Patents Issued in August 15, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190247096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw assembly for a spinal implant comprising a first unit including insertion holes positioned opposite each other, cut from an edge of an upper end of the first unit, and forming an inner space, the first unit penetrated from top to bottom, a rod having a side whose outer circumference surface is positioned on the insertion holes of the first unit and another side whose outer circumference surface is positioned on an insertion holes of another first unit positioned adjacent to the first unit, a second unit having an upper portion rotatably received in a lower portion of the inner space and a lower portion screwed to a vertebral body of a spine not to be released; a third unit screwed to an upper portion of the inner space to hold the rod, and a fourth unit positioned between the inner space and the upper portion of the second unit to restrict a rotation of the second unit and including a pressure cap seated in the inner space while pressing an outer surface of an upper po
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Min-na KIM, Il-jin JEON
  • Publication number: 20190247097
    Abstract: Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A modular connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end having a modular connection point configured to connect a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick Murray
  • Publication number: 20190247098
    Abstract: A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: David Brumfield, Mahmoud Abdelgany, Ahmad Faizan, Faheem Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20190247099
    Abstract: A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20190247100
    Abstract: A system for securing a flexible member to a vertebra includes a flexible member, a fixation member, and an inserter. The flexible member includes two ends. The fixation member includes a head and a shank that defines a longitudinal axis of the fixation member. The head defines a slot that passes through the head orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The slot receives a portion of the flexible member. The inserter includes a handle and a tubular member that has proximal and distal end portion. The proximal end portion is attached to the handle and the distal end portion extends from the handle. The tubular member defines a passage between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion includes a couple for receiving the head of the fixation member with the portion of the flexible member received in the slot of the flexible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mundis, JR., Han Jo Kim, John Ferguson, Laurel Blakemore, Michael Barrus
  • Publication number: 20190247101
    Abstract: A rod reducer includes a shaft, a sleeve assembly defining a bore dimensioned to receive the shaft therethrough, a housing defining a bore dimensioned to receive the shaft, arm members operatively associated with the housing, and an anvil operatively coupled with the shaft. The sleeve assembly includes a locking tab. The housing includes a groove configured to selectively receive the locking tab of the sleeve assembly. The housing includes a locking ledge portion in registration with the groove. The anvil is transitionable between a proximal position, in which, the arm members are spaced apart, and a distal position, in which, the arm members are in an approximated position. The sleeve assembly is rotatable between an engaged state in which, the locking ledge portion inhibits relative axial displacement of the sleeve assembly with the housing, and a disengaged state in which, the sleeve assembly is axially movable relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Michael BARRUS
  • Publication number: 20190247102
    Abstract: A system includes a bone anchor including a shank having a first end, a second end, a channel extending through the shank with a channel axis, and an internal advancement structure having at least a portion being closer axially to the second end than to the first end, and an elongate instrument configured to extend through the channel, with a tip portion and an external advancement structure configured to cooperate with the internal advancement structure. Engagement between the advancement structures facilitates holding of the tip portion at a first axial position relative to the bone anchor and movement of the tip portion from the first axial position towards both the first and second ends of the shank. The tip portion and the external advancement structure of the elongate instrument are insertable into and removable from the channel via the first end of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Timo Biedermann
  • Publication number: 20190247103
    Abstract: Intramedullary nails, systems, and methods. The intramedullary nail may include a generally elongate body extending from a first, distal end to a second, proximal end. The distal end may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the distal end intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the distal end of the nail. The proximal end may also include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the proximal end of the nail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Hedgeland, David Machamer, David R. Jansen, Mark Rossney, David J. Rowe, David Laird
  • Publication number: 20190247104
    Abstract: Methods for creating a desired tissue effect. An RF electrode is provided that includes a conductive portion. The RF electrode is coupled to a fluid delivery member that delivers a cooling fluidic medium to a back surface of the RF electrode. A dielectric is positioned on a skin surface. The RF electrode is coupled with the dielectric. RF energy is delivered from the RF electrode and the dielectric to the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Roger A. Stern, Mitchell Levinson
  • Publication number: 20190247105
    Abstract: A cryoablation system comprises a balloon catheter including a cryoballoon, and a fluid container configured to supply cryogenic fluid to the cryoballoon and to store a residual fluid quantity. A first fluid sensor senses the residual fluid quantity and generates a first sensor output. A second fluid sensor senses fluid consumption information representing an amount of fluid consumption by the balloon catheter during one or more ablation procedures, and generates a second sensor output. A controller receives the first sensor output and the second sensor output and determines residual cryoablation information based at least in part on the first sensor output and the second sensor output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Chadi Harmouche
  • Publication number: 20190247106
    Abstract: A cryogenic balloon catheter system for use by an operator in treating a condition in a patient comprises a fluid source that selectively retains a fluid, and a catheter including a first balloon configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source. A balloon inflation rate controller is configured to control an inflation rate of the first balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Chadi Harmouche
  • Publication number: 20190247107
    Abstract: A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the walls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman, David Trottingwolf Aldridge, David K. Wrolstad, Mark A. Ritchart, Jeffrey E. Hull, Gene Reu
  • Publication number: 20190247108
    Abstract: A plurality of control-signal generators are configured to generate respective control signals having respective control-signal amplitudes and different respective control-signal frequencies, and a plurality of signal adders are configured to produce respective composite signals for application to a subject, by adding the control signals to respective ablation signals having respective ablation-signal amplitudes. The control-signal generators are configured to generate the control signals such that respective ratios between the control-signal amplitudes and the ablation-signal amplitudes are constant during the application of the composite signals to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Levin, Boris Ashkinezer, Eyal Rotman, Shlomo Fried Zichron
  • Publication number: 20190247109
    Abstract: A device for treating a tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the capsule releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device and clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip arms are movable between an open configuration, and a closed configuration. A core member is coupled to the clip alms, the core member including a proximal portion and a distal portion releasably connected to one another so that, when the core member is subjected to a predetermined load, the proximal and distal portions are separated from one another. An electrically conductive control member is connected to the core member, a proximal end of the connected member connected to a power source for delivering an electrical current to the clip arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Paul SMITH, Peter DAYTON, Samuel RAYBIN, Ray H. TONG
  • Publication number: 20190247110
    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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    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
  • Publication number: 20190247111
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: SEAN T. DYCUS, STEVEN P. BUYSSE, DAX D. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20190247112
    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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, JOSEPH D. BUCCIAGLIA
  • Publication number: 20190247113
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for administering an ablation treatment and other therapeutic or diagnostic protocols to a patient tissue involve a flexible stabilizer mechanism having an inner recess and an ablation mechanism coupled with the stabilizer mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer IBRAHIM, Dwight P. MOREJOHN, Michael J. BANCHIERI, Ara STEPHANIAN, John D. PAVLIDIS, David K. SWANSON
  • Publication number: 20190247114
    Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: James K. LEE
  • Publication number: 20190247115
    Abstract: A catheter carries a position sensor in a distal, on-axis position in an irrigated ablation tip electrode. The tip electrode has a shell wall that defines a cavity through which fluid flows and exits via fluid ports formed in the shell wall. The cavity is sealed by an internal member extends into the cavity with a baffle portion and a distal portion. The distal portion safely houses the position sensor and the baffle portion diffuses and disperses fluid entering the tip electrode for a more uniform flow through the cavity. The distal portion is configured to provide an annular region that runs along the length of the tip electrode to better feed fluid to the more distal fluid ports on the tip electrode for more uniform cooling at all locations on the tip electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Olen Zirkle, Jeffrey L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20190247116
    Abstract: A method, including selecting a first maximum radiofrequency (RF) power to be delivered by an electrode within a range of 70 W-100 W, and selecting a second maximum RF power to be delivered by the electrode within a range of 20 W-60 W. The method also includes selecting an allowable force on the electrode within a range of 5 g-50 g, selecting a maximum allowable temperature, of tissue to be ablated, within a range of 55° C.-65° C., and selecting an irrigation rate for providing irrigation fluid to the electrode within a range of 8-45 ml/min. The method further includes performing an ablation of tissue using the selected values by initially using the first power, switching to the second power after a predefined time between 3 s and 6 s, and terminating the ablation after a total time for the ablation between 10 s and 20 s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath, Andres Claudio Altmann, Israel Zilberman
  • Publication number: 20190247117
    Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy using ablation tools configured to allow lower insertion forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Schaning
  • Publication number: 20190247118
    Abstract: A multicarrier ablation system comprising: an antenna for application to biological tissue; a multi-carrier signal generator configured to provide a forward radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna, the forward RF signal comprising multiple subcarriers that occupy respective frequencies within a bandwidth of the RF signal; and a monitoring circuit configured to receive a reflected RF signal from the antenna and control the multi-carrier signal generator to adjust one or more parameters of the forward RF signal during an ablation procedure based on the reflected RF signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Urocam Inc.
    Inventors: Alex DOLGONOS, Karen SAFARYAN
  • Publication number: 20190247119
    Abstract: A device configured to cut hair using laser light includes a handle portion and a shaving portion. The handle portion includes a battery and a laser light source. The laser light source is coupled to and configured to receive power from the battery. The laser light source is also configured to generate laser light having a wavelength selected to target a predetermined chromophore to effectively cut a hair shaft. The shaving portion includes a support and a single fiber optic supported by the support. The fiber optic has a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall, and a cutting region positioned towards the distal end and extending along a portion of the side wall. The fiber optic is positioned to receive the laser light from the laser light source at the proximal end, conduct the laser light from the proximal end toward the distal end, and emit the light out of the cutting region and toward hair when the cutting region is brought in contact with the hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Paul William Binun, Morgan Lars Ake Gustavsson, Kyle McCormick
  • Publication number: 20190247120
    Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided interstitial thermal therapy includes receiving MRI data for tissue of a patient, generating an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map from the MM data, identifying a target site for thermal therapy based on the ADC map, wherein the target site is identified based on an area on the ADC map with a lowest ADC value, planning the thermal therapy for the target site including identifying localized areas of the target site to be ablated first during delivery of the thermal therapy, activating a laser to deliver the thermal therapy using a laser fiber, and monitoring progress of the thermal therapy using MR thermometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Desert Medical Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Bernadette M. Greenwood, John F. Feller, Wesley R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190247121
    Abstract: An interactive placement of a digital representation of a surgical device or anatomic feature into a radiologic 3D medical image that contains a feature of interest is described. Integration of the digital representation of the surgical device or anatomic feature with the radiologic 3D medical image facilitates pre-operative surgical planning and surgical device selection. Location indicators, annotations, and registration markers may be overlaid on selected volume images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kathleen M Douglas, Robert E Douglas
  • Publication number: 20190247122
    Abstract: A method for determining access to a patient for performing a surgical procedure in an internal location in the patient's body is disclosed. The method includes forming a three-dimensional model of a portion of the patient's body based on a set of medical images, calculating at least one path for a surgeon to follow to perform the surgical procedure, and determining one or more access zones that the surgeon may use to enter the body. Methods for assisting in the performance of a surgical procedure and performing the surgical procedure are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Frank D'Amelio, Gianluca Parrini, Leonardo Manetti, Damiano Fortuna, Denis Mattia De Micheli
  • Publication number: 20190247123
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized estimates of bioheat transfer through a patient's body or a portion of a patient's body. One method includes receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a patient-specific tissue model including at least a portion of tissue of the patient's anatomy; receiving an estimate of heat content of the portion of tissue of the patient-specific tissue model or tissue surrounding the portion of tissue; determining an estimate of heat distribution of the portion of tissue of the patient-specific tissue model or tissue surrounding the portion of tissue based on the vascular model, the tissue model, or the received estimate of heat content; and output the determined estimate of heat distribution to a storage medium or user display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Leo GRADY, Charles A. TAYLOR, Christopher K. ZARINS
  • Publication number: 20190247124
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for simulating or optimizing hemodialysis access. One method includes receiving a patient-specific anatomic model of a patient's vasculature; computing a pre-treatment hemodynamic characteristic of a pre-treatment geometry of a portion of the anatomic model; simulating a post-treatment geometry of a vascular access in the portion of the anatomic model; computing a post-treatment hemodynamic characteristic of the post-treatment geometry of the portion of the anatomic model having the vascular access; and generating a representation of the pre-treatment hemodynamic characteristic or the post-treatment hemodynamic characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Sethuraman SANKARAN, Leo Grady, Charles A. Taylor, Christopher K. Zarins
  • Publication number: 20190247125
    Abstract: A system for navigating to a catheter to a target is disclosed. The system includes a probe and a workstation. The probe is configured to be navigated through a patient's airways and includes a location sensor. The workstation is in operative communication with the probe. The workstation includes a memory and at least one processor. The memory stores a navigation plan and a program that, when executed by the processor, is configured to generate a 3D rendering of the patient's airways, generate a view using the 3D rendering, and display the view featuring at least a portion of the navigation plan. Generating the view includes executing a first transfer function for a first range from a distal tip of the location sensor and executing a second transfer function for a second range from the distal tip of the location sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Eyal Klein, Oren P. Weingarten
  • Publication number: 20190247126
    Abstract: A fluorescent imaging device includes a light source unit including a first light source for radiating excitation light, a second light source for radiating visible illumination light, and a third light source for radiating non-visible light, an imager being configured to capture a fluorescent image, a visible image, and a non-visible image, and a tracking processor that is operable to perform moving-body tracking for a region of interest that is set in an image based on at least the non-visible image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya IKEHARA
  • Publication number: 20190247127
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing a surgical procedure. An illustrative surgical system includes an electromagnetic (EM) tracking system, a surgical tool, a display device, and a computing device configured to receive first image data of the surgical site, identify a luminal network, generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the surgical site, identify a plurality of lymph nodes, mark the plurality of lymph nodes on the 3D model, select one of the plurality of lymph nodes as a target, determine a pathway to the target, display the pathway to the target, determine a position of the surgical tool within the surgical site, register the 3D model to the surgical site, receive ultrasound image data of the target, and generate a 3D volume rendering of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Evgeni Kopel, Ariel Birenbaum, William S. Krimsky
  • Publication number: 20190247128
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an elongated flexible instrument comprises a variable-length support assembly. The variable-length support assembly includes a first end, a second end, a plurality of support member pairs, and a plurality of eyelets configured to receive the elongated flexible instrument. Each support member pair comprises a first support member linked to a second support member, and each of the plurality of eyelets is movably coupled to at least one of the plurality of support member pairs along a longitudinal central axis between the first end and the second end. The variable-length support assembly is configured to selectively transition from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration along the longitudinal central axis, and the plurality of eyelets are adapted to support the elongated flexible instrument as the elongated flexible instrument is advanced along the longitudinal central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew D. Inouye, David W. Bailey, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Matthew D. Rohr Daniel
  • Publication number: 20190247129
    Abstract: Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kamyar ABHARI, Gal SELA, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Kai Michael HYNNA, Kelly Noel DYER, Tammy Kee-wai LEE
  • Publication number: 20190247130
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for image management in image-guided medical procedures. Some embodiments herein allow a physician to use multiple instruments for a surgery and simultaneously provide image-guidance data for those instruments. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide information to physicians about procedures they are performing, the devices (such as ablation needles, ultrasound transducers or probes, scalpels, cauterizers, etc.) they are using during the procedure, the relative emplacements or poses of these devices, prediction information for those devices, and other information. Some embodiments provide useful information about 3D data sets and allow the operator to control the presentation of regions of interest. Additionally, some embodiments provide for quick calibration of surgical instruments or attachments for surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Andrei State, Caroline Green, Brian Heaney, Sharif Razzaque
  • Publication number: 20190247131
    Abstract: Methods and system perform tool tracking during minimally invasive robotic surgery. Tool states are determined using triangulation techniques or a Bayesian filter from either or both non-endoscopically derived and endoscopically derived tool state information, or from either or both non-visually derived and visually derived tool state information. The non-endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from sensor data provided either by sensors associated with a mechanism for manipulating the tool, or sensors capable of detecting identifiable signals emanating or reflecting from the tool and indicative of its position, or external cameras viewing an end of the tool extending out of the body. The endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from image data provided by an endoscope inserted in the body so as to view the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Brian D. Hoffman, David Q. Larkin, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Guanghua G. Zhang, Rajesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20190247132
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a system for visualizing an image object relating to an instrument (3), partitularly a medical instrument, in an extracorporeal image. The image object may comprise a representation of the instrument (3) or an intracorporeal image (40) acquired using the instrument (3). The system comprises an extracorporeal image acquisition device (1) for acquiring extracorporeal images with respect to an extracorporeal image frame and a tracking arrangement (2) for tracking the instrument (3) independent of the extracorporeal images with respect to a tracking frame. Further, the invention relates to a method carried out in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Godefridus Antonius HARKS, Niels NIJHOF
  • Publication number: 20190247133
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for near field communication (NFC) between a surgical instrument and a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a surgical tool is configured to move between different modes of communication with a robotic surgical system to which the tool is releasably and replaceably coupled. The different modes of communication are detectable by the robotic surgical system by the tool's frequency of NFC with the robotic surgical system. The tool includes a mechanism configured to be manipulated by a user of the tool to move the tool between the different modes of communication. The tool operating in a first mode of communication indicates to the robotic surgical system that the tool is operating in a normal state. The tool operating in each of one or more additional modes of communication indicates that the tool is operating in an error state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Joshua Young, David C. Yates, James Hoffmaster, Ammon Wright, Vincenzo Barbato
  • Publication number: 20190247134
    Abstract: A sterile drape is provided to cover medical equipment. The drape may include an expandable element to open the open end of the drape. A sheath may also be provided to cover the sheath prior to use. The drape may also be held in a container, which may be coupled to the equipment. Furthermore, the drape may include one or more partially deployed positions in which the drape is partially deployed yet the sterile surface of the drape remains unexposed so that the drape may be partially deployed by non-sterile personnel and stored in a non-sterile area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Todd Marinchak
  • Publication number: 20190247135
    Abstract: Surgical draperies and methods of use are disclosed which provide a technique to prevent the edges of the surgical draperies from touching the floor. An elastic is included in a bottom portion of the surgical drape which provides for a snug connection to an operating table. Further elastic connecting bands or connecting devices such as hooks serve to further prevent the contact of the surgical drape with the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20190247136
    Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting and transporting medical probes including, but not limited to, ultrasound transducers and more specifically ultrasound transducers designed for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A transport apparatus may include a housing for protecting a control housing of a medical probe and an elongate member extending from the housing. The elongate member may be configured to engage the insertion tube of the probe and maintain an arch shape of the insertion tube during transport to prevent damage from over-flexing of the insertion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: LEVI MOORE, PETER LEONHARDT
  • Publication number: 20190247137
    Abstract: In some examples, a medical device package may include a backing card that is configured to secure a medical device to a major surface of the backing card. The backing card is configured to be assembled from an open state into a closed state in which flaps on one or more ends of a central region of the backing card move over some of the central region and cover some of the secured medical device. The closed state defines a reduced footprint relative to the unfolded state. The backing card may be sealed in a pouch, which may then be housed in a carton. The carton includes exterior walls that enclose the sealed backing card and spacing elements that receive the sealed backing card at a relative location within the carton and holds the backing card a threshold distance from the exterior walls of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: John Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20190247138
    Abstract: A tissue expander is disclosed herein. The tissue expander may comprise a shell defining a chamber, and having a flexible wall and a port disposed through the flexible wall. The shell may also include a channel disposed through the flexible wall. A first syringe containing a first volume of a liquid may be connected to the chamber of the tissue expander via the channel. A second syringe containing a second volume of the liquid may be connected to the chamber via the port at least approximately one week after the first volume of liquid is injected. The first volume of liquid may be injected more quickly than the second volume of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Gordon Lamar KIRCHHEVEL, David Henry TAFFE
  • Publication number: 20190247139
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for trans-septally delivering carbon dioxide through a minimally invasive catheter to create a gaseous pocket or emphysema between the posterior wall of the left atrium and the esophagus during cardiac ablation of the left atrium. This pocket of gas expanded tissue serves to thermally insulate and separate the esophagus from the left atrium during ablation to prevent the formation of an atrial-esophageal fistula. The system comprises a control system to precisely deliver the gas to a desired location through a needle-based catheter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: William Cohn, Colin Brahmstedt, Matthew Kuhn, Fergus Wong
  • Publication number: 20190247140
    Abstract: A disposable material, pre-cut to various shapes or able to be cut or shaped at the time of use, to protect non-target tissue, excluding the eyes, during treatment of the skin is disclosed. The disposable material comprises a flexible material comprising at least one first layer comprising a material that mitigates the transmission of electromagnetic radiation from an radiation source; a backing layer that is located on top of the first layer and is configured to diffusively reflect the electromagnetic radiation without direct specular reflection; and an adhesive for removably attaching the disposable material to the skin. There is also disclosed a method of protecting non-target tissue, excluding the eyes, by applying the disclosed material to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Eric F. BERNSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20190247141
    Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly that includes one or more electrodes, and one or more AC conductors electrically connecting the one or more electrodes to a power source that is configured to generate and output an AC power signal to the one or more electrodes via the one or more AC conductors. A rectifier is electrically connected to the one or more AC conductors, and configured to convert the AC power signal into a DC power signal. A light source is electrically powered by the DC power signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Riyad Moe, Huisun Wang
  • Publication number: 20190247142
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method and a medical observation device (1) such as a microscope (2) or endoscope. The device and method are used for displaying output image data (54) of soft biological tissue (12). In image-guided surgery, pre-operative three-dimensional image data (6) of the soft biological tissue (12) are elastically matched to interoperative image data (14) which are acquired during surgery. By displaying the elastically matched pre-operative three-dimensional image data (6) together with the interoperative image data (14), the surgeon may be made aware of the consistence of the soft biological tissue (12) below the visible surface layer. Existing systems for image-guided surgery need to be manually readjusted if surgery is done on soft biological tissue (12), which may deform and shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: George THEMELIS
  • Publication number: 20190247143
    Abstract: A marking implement assembly for placing a mark on tissue, including a marker body including a marking implement extending from the marker body, a cap configured to fit to an end of the marker body so as to cover the marking implement, the cap including a housing providing an ink reservoir, where when fitted to the marker body at least a part of the marking implement is in fluid contact with the ink reservoir, the cap fitting onto the marker body in fluid tight manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew John Coleman, Richard Smith
  • Publication number: 20190247144
    Abstract: A custom surgical stent for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: TriAgenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Leigh E. Colby
  • Publication number: 20190247145
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose a disposable protective assembly apparatus for a dental syringe body of a dental syringe. The apparatus is a combination of a disposable syringe tip and a disposable protective sleeve, the sleeve being pre-attached to the syringe tip, and the sleeve being in a pre-folded position to be quickly and easily slid over the dental syringe prior to a dental operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Pac-Dent International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Wang, Taosheng Hu, Xiao Yang