Patents Issued in May 7, 2019
  • Patent number: 10278645
    Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Jim Moon
  • Patent number: 10278646
    Abstract: A method for measuring a myocardial physiologic parameter according to an embodiment includes placing an at least partially convex portion of a spectral sensor against an intercostal space of a human over a heart of the human and measuring the physiologic parameter of a myocardium of the heart with the spectral sensor over time during an emergency medical event. The spectral sensor may be configured to determine and visually display a suggested position adjustment for directing the spectral radiation more directly toward the tissue of interest (e.g. the myocardium), and/or for placing the operative elements of the spectral sensor closer to the tissue of interest (e.g. the myocardium).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich Herken, Christopher Kaufman, Annemarie Elizabeth Silver
  • Patent number: 10278647
    Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus employ a time-varying spectral analysis approach for reconstructing a heart-related signal that includes motion artifacts. The motion artifacts are produced by motion of a biomedical sensor relative to a sensing location. By comparing time-varying spectra of the heart-related signal and a motion signal, those frequency peaks resulting from the motion artifacts may be suppressed in a time-varying spectrum of the heart-related signal. The time-varying spectral analysis based approach enables the heart-related signal to be reconstructed with accuracy by suppressing the motion artifacts. Example applications for the method and corresponding apparatus include training aids (e.g., runners' heart-rate monitors) and hospital patient heart-rate monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Seyed M. A. Salehizadeh, Ki H. Chon, Yeonsik Noh
  • Patent number: 10278648
    Abstract: Automated critical congenital heart defect (“CCHD”) screening systems and processes are described. A caregiver may be guided to use a single or dual sensor pulse oximeter to obtain pre- and post-ductal blood oxygenation measurements. A delta of the measurements indicates the possible existence or nonexistence of a CCHD. Errors in the measurements are reduced by a configurable measurement confidence threshold based on, for example, a perfusion index. Measurement data may be stored and retrieved from a remote data processing center for repeated screenings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Bilal Muhsin
  • Patent number: 10278649
    Abstract: A technique for classifying lesions as malignant or benign is disclosed. The technique can include: cooling an area of skin including a lesion of a patient to initiate a warm-up process; receiving a temporal sequence of thermal images of the area of skin representing a thermal recovery of the area of skin, the temporal sequence of thermal images generated by an infrared camera; generating a temporal profile of the thermal recovery based on the temporal sequence of thermal images; analyzing temporal statistical properties of the temporal profile; determining a malignancy probability that the lesion is malignant based on an analysis of the temporal profile, wherein the determining includes extracting one or more statistical features based on continuous-time stochastic signals in the sequence of thermal images; and classifying the lesion based on the malignancy probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Majeed M. Hayat, Sanjay Krishna, Sebastian Eugenio Godoy, David A. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10278650
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The system may include a display device with at least one input device. In response to movement of or along the input device, the display device may change a glucose data output parameter and update an output of the display device using the changed output parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Peter C. Simpson, Thomas Hall, Hari Hampapuram, Kostyantyn Snisarenko, Eli Reihman, Holly Chico, Kassandra Constantine
  • Patent number: 10278651
    Abstract: A medical device (10), medical method and graphical user interface (GUI) (18) displaying data regarding measurement of a physiological parameter. A window (22) for the physiological parameter is displayed using a display device (20). The window (22) includes an indicator (24) identifying a measured value of the physiological parameter. In response to automatic trigger of measurement of the physiological parameter, the window (22) is updated to further include a first indicator (34) indicating measurement of the physiological parameter is ongoing. In response to manual trigger of measurement of the physiological parameter, the window (22) is updated to replace the indicator (24) identifying the measured value with a second indicator (36) indicating measurement of the physiological parameter is ongoing. The second indicator (36) is prominent relative to the first indicator (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KININKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Meier, Harald Greiner, Thomas Gerhard Emmrich, Steffen Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 10278652
    Abstract: A display device includes a sensor, a transparent substrate, and a plurality of light emitters adjacent a first side the transparent substrate. The light emitters emit light in a first direction and a second direction opposing the first direction. The sensor senses reflected light, which is emitted through a second side of the transparent substrate and received by the sensor after being reflected from a location outside the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Chan Kim, Katsumasa Yoshii
  • Patent number: 10278653
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for managing alerts associated with a target physiological event such as a worsening heart failure event are described. A system may detect one or more alert onsets using an onset threshold, and one or more corresponding alert terminations using a reset threshold. Alerts may be issued corresponding to the detected alert onsets and alert terminations. The system may compare the alerts to a specified alert characteristic, and iteratively adjust the onset or reset threshold until the alerts corresponding to the adjusted onset or reset threshold satisfy the specified alert characteristic. The adjusted onset and reset thresholds may be presented to a user or a process for detecting the target physiological event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Viktoria A. Averina, Julie A. Thompson, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Qi An, Yi Zhang
  • Patent number: 10278654
    Abstract: A medical X-ray photographing apparatus includes a support configured to hold the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, a base body (support holder) configured to rotatably hold the support on a side opposite to a position where the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are provided, and a turning driver configured to drive and turn the support about a turning axis. The medical X-ray photographing apparatus also includes a center-direction setting part configured to set a center direction passing through a center of a swing angle of the support in X-ray photography and a turning controller configured to control the turning driver such that the support turns with a swing angle around the center direction set by the center-direction setting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: J. MORITA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Sadakane, Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 10278655
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photographing device includes a plurality of detectors and a plurality of supporting members. The detectors detect electromagnetic waves. The supporting members support the detectors and are cylindrically arranged adjacent to each other. Each supporting member includes a first protrusion and two second protrusions. The first protrusion is provided on one side face of each supporting member in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical arrangement of the supporting members, and protrudes in the circumferential direction. The two second protrusions protrude in the circumferential direction from the other side face of each supporting member, are provided with a gap greater than the width of the first protrusion in an intersecting direction that intersects with the circumferential direction of the cylindrical arrangement, and overlap with the first protrusion of a neighboring supporting member in the intersecting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10278656
    Abstract: A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: IMAGE INSIGHT, INC.
    Inventors: Eric P. Rubenstein, Peter R. Solomon, Gordon A. Drukier, Marek A. Wojtowicz, Joseph E. Cosgrove, Michael A. Serio, James R. Markham, Kenneth W. Wang, William M. Pramenko
  • Patent number: 10278657
    Abstract: A method for performing an imaging scan of a subject includes positioning a narrow field-of-view camera at a first imaging position to acquire a first set of imaging information of a first object of interest, positioning the narrow field-of-view camera at a second imaging position to acquire a second set of imaging information of a second object of interest, determining emission counts for the first and second sets of imaging information, and utilizing the determined emission counts to generate a value that indicates a probability of a successful medical procedure being performed on the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aharon Peretz, Yaron Hefetz, Lana Volokh
  • Patent number: 10278658
    Abstract: A radiation residue scanning device includes a plurality of CZT detectors, a plurality of data processing units, a plurality of window acquisition circuits, a plurality of counting units, and a processor; the plurality of CZT detectors connected in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of data processing units; the plurality of data processing units are connected in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of window acquisition circuits; and the plurality of window acquisition circuits are connected in one-to-one correspondence to the counting units The window acquisition circuit includes a plurality of acquisition modules, and the respective acquisition modules are connected in parallel; the counting unit includes a plurality of counting subunits, the counting subunits are connected in one-to-one correspondence to the acquisition window modules, and the processor is connected to the plurality of counting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Beijing Explore Times Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gaofeng Li
  • Patent number: 10278659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a C-arm head cover. The C-arm head cover according to the present invention comprises: a fixed unit which includes a fixing means, and is capable of being fixed to a predetermined object; a first cover which extends from the fixed unit, and has a foldable structure; and a second cover which extends from the first cover, and is bent downward, wherein when the C-arm head rotates 180 degrees from an upright position around a C-arm table for supporting a person to be processed with radiography, the foldable structure of the first cover is unfolded, and then only the first cover or both the first cover and the second cover covers the C-arm head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Kyungpook National University Industry—Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Kyoung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 10278660
    Abstract: When at least one of a two-dimensional radiological image and a plurality of tomographic images of the same subject is displayed on a monitor, a depth map creation unit creates a depth map in which each position on the pseudo two-dimensional image is associated with depth information indicating the position of a tomographic plane corresponding to each position in a depth direction. A display control unit specifies the depth information of a predetermined position in the two-dimensional radiological image, with reference to the depth map, and displays the tomographic image of the tomographic plane indicated by the specified depth information on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Fukuda, Junya Morita
  • Patent number: 10278661
    Abstract: A dynamic diagnosis support information generation system includes: a radiation generator capable of irradiating a pulsed radiation; a radiation detector which is provided with a plurality of detecting elements arranged in two-dimension, detects the pulsed radiation irradiated from the radiation generator at each of the plurality of detecting elements and generates frame images successively; and an analysis section which calculates and outputs a feature value relating to a dynamic image of a subject based on a plurality of frame images generated by radiographing the subject by using the radiation generator and the radiation detector, wherein the analysis section calculates the feature value relating to the dynamic image of the subject by corresponding pixels to each others representing outputs of a detecting element at a same position in the radiation detector among the plurality of the frame images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Shintaro Muraoka, Tetsuo Shimada, Sho Noji
  • Patent number: 10278662
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry performs a fluid analysis using image data including a blood vessel to calculate an index value relating to blood flow in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry specifies a plurality of target sites in the blood vessel in the image data. The processing circuitry changes analysis conditions for the fluid analysis corresponding to the positions of the target sites. The processing circuitry causes a display to display, in a comparative manner, the index value relating to blood flow calculated under the changed analysis conditions for the target sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Ishii, Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 10278663
    Abstract: Sensor coupled to the ultrasound probe provides position information related to an ultrasound imaging position in the object. A processor performs first registration between the medical image and the ultrasound image based on the anatomical feature in the ultrasound image and a medical image of the object acquired by imaging modality different from the ultrasound apparatus, obtains first registration information which provides a relationship between a coordinate system of the medical image and a coordinate system of the ultrasound image based on the first registration, performs second registration between the sensor and the medical image based on the position information and the first registration information, and obtains second registration information based on the second registration. A display displays a portion of the medical image corresponding to the ultrasound imaging position based on the second registration information. The medical image includes one among SPECT, PET, MR, PET-CT, and PET-MR image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Gyu Hyun, Jong Beom Ra, Duhgoon Lee, Woo Hyun Nam, Won Chul Bang
  • Patent number: 10278664
    Abstract: A first image obtaining unit obtains a plurality of projection images corresponding to different radiation source positions, the projection images being imaged under a first imaging condition for tomosynthesis imaging, and a second image obtaining unit obtains a two-dimensional image imaged with a given radiation source position under a second imaging condition for simple imaging. An image quality correction unit performs image quality correction on the projection images to compensate for a difference of image quality between the projection images and the two-dimensional image based on a difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. A reconstruction unit reconstructs the projection images having been subjected to the image quality correction and the two-dimensional image to generate a tomographic image of a slice plane of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junya Morita
  • Patent number: 10278665
    Abstract: A method controls an X-ray apparatus which contains a base station and at least one X-ray detector, wherein status information about the at least one X-ray detector is obtained. The status information is deposited in a database of the base station and the X-ray apparatus is controlled on the basis of the status information from the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Benndorf, Franziska Dinse, Michael Fuhrmann, Jens Hofmann
  • Patent number: 10278666
    Abstract: X-ray imaging systems and methods for exposure control in three-dimensional X-ray imaging include acquiring at least one image with an X-ray emitter and an X-ray receiver. At least one physical characteristic of the object to be imaged is determined from the at least one image. At least one exposure parameter value based is determined based upon the at least one physical characteristic of the object to be imaged. The X-ray emitter and X-ray receiver acquire a plurality of projection images about the object to be imaged using at least one exposure parameter value. A three-dimensional X-ray image is reconstructed from the plurality of projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Esa Eronen, Markus Rintamäki, Martti Kalke
  • Patent number: 10278667
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes an image generator, a detection unit, and an irradiation control unit. The image generator successively generates X-ray images based on X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. The detection unit detects a position of a predetermined target included in the successively generated X-ray images. The irradiation control unit identifies, based on the detected position of the predetermined target, a region in which the predetermined target can be visualized in the X-ray images, and performs control to reduce an X-ray irradiation dose to a region other than the identified region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Iijima, Ryoichi Nagae, Yasuto Hayatsu, Kunio Shiraishi, Yoshinori Shimizu, Yuichiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10278668
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile X-ray apparatus that is capable of safely charging multiple mobile X-ray apparatuses. A power supply device 10 includes a plug 7; an electrical outlet 8; a battery 12; a control unit 20; a current detector 26; and a power supply circuit 30. The power supply circuit 30 includes a power limiting circuit 40; an external output circuit 50; and a charging circuit 60. The power limiting circuit 40 limits power together with the control unit 20. In the power supply circuit 30, i) if an external output circuit 50 side is current-limited, charging is preferentially performed, and ii) if the charging circuit 60 side is current-limited, power is output preferentially to external equipment. In the power supply circuit 30, the current of one current path is limited, and a large amount of current is allowed to flow preferentially in the other current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Hishikawa, Kaoru Yamamoto, Masakazu Okabe
  • Patent number: 10278669
    Abstract: This nuclear medical diagnosis apparatus acquires a normalization factor based on reference data of a reference object to be measured, acquires a mutual calibration factor using at least a part of the reference data, and calculates radioactive concentration of the reference object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mizuta, Atsushi Ohtani
  • Patent number: 10278670
    Abstract: In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used to observe a position and puncture direction of a puncture needle in an object in a paracentesis, and comprises data acquisition unit, image generation unit and a display. The data acquisition unit acquires a plurality of first ultrasound data concerning an inside of the object, acquire a plurality of second ultrasound data concerning the inside of the object, and acquire a plurality of third ultrasound data concerning the inside of the object. The image generation unit generates a tissue image displaying a living body tissue by using the first ultrasound data, generate a puncture image displaying the puncture needle based on image processing using the second ultrasound data and the third ultrasound data, and generate a composite image visualizing the living body tissue and the puncture needle by using the tissue image and the puncture image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ohuchi, Tetsuya Yoshida, Tetsuya Kawagishi, Yoko Okamura
  • Patent number: 10278671
    Abstract: Shear waves are detected with ultrasound. The detection of the shear wave is constrained using prior measurements in a more controlled environment (e.g., less noise). For example, shear waves measured in a phantom are used to constrain the detection of shear waves in a patient to avoid false positive detections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Liexiang Fan, Seungsoo Kim, Nikolas Ivancevich
  • Patent number: 10278672
    Abstract: A method of characterizing the pathological response of tissue to a treatment plan, including: obtaining a set of sequential morphology renderings of the tissue, wherein each rendering corresponds to a particular point in time during the treatment plan; generating a set of representative values of a biomechanical property of the tissue for the set of renderings, wherein each representative value is based on a corresponding rendering; determining a trend of the biomechanical property based on the set of representative values; and predicting response of the tissue to the treatment plan based on the trend of the biomechanical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Littrup, Nebojsa Duric
  • Patent number: 10278673
    Abstract: A portable ultrasound system having dedicated power source devices is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable ultrasound system can include transducer electronics and a base unit having base-unit electronics configured to receive user input and to operate the transducer electronics to perform ultrasound scanning based on the user input. The portable ultrasound system further includes a first power source device configured to power the transducer electronics and a second power source device configured to power the base-unit electronics without powering the transducer electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Chamberlain, Paul Danset
  • Patent number: 10278674
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: a display configured to display a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image of an object and a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of a region of interest (ROI) set in the 2D ultrasound image; and a controller configured to control the display to display a region not rendered as the 3D ultrasound image from among regions in the 2D ultrasound image in such a manner that the region is distinguished from a region rendered as the 3D ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-hoon Oh, Ki-sang Yoon, Dong-gyu Hyun
  • Patent number: 10278675
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting estrus in subjects are provided. Devices include a housing configured for intravaginal/intrauterine deployment and retention and a sensor disposed in or on the housing, and are configured to use condition information sensed by the sensor to determine an estrus condition of the subject. Methods include deploying a device in the subject, sensing the condition information, and determining an estrus condition using the condition information. Systems include a device configured to communicate with a base station and/or with other implanted devices, which are located within a reception radius thereof, regarding the determined estrus condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Mathew Johnson, Scott A. Uhland, Ramkumar Abhishek, Robert Thomas Krivacic, Martin Sheridan
  • Patent number: 10278676
    Abstract: The safety shield is comprised a one piece body, e.g. of biocompatible plastic, having a hollow stem 11 and a disc-shaped collar 13 extending radially outwardly from one end of the hollow stem 11. The safety shield is mounted by the user in friction fit manner in a hub of an implanted needle and serves as a guide for the insertion of a biopsy needle into the implanted needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J. Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 10278677
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus can be provided for obtaining portions or samples of tissue from a target region of a biological tissue. One or more needles can be provided that have a small internal diameter, e.g., about 1 mm or less, and the needles can be configured to extract the tissue portions when the needles are inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue. Windows and/or markings can be provided on the wall of the needles to facilitate access to the sample. The needles can be provided in an enclosure, and an actuator can be provided to direct the needles into the tissue and/or withdraw them. A plurality of tissue portions having known relative locations in the target region can be obtained, and extraction of the tissue portions can be well-tolerated by the tissue as compared with conventional punch biopsies or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Austen, Dieter Manstein
  • Patent number: 10278678
    Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bilgor Peliks
  • Patent number: 10278679
    Abstract: A self-sampling device used for collecting a homogenized sample of cells from different areas within the vaginal canal by a user. The device, comprises a hollow, cylindrical elongated tubing, a cell collecting area which is covered by an adhesive collecting element is disposed at one end, a channel disposed along the length of the cell collecting area for collecting the cells from different areas along length of the vaginal canal via one insertion, so as to mix the cells within the channel resulting in the homogenized collection of cells, further the collecting element has plurality of organized ridges arranged along the length of the cell collecting area to facilitate cell collection and a handle comprising an ergonomically shaped finger grip, wherein one end of the finger grip having a design or marking to facilitate easy counting of the complete rotations of the device, the handle and the tubing is designed to form a unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventors: Frank Melendez, Liliana Montes
  • Patent number: 10278680
    Abstract: A system for performing a surgical procedure includes a bronchoscope, monitoring equipment coupled to the bronchoscope, a tracking system, a positioning assembly, and a biopsy tool. The biopsy tool includes an elongated flexible body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a biopsy member formed on the distal end of the elongated flexible body. The biopsy member includes a tissue-receiving portion defining an opening including sharpened edges. The sharpened edges are disposed on the interior perimeter of the opening and are capable of cutting tissue. A biopsy tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David M. Costello, Thomas P. Crowley, Thomas D. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 10278681
    Abstract: A handheld device includes an electronic instrument and a capacitive power supply for storing and delivering power to the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply includes at least one capacitor, and an electronic circuit operable to boost a voltage from the capacitor to a higher voltage for use by the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply can be rapidly recharged. Some configurations include an accelerometer which permits the handheld device to detect movement and perform various operations responsive to detected movement. A dual charging station is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Jon R. Salvati, Michael Curry, Michael T. McMahon, Steven R. Slawson
  • Patent number: 10278682
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for therapeutic and/or diagnostic use in or on a patient's body. The device can have a sheath and a tool. The sheath can be made, at least in part, from a laminate. The laminate can have reinforcement fibers in longitudinal, latitudinal, helical, and/or other configurations around the sheath. The tool can be at least partially within the sheath. The tool can be attached to the sheath at one or more lengths along the tool. The sheath can be removed from the tool and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LOMA VISTA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Quillin Tilson, Mark Christopher Scheeff, Roland J. Downs, Christopher Michael Adams, Jon Michael Holweger
  • Patent number: 10278683
    Abstract: An articulated tool positioning apparatus comprising a base member, an intermediate member, an end member and a first tool holder arranged in succession, each of the base member, intermediate member, end member and tool holder having a respective central opening. A first plurality of coupled guides id positioned between the base member and the intermediate member and a second plurality of coupled guides is positioned between the intermediate member and the end member. A third plurality of coupled guides is diposed between the end member and the tool holder. The base member, intermediate member, end member, first tool holder and first second and third pluralities of coupled guides all have a central opening and guide openings or securing points for securing pluralities of flexible control links to the base member or to an object separated from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Robert, David Allen Zitnick, Peter John Kenneth Cameron, Leonard M. Faria, Andrea Bajo
  • Patent number: 10278684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical apparatus including a magazine which is arranged to receive a plurality of medical interventions particularly for use in surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Surgical Synergy Limited
    Inventors: Martin Knight, Roger John
  • Patent number: 10278685
    Abstract: An electrosurgical electrospinning device is presented including a reservoir having a polymer solution disposed therein, the reservoir cooperating with a dispensing apparatus configured to dispense the polymer solution from the reservoir. The electrosurgical electrospinning device further includes a plurality of nozzles connected to the reservoir, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles including a plurality of needles and a blow-spraying mechanism for blowing gas around each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles when the polymer solution is dispensed from the plurality of needles. The gas from the blow-spraying mechanism and the polymer solution from the plurality of needles are coaxially applied directly onto tissue at voltages of less than or equal to 3 kV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Vincent Zaballa, Daniel A. Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 10278686
    Abstract: A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril Baudouin, Matthew Fenn, Markus Hunziker, Sean Saidha, Michael White, Khawar Siddique, Brian Perri, Philippe Lindenmann
  • Patent number: 10278687
    Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a screw mount that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The screw mount couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Cryder, Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 10278688
    Abstract: A wound protector and retractor device 1 comprises a sleeve 2, a distal member provided by a distal ring 3 of resilient material and a proximal member provided by a proximal ring 4. The sleeve 2 is led around the ring 3 and is free to move axially relative to the distal ring 3 somewhat in the manner of a pulley. The proximal ring 4 is fixed to the sleeve 2, in this case at the proximal inner end thereof. The sleeve 2 terminates in a handle or gripping portion which is reinforced by a gripping ring 15. The sleeve extends from the proximal ring 4 and the distal ring 3 is contained between inner and outer layers 2a, 2b of the sleeve 2. The resilient distal ring 3 is scrunched up and inserted through the incision 6. The sleeve 2 is then pulled upwardly. On pulling of the sleeve 2 upwardly the outer layer 2b is pulled up while the inner layer 2a is drawn around the proximal ring 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Atropos Limited
    Inventors: Frank Bonadio, John Butler, Trevor Vaugh, Shane J. MacNally, Alan Reid
  • Patent number: 10278689
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to engage tissue. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a tissue reinforcement member holder configured to retain a tissue reinforcement member relative to the suturing head. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and the suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. Methods of using a suture passer device to pass a suture through tissue and to attach soft tissue to bone are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Palese, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 10278690
    Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Pivot Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Skinlo, Scott Heneveld, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs
  • Patent number: 10278691
    Abstract: A suture assembly includes a suture clip connected to a suture. The suture clip includes a proximal end opposite a distal end, a first side edge opposite a second side edge, with each of the first side edge and the second side edge extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the suture clip. The suture clip is formed such that the first side edge is spaced apart from the second side edge to provide an open slot that is adapted to allow the suture clip to flex in a radial direction. A tab extends from the distal end of the suture clip and is crimped to the suture. A rib formed on an interior surface of the suture clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Steven McClurg, Daniel J. Dravis
  • Patent number: 10278692
    Abstract: A sling suspension system for supporting the thumb of a patient after basal joint arthroplasty, the sling suspension system comprising: an index metacarpal anchor, a thumb metacarpal anchor and a sling for securing the thumb metacarpal anchor to the index metacarpal anchor; the index metacarpal anchor comprising at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the index metacarpal and a sling-engaging element for capturing the sling to the index metacarpal anchor; the thumb metacarpal anchor comprising at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the thumb metacarpal and a sling-engaging element for capturing the sling to the thumb metacarpal anchor; and the sling comprising an elongated body having a first anchor-engaging element for securing the sling to the sling-engaging element of the index metacarpal anchor, and a second anchor-engaging element for securing the sling to the sling-engaging element of the thumb metacarpal anchor, wherein the second anchor-engaging element is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: CMC Group LLC
    Inventors: Izi Bruker, Jeanne L. DelSignore, Kevin L. Ohashi, James Christopher Harber
  • Patent number: 10278693
    Abstract: A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Nicholas Maiorino, Timothy Kosa, Mark Buchter, Keith Kroeber, Richard Casey Hart
  • Patent number: 10278694
    Abstract: A medical device includes a surgical needle, an elongated suture, and an intervening segment. The elongated suture has a first end proximate to the needle and a second end located away from the needle. The elongated suture also includes a plurality of fibers defining a mesh wall between the first and second ends. A plurality of pores extend through the mesh wall, at least some which are in the macroporous size range of greater than 200 microns for facilitating tissue integration when introduced into a body. The intervening segment is disposed between and connected to either or both ends of the elongated suture and the needle. The intervening segment includes one or more fibers of the plurality of fibers and has a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the mesh wall such that the intervening segment facilitates indirect attachment of the elongated macroporous mesh suture to the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Gregory Dumanian