Patents Issued in April 30, 2019
  • Patent number: 10271864
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mechanically removing objects from a body. In particular, described herein are thrombectomy methods and mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses for removal of blood clots from within a lumen of a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Skott Greenhalgh, Michael P. Wallace
  • Patent number: 10271865
    Abstract: A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a tube member, a coupling member, and a rod member. The tube member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The coupling member is affixed to the tube member. The rod member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The rod member is slidably coupled with the coupling member. The distal end of the rod member is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the tube member. The proximal portion of the rod member is translatable relative to the tube member to transition the distal portion of the rod member between a contracted position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member extends along the distal portion of the tube member, and a deployed position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member bows outwardly relative to the tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Amit Trivedi
  • Patent number: 10271866
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing subcutaneous surgery in a minimally invasive manner are provided. The methods include application of reduced air pressure in a recessed area of a handpiece placed over a section of skin and drawing the section of skin and subcutaneous tissue into the recessed area. In a subsequent step a tool is inserted through a tool conduit in the handpiece and through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue, enabling the performance of the desired surgery. Common surgical procedures include dissection and ablation. The devices and methods can be directed at the treatment of skin conditions like atrophic scars, wrinkles, or other cosmetic issues, at treatments like or promoting wound healing or preventing hyperhidrosis, or can be used for creating space for various implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ULTHERA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Clark, III, James E. Chomas, Adnan I. Merchant, Ben F. Brian, III
  • Patent number: 10271867
    Abstract: A dissector including a body, a first arm, a second arm, and a string. The first arm extending from the body towards a distal end thereof and the second arm extending from the body towards a distal end thereof. One end of the string is coupled to the first arm adjacent the distal end thereof and the other end of the string is coupled to the second arm adjacent the distal end thereof. The first and second arms have an expanded configuration such that the string is taut and have a collapsed configuration such that the string is slack. The string is configured to dissect tissue when the first and second arms are in the expanded configuration. The string may oscillate to dissect tissue. The distal ends of the first and second arms may atraumatically dissect tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Katelyn Galer, Justin Williams, Danyel Racenet, Kevin Sniffin, Stanislaw Marczyk, Saumya Banerjee
  • Patent number: 10271868
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands comprise a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands comprises an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Daphne Kontos
  • Patent number: 10271869
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing deposits from an interior of a vessel including an outer member and a rotatable shaft having a lumen to receive a guidewire. The lumen has a cross-sectional dimension to enable fluid injection between an inner diameter of the shaft and an outer diameter of the guidewire. A tip is mounted to the shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis and mounted such that the distal opening of the shaft is axially spaced from a distal internal surface of the tip such that fluid injected through the lumen of the shaft contacts the distal internal surface of the tip and is redirected proximally to direct in a proximal direction deposits removed by the rotational movement of the shaft. The tip includes including a guidewire lumen for receiving a guidewire to enable over the wire insertion of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Rex Medical, L.P.
    Inventor: James F. McGuckin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10271870
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to intraluminal procedures, and, more particularly, to a contra-rotating cutting assembly for use with an atherectomy device to remove occlusive material from an occluded lumen, such as a blood vessel or other body lumen. The contra-rotating cutting assembly includes a rotatable housing having a distal end, an opposing proximal end and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends. The housing is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction. The cutting assembly further includes a rotatable cutter head positioned within at least a portion of the lumen of the housing and in coaxial alignment with the housing. The cutter head is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Torrey P Smith, Douglas E Rowe, Paul Quentin Escudero, August Christopher Pombo
  • Patent number: 10271871
    Abstract: An apparatus for addressing tissue and bone in a nasal cavity includes a rotary or oscillatory cutting member disposed in the lumen of a shaft. The shaft may have a first window region oriented in first direction and a second window region oriented in a second direction. The cutting member may have a first cutting edge configured to be cyclically moved across at least a portion of the first window region and a second cutting edge configured to be cyclically moved across at least a portion of the second window region. A shield is selectively positionable to occlude the first and to occlude the second window region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jetmir Palushi, Lauren Radtke
  • Patent number: 10271872
    Abstract: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Beaver-Visitec International (US), Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Morawski, Dana M. Cote, Patrick T. Thrailkill, David S. Seebauer, Mohan Rajasekaran, Brian Rapp
  • Patent number: 10271873
    Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes a dilator and a guide catheter. The dilator includes a dilator lumen extending from a distal opening at a distal end to a proximal opening at a proximal end, and a side exit port proximal of the distal opening and in communication with the dilator lumen. The guide catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a guide lumen extending therebetween. The dilator and the guide lumen are sized such that the dilator can pass through the guide lumen. The dilator and the guide catheter are sized such that with the proximal end of the dilator generally aligned along an axis with the proximal end of the guide catheter, the distal end of the dilator extends distally past the distal end of the guide catheter and the side exit port is disposed distal of the distal end of the guide catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, William Berthiaume, Joseph Berglund, Conor Flannery, Maria Valdovinos
  • Patent number: 10271874
    Abstract: A surgical tool insertion aid is provided which enables simultaneous use of multiple surgical tools, as well as the independent exchange of a surgical tool during surgery. A tubular surgical tool insertion aid 1 aids insertion of surgical tools 11 and 13 into the body, and includes: an inner tube 2 into which the surgical tools 11 and 13 are insertable, and which is insertable into the surgical tool insertion aid 1; and a plurality of guide members 3 which are extended in the axial direction from a distal end side to a proximal end side in the inner peripheral surface of the surgical tool insertion aid 1. The inner tube 2 includes, on the outer peripheral surface thereof, an engaging member 4 that engages with the guide member 3 to be made slidable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: KEIO UNIVERSITY, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOP
    Inventors: Norihito Wada, Takuya Miyazaki, Yoshihiko Himura
  • Patent number: 10271875
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin K. Dang, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Blaze Brown, Adam Hoke, Adeeb Saiduddin, Gary M. Johnson, Jacob J. Filek
  • Patent number: 10271876
    Abstract: A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MEZADATA MEDICAL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Feskov, Irina Feskova, Ievgeniia Zhylkova, Stanislav Zhilkov
  • Patent number: 10271877
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element. The coupling device includes a receiving part having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a channel for receiving a rod. The receiving part defines an accommodation space for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening for inserting the head. The coupling device further includes a pressure element arranged at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element having a flexible portion to clamp an inserted head, and a clamping element extending at least partially around the flexible portion of the pressure element. The clamping element is configured to move from a first position to a second position in which the clamping element exerts a clamping force onto the pressure element, where the movement includes rotating the clamping element around the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Timo Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 10271878
    Abstract: A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a coupling member including a bar extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a c-shaped arm. A second coupling member which includes a rack extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a another c-shaped arm. The rack is superposed in a selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement with the bearing surface. Each c-shaped arm includes an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket. A set screw includes a conical profile that extends substantially perpendicular to the arcuate extension. The advance of the set screw is operable to urge the rod into pressing contact with the gripping pocket to secure the rod therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Eminent Spine LLC
    Inventors: Steve Courtney, David Freehill
  • Patent number: 10271879
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a member defining a longitudinal axis and including an engagement portion. The engagement portion includes at least one element engageable with an implant fastener. The at least one element includes a drive interface and an arcuate surface spaced from the drive interface. The arcuate surface includes at least one interference point engageable with the implant fastener. Implants, systems, constructs and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. May, Joshua W. Simpson, William Allan Rezach
  • Patent number: 10271880
    Abstract: The apparatus, systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to the surgical repair or alteration of bone. More particularly, certain of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to the use of a directionally-reinforced composite material to emulate anisotropic structural characteristics of an original anatomic trabecular structure. The directionally-reinforced composite material may generally include a scaffold set in a composite matrix, wherein the scaffold determines the anisotropic structural characteristics of the materials. In some of the embodiments, a scaffold may include at least a first plurality of struts which are generally aligned in a first direction and a second plurality of struts aligned in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Rodriguez, Ara Nazarian
  • Patent number: 10271881
    Abstract: An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Andreas Roth, Harry T. Hall, IV
  • Patent number: 10271882
    Abstract: A bone screw includes a tubular body including a wall having a bone thread in at least a portion of an outer portion of the wall, an open first end and a second end. A plurality of cutting teeth is provided at the open first end, and a head is provided at the second end. An insert in the tubular body is configured to guide a wire therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Jürgen Harms
  • Patent number: 10271883
    Abstract: The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry, Steven B. Cohen, Charanpreet S. Bagga, Erik M. Erbe
  • Patent number: 10271884
    Abstract: An anchorage in tissue is produced by holding a vibrating element and a counter element against each other such that their contact faces are in contact with each other, wherein at least one of the contact faces includes a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. While holding and then moving the two elements against each other, the vibrating element is vibrated and due to the vibration the thermoplastic material is liquefied between the contact faces, and due to the relative movement is made to flow from between the contact faces and to penetrate tissue located adjacent to outer edges of the contact faces. For liquefaction of the thermoplastic material and for displacing it from between the contact faces, no force needs to act on the tissue surface which is to be penetrated by the liquefied material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: WOODWELDING AG, STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10271885
    Abstract: A system for moving a portion of a patient's body including a housing having a first cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, a first distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the first distraction rod and the housing being telescopically displaceable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis, the first distraction rod having a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, a second distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to be telescopically displaceable from within the second cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a drive system configured to move the first distraction rod in relation to the housing and to move the second distraction rod in relation to the first distraction rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky Trieu Quach, Arvin Chang, Alan J. Arena, Adam G. Beckett
  • Patent number: 10271886
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a patient specific instrumentation jig model for implant revision comprises an anchor surface identifier to identify anchor surface(s) from a patient specific bone model of a bone requiring implant revision and from data related to an implanted implant on the bone. The anchor surface is in close proximity to the implanted implant. A PSI revision jig model generator generates a jig model using at least the identified anchor surface and a model of a replacement implant, the PSI revision jig model generator outputting a jig model comprising patient specific contact surface(s) corresponding to the identified anchor surface, and at least one tool interface portion positioned and/or oriented relative to the at least one contact surface, the at least one tool interface portion adapted to be interfaced to a tool altering the bone for subsequently installing an implant on the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Guillaume Abiven
  • Patent number: 10271887
    Abstract: An orthopedic device holder and related kit are disclosed. The orthopedic device holder can include a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion defining a bore positioned between the proximal end and the distal end, a plunger portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the plunger portion extending into an opening of the body portion and defining a second bore, and a locking lever that, when activated, is configured to move between a first position and a second position and transition the first bore and the second bore from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos
  • Patent number: 10271888
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle having a handle channel extending therethrough and a shaft extending from a proximal end insertable into the handle channel to a distal end including a bit opening sized to receive a proximal portion of a bit therein in combination with a locking sleeve slidably receiving the shaft therethrough and positionable over the shaft distally of the handle and a spring slidably received within the locking sleeve channel over the shaft. A coupling member received over the shaft distally of the locking sleeve is movable from a biased first configuration in which a locking element protrudes radially into the bit opening to lockingly engage a bit received therein and a second configuration in which the coupling member is retracted proximally to compress the spring and permit the locking element to move radially out of the bit opening to permit the bit to be removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Galm, Stephanie Thomas, Eva Lietz, Martin Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 10271889
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling certain tissues in the vicinity of diseased or other tissue undergoing thermal treatment is disclosed. The present apparatus is configured and designed to have certain physical characteristics, e.g., certain acoustic and imaging responses. In some embodiments the present apparatus is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environments used in conjunction with the thermal treatment, or other imaging environments. In some embodiments the present apparatus is detectable by said MRI and is within the imaging field of view (FOV) but causes few or no imaging artifacts. Additionally, the present apparatus does not substantially interfere with the thermal treatment, e.g., ultrasonic therapy, which can proceed to heat the targeted volume of tissue while protective cooling of tissues near the diseased tissue by the present apparatus takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Michael J. Bronskill, Rajiv Chopra
  • Patent number: 10271890
    Abstract: A medical apparatus (600, 700, 800, 900) including a high intensity focused ultrasound system (602) generates focused ultrasonic energy (612) for sonicating within a target volume (620) of a subject (601). The high intensity focused ultrasound includes an ultrasonic transducer (606) with a controllable focus (618). The apparatus further includes a memory (634) containing machine executable for controlling the medical apparatus and a processor (628). The processor causes (100, 200, 300, 400, 502) ultrasonic cavitations at multiple cavitation locations (622, 1002) within the target volume using the high intensity focused ultrasound system, and sonicates (102, 206, 306, 402, 504) multiple sonication locations (1004) within the target volume using the high intensity focused ultrasound system. The multiple sonication locations and the multiple cavitation locations are targeted by adjusting the controllable focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Matti Oskari Tillander, Max Oskar Kohler, Shunmugavelu Sokka
  • Patent number: 10271891
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Thermedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Curley
  • Patent number: 10271892
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system for the treatment of tissue includes an electrosurgical instrument, a source for supplying ionizable gas to said electrosurgical instrument, an electrosurgical generator for supplying high frequency energy to the electrosurgical instrument, and a switch mechanism. The electrosurgical instrument includes one or more conduits and one or more electrodes connected to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical system is movable between at least a first and a second arrangement. The first arrangement is such that one electrode produces a stream of ionized gas exiting one of the conduits, the ionizable gas being capable of the removal of tissue. The second arrangement is such that ionized gas is produced such that it is capable of the coagulation of tissue. The switch mechanism causes the electrosurgical instrument to move between the first and second arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Marno Nagtegaal, Wayne Williams, Robert Edward Taylor
  • Patent number: 10271893
    Abstract: A method and system for mapping tissue and producing lesions for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in a non-thermal and optimal manner, minimizing the amount of energy required to selectively stun or ablate the target tissues. Energy may be delivered only at the moment(s) of best device position and proximity of an electrode to target tissue, and only during a time in the cardiac cycle determined to be optimal for reversible or irreversible effects. A method may include determining timing of the cardiac cycle and an optimal time within the cardiac cycle for energy delivery, evaluating proximity between at least one energy delivery electrode and the target tissue, and delivering pulsed field energy from the at least one energy delivery electrode to the target tissue when, during the optimal time for energy delivery, the at least one energy delivery electrode is in close proximity with the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Mark T. Stewart, Catherine R. Condie, Jay L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10271894
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering energy to a region of tissue within a patient's body using a medical treatment system. The medical treatment system comprises an energy delivery device coupled to an energy source and the method includes steps of delivering energy, measuring an energy delivery parameter, determining distance of the energy delivery device from a conductive object and optionally adjusting a position of the energy delivery device based on the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BAYLIS MEDICAL COMPANY INC.
    Inventors: Jason Woo, Taras Juzkiw, Jonathan Dandy
  • Patent number: 10271895
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device: forceps having: a first working arm, a second working arm, wherein the electrosurgical device has a first electrosurgical configuration where the first working arm and the second working arm are in an opposed position so that the forceps deliver a first therapy current that flows between the first working arm and the second working arm; and wherein the electrosurgical device has a second electrosurgical configuration when the first working arm, the second working arm, or both are repositionable relative to each other so that the first working arm is extended with respect to the second working arm or vice versa and a second therapy current is delivered from the first working arm to a remote electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI INC
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Nikhil M. Murdeshwar, Jyue Boon (Jonas) Lim, Dennis G. Lamser, Tsuyoshi Hayashida, Richard J. Curtis, Theodore Blus, Riyad Moe, Ryan Windgassen
  • Patent number: 10271896
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 10271897
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
  • Patent number: 10271898
    Abstract: A medical device for sympathetic nerve ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit having a plurality of layers. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor within the plurality of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Hong Cao, Kenneth R. Larson
  • Patent number: 10271899
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for adding mapping functionality to an ablation device without adding electrodes, wiring, or other components to the ablation device. The device includes a treatment catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a longitudinal groove. The device also includes a mapping catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the mapping catheter being coupled to the distal portion of the treatment catheter. For example, the distal portion of the mapping catheter is snapped into the groove of the treatment catheter. Together the treatment and mapping catheters are transitionable between a variety of configurations. In this way, the medical device may be used to both treat and map tissue without complicating the design and manufacture of the treatment catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventor: Ioana Deac
  • Patent number: 10271900
    Abstract: The present invention improves the cosmetic appearance of skin by controllably heating a superficial layer of skin thereby inducing acute tissue contraction or shrinkage and a wound response leading to the production of biomolecules, all of which result in improved cosmesis. The invention incorporates a source of radiofrequency electrical energy coupled to coil, with requisite impedance matching network, thereby resulting in the production of an alternating magnetic field. When tissue is brought into proximity of the alternating magnetic field, inductive heating of the tissue results as a consequence of either or both of dipole formation and oscillation, and eddy current formation. Optionally, cooling is provided to remove heat from the coil, the source of radiofrequency electrical energy, or the surface of the skin alone or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIOSYSTEMS, INC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Marchitto, Stephen T. Flock
  • Patent number: 10271901
    Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Steven Kim, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 10271902
    Abstract: An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable relative to the other to cause at least a portion of the outer conductor to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Anthony C. Lee, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 10271903
    Abstract: A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Francesca Rossetto, Mani N. Prakash, Brian Shiu
  • Patent number: 10271904
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively processing target tissue material in a patient include a laser subsystem for generating an output laser beam and a catheter assembly including an optical fiber for guiding the output laser beam. The beam has a predetermined selected wavelength between 900 nm and 2600 nm. The catheter assembly is sized to extend through an opening in a first part of the patient to a tissue material processing site within the patient. A beam delivery and focusing subsystem includes a focal distance, which may be adjustable, that positions the beam into at least one focused spot on the target tissue material disposed within a second part of the patient for a duration sufficient to allow laser energy to be absorbed by the target tissue material and converted to heat to produce a desired physical change in the target tissue material without causing undesirable changes to adjacent non-target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: OMNI MEDSCI, INC.
    Inventor: Mohammed N. Islam
  • Patent number: 10271905
    Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for performing a computerized cardiac simulation for at least one of diagnosis, risk assessment or treatment planning including: receiving, by a computer, a plurality of three-dimensional cardiac images of a subject's heart such that each three-dimensional cardiac image corresponds to a different phase of a single cardiac cycle of the subject's heart; modeling structure, using the computer, of the left atrium of the subject as a function of time using the plurality of three-dimensional cardiac images of the subject's heart; modeling blood flow, using the computer, within, into and out of the left atrium of the subject as a function of time using computational fluidic dynamics and using structure of said left atrium obtained from at least one of said plurality of three-dimensional cardiac images or said modeling structure of said left atrium; simulating at least one of time dependent structural function or time-dependent blood flow of said left atrium usin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ashikaga, Tomohiro Otani
  • Patent number: 10271906
    Abstract: A method for guiding a procedure is provided. A volumetric map of an interior portion of a body of a subject is presented, and, during the procedure, in response to movements of a sensor with respect to the portion, the presented volumetric map is updated, by changing a manner in which the presented volumetric map shows areas of the portion from which material was removed by the procedure. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Vadim Gliner, Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Patent number: 10271907
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with an optical fiber shape-sensing system. The apparatus includes an optical fiber, optically couplable to the optical fiber shape-sensing system, and configured to change shape during advancement through a greater palatine canal of a subject. The apparatus additionally includes a delivery tool configured to be removably coupled to the optical fiber and to distally advance the optical fiber through the greater palatine canal. The apparatus further includes a neural stimulator implant, configured to apply electrical stimulation to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the subject. The neural stimulator implant is not in contact with the optical fiber, and is shaped and sized to be delivered to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) by the delivery tool. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BRAINSGATE LTD.
    Inventors: Avinoam Dayan, Israel Dvorsky, Malka Hugeri
  • Patent number: 10271908
    Abstract: An optical tracking system includes a reference marker part stationarily disposed relative to a first region; a sticker marker part attached in a sticker form to a second region capable of being rigidly registered with the first region; a shape measurement part measuring three-dimensional shapes of the first region and the second region; a tracking sensor part sensing the reference marker part and the shape measurement part; and a processing part acquiring a first coordinate transformation relationship among the reference marker part, the tracking sensor part, the shape measurement part, and the first region of the patent and a second coordinate transformation relationship among the reference marker part, the tracking sensor part, the shape measurement part, and the second region of the patient and tracking the first region by extracting a third coordinate transformation relationship between the first region and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KOH YOUNG TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Sang Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 10271909
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient enable an image display device to provide an operator with auxiliary information related to the surgical procedure, in addition to providing an image of the surgical site itself. The systems and methods allow an operator to selectively access and reference auxiliary information on the image display device during the performance of a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Guthart, David S. Mintz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 10271910
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) value over a given distance in a patient's vasculature; providing a display of a region of interest of the patient's vasculature; displaying a graphic on the display of the location of the vasculature having a FFR value outside of a predetermined limit; and robotically positioning a medical elongated device proximate the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CORINDUS, INC.
    Inventors: Tal Wenderow, Jeffrey Lightcap
  • Patent number: 10271911
    Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cooper, Anthony K McGrogan, Robert E Holop
  • Patent number: 10271912
    Abstract: A medical robotic system includes articulated instruments extending out of a distal end of an entry guide. Prior to pivoting the entry guide to re-orient it and the instruments, the instruments are moved in tandem back towards the entry guide after a delay. Haptic cues and velocity limits are provided to assist the operator in the retraction of the instruments. After retraction, the entry guide may then be pivoted without concern that the instruments will harm patient anatomy. The movement of the instruments in tandem back towards the entry guide may also occur through coupled control modes while the entry guide is held in a fixed position and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicola Diolaiti, Paul E. Lilagan
  • Patent number: 10271913
    Abstract: A surgical tool includes: a treatment section that treats an object to be treated; a power source that generates a power to operate the treatment section; a traction section connected to the treatment section and the power source; a switching section that switches a transmission state of the power from the power source to the traction section between a state in which the power can be transmitted and a state in which the power cannot be transmitted; and a tension-applying section that has a pulley and applies a predetermined initial tension to the traction section by applying a power to the pulley in the state in which the power cannot be transmitted, wherein the traction section is hung on the pulley via the power source from the treatment section and is connected to the treatment section via the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yoshii, Shuya Jogasaki