Patents Issued in March 28, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190090905
    Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a seal assembly that maintains insufflation pressure when sized seal cartridges are removed and replaced. The trocar assembly includes a housing that defines a working chamber, and a cannula distally extends from the housing and defines a lumen that communicates with the working chamber. The seal cartridge is arranged within the working chamber, and may include one or both of a proximal seal assembly and a distal seal assembly arranged distally from the proximal seal assembly, and may further include a bushing extending distally from a distal end of the seal cartridge and into the lumen. A tertiary seal may also be positioned within the working chamber distal to the seal cartridge, such that the bushing extends through the tertiary seal when the seal cartridge is received within the working chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, Katherine J. Schmid, Joe Mozloom, Harry Adams
  • Publication number: 20190090906
    Abstract: An enclosure provides a prophylactic barrier that may be permeable to gases, hormones, proteins, and peritoneal fluid, but restrains tumor cells within the enclosure so as to inhibit ovarian cancer invasion of adjacent tissue, and increase the speed of diagnosis of ovarian dysplasia, including cancer. The enclosure includes one or more of fiducial markers, heat sensors, and blood flow reflectors, which may be imaged non-invasively in order to detect conditions or pathology affecting the ovary. The enclosure may also include an access port that permits sampling of the enclosure's contents to further aid in detecting or treating conditions or pathology affecting the ovary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Eric S. Rugart
  • Publication number: 20190090907
    Abstract: A revision connector is configured to couple a new spine fixation rod to a previously implanted spine fixation rod that is secured to a plurality of vertebrae. The new spine fixation rod can be implanted and secured to vertebrae that are caudal and/or cranial with respect to the previously secured vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Tom Keyer, Eric McDivitt, Joseph Capozzoli, Christoph Meyer, Nicholas Theodore, Charles Kuntz
  • Publication number: 20190090908
    Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Shawn D. Stad
  • Publication number: 20190090909
    Abstract: A fixation device includes an outer member, a retaining member, and an inner member. The outer member includes an elongated body portion defining a central bore through at least a portion thereof that extends along a central longitudinal axis. The elongated body portion includes a slot defined therethrough. The retaining member is disposed within the outer member when in an initial position and extends through the slot of the outer member when in a deployed position. The inner member includes a cam shaft body disposed within the central bore of the outer member. The cam shaft body is coupled to the retaining member such that rotation of the inner member moves the retaining member between the initial and deployed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry McClintock
  • Publication number: 20190090910
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod, which is integrally formed with a body of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a collet, a body portion, a rod portion, and a locking cap. The anchor assembly is preferably configured so that in use, the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body portion. The anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body portion to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the rod portion may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel of a second bone fixation element having a rod-receiving channel implanted at a second site and the body portion can be snapped-onto the bone anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Keyer, Eric McDivitt, Joseph Capozzoli, Boyd A. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20190090911
    Abstract: A system that includes a cervical plate and an intervertebral cage, the cervical plate having a mounting section that renders the cervical plate mountable to a reference feature located on the front wall of the intervertebral cage, the reference feature being positioned to set a distance between an eyelet of the cervical plate and an edge of the front wall to position the eyelet over a mounting location on a vertebra when the mounting section is mounted to the reference feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Mohammad ETMINAN
  • Publication number: 20190090912
    Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Robert Gutierrez, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20190090913
    Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Robert Gutierrez, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20190090914
    Abstract: Orthopedic implant and methods of implantation for fixing adjacent bones. In one embodiment, the implant includes a locking mechanism that is adapted to be advanced by a locking instrument, wherein advancement of the locking mechanism in a first direction produces rotation of a first rigid abutment surface of the implant from a first orientation to a second orientation, and continued advancement of the locking mechanism produces advancement of the first rigid abutment surface towards a second rigid abutment surface of the implant. The continued advancement may also place a compressive load onto the implant sufficient to immobilize the implant relative to a first bony surface and a second bony surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Samy Abdou
  • Publication number: 20190090915
    Abstract: An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline C. Wolters, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20190090916
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and devices including drivers, inserters, and reducers. The driver includes a ratcheting mechanism configured to provide uni-directional motion when engaged. The inserter includes a rack, pinion, and cam system designed to secure an implant and release an implant in-situ. The reducer includes a geared system for persuading together surgical components and aligning misaligned vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Publication number: 20190090917
    Abstract: The invention discloses a probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The probe has a long cylindrical shape and includes a probe head (1), a probe body (2) at the rear of the probe head (1), and a probe tail (3) at a rear end of the probe body (2). The probe has a three-layer composite structure. The probe tail is a three-layer composite structure. The probe of the invention is used to detect a body tissue, and according to different electrical signals fed back by different body tissues, a type of the body tissue being detected by the probe can be known, thereby avoiding a medical accident in which a spinal cord or nerve is injured by a screw intruded into a vertebral foramen. The probe of the invention is simple in structure, convenient for use, easy in operation, of high reliability, high surgical safety and high success rate of surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Zhen FENG, Qun CAO
  • Publication number: 20190090918
    Abstract: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. Further tools include a removable stabilizer, a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190090919
    Abstract: An implantable compensating sleeve is applied between an oblong implant section of a first implant, and a second implant that encloses the oblong implant section of said first implant. The compensating sleeve has a sheath having a sheath body and a passage, running from the proximal to the distal end of the sheath body, for receiving said oblong implant section of the first implant. The sheath body is divided, by slits which cut into the sheath body in the longitudinal direction and originate alternately from the distal and from the proximal edge of the sheath body, into meander-like segments each comprising two longitudinal arms. The sheath body is radially expandable in at least one subsection. On the inner surface of the sheath body facing the passage, at least one bulge extends in the longitudinal direction of a meander-like segment, forming an inner profile that protrudes into the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Merete Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Emmanuel Anapliotis
  • Publication number: 20190090920
    Abstract: System, including methods and devices, for fixing bone. The system may include a bone plate having two or more plate members connected to one another with one or more movable joints. Each joint may permit the orientation of the plate members to be adjusted relative to one another in a single plane or two or more nonparallel planes. The joint may have a movable configuration and a fixed configuration. Methods of creating the bone plate are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Larry W. Ehmke, Brian R. Conley, Andrew W. Seykora, Gregory D. Hutton
  • Publication number: 20190090921
    Abstract: The bone plate of the present invention includes a body portion to be fixed to an obliquely anterior medial surface of the tibia below the osteotomy surface; a wide portion to be fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the tibia at a higher position than the osteotomy surface; a connecting portion that connects the body portion and the wide portion; and a plurality of screw holes arrayed in the body portion, the wide portion and the connecting portion. An inner surface that extends from the wide portion to the connecting portion and faces the tibia has a continuous curved shape twisted about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the tibia. The wide portion is offset in an outward plate thickness direction with respect to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS TERUMO BIOMATERIALS CORP.
    Inventors: Koichi KURODA, Mitsuya URATA, Ryohei TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20190090922
    Abstract: Provided herein is a wedge for implantation into a distal radius fracture. The wedge has a longitudinal axis and includes a wedge-shaped body and an anchorage reinforcement member having a securement member. The wedge shaped body has opposing tapered surfaces extending from a proximal end wall to a distal end wall and tapering toward the longitudinal axis in the proximal to distal direction. The wedge-shaped body includes an aperture extending through the opposing tapered surfaces. The anchorage reinforcement member is received within the wedge-shaped body and is rotatable relative thereto. At least a portion of the securement member is adapted to extend through the aperture for engaging with and securing to the radius bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Tobias Bluchel
  • Publication number: 20190090923
    Abstract: An orthopedic fastener has a head and a shank. The shank has a leading end portion adjacent a distal tip and a trailing end portion adjacent a head. An intermediate portion is positioned between the leading and trailing end portions. At the intermediate portion, the shank increases in diameter. The leading end portion has a first thread which includes one or more self-tapping cutting grooves extending adjacent the distal tip and through a plurality of the first threads. The intermediate portion has second threads extending toward the head from the leading end portion. The second threads of the intermediate portion are larger in outer diameter than the first threads in the leading end portion. The intermediate portion has one or more cutting grooves traversing at each of a leading transition at the leading end portion and at a trailing transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Dale Whipple, Kenneth Richard Barra
  • Publication number: 20190090924
    Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor includes an anchor member having first and second ends and a tubular section between the ends, a longitudinal axis extending from the first to second end, an outer surface, and a bone engagement structure for engaging a bone on at least a portion of the outer surface; and a longitudinal core member having a first portion and a second portion configured to be received in the tubular section and to connected to the anchor member, with the first portion configured to be spaced apart from the anchor member and movable with respect to it. The core member is made at least partially of a nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) based shape memory alloy such that its shape after transitioning from a martensitic to austenitic phase is configured to result in a press-fit connection between the second portion and the anchor member with the second portion in the austenitic phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20190090925
    Abstract: Implant positioning devices and fastener guides for implant positioning devices are disclosed for assisting in positioning orthopaedic fixation devices (such as bone plates, etc.). A fastener guide may include a body with slits in a first end of the body that form a guide arm proximal to the first end of the body. The guide arm is configured to releasably hold a fastener in the fastener guide. The fastener guide may also be coupled to a bone plate to facilitate ease of alignment and insertion of the fastener into a fastener apertures of the bone plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: JACE MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jason F. Detweiler, Scott Steffensmeier
  • Publication number: 20190090926
    Abstract: A flexible surgical screw driver comprises a rotatable handle member, a shaft member and a flexible member. The handle member is configured with a first coupling means and the shaft member with a second coupling means. These first and second coupling means are configured to cooperate such that the handle member and the shaft member are angularly displaceable relative to each other and such that said handle member and said shaft member are non-rotatably coupled to each other for driving a screw with rotation transmitted from the handle member. The flexible member is configured to connect the handle member and the shaft member to each other and hold said handle member and said shaft member together such that the longitudinal axes thereof are substantially aligned and such that angular displacement of the handle member and the shaft member relative to each other such that the longitudinal axes thereof are misaligned, can be performed against the action of said flexible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Lutz, Klaus Dorawa
  • Publication number: 20190090927
    Abstract: A system for alleviating occipital neuralgia. The system has a needle probe having at least one needle. The at least one needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a needle lumen therebetween, the needle configured for insertion proximate to a location of the occipital nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen extends distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller that has at least one processor configured implements an occipital neuralgia treatment algorithm for controlling the cooling fluid source so that liquid from the cooling flow vaporizes within the needle lumen to provide a treatment phase to location of the occipital nerve such that the occipital neuralgia is mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Clint Carnell, John Allison, Jwala Karnik, Jesse Rosen
  • Publication number: 20190090928
    Abstract: The invention may be applied to selectively heat a diseased area in the lung while minimizing heating to the healthy area and surrounding tissue. This can be done by exposing the lung to an electromagnetic field causing dielectric or eddy current heating. The invention is particularly useful for treating emphysema as the diseased areas in emphysema patients have reduced blood flow. The diseased area will heat up rapidly while the healthy tissue will be cooled by the blood flow. This is particularly effective for treating emphysema because of the low mass of the lungs and the high blood flow. To avoid heating of surrounding organs the direction of the electromagnetic energy may be switched in a way it always passes through lungs but only intermittently passes through adjacent organs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Samuel Victor LICHTENSTEIN, Daniel GELBART, Eran ELIZUR, Kevin James CANNONS
  • Publication number: 20190090929
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a power supply, a power stage coupled to the power supply for converting electric energy to a power signal, an audio output device, a sensor, and a controller coupled to the power supply, the power stage, and the audio output device. The controller is operably coupled to the sensor. The power stage is configured to transmit the power signal to a surgical instrument such as an electrosurgical instrument or a microwave instrument. The sensor may be disposed on the surgical instrument. The controller causes the audio output device to output sensory feedback during operation of the surgical generator based on sensor signals received from the sensor during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20190090930
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to controlling the application of electrosurgical energy by an electrosurgical instrument. An electrosurgical generator in accordance with the present disclosure includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. When the instructions are executed, they cause the generator to receive signals from the instrument over time relating to whether tissue is grasped by the instrument, receive an indication to provide an indicated treatment power to the instrument where the indicated treatment power is set by a user, determine based on the signals that tissue is currently grasped and that, for at least a predetermine length of time prior, no tissue had been grasped, and based on the determination, provide a treatment power surge to the instrument for a surge time period, where the treatment power surge is greater than the indicated treatment power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA
  • Publication number: 20190090931
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to controlling the application of electrosurgical energy by an electrosurgical instrument to minimizing arcing and subsequent wear of electrosurgical instruments. An electrosurgical generator in accordance with the present disclosure includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA
  • Publication number: 20190090932
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical generator that controls treatment energy to be provided in a coagulation mode, where the treatment energy has an adjustable voltage ramp rate which can be set to a ramp rate in a range of voltage ramp rates. The generator receives signals from an instrument over time relating to load impedance. When the load impedance is above a threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and decreases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, a voltage of the treatment energy. When the load impedance is below the threshold, the generator sets the adjustable voltage ramp rate to a ramp rate in the range of voltage ramp rates, and increases, at the adjustable voltage ramp rate, the voltage of the treatment energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: DONALD L. TONN, JAMES E. DUNNING, WILLIAM D. FAULKNER, JENNIFER R. McHENRY, DEVON E. SCOTT-DRECHSEL, ERIC M. WESTRA
  • Publication number: 20190090933
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for treating back pain associated with a vertebral body of a patient. The system may include an external energy source configured to be positioned at a location external to the body of the patient, a linear configured to drive translation of the external source in one or more axes, a computer coupled to the external source and linear drive and programming executable on said computer for determining a target treatment site within or near the vertebral body based on acquired imaging data, positioning a focal point of the external energy source to substantially coincide with the target treatment site, and delivering a treatment dose of therapeutic energy at said target treatment site, wherein the treatment dose is configured to modulate a nerve within or near the vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Richard C. Pellegrino, Rex Peters
  • Publication number: 20190090934
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a jaw member having an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. A polydimethylsiloxane coating having a thickness in the range of from about 35 nm to about 85 nm is disposed on the tissue sealing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, MICHAEL C. BARDEN, KRISTEN P. BRADLEY, TODD W. BOUCHER
  • Publication number: 20190090935
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a jaw member having an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. A polydimethylsiloxane coating having a thickness in the range of from about 35 nm to about 85 nm is disposed on the tissue sealing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, MICHAEL C. BARDEN, KRISTEN P. BRADLEY, TODD W. BOUCHER
  • Publication number: 20190090936
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a jaw member having an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. A polydimethylsiloxane coating having a thickness in the range of from about 35 nm to about 85 nm is disposed on the tissue sealing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, MICHAEL C. BARDEN, TODD W. BOUCHER
  • Publication number: 20190090937
    Abstract: A fluid supply instrument for a treatment instrument that is mounted on a grasping section of the treatment instrument capable of grasping a living tissue includes a port configured to receive a fluid, and a cover continuous to the port and configured to be covering a back surface on an opposite Side of a grasping surface of the grasping section that is capable of grasping a living tissue. The cover forms a fluid channel continuous from the port in cooperation with the grasping section, and allows the fluid received from the port to flow out from between a cover edge adjacent to the grasping surface and an edge portion of the grasping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihito KANO
  • Publication number: 20190090938
    Abstract: A tube configured to be mounted on an outer side of a shaft of a treatment instrument includes a tube main body, and a convex portion that is provided along a longitudinal axis of the tube main body and is protruded inwards in a radial direction of the tube main body with respect to an inner peripheral surface of the tube main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihito KANO
  • Publication number: 20190090939
    Abstract: A treatment tool includes a rotary member that is rotatable in unison with an elongated member such as a sheath or shaft and an end effector around a predetermined axis of rotation with respect to a housing. The rotary member includes a first ridge and a second ridge each of which projects to an outer circumferential side. The second ridge is contiguous to a distal-end side of the first ridge. A second distance from the axis of rotation to a protrusive end of the second ridge is longer than a first distance from the axis of rotation to a protrusive end of the first ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Tatsuro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20190090940
    Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. MANZO, William A. BURBANK, Richard D. GRESHAM
  • Publication number: 20190090941
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes. An indicator mechanism is operatively coupled to the wall and configured to indicate non-expanded and expanded shapes of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Akos Toth, Ronald Hundertmark
  • Publication number: 20190090942
    Abstract: Various catheters with expandable and contractible fluid pathways extending therethrough, and methods of use, are provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a catheter is provided with an elongate body having an electrode at the distal end thereof. One or more expandable members or wings can extend between the electrode and the distal end of the elongate body. The catheter can also include an actuator extending therethrough and coupled to the electrode such that movement of the actuator is effective to advance and retract the electrode, thereby moving the one or more expandable members between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The catheter can also include a fluid sealed lumen formed therein and configured to receive fluid and to deliver fluid to one or more pathways formed in the electrode. The actuator can extend through the fluid sealed lumen, however it can be fluidly separated from the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ali Haghighi-Mood, Richard Jonathan Cohen
  • Publication number: 20190090943
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Publication number: 20190090944
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Nicolas Zadno
  • Publication number: 20190090945
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein for therapeutically treating atrial tissue to lessen the effects of mechanical stress on atrial tissue, where reducing mechanical stress in the portion of atrial tissue reduces formation of at least one arrhythmia substrate. In one example, the devices and methods are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit creating an ablation pattern on an organ while reducing excessive trauma to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. WHAYNE, Sidney D. FLEISCHMAN
  • Publication number: 20190090946
    Abstract: A method and device for modulating the autonomic nervous system adjacent a pericardial space to treat cardiac arrhythmia includes a treatment source arranged to supply a treatment medium, a catheter having an end sized for insertion into the pericardial space, a medium delivery assembly having a distal end arranged to be positioned by the catheter into the pericardium, with the distal end of the delivery assembly comprising a delivery tip arranged to extend away from the distal end of the catheter into the pericardial space. A connector operatively couples the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly to the treatment source, and the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly including a plurality of delivery points for delivering the treatment medium at a plurality of treatment areas within the pericardial space. The device performs modulation or ablation of the autonomic nervous system at selected treatment areas within the pericardium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Samuel J. Asirvatham, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20190090947
    Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneously treating tissue beneath a skin surface using radiofrequency energy. The apparatus includes an electrode assembly supported by a handpiece. The electrode assembly includes an electrode configured to transfer the radiofrequency energy through the skin surface to the tissue. A force sensor, which is located in the handpiece, is configured to detect an amount of force applied by the electrode against the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Roger A. Stern, Mitchell Levinson, Bryan Weber
  • Publication number: 20190090948
    Abstract: A microwave ablation catheter including a radiating section formed at a distal end of a coaxial cable, an inner tubular member circumscribing the coaxial cable and at least a portion of the radiating section, and an outer tubular member circumscribing the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member including a flexible portion and a rigid portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: WILLIAM J. DICKHANS
  • Publication number: 20190090949
    Abstract: A laser device for dermocosmetic, medical, or aesthetic treatments, comprising: A) a laser system comprising a lamp-pumped source; B) an optical fibre transporting the laser beam produced by said source; C) a handpiece or a scanner connected to said optical fibre, comprising a lens and mirror system projecting the image of the laser beam onto the area to be treated; characterized in that said optical fibre has a rectangular section and said image is rectangular. A method of dermocosmetic laser treatment characterized by rectangular laser spots is also claimed. It is a further object of the present invention a tracing kit, which allows the marking of a surface area, preferably of biological tissue, with a fluorescent or photosensitive substance invisible to light. Such an invisible and fluorescent or photosensitive substance absorbs the electromagnetic radiation with the proper wavelength emitted by the illuminator and reflects it in the visible spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Aldo CASALINO, Lorenzo CASALINO
  • Publication number: 20190090950
    Abstract: The device comprises an outer conductor (7) and an inner conductor (9) arranged approximately coaxial with each other. The outer conductor surrounds the inner conductor. The outer conductor (7) and the inner conductor (9) are arranged and configured to generate an electromagnetic field with lines of force extending from a front surface (9A) of the inner conductor (9) to a front surface (7C) of the outer conductor (7). The device further comprises an energy delivery window (13) arranged in front of the outer conductor and the inner conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Leonardo MASOTTI, Mauro GALLI, Riccardo STOCCHI, Paolo CORSINI, Marco BINI, Amleto IGNESTI, Cristiano RIMINESI, Samuele BENI
  • Publication number: 20190090951
    Abstract: An ultrasound imager provides for LAA closure guidance. Using ultrasound imaging allows for modeling over time (e.g., throughout a heart cycle). An anatomy model of the LAA over time is used to create a biomechanical model personalized to the patient. The personalized models and a model of one or more closure devices are used to select a closure device for the patient appropriate for the entire heart cycle and to guide placement of the selected closure device during an implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Estelle Camus, Tommaso Mansi, Ingmar Voigt
  • Publication number: 20190090952
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to aid in planning at least a portion of a total knee arthroplasty procedure. The system and method automatically aligns the implant components and the bones according to a desired clinical alignment goal with minimum user input. The system and method further allows the user to adjust the position and orientation of the femur, tibia, or implant in a clinical direction regardless of a pre-adjusted position and orientation of the femur, tibia, or implant. The graphical user interface is provided that includes a three-dimensional (3-D) view window, a view options window, a patient information window, an implant family window, a workflow-specific tasks window, and a limb and knee alignment measures window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel P. BONNY, Saurabh JAIN
  • Publication number: 20190090953
    Abstract: A medical tool insertion guide device includes a base portion composed primarily of electromagnetically transmissive material but has a first component composed of electromagnetically absorptive material. The device also includes a movable portion composed primarily of the electromagnetically transmissive material, but has a second component composed of absorptive material. The movable portion is mounted, but movable by rotation or translation relative, to the base portion. An encoder sensor is mounted to one portion, and an encoder scale is mounted to the other, and the sensor faces the scale when mounted. The components can include fiducial markers. The transmissivity and absorptivity can be in a particular band(s), such as an X-ray band. The medical tool can be a needle, a medical probe, a scalpel, etc. A computer based method of providing control guidance for the device is provided, and a program therefor can be stored in a storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: Hitoshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20190090954
    Abstract: A workflow assistance system for image guided surgical procedures includes an interventional imaging system. The interventional imaging system operates to move relative to a patient and to acquire interventional images during a surgical procedure. A surveillance system is arranged about a surgical suite and produces surveillance data. A workflow controller processes the surveillance data to identify locations of clinicians, the patient, the interventional imaging system, and medical equipment within the surgical suite and provide operational commands to the interventional imaging system based upon the surveillance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francois Kotian, Thomas Mc Carthy, Francisco Sureda, Valerie Desnoux