as to extend the length of the wearer's spine, enabling spinal alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Sam Akinrinade
  • Publication number: 20180344504
    Abstract: An orthopedic walker having a lower leg support portion and an outer sole having a walking surface that is rounded from a heel strike area to a toe area to promote rolling contact with a ground surface, and lateral arcuate transition portions from the walking surface to the lower leg support portion. The walker is characterized by the outer sole comprised a primary material for structural strength and a structurally distinct and separate secondary material positioned between the heel strike area and a midfoot area for shock absorption, where the secondary material having a different impact response than the primary material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Iglesias, Tracy E. Grim
  • Publication number: 20180344505
    Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods and material selections produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Loring Gilmer, Thomas Craig Roberts, Samuel Alexander, George Martin Hutchinson, Daniel V. Mendez
  • Publication number: 20180344506
    Abstract: An ostomy device (2) for attachment (coupling) to a base plate (6) is disclosed. The ostomy device (2) comprises an attachment ring (8) configured for attachment to the base plate (6). The ostomy device (2) further comprises elements (10, 12, 16) provided with means (18, 48, 78, 80) configured to be detachably attached to the attachment ring (8), and comprises a shield (60) provided with a blocking element (16) for blocking the stoma (20), wherein the blocking element (16) is shaped and configured to be brought into engagement with a collecting element (28) and a therein placed distal part of the stoma (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Vilhelm Larsen
  • Publication number: 20180344507
    Abstract: An intraoral device for the repositioning of the tongue, comprising a support which can be fixed relative to a maxillary dental arch of a patient, wherein the device comprises a blade which is mounted on the support and extends in a longitudinal direction, inscribable within a sagittal plane of the patient, from a posterior end to an anterior end, the blade comprising an elastically deformable portion configured to alternately adopt a rest position, in which the portion positions itself at least partly beyond a bite plane of the patient, and at least one constrained position, in which the portion is deformed in the direction of the bite plane. The device will have a use in all disorders involving poor positioning of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Michel ALGLAVE
  • Publication number: 20180344508
    Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Brown Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180344509
    Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Brown Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180344510
    Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Brown Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180344511
    Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Brown Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180344512
    Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Sight Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul BADAWI
  • Publication number: 20180344513
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective system, comprising: an inflatable convective device and a hose configured to connect to the inflatable convective device to an inflation medium source. The convective device has a pneumatic structure and an opening into the pneumatic structure, where at least part of the convective device is air permeable. The hose includes a nozzle configured to insert into the opening and a hindrance device disposed on the nozzle, where the hindrance device is configured to prevent the hose from slipping from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew J. McGregor
  • Publication number: 20180344514
    Abstract: A heat and aromatherapy bag that provides consumers with a reliable way to deliver constant, slow, dissipating heat with an infusion of essential oils. The heat and aromatherapy bag includes a repurposed sack having a front facing and an interior, a functional indicia disposed on the front facing of the repurposed sack, a plurality of rice contained within the interior of the repurposed sack and a VELCRO® fastener disposed on each side of a neck opening disposed on top of the repurposed feed sack. The repurposed sack is a repurposed antique feed sack to provide an aesthetic rustic appearance and the functional indicia indicate one of several different intangible assets that someone might be interested in cultivating or possessing. The heat and aromatherapy bag also includes a method for utilizing a heat and aromatherapy bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Laura Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20180344515
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a thermoregulatory glove for reducing sleep latency. The thermoregulatory glove includes a gel pocket with a gel pack disposed inside of the gel pocket. A method for producing a convergence in body temperature of a subject includes heating the thermoregulatory glove, placing the heated thermoregulatory glove on a hand of the subject, and cooling the thermoregulatory glove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Ebben, Michael Bunyan, Gino Banco, William Lionetta, George Spies, Marc Larosee, Steven Bythrow, Andrew Douglas Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20180344516
    Abstract: A meibomian gland manual device allows for a cost-effective device for use in the home by individuals who suffer from dry eye or for daily eye hygiene. The device allows for a safe self-administration to gently express the meibomian gland, the leading underlying cause of chronic dry eye. The semi-circular projection and an affixed moist heated pad, combined with the action of gently applying pressure to the eyelid while following the natural direction of the eyelid, increases the effectiveness of expressing the meibomian gland. The material of the device allows for ease of cleaning for repeated use. Combining the device with either a warm shower or applying a warm compress to the eyes increases the effectiveness of the device to induce a manual extraction of the gland contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Ashley Ophthalmics, LLC
    Inventor: Miles David Ashley
  • Publication number: 20180344517
    Abstract: Method and apparatuses for applying region cooling to modulate the autonomic nervous system (and particularly the parasympathetic nervous systems) to treat a medical disorder. Described herein are methods and apparatuses for modulating a patient's parasympathetic nervous system by simulating a diving reflex using localized cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Eric A. NOFZINGER
  • Publication number: 20180344518
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of nerve blockage, for example for treatment of obesity, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, muscle spasms, chronic pain, or urinary retention in a patient. The method comprises first heating a nerve above physiological temperature (e.g. 37° C. in a human), such as from 43° C. to 54° C. for a duration that leads to reversible nerve blockage as opposed to nerve damage. Second, reversible nerve blockage is produced by cooling the nerve below physiological temperature to a temperature in which reversible nerve blockage is achieved, for example from 15° C. to 30° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Changfeng Tai
  • Publication number: 20180344519
    Abstract: There is provided a piercing needle-equipped cannula that has a pre-attached piercing needle, and no deformation of the slit portion due to the piercing needle is left after the piercing needle is pulled out. A piercing needle-equipped cannula (100) includes: a cannula (10) pierced in an eyeball and used in ophthalmic operations; a resin cap (13) having a slit (13a) opened in the cannula (10); and a piercing needle (15) attached to the cannula (10). The piercing needle (15) includes a needle main body (15c) on a front end side, a base (15d) on a base end side, and a slit piercing part (15s) piercing the slit (13a) in a state where the needle main body (15c) and the base (15d) are connected, and the cross-sectional area of the slit piercing part (15s) is smaller than that of the thickest part of the needle main body (15c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: MANI, Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuo Murakami
  • Publication number: 20180344520
    Abstract: A contact lens insertion assisting assembly includes an applicator comprising a tube that has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is concavely shaped and this shape allows the top end to receive a contact lens. A central portion of the top end has a well therein extending downwardly toward the bottom end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Daniels
  • Publication number: 20180344521
    Abstract: A device and a method for irradiating the cornea of an eye, wherein the device includes at least the following elements: a ring body, which has a bearing surface embodied concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the device for the purpose of fastening the device on the eye, an irradiation channel for irradiating the cornea, which is located inside the ring body, a light source, which, in the operationally-ready state of the device, is attached inside the ring body for emitting light in the irradiation channel, wherein the bearing surface for fastening the device is arranged outside the irradiation channel, which has the result that the irradiated area itself is not additionally loaded by bearing surfaces of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Albert DAXER
  • Publication number: 20180344522
    Abstract: A surgical ophthalmic procedure performs a medial canthoplasty of an eyelid system having the following steps: performing a medial subcilliary skin incision in the medial inferior-eyelid skin, excising an ellipse of the medial inferior-eyelid skin extending medially upwardly; exposing the medial canthal tendon, creating an orbicularis flap from the inferior-lid orbicularis muscle, suturing the orbicularis flap to the medial canthal tendon, probing the lacrimal system to confirm the integrity of the canalicular system, excising the excess portion of the medial superior-eyelid skin, closing the medial canthal skin with deep fixation in the medial canthus, closing the medial subciliary skin incision or extending the subciliary incision, making a supraciliary skin incision in the upper lid medially and performing an orbicularisorrhapy by suturing the orbicularis of the upper lid to the orbicularis of the lid to further close the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Mary A. STEFANYSZYN
  • Publication number: 20180344523
    Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on a removable injector attachment or on a portion of the injection device housing. Other devices may include a filter for the removal of air, infectious agents, and/or other particulate matter from the composition before the composition is injected into the eye. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Leonid E. Lerner
  • Publication number: 20180344524
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical intervention related to the lacrimal system. The invention relates to a lacrimal system device or system and methods of using the device for drug delivery to the eye, sinuses and/or periocular tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Malik Y. Kahook, Andrew Schieber
  • Publication number: 20180344525
    Abstract: An implantable device for treatment of glaucoma of the eye. In one aspect, the device includes an elongate duct for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye, the elongate duct having a central axis with a proximal end and distal end opposite one another. A least one element is spaced apart from the proximal end and the distal end of said elongate duct and extends radially outward beyond an outer surface of said elongate duct in at least two directions transverse to the central axis of said elongate duct, wherein the at least one element has a distal portion with a tapered profile facing the distal end of said elongate duct. The at least one element has a hardness within a range between Shore 30A and Shore 80A. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: InnFocus, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Pinchuk
  • Publication number: 20180344526
    Abstract: An implantable device for treatment of glaucoma of the eye. In one aspect, the device includes an elongate duct for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye, the elongate duct having a central axis with a proximal end and distal end opposite one another. A least one element is spaced apart from the proximal end and the distal end of said elongate duct and extends radially outward beyond an outer surface of said elongate duct in at least two directions transverse to the central axis of said elongate duct, wherein the at least one element has a distal portion with a tapered profile facing the distal end of said elongate duct. The at least one element is configured to deform in a tissue passage leading into the anterior chamber of the eye as it is inserted into the tissue passage in response to forces applied by surrounding ocular tissue of the tissue passage. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: InnFocus, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Pinchuk
  • Publication number: 20180344527
    Abstract: A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam on the ophthalmic target tissue. One or more dosage parameters of the light beam vary within the dosimetry pattern, to create varying exposures on the target tissue. A visualization device observes lesions formed on the ophthalmic target tissue by the dosimetry pattern. The controller selects dosage parameters for the treatment beam based upon the lesions resulting from the dosimetry pattern, either automatically or in response to user input, so that a desired clinical effect is achieved by selecting the character of the lesions as determined by the dosimetry pattern lesions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel V. PALANKER, Dan E. ANDERSEN
  • Publication number: 20180344528
    Abstract: An example probe multi-spot, multi-fiber, laser probe includes a plurality of optical fibers extending from a proximal end of the laser probe to at least near a distal end of the laser probe, and a cannula having a distal end and surrounding the plurality of optical fibers along at least a portion of the laser probe at or near the distal end of the laser probe. A distal pass-through element is positioned within the cannula and at or near the distal end of the cannula and has a groove and/or channel corresponding to each fiber and through which a respective optical fiber passes, and is formed so as to induce a radial rotation of each of the plurality of optical fibers, relative to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula, as the respective optical fiber passes through the distal pass-through element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Farley
  • Publication number: 20180344529
    Abstract: Selectively expandable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively expandable body configured for insertion into an ear and expansion within the ear canal. In one variant, the expanded main body is removable from the ear canal via a removal mechanism and removes excess cerumen and/or debris from the ear canal during removal. In another variant, the main body includes one or more compounds and is configured to receive a fluid for diffusion of the one or more compounds into the ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Leary, Daniel Joseph Braun
  • Publication number: 20180344530
    Abstract: The pressure relief device for ears includes first and second ear assemblies, corresponding to first and second ears of a user, and a resilient headband. Each of the first and second ear assemblies includes a hollow vapor chamber, an earpiece, a container and an absorbent pad. The hollow vapor chamber includes an upper portion and an open lower portion. An open internal channel is formed through the hollow vapor chamber. The earpiece has an opening formed therethrough and is adapted for engaging the corresponding ear of the user. The earpiece is secured to the upper portion of the hollow vapor chamber, and the opening is in open fluid communication with the open internal channel. The container is releasably secured to the open lower portion of the hollow vapor chamber and is in open fluid communication with the open internal channel. The absorbent pad is removably received in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: ALI A.A.J. SHAMMOH
  • Publication number: 20180344531
    Abstract: A compression bandage in the form of a knit obtained by warp stitch technology on the basis of synthetic yarns and comprising two textile surfaces of respective textile structures that may be identical or different, the surfaces being interconnected by spacer yarns, each surface including elastic yarns, the bandage being characterized in that said knit presents: longitudinal stretch measured in compliance with the standard EN 14704-1 lying in the range 30% to 160%; and threshold shear stress greater than or equal to 2800 Pa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Céline COHADE, David GRANGE, Serge LECOMTE, Magali ROBLOT