Patents Issued in April 11, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190105073
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to vibrate ultrasonically, a probe configured to treat a living tissue by the ultrasonic vibration, a detector configured to detect a pressing force of the probe against the living tissue, a memory configured to store a predetermined value related to a pressing force in accordance with the living tissue, a comparing section configured to compare the pressing force detected by the detector with the predetermined value stored in the memory, and a notification section configured to perform a notification in response to a comparison result obtained by the comparing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo TANIGAMI, Moe GOTO, Koji KIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190105074
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system, and apparatus that adds rotational functionality to a conventional clot maceration device. The rotational functionality can be imparted by a wide variety of mechanical devices, such as by a hand operated rack and pinion type gear system or an electrically driven motor. An outer member (such as a catheter) of a declotting apparatus may be rotated while an inner member remains substantially fixed in position. The degree of rotation of the inner member may be between 60 and 180 degrees in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism is coupled to a sliding and/or lateral mechanism to impart both lateral and rotational movement to the declotting apparatus. The deformable members of a basket or jacket of the declotting apparatus may form a helical structure and/or each comprise a bundled wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: András Kónya
  • Publication number: 20190105075
    Abstract: A removable component configured for insertion into an internal compartment of a surgical instrument is provided including a housing defining first and second ends, a grasping member, and a biasing member. The grasping member is operably coupled to the housing at the second end thereof and is movable relative to the housing between a presented position, wherein at least a portion of the grasping member is spaced-apart from the second end of the housing, and a stored position, wherein the grasping member is approximated relative to the second end of the housing. The biasing member is disposed between the grasping member and the second end of the housing and is configured to bias the grasping member towards the presented position. Systems including a surgical instrument and such a removable component and methods of assembling a surgical instrument using the same are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: JASON L. CRAIG, SCOTT N. LACOSTA, KENNETH E. NETZEL, CLIFFORD D. OWENS, JAMES R. FAGAN
  • Publication number: 20190105076
    Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing that defines a working chamber, and a cannula coupled to the trocar housing at a proximal end to facilitate communication between the cannula and the working chamber. A tool stabilizing device is coupled to at least one of the trocar housing and the cannula and is actuatable to stabilize and center a surgical tool within the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Harris, Joshua Young, Stephanie Toy, Jerome Morgan
  • Publication number: 20190105077
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants to reduce intraocular pressure are disclosed. The ocular implants can be implanted at multiple sites within a single human eye without requiring removal of the delivery apparatus from the eye. A system for delivering multiple ocular implants can include a plurality of implants, an external housing, and an introducer assembly. The external housing can provide access to an implantsingulation actuator and an implant delivery actuator. The introducer assembly can comprise an auto-retracting introducer portion. The delivery apparatus can include an infinite activation mechanism/portion and/or a manual singulation mechanism/portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Raymond Kalina, JR., Todd N. Fjield, Douglas Daniel Crimaldi, Emma Claire Benjaminson, Tyler Joseph Brown, Richard William Martin
  • Publication number: 20190105078
    Abstract: A visual insufflation obturator is provided. The obturator includes seals, valves, screens and/or various other tip features to eliminate the ingress of fluids, matter and/or gas that can disrupt the visual field of the laparoscope disposed within the obturator. The obturator provides additional features such as lens and anti-fog features to further increase visibility of the scope, efficiently insufflate the patient and ultimately provide an access channel into the insufflated abdomen once the visual insufflation obturator is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Scott V. Taylor, Paul W. Balschweit, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Gary M. Johnson, Said S. Hilal, Zoran Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20190105079
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A second member is disposed with the first member. The second member is configured to penetrate tissue. The second member includes a head defining a socket. A part is disposed at an angle relative to the head. The part includes a top surface configured for disposal of an implant and an opposite bottom surface configured to rotatably engage the head to selectively adjust the angle. The part includes an opening that is in communication with the socket. The opening has a diameter that is less than that of the socket. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Julien J. Prevost
  • Publication number: 20190105080
    Abstract: An instrument includes a shaft and a mating element that extends from the shaft. The mating element is configured to engage a mating element of a bone fastener to move a receiver of the bone fastener relative to a bone anchor of the bone fastener. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Julien J. Prevost
  • Publication number: 20190105081
    Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary Gregory, Fabio Pinto
  • Publication number: 20190105082
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20190105083
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel H. Kim
  • Publication number: 20190105084
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an interspinous process fusion device, a method of fabricating the interspinous process fusion device, and a surgical method for maintaining a space between two spinous processes in a spine of a patient using the fusion device. The interspinous process fusion device including a distal tip member, a middle plate, a proximal plate, an elongate member, and a plurality of movable wings. The elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end. The distal tip member is connected to the first end of the elongate member, the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the elongate member, and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis to form the interspinous process fusion device assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: IN QUEUE INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. FESSLER
  • Publication number: 20190105085
    Abstract: Instruments, tools, and methods assist in assembling components of a surgical construct, for example, a press-on rod to a pedicle screw. A includes an elongate driving rod having a distal tip adapted to engage and transfer a rotational force to a surgical screw and a driver connection at a proximate end thereof, a first elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a generally U-shaped channel adapted to receive the elongate driving rod therein, and a retention mechanism to retain the elongate driving rod in the generally U-shaped channel. A tool includes an elongate hollow rod having a collapsible distal tip, an elongate shaft slidingly disposed within the elongate hollow rod, the elongate shaft having a distal end comprising a driving feature, and a locking mechanism to prevent the distal end of the elongate shaft from being inadvertently removed from the distal tip of the elongate hollow rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: David Hawkes, Quentin Aten
  • Publication number: 20190105086
    Abstract: A bone adjustment device such as, for example, an intramedullary lengthening nail may include a first or outer body portion having a notch, a second or inner body portion, a threaded shaft coupled to the first body portion to rotate relative thereto, an inner magnet received by the first body portion and coupled to the threaded shaft for rotation therewith, and a threaded block positioned in the notch, the threaded block having internal threads, the threaded shaft passing through the threaded block and threadedly engaging with the internal threads. Various reconfiguration assembly embodiments include welding the threaded block to the first body portion, the notch being located a distance from the distal end of the first body portion, an overlapping arrangement between the first body portion and the second body portion, and a collar positioned over the first body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Haden Janda, Gene Edward Austin, Sied William Janna
  • Publication number: 20190105087
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fixing bone using an intramedullary nail locked to an encircling anchor including a bushing and a locking member. An exemplary system may include any combination of the nail, one or more bushings, one or more locking members, an instrument to guide installation of the bushing, at least one drill, and a driver that attaches to the bushing. The instrument may define a guide axis and be configured to be coupled to a bone such that the guide axis extends across the bone. The instrument may be used to guide a drill, the bushing, and/or the locking member along the guide axis into the bone. The nail may be configured to be placed along the medullary canal of the bone such that the nail extends through the bushing, and the locking member may be configured to lock the nail to the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Mark B. SOMMERS, Roy Werner SANDERS, James G. FALKNER, JR., Caleb Abraham MARTIN, Zachary James STROH, Scott Francis MASTROIANNI, Andrew William SEYKORA, Ann Nicole SANTICH, Larry W. EHMKE, Oren S. BERNSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20190105088
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of a bone. The apparatus may include an implant. The implant may include an implant tail and an implant head configured to expand, inside the bone, from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The apparatus may include an intramedullary rod defining a central longitudinal rod axis. The intramedullary rod may include a guide segment configured to guide the implant head into the bone and support the implant tail. The intramedullary rod may include an elongated extension member spaced radially apart from the central longitudinal axis. The extension member may be configured to provide clearance for the implant head as the implant head is advanced, in the collapsed state, into the bone. The extension member may be configured to provide clearance for the implant head in the expanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Alex A. Peterson, Michael P. Brenzel, Steve D. Kruse, Todd A. Krinke, Paul Hindrichs, Troy Michael Siemers, Jonathan Berndt, David Costello, Umasuthan Srikumaran
  • Publication number: 20190105089
    Abstract: A bone plate sized and shaped for fixation to a phalangeal bone includes a head extending from a first end to a second end and having first, second and third fixation element holes extending therethrough and arranged in a triangular configuration on the head, an outer wall of the head having a triangular shape corresponding to the triangular configuration, a bone contacting surface of the head being contoured to conform to the anatomy of a lateral surface of a phalangeal head and a shaft extending from the head, the shaft including fourth and fifth plate holes separated from one another by an elongated fixation element hole elongated in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Hashmi, Mirko ROCCI, Lynn KELLY, Fabienne FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20190105090
    Abstract: A reduction and fixation tool has two principle component parts—an intra-articular spoon with a blade, and a handle that docks with the spoon. The spoon has a proximal hub onto which the handle docks. In one example of the tool as it would be used with a fractured scaphoid, the spoon has a distal blade, curved and narrow to slip beneath the undersurface of the scaphoid and to lift the distal fragment of the bone back into proper alignment (fracture reduction). The handle, docked to the spoon, serves as a lever to easily accomplish the reduction, and as a guide for the central insertion of a guide wire into the scaphoid across the fracture site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jaiyoung Ryu, Terry L. Whipple
  • Publication number: 20190105091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw and a method for locking a bone screw into a bore. The bore can be provided in e.g. an implant, a plate, a nail or the like. The bone screw comprises a head portion with a first axis, a proximal shaft portion with a second axis, and a distal shaft portion with a third axis. The first axis is a center axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the head portion, the second axis is a center axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the proximal shaft portion, and the third axis is a center axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the distal shaft portion. The first and third axes are aligned to each other. The second axis is displaced relative to the first and third axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Nils Zander, Claudia Graca
  • Publication number: 20190105092
    Abstract: A bone clamping device includes a pair of clamps mounted on a clamp connector. Each clamp has a variable size opening that varies in size transverse to the clamp connector. At least one clamp is longitudinally and angularly displaceable relative to the other along the clamp connector. The clamps are preferably made from a plastic and the clamp connector is preferably made from metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Javier E. Castaneda, Roberto Augusto Miki, Ernesto Hernandez, John William Box, Scott M. Whitten
  • Publication number: 20190105093
    Abstract: An implant insertion assembly including an insertion handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a recessed portion, an outer wall of the recessed portion having a first shape about a perimeter thereof and including an engagement mechanism. The implant insertion assembly also includes an implant extending from a distal end to a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the recessed portion of the insertion handle, the opening having a second shape configured to mechanically interlock with the outer wall of the recessed portion when the recessed portion is inserted therein to transmit torque from the insertion handle to the implant, the proximal end including a receiving structure in a wall thereof, the receiving structure being positioned and oriented to receive the engagement mechanism to removably lock the insertion handle to the implant in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Reza ABEDIAN, Christof Dutoit, Markus Buettler, Henri Defossez, Simon Wampfler, Alain Saurer, Remo Pfaff, Hans Bernhard
  • Publication number: 20190105094
    Abstract: A device includes an electrically conductive or electrically semiconductive material and a biocompatible porous scaffold around the electrically conductive or electrically semiconductive material. The biocompatible porous scaffold includes a biocompatible polymer and pores configured to capture metastatic cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Samira M. Azarin, Francisco Pelaez, Navid Manuchehrabadi, John C. Bischof
  • Publication number: 20190105095
    Abstract: A hemostatic sealer includes a handle having a switch to activate a source of thermal energy and a thermal assembly coupled to the handle. The thermal assembly includes an electrically resistive material disposed on an electrically insulative substrate. The resistive material is coupled to the switch to receive the source of thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Greeley, Mark Guirguis
  • Publication number: 20190105096
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Gerald Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Publication number: 20190105097
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a tattoo includes a control unit having one or more power sources; a head unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the head unit includes a body and a plurality of needles protruding from the body, wherein the plurality of needles includes at least one supply needle and at least one return needle; and a flexible tube coupling the head unit to the control unit, wherein the one or more power sources are electrically coupled to the plurality of needles through the flexible tube, wherein the control unit is configured to deliver power to the at least one supply needle such that power flows from the at least one supply needle to the at least one return needle during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Thanh X. Nguyen, Tam Luu
  • Publication number: 20190105098
    Abstract: A system is provided to treat sleep apnea, with a method of use. The system includes a handpiece which includes at least one penetrating electrode configured to penetrate tissue and one or more temperature sensors. A processor is coupled with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one penetrating electrode, and a memory is configured to store instructions executable by the processor. The instructions, when executed, are operable to emit, by the at least one penetrating electrode, RF energy from the electrodes to heat a region of a base of a tongue until a target energy is delivered to the region. The instructions are also operable to measure, by the one or more temperature sensors, the temperature of the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Lee Powell
  • Publication number: 20190105099
    Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector arranged at a distal end of the elongate shaft and having a jaw and a jaw holder that secures the jaw. A wrist couples the end effector to the elongate shaft and includes a distal clevis having an axle that rotatably mounts the jaw holder to the distal clevis. An electrical conductor extends from the drive housing and supplies electrical energy to the jaw via a supply conductor. At least one of the jaw holder and the axle is made of a non-conductive material that insulates the distal clevis from the electrical energy provided to the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Niko Murrell, John Hibner, Barry Worrell, Konstantin Zabotkin
  • Publication number: 20190105100
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a movable tissue cutting mechanism, a first elongated shaft housing at least a proximal portion of the movable tissue cutting mechanism, and a pair of jaws for clamping tissue. Each jaw of the pair of opposing jaws is rotatable relative to the first elongated shaft, and the movable tissue cutting mechanism is slidable relative to the first elongated shaft. A first link has a distal end rotatably coupled to a proximal one of a pair of non-conductive bushings in the first jaw and a proximal end rotatably coupled to a second elongated shaft, the second elongated shaft interior of and translatable relative the first elongated shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Dale Schmaltz, Jenifer Kennedy, Casey Kuchta, Andrew Christoffersen, Christopher Deborski
  • Publication number: 20190105101
    Abstract: A medical treatment device includes a pair of holding members with which a subject part to be joined in a body tissue is clampable; an energy application unit provided on at least one of holding members of the pair of holding members, so as to contact the subject part clamped by the pair of holding members, thereby to apply energy to the subject part; and a processor comprising hardware, the processor being configured to control the energy to be applied from the energy application unit, wherein, in a period from start to end of application of energy to the subject part, the processor is further configured to cause the energy application unit to: apply at least high-frequency energy in a first period; apply only ultrasonic energy in a second period after the first period; and apply at least thermal energy in a third period after the second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masato NARISAWA
  • Publication number: 20190105102
    Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Martin L. Mayse, Steven C. Dimmer
  • Publication number: 20190105103
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-thermal ablation of tissue are provided. A non-implantable minimally invasive system for treatment of tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including a catheter, a plurality of electrodes for deployment through the catheter, a power source for applying power to the electrodes, and a fixation element for maintaining the catheter in a treatment position during treatment of the tissue. A minimally invasive method for treating tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including inserting a catheter into the body such that a portion of the catheter remains outside of the body, deploying a fixation element to fix the catheter in a treatment position, deploying a plurality of electrodes through the catheter, applying power to the plurality of electrodes, using the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue, and removing the catheter from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Tom A. Nelson, Kai Kroll, Benjamin R. Fruland, Michael C. Holtz, Stephen K. Sundquist
  • Publication number: 20190105104
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur A. BERTOLERO, Tamer IBRAHIM, Daniel J. CONLEY
  • Publication number: 20190105105
    Abstract: Treatment trajectory guidance systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the method for treatment trajectory guidance in a patient's brain includes obtaining a three- dimensional (3D) brain model that includes a model of an anatomy, the model of the anatomy including a plurality of feature points; modifying the 3D brain model based on magnetic resonance (MR) data of the patient's brain from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device to obtain a plurality of modified feature points on a modified model of the patient's anatomy in the patient's brain; displaying on a display a first planned trajectory for treating the patient's anatomy based on the plurality of modified feature points; and displaying, on the display, a first estimated treatment result for the first planned trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: LYUBOMIR GEORGIEV ZAGORCHEV, JOEL HAAF
  • Publication number: 20190105106
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a patient specific soft tissue location within a joint are discussed. For example, a method can include imaging a target location for an orthopedic implant to collect image data regarding a morphology of the patient, the morphology including at least one of bone size and bone feature. The method can additionally include accessing stored soft tissue data and bone data corresponding to the target location of the orthopedic implant, locating a soft tissue of the patient based at least in part upon the soft tissue data and bone data and the image data, and displaying data including the location of the soft tissue of the patient. This data can be used to created patient specific surgical jigs according to one example of the present application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Fred A. Wentorf, Nolan C. Jones, Shanon N. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190105107
    Abstract: A method of performing an arthroplasty procedure on a knee region of a femur of a patient where an implant is implanted on the knee region of the femur as part of the arthroplasty procedure is disclosed herein. The method may include generating a planned postoperative positional relationship of the implant relative to the femur. The method may also include, with the computerized representation of the implant in the planned postoperative positional relationship with the computerized representation of the knee region of the femur, generating a planned resection of the femur that will facilitate the implant being implanted on the knee region of the femur in the planned postoperative positional relationship. And the method may also include guiding an actual resection of the femur according to the planned resection of the femur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Howmedica Osteonics Corporation
    Inventors: Ilwhan Park, Venkata Surya Sarva, Irene Min Choi
  • Publication number: 20190105108
    Abstract: A system and process for performing orthopedic surgery is provided that uses a patient's existing implant as a registration tool in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The systems and processes may be used with computer assisted systems or navigation systems to aid in the removal of bone, bone cement, or a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The removal of the prosthesis may be done by conventional methods, with navigation systems, robotic assistance or articulating hand held systems. The removal of bone and/or bone cement may be performed with navigated systems, robotic systems, articulating hand-held systems and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick BONNY, Joel ZUHARS, Michael E. HOPPE
  • Publication number: 20190105109
    Abstract: A system and method configured to position medical instruments. The system and method includes an orientation localizer including at least one fiducial marker and having a localized plane, wherein the orientation localizer is mountable at a skin entry point on a patient, a computer configured to receive at least one medical image on the localized plane, register a position and orientation of the orientation localizer with the at least one medical image using the at least one fiducial marker, determine at least one cross sectional image based on the at least one medical image on the localized plane, and determine an insertion plane perpendicular to the localized plane, and an image display connected to the computer, wherein the image display displays the at least one cross sectional image on the localized plane and/or on the insertion plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Takahisa Kato
  • Publication number: 20190105110
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing and driving flexible members in a patient's body are described herein. In one embodiment, a robotic method includes positioning a flexible elongated member that has a preformed configuration, wherein at least a part of the flexible elongated member has a first member disposed around it, and wherein the first member includes a first wire for bending the first member or for maintaining the first member in a bent configuration, releasing at least some tension in the first wire to relax the first member, and advancing the first member distally relative to the flexible elongated member while the first member is in a relaxed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Neal A. Tanner, Teresa Miller, Christopher M. Sewell, Sean Paul Walker
  • Publication number: 20190105111
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing eye surgery in which a single image that simultaneously presents a graphical representation of a planned or actual flap location superimposed with a graphical representation of a planned or actual area of ablation is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Wittnebel, Mario Abraham, Stefan Schmid, Maik Lange, Martin Starigk
  • Publication number: 20190105112
    Abstract: A robot includes a steerable device (402) having one or more robotically controlled joints configured to steer the steerable device. A device control system (430) is configured to adjust positioning of the steerable device in accordance with one of image feedback from an image control system (406) or a plan in a volume such that control commands are issued to the one or more robotically controlled joints to steer the steerable device in a direction consistent with navigation of the steerable device toward a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Aleksandra POPOVIC, David Paul NOONAN
  • Publication number: 20190105113
    Abstract: A robot controller (515) includes a first input (502) configured to receive images (524) from an imaging device for a region of interest. A target identification device (516) is configured to identify a target region in the images. A control system (517) is coupled to a robotically controlled treatment device to generate control signals to control the treatment device to treat the target region when the treatment device is positioned corresponding to the target region. A treatment system comprising an aspiration device, a robot system and a control system, as well as a method for treatment of tissue are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Aleksandra POPOVIC, David Paul NOONAN
  • Publication number: 20190105114
    Abstract: Systems, methods, software and apparatus that enable dynamic audio transducer control include obtaining attribute information relating to multiple communication nodes that are communication node group members. A group management system or other computing system receives attribute information from two or more of the communication nodes and determines settings for one or more audio transducers (e.g., speakers and microphones) in the group's communication nodes based on the attribute information. An audio transducer command is transmitted to or imposed on one or more of the nodes. Attribute information can include node attributes and/or changes to attributes. Audio transducer commands transmitted or otherwise imposed on nodes can include muting and unmuting commands, as well as setting volume levels and other audio settings associated with a node's operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jesse Robbins, Greg Albrecht, Ellen Juhlin, Roger Wood, Neil Girling
  • Publication number: 20190105115
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system including a control system that controls the movement of a robotic arm coupled to a tool assembly having an end effector is described. The control system can also assist with controlling either the articulation or rotation of the end effector. Furthermore, the control system can detect and monitor one or more properties (e.g., articulation, rotation, etc.), which can be used by the control system to determine one or more appropriate movement parameters of either the robotic arm (e.g., velocity of movement) or the tool assembly coupled to the robotic arm (e.g., rotational speed of the end effector). The control system can detect any number of characteristics related to the end effector and use such information to control a variety of movement parameters associated with either the robotic arm or the tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Publication number: 20190105116
    Abstract: Devices, Systems, and Methods for detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object, and surgical automation involving the same. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, and/or other objects to be tracked include active and/or passive tracking markers. Cameras, such as stereophotogrammetric infrared cameras, are able to detect the tracking markers, and the robot determines a 3-dimensional position of the object from the tracking markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Roc Patel, Michael Brauckmann
  • Publication number: 20190105117
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling manipulator movements include a manipulator arm coupled to a proximal base. The manipulator arm is configured to support an end effector and robotically move the end effector relative to the proximal base. The manipulator arm includes a plurality of joints between the end effector and the proximal base and a processor. The processor is configured to calculate joint movements of the plurality of joints that provide a desired position of the end effector using inverse kinematics of the manipulator arm and when a first set of one or more joints of the plurality of joints is at corresponding joint range of motion limits: determine a constraint based on a relationship between joint movement of the first set and a second set of one or more joints of the plurality of joints and apply the constraint within the inverse kinematics to provide haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Gabriel F. Brisson
  • Publication number: 20190105118
    Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a teleoperational assembly having a plurality of motorized surgical arms configured to assist in a surgical procedure. The motorized surgical arms have a motion limit defining a boundary beyond which the surgical arm cannot pass when the surgical arm is attached to a patient. The teleoperational medical system also includes a control system having a surgical threshold limit stored therein. The surgical threshold limit is an edge of a boundary to be potentially travelled by the surgical arm to suitably perform a surgical procedure. The control system is configured to compare the motion limit to the surgical threshold limit and notify an operator via an output device when the threshold limit is outside a range of motion bounded by the motion limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Paul W. Mohr
  • Publication number: 20190105119
    Abstract: A medical cart having a chassis with a plurality of wheels attached thereto; a plurality of drawers supported on the chassis; a temperature-regulated compartment in the chassis; a locking bar pivotally attached to the chassis; a headwall mount attached to the chassis; a display mounted on the chassis; and a positionable task light attached to the chassis. Each drawer includes a drawer lock shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position so that the locking bar serves as a secondary safety lock for all the drawers and the door of the temperature-regulated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Neonatal Product Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Norman, Mark Petheram, Heather Fibuch-Townsend, Anthony Hash
  • Publication number: 20190105120
    Abstract: A medical cart having a chassis with a plurality of wheels attached thereto; a plurality of drawers supported on the chassis; a temperature-regulated compartment in the chassis; a locking bar pivotally attached to the chassis; a headwall mount attached to the chassis; a display mounted on the chassis; and a positionable task light attached to the chassis. Each drawer includes a drawer lock shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position so that the locking bar serves as a secondary safety lock for all the drawers and the door of the temperature-regulated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Neonatal Product Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Norman, Mark Petheram, Heather Fibuch-Townsend, Anthony Hash
  • Publication number: 20190105121
    Abstract: A portable transport system for containing and transporting monitoring system components includes a case for enclosing the monitoring system components. A collapsible desk assembly telescopes between a collapsed position wherein the entire collapsible desk assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. The collapsible desk assembly includes a desk shelf that extends outward from the collapsible desk assembly in the open position and folds down within the case in the collapsed position. A collapsible monitoring component, assembly telescopes between a collapsed position wherein the entire collapsible monitoring component assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. The collapsible monitoring component assembly includes a component bracket mounting handle for interfacing the monitoring system components with the collapsible monitoring component assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190105122
    Abstract: Medical devices, medical procedure trays, kits and related methods are provided for use to perform medical procedures that require access to the interior of a bone. The devices, trays and methods allow multiple use of non-sterile medical devices with sterile medical devices for performing medical procedures requiring sterile conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Larry J. MILLER, Eric W. EISBRENNER