Patents Issued in February 19, 2019
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Patent number: 10206644Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus according to the disclosure guides the patient posture using a visual and/or audible interaction device during execution of an X-ray imaging procedure such as mammography, and provides the patient with information about the procedure during the procedure's execution, thereby improving the patient experience while reducing the workload of an operator. The X-ray imaging apparatus may include an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and an arm including an upper end within which the X-ray tube is disposed, and a lower end within which the X-ray detector is disposed. An illumination unit may be configured to provide an indication of a movement direction of the arm, responsive to a user input for moving the arm in the movement direction. A controller may control the illumination unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eui Sik Kim
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Patent number: 10206645Abstract: A method for imaging a target region in a subject is presented. The method includes selecting one or more tomographic angle sequences, acquiring one or more image sequences corresponding to the one or more tomographic angle sequences, where each image sequence has a corresponding tomographic angle sequence, deriving geometric information corresponding to one or more structures of interest in at least one of the image sequences, identifying visualization information, generating one or more displacement maps based on the geometric information, the visualization information, at least a subset of at least one of the one or more tomographic angle sequences, or combinations thereof, transforming at least a subset of images in the one or more image sequences based on corresponding displacement maps to create one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences, and visualizing on a display the one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences to provide a stabilized presentation of the target region.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, David Allen Langan
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Patent number: 10206646Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting centerline representations of vascular structures in medical images is disclosed. A vessel orientation tensor for each of a plurality of voxels associated with the target vessel, such as a coronary artery, in a medical image, such as a coronary tomography angiography (CTA) image, using a trained vessel orientation tensor classifier. A flow field is estimated for the plurality of voxels associated with the target vessel in the medical image based on the vessel orientation tensor estimated for each of the plurality of voxels. A centerline of the target vessel is extracted based on the estimated flow field for the plurality of vessels associated with the target vessel in the medical image by detecting a path that carries maximum flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Mehmet Akif Gulsun, Yefeng Zheng, Saikiran Rapaka, Viorel Mihalef, Puneet Sharma, Gareth Funka-Lea
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Patent number: 10206647Abstract: A radiographic image capturing device includes the following. A two-dimensional array of radiation detectors generate electrical charges corresponding to a dose of incident radiation. A control unit reads the electrical charges discharged from the radiation detectors in a form of image data. The control unit has radiographic modes including a still image mode for still image radiography, a moving image mode for moving image radiography, and a continuous radiographic mode for reading the image data without distinguishing between the still image radiography and the moving image radiography. The control unit selects the continuous radiographic mode to sequentially read the image data when an instruction on performing the still image radiography or the moving image radiography is not sent from an external control device or a user or when the radiographic mode is unknown due to communication failure with the external control device.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Akira Hiroshige, Hidetake Tezuka, Shintaro Muraoka
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Patent number: 10206648Abstract: An X-ray projection of a region of examination and an associated X-ray parameter are received via an interface, the X-ray projection including X-ray intensities in a first pixel set. The X-ray parameter relates to at least one X-ray voltage from an X-ray source. Scattered radiation intensity is determined in a second pixel set, the second pixel set being a subset of the first pixel set. A first calculation of first exposure parameters in the second pixel set then occurs, each of the first exposure parameters in a pixel of the second pixel set being based on the X-ray intensity in the pixel and the scattered radiation intensity in the pixel. Furthermore, a second calculation of a scalar second exposure parameter occurs based on the first exposure parameters and an adjustment of the X-ray parameter is performed by comparing the scalar second exposure parameter with a reference value.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Rudolf Leiblein
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Patent number: 10206649Abstract: A receiving antenna for wirelessly receiving data between a stator of a computed tomography (CT) imaging modality and a rotor of the CT imaging modality is provided. The rotor rotates about a rotational axis. The receiving antenna includes a dielectric portion and a conductive portion coupled to the dielectric portion. A second surface of the conductive portion extends between a first end and a second end along a conductive axis that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. The second surface of the conductive portion has a first length at a first length location along a first length axis that is substantially parallel to the conductive axis. The second surface of the conductive portion has a second length at a second length location along a second length axis that is substantially parallel to the conductive axis. The first length is different than the second length.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Douglas Abraham, Peter Daniel Shippen, Carl DeVincent
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Patent number: 10206650Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for calibration of a radiation system to compute a gain correction(s) are provided. A calibration procedure is performed during which a portion of the detector array is shadowed by an object, causing the detector array to be non-uniformly exposed to radiation. A portion of a projection generated from the calibration procedure and indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object is separated from a portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did traverse the object, and a gain correction(s) is computed from the portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object (e.g., and is thus indicative of radiation that merely traversed air).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: David Rozas, Aleksander Roshi, Charles Shaughnessy
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Patent number: 10206651Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring cardiac output are provided. The systems and methods generate an ultrasound image based on ultrasound imaging data of a patient acquired by an ultrasound probe. The systems and methods automatically designate a region of interest (ROI) within the ultrasound image, and acquire spectral data sets for corresponding candidate Doppler gates within the ROI based on Doppler data acquired by the ultrasound probe. The systems and methods automatically identify a select Doppler gate from the candidate Doppler gates based on a characteristic of the spectral data sets, and calculate a cardiac output of the patient based on the select Doppler gate.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander Sokulin, Menachem Halmann, Peter Lysyansky, Arcady Kempinski, Lilach Vanuk, Cynthia A. Owen
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Patent number: 10206652Abstract: A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Anthony D. Hill, Hua Zhong
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Patent number: 10206653Abstract: Devices and method are provided for ultrasound transmission without the need for external couplants, such as gels, which are typically used in conventional ultrasound procedures. In particular, ultrashields are provided for use with ultrasound probes, wherein the ultrashields have specialized layers to provide an uninterrupted pathway of acoustic conductance from the probe to the surface of the body throughout the procedure while introducing minimal to no attenuation of ultrasound wave transmission. In addition, combinations of ultrashields and probe covers are provided to provide additional features such as a microbial barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: HealthCare Evolution LLCInventors: Siddharth Desai, Jerry Jones
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Patent number: 10206654Abstract: A pressure sensor of an embodiment includes a support portion, a transformable membrane part and a sensor portion. The membrane part includes an end portion supported by the support portion, and a first area and a second area. The first area is positioned between a center of the membrane part and the end portion and has a first rigidity. The second area is positioned between the first area and the end portion, and has a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity. The sensor portion is provided at the first area and includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer and a first intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. An end-side distance between the first area and the end portion is shorter than a center-side distance between the second area and the center of the membrane part.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kei Masunishi, Akiko Yuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiro Higashi, Kazuaki Okamoto, Kenji Otsu
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Patent number: 10206655Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus of displaying functions related to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus on a display unit when the ultrasonic imaging apparatus moves, and activating a function selected by a user from among the functions displayed on the display unit. According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display one or more functions related to movement of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus when the ultrasonic imaging apparatus moves; and a controller configured to activate a function selected by a user from among the one or more functions displayed on the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyeong Gu Woo, Eun Ho Yang, Yeon Ho Kim, Gil-Ju Jin
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Patent number: 10206656Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can identify the angle of a received ultrasonic beam with respect to the predetermined biopsy path of a biopsy needle. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized by including a received beam forming unit that forms received ultrasonic beams based on the echo signals of ultrasonic waves transmitted into a subject, and a display control unit that displays, in a B-mode image formed based on the received ultrasonic beams, a biopsy guide line in a display mode corresponding to an angle between the beam direction of the received ultrasonic beam and the predetermined biopsy path of a biopsy needle to be inserted into the subject. The biopsy guide line is displayed as, for example, a broken line having a width corresponding to the angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Hiroshi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10206657Abstract: A monitoring device can be configured to facilitate intra-tissue inspection of a probe at a target region, the monitoring device comprising a housing and a transducer coupled to and at least partially located within the housing. The transducer comprises a longitudinal transducer array aligned to scan a longitudinal cross-section of the target region and a transverse transducer array aligned to scan a transverse cross-section of the target region. The longitudinal transducer array is configured to detect a probe point depth of a probe point of the probe along the longitudinal cross-section. The longitudinal transducer array is also configured to send to a processor longitudinal data about the scan of the longitudinal cross-section to track movement of the probe point based upon at least the longitudinal data and determine the probe point depth based upon at least the longitudinal data.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Glo-Tip, LLCInventor: Joseph H. Meier
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Patent number: 10206658Abstract: A docking station for electrically charging and managing a thermal condition of an ultrasound probe is presented. The docking station includes a first charging unit magnetically coupled to an induction unit of the ultrasound probe and configured to charge at least one battery in the ultrasound probe. Further, the docking station includes a first cooling unit thermally coupled to a thermal unit of the ultrasound probe and configured to dissipate heat from the ultrasound probe.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Warren Lee, Naveenan Thiagarajan
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Patent number: 10206659Abstract: A unimorph-type ultrasound probe includes a substrate in which a plurality of openings each having a predetermined shape is formed, a plurality of vibration plates formed on the substrate so as to close one end of each of the plurality of openings, a plurality of piezoelectric element portions which is formed on a surface of the plurality of vibration plates and each has a piezoelectric substance layer and a pair of electrode layers formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric substance layer, and a covering layer which is disposed on a surface of the substrate such that the plurality of piezoelectric element portions is embedded in the covering layer, and is formed of an organic resin having an acoustic impedance of 1.5×106 kg/m2 s to 4×106 kg/m2 s and a Shore A hardness of equal to or less than 75.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Takatsugu Wada
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Patent number: 10206660Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Rika Tashiro
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Patent number: 10206661Abstract: Embodiments provided herein generally relate to improved ultrasound visualization. In some embodiments, interoperative ultrasound displays may be enhanced for more accurate identification of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Richard J. Mammone
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Patent number: 10206662Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Donald F. Specht, Kenneth D. Brewer, John P. Lunsford, David J. Specht
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Patent number: 10206663Abstract: A sample holder that enables mid-infrared spectroscopy of a test sample using mid-infrared light is disclosed. The sample holder includes an inlet port and a sample chamber that comprises a sample region and a capillary channel that fluidically couples the inlet port and the sample region. The capillary channel is characterized by a higher capillary force than the sample region. As a result, when the inlet port is put in contact with a liquid containing the test sample, the liquid is drawn into the sample region without the formation of bubbles that could obscure the optical analysis. In some embodiments, the inlet port is the free end of a draw tube having an outer diameter that is smaller than the minimum spacing between pain receptors at a draw site on a patient, which mitigates pain felt by the patient due to insertion of the draw tube at the draw site.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Roc8Sci Co.Inventor: Frank Thomas Hartley
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Patent number: 10206664Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument useful for taking tissue samples from human or animal patients that includes a cannula or other similar elongate body cooperating with a stylet or similar device coaxially positioned within the cannula such that the cannula and stylet are useful for capturing and excising tissue. The cannula body includes at least one flexing region having one or more slits disposed in a generally helical slit pattern arranged around and along the cannula. Methods for taking tissue samples from a patient are also disclosed including navigating the cannula and stylet through various internal structures of the patient's body where the flexing region aids to avoid binding between the cannula and the stylet during the procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventor: Thomas W. McGhie
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Patent number: 10206665Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a valve assembly. The needle extends distally relative to the body. The needle defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first and second lumens extend along a first and second longitudinal axis, respectively. The needle includes an opening fluidly coupling the first and second lumens. The cutter is translatable relative to the needle. The valve assembly comprises a vent opening and a spool body. The spool body is movable relative to the vent opening between a first and second position. The second lumen is coupled to the vent opening when the spool body is in the first position. The second lumen is sealed relative to the vent opening when the spool body is in the second position. The spool body is configured to transition between the first and second position by translation of the cutter.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Fiebig, Edward A. Rhad, Andrew P. Nock
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Patent number: 10206666Abstract: A tissue bag for surrounding tissue (2) during a surgical procedure comprises a bag body (6) capable of forming an enclosure, an opening (9) in the bag body, and one or more inflatable ribs (8) located on the bag body. The ribs (8) are such that inflation of the one or more ribs to a first extent causes the bag to deploy to an open position in which the bag is capable of being placed over tissue with the tissue received through the opening. Inflation of the one or more ribs (8) to a second further extent causes the bag to envelop the tissue with the opening (9) being smaller in diameter than in the open position. The ribs may each include at least first and second discrete longitudinal portions (10), (11) with an angled end face (15) therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITEDInventor: James Alan Dickson
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Patent number: 10206667Abstract: Provided herein are laparoscopic tissue removal systems, components, and uses thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: University of Florida Research FoundationInventors: Erich T. Wyckoff, Daniel J. Gibson, Christopher D. Batich, Gregory Scott Schultz
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Patent number: 10206668Abstract: The provided technologies provide an implant closure device having a mesh layer formed on a flexible substrate, collectively forming a sealable member, that improves a seal formed over an aperture in a body lumen. The mesh facilitates a faster and more secure adherence of the sealable member to the surrounding edges at the puncture site. Furthermore, the provided technology may promote platelet-capture and encourage localized platelet aggregation at the exposed collagen in the wound edges on the mesh layer. The platelet impregnated mesh layer can facilitate cellular adhesion, enabling the sealable member that is local to the wound opening to act, in essence, as a “biological glue”.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Vivasure Medical LimitedInventors: Mark McGoldrick, Bartosz Pawlikowski, Peter Grant, Noelle Barrett, Gerard Brett, Christopher Martin
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Patent number: 10206669Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for assisting with submucosal dissections include a retraction strip body. The retraction strip body is formed at least partially from a deformable material. The retraction strip body is capable of being selectively moved between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the retraction strip body is capable of engaging a target patient tissue. In the second condition, the retraction strip body is capable of retracting the target patient tissue. At least one tissue engagement member is located on the retraction strip body.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATIONInventors: Amit Bhatt, Shengqiang Gao, William Kolosi, John Vargo
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Patent number: 10206670Abstract: A method of ankle syndesmosis repair according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drilling a hole through a fibula and a tibia of an ankle joint, pulling a first button device through the hole using a pull-through suture until the first button device exits on a medial side of the tibia, flipping the first button device so it rests against a medial cortex of the tibia, and positioning a second button device at a lateral side of the fibula.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.Inventor: Brian Thornes
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Patent number: 10206671Abstract: A tacker for applying a rotary tack, including a tacker for applying a rotary tack, including a handle with a first trigger assembly and a second trigger assembly, the trigger assemblies being coupled to an articulated applicator arm which is disposed through a drive shaft connected to the handle, the first trigger assembly operative to apply a rotary tack from a distal end of the applicator arm and the second trigger assembly operative to bend the distal end of the applicator arm, wherein a longitudinal axis of the handle is tilted with respect to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: THD Lap Ltd.Inventors: Ofir Rimer, Nir Altman, Shalom Levin, Asaf Levin, Izhak Fabian, Aharon Cohen
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Patent number: 10206672Abstract: An arthroscopic bone channel forming and suturing method including forming a first generally straight channel in a bone, forming a second generally straight channel in the bone, the second generally straight channel not intersecting the first generally straight channel, inserting a curved needle into the first generally straight channel, inserting a suture through the second generally straight channel in the bone to a suture pick-up location, manipulating the curved needle to form a curved junction between the first generally straight channel and the second generally straight channel; and pulling the suture by the curved needle from the suture pick-up location through the junction and though the first generally straight channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MININVASIVE LTD.Inventors: Mordechai Sholev, Raphael Meloul, Arnon Mousaiuf, Boaz Harari, Ronen Raz
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Patent number: 10206673Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a casing, shaped to define a cavity, and one or more openings in the casing, in which openings one or more sutures are disposable; and a core, disposed in the cavity, and shaped to define a lumen in which the sutures are disposable. The apparatus has an unlocked configuration in which the sutures are disposable within and slidable through the openings and the lumen, and a locking configuration in which the sutures are inhibited from sliding through the openings and the lumen. The apparatus is movable from the unlocked configuration to the locking configuration, and is configured such that, when the sutures are disposed within the openings and the lumen, and the apparatus moves from the unlocked configuration to the locking configuration, the apparatus cuts the sutures at a cutting site, and becomes coupled to the sutures at a coupling site.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: 4TECH, INC.Inventors: Francesco Maisano, Hugo Vanermen, Ottavio Alfieri, Idan Tobis, Andrea Guidotti, Paolo Denti
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Patent number: 10206674Abstract: A puncture device is disclosed, which can include a puncture needle curved in an arc, turnably supported around an axis (J1) as a turning center, and having a needle tip which punctures a living body when the puncture needle is turned; a urethral insertion member having a urethral insertion portion of a linear shape which is inserted into the urethra; and a frame capable of connecting the puncture needle and the urethral insertion member to each other, the frame turnably supporting the puncture needle. When the puncture needle is turned, the needle tip of the puncture needle has a locus (plane f9), which is inclined by an inclination angle (?2) of 20 to 60 degrees with respect to a plane (f2) orthogonal to the urethral insertion portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masakatsu Kawaura, Nao Yokoi, Shigeki Ariura
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Patent number: 10206675Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved cutting of self-retaining elements on a suture material, including the use of an improved calibration system. The calibration system includes a light emitting source and light receiving source, emitting light through a blade housing where the blade edge is within the light emitted pathway. The blade housing can be moved in accordance with the calibration information.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventor: Nilesh A. Shah
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Patent number: 10206676Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, an elongate shaft, a closure system, a motor configured to generate rotary motion, and a rotatable drive screw drivable by the motor is disclosed. The end effector comprises a frame, an anvil movable from an open position to a clamped position, and a staple cartridge. The anvil comprises staple deforming features and a channel comprising a blade receiving portion and a lateral portion. The staple cartridge comprises a deck, a slot, staple cavities, staples, staple drivers, and a firing member movable in response to a firing stroke. The firing member comprises an inclined surface, a cutting member, and a lateral member. The closure system is configured to place the anvil in the clamped position in response to a closure motion. The rotatable drive screw is operably coupled to the firing member such that the rotary motion is converted to the firing stroke.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10206677Abstract: A staple cartridge that includes a multi-staple driver is disclosed. The multi-staple driver is configured to drive multiple staples from the staple cartridge. The staples are arranged in a staple array in which at least one staple is angularly-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. The multi-staple driver can drive staples at various angular orientations and/or from multiple rows of staple cavities. A driverless staple cartridge is also disclosed. A sled in the driverless cartridge is configured to directly engage and drive staples. The staples are arranged in a staple array in which at least one staple is angularly-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the driverless staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan, Mark S. Zeiner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10206678Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. In at least one form, the instrument comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and an articulation joint configured to facilitate selective articulation of the end effector in directions transverse to a longitudinal axis. The instrument further comprises a longitudinally-reciprocating firing assembly comprising a firing bar and a knife. The instrument further comprises a firing assembly lockout arrangement on one of a first jaw and a second jaw and is configured to prevent distal advancement of the knife from a starting to an ending position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge is operably supported in the one of the first and second jaws. The instrument further comprises means for applying a firing motion to the longitudinally-reciprocating firing assembly to drive the knife from the starting to the ending position and return the knife from the ending position to the starting position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, William B. Weisenburgh, II
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Patent number: 10206679Abstract: A surgical staple includes a backspan and a pair of deformable legs extending from the backspan and terminating in a penetrating end. The backspan and deformable legs are formed from a wire having a curvilinear cross-section defining a major axis and a minor axis with a portion of the wire above the major axis defining a first curved surface and a portion of the wire below the major axis defining a second curved surface, and a portion of the wire to the left of the minor axis defining a third curved surface and a portion to the right of the minor axis defining a fourth curved surface being different than the first, second, and third curved surfaces. One or more of the curved surfaces is different than the remaining curved surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Anthony Sgroi
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Patent number: 10206680Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for guiding surgical fasteners. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate guidance of fasteners during deployment of the fasteners into tissue. In general, the surgical device can include one or more guidance features configured to facilitate guidance of the fasteners during ejection of the fasteners from the cartridge. The one or more guidance features can be configured to reduce lateral movement of the fasteners during deployment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more guidance features can be configured to support a fastener on three sides thereof during deployment of the fastener. The one or more guidance features can be formed on the cartridge, e.g., formed on a surface thereof or formed on a sled disposed in the cartridge, and/or can be formed on a jaw that seats the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
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Patent number: 10206681Abstract: A side-to-end vascular anastomosis device comprising a diversion conduit coupled to a lower flange which is inserted into the vessel and an upper flange located on the outside of the vessel designed to clamp together to seal the incision into which the lower flange of the device is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Asfora IP, LLCInventor: Wilson Theophilo Asfora
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Patent number: 10206682Abstract: A tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures may include a first device portion having a first magnetic member and a second device portion having a second magnetic member. The magnetic members are configured to magnetically draw together the first and second device portions to compress tissue positioned therebetween. The compression device further includes a latching mechanism configured to couple the first device portion with the second device portion when the device portions are magnetically drawn together. The latching mechanism may include a first latching member extending from the first device portion and a second latching member extending from the second device portion. The latching members are configured to lockingly engage and thereby couple the first device portion with the second device portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Bethany F. Grant, John V. Hunt, Daniel W. Price, Nicholas B. Van Stolk, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10206683Abstract: A vascular compression apparatus and method for applying pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, after a cannulated procedure for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. The vascular compression apparatus includes a handle, a shaft and a pad. The shaft extends generally downward from the center of the bottom side of the handle. The pad is connected generally off-center of its top side to the bottom end of the shaft. The bottom side of the pad is convex to allow the vascular compression device to be rocked back and forth. In use, the pad is generally placed proximal to the catheter insertion site and over the blood vessel containing the catheter. The device is rocked proximally to control blood flow while removing the catheter. After the catheter is removed from the puncture site, the device is rocked distally to the puncture site, where pressure is applied until hemostasis is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MARINE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Sergio Finkielsztein, Marco Finkielsztein, John N. Vournakis
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Patent number: 10206684Abstract: A device for treating nosebleeds includes a mouth insert having a horizontally extending elongated portion, a center portion extending downward from a bottom surface of the elongated portion and a bite tab extending backward from the center portion. The elongated portion is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into a buccal cavity of a user's mouth and to fit behind the user's upper lip and in front of the user's upper gums. The center portion is shaped and dimensioned to be positioned in front of the user's upper front teeth and the bite tab is shaped and dimensioned to provide a biting surface for the user's front teeth. Biting down onto the bite tab pushes the elongated portion upward and applies pressure upward to the user's buccal cavity and towards an anterior portion of the user's nose.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Inventor: Matthew James Ibarra
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Patent number: 10206685Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ENDOSHAPE, INC.Inventors: Julie Trommeter, Charles Barkenbus, Jeffrey Castleberry, William Aldrich, Jon Page, Paul Burek, Stan Needle, Frank Becking, Dean Carson, Jessi Watson
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Patent number: 10206686Abstract: Bronchus sealants and methods of sealing bronchial tubes are provided. In general, the bronchus sealants and methods of sealing bronchial tubes can facilitate sealing of stapled bronchial tubes. In some embodiments, a reinforcement material can be introduced into a bronchial tube, and then the bronchial tube and the reinforcement material can be stapled using a surgical stapler. A sealant can be introduced into the bronchial tube and can harden therein, thereby helping to seal the bronchial tube where the bronchial tube was stapled. The sealant can be introduced into the bronchial tube before and/or after the stapling of the bronchial tube and the reinforcement material.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Anne J. Gorman, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10206687Abstract: The present disclosure discusses systems and methods for controlling a hemorrhage. The hemorrhage control device can include a harness that is worn around an upper junctional area and a lower junctional area of a user. The hemorrhage control device can also include a compression device that is configured to reversibly couple with the harness. The compression device can include a compression puck and a handle. The handle can be coupled with the harness. When rotated the handle can constrict the harness around the upper junctional area or the lower junctional area. The constriction of the harness can also cause the compression puck to compress the upper junctional area or the lower junctional area.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ARMR SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Tyler Jack Prescott Harmon, Yegor Podgorsky, Chibueze Joseph Ihenacho
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Patent number: 10206688Abstract: Arthroplasty jigs and related methods are disclosed. Some of the arthroplasty jigs may comprise a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, and a positioning component. Certain of the methods may comprise providing such an arthroplasty jig, and aligning the jig body with a surface of a bone so that the positioning component provides at least one of a visible, audible, or tactile indication that such alignment has been achieved. Some of the arthroplasty jigs may comprise a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, and that is marked with identifying information. Certain of the methods may comprise providing an arthroplasty jig comprising a jig body that is configured to align with a surface of a bone, or providing an arthroplasty jig blank, and marking the arthroplasty jig or the arthroplasty jig blank with identifying information.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics CorporationInventors: Ilwhan Park, Charlie W. Chi
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Patent number: 10206689Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention relates to a medical guide device for working on a bone. This guide device includes a holding arrangement, which is holdable firmly against a bone, for holding the guide device firmly against the bone and a saw template with a guide slot for a saw blade. In an adjustment position, the holding arrangement and the saw template engage with one another and are arranged to be movable in relation to one another. The holding arrangement and the saw template are movable from the adjustment position into a sawing position in which they are held firmly and immovably in relation to one another. Said guide device includes a coupling arrangement for coupling the holding arrangement and the saw template in the adjustment position and in the sawing position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Aesculap AGInventors: Franz-Peter Firmbach, William Mihalko, Martin Nonnenmann
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Patent number: 10206690Abstract: The present invention concerns a marker for bones, particularly for marking irregularities in the femoral head. There is described a surgical instrument having a shaft including a handle towards a proximal end and an arm towards a distal end. The arm includes a template, and the arm and/or template further includes tissue marking means for marking differences in the curvature of a tissue surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventor: Paul Alexander Torrie
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Patent number: 10206691Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for holding a tool. The assembly may selectively reduce and/or eliminate vibrations received and felt by a user. Reducing vibrations may reduce or eliminate chatter at a working end of a tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Bret Hauser, Thaddeus S. Milburn
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Patent number: 10206692Abstract: Osteotomy tools and procedures are provided that include a sets of guides in which pins are placed through conduits in the guides with a close tolerance and into the bone at predetermined angles. One pin is placed at a correction angle subtending from one of a pair of parallel pins placed across an osteotomy site. After the osteotomy is completed, a bone correction is achieved by rotating the pin at the correction angle to be parallel to the one of the parallel pins located across the osteotomy site. A parallel pin guide is placed over these two pins to maintain the bone correction and stabilize the osteotomy, allowing fixation of the corrected bone segments.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Inventor: Mark Sanders
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Patent number: 10206693Abstract: A trajectory frame for use with an MRI-guided interventional system includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. The base is configured to be secured to the body of a patient. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide distal end portion is positioned proximate the patient access aperture. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including a targeting cannula, drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and catheter guide.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.Inventor: Peter Piferi