Patents Issued in December 10, 2019
  • Patent number: 10499960
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for stabilizing first and second bone portions relative to one another. In one example, implants, instruments and methods are provided that can be used with minimal exposure of the fractured bone and along curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: IntraFuse, LLC
    Inventors: M. Mary Sinnott, T. Wade Fallin, Mark D. Hayes, Robert W. Hoy
  • Patent number: 10499961
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding device is proposed, for determining a location on a bone surface and for performing a simulation of an insertion of an implant based on the determined location. The simulation may comprise the steps of identifying an implantation axis of the bone in the first image, and aligning a visualization of the implant with the implantation axis, with respect to the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Simon, Arno Blau
  • Patent number: 10499962
    Abstract: Bone plate template systems and methods determine a suitable bone plate implant from a plurality of bone plate implants. The systems and methods have a first bone plate implant having a first length, and a second bone plate implant having a second length that is less than the first length of the first bone plate implant. The systems and methods have a bone plate template having a shape and a length defined between a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end, wherein at least a portion of the shape of the bone plate template corresponds to at least portions of a shape of at least one of the first and second bone plate implants. The bone plate template has at least one removable segment located adjacent to the second end of the bone plate template, wherein a connecting section of the bone plate template has a width and connects the at least one removable segment to the first end of the bone plate template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FLOWER ORTHOPEDICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Oliver Burckhardt
  • Patent number: 10499963
    Abstract: A fixing instrument for an open-type distal tibial osteotomy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed on a tibia incised by the open-type distal tibial osteotomy, and the fixing instrument includes: a body portion which is in close contact with the tibia and has a plurality of coupling holes and an oblong hole; a head portion which is connected to one end of the body portion and has a plurality of coupling holes; screws which are inserted into the coupling holes; and a block which is detachably installed in the oblong hole by using a sliding screw, in which the head portion is formed to have a predetermined angle based on a lower surface of the head portion, and the other end of the body portion is formed to have a predetermined angle based on a lower surface of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Hae Sun Paik
  • Patent number: 10499964
    Abstract: A locking element is configured to be used with a polyaxial bone anchor, and is substantially cylindrical with a bottom side facing a head of the bone anchor, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a surface portion with an external thread. The locking element has a first recess at the bottom side for accommodating at least a portion of the head, and a second recess at the top side for engagement with a driver. The second recess is located outside the center of the top side. The head has a portion with a largest diameter, and a first level L1 is defined by the highest point of a circle with the largest diameter drawn around the head, and a second level L2 is defined by the bottom of the second recess, L2 being at a level not higher than L1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markku Biedermann
  • Patent number: 10499965
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for a closed distal femur osteotomy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed on a femur incised by the closed distal femur osteotomy, and the fixing mechanism includes: a body portion which is in close contact with the femur and has a plurality of coupling holes and an oblong hole; a head portion which is connected to one end of the body portion and has a plurality of coupling holes; screws which are inserted into the coupling holes; and a sliding screw which is inserted into the oblong hole by adjusting a coupling position, in which the head portion has a predetermined inclination angle in an upward direction based on a lower surface of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Hae Sun Paik
  • Patent number: 10499966
    Abstract: A bone fixation system is configured to be implanted and secured to a bone so as to stabilize a bone. The bone fixation system includes an implant having a plate portion configured to be secured to a first segment of the bone by a first bone anchor, and a second segment of the bone by a second one anchor. The implant further includes a mesh portion configured to abut a third segment of the bone to prevent movement of the third segment relative to both the first segment and the second segment. The implant defining an outer perimeter defined in part by the plate portion and in part by the mesh portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kobayashi, Harry Thomas Hall, IV, Glen Pierson
  • Patent number: 10499967
    Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Arnold Peter C. Weiss, Amy L. Ladd, Roy Fiebiger, Gary B. Hulme, Jeffrey J. Christian
  • Patent number: 10499968
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a cable plug and a cable wire attachment plate are disclosed herein. Each plug or plate has a cable retaining portion and a fastening portion disposed from the cable retaining portion about a longitudinal axis of the plug or plate. Each cable retaining portion preferably has an aperture or channel for receiving a cable wire therein, while each fastening portion is adapted to engage a portion of a bone plate, such as a hole in the bone plate or an exterior surface of the bone plate. Related methods, systems, and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Wiederkehr, Pierre-Luc Sylvestre
  • Patent number: 10499969
    Abstract: A bone fixation screw device for implantation into a bone of a patient is disclosed. The screw device includes a screw body having an outer surface. A plurality of outer screw threads extends around the outer surface of the screw body. A plurality of apertures or passages is defined through the outer surface. A plurality of anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures in the screw body. The anchors can be inserted into a patient's bone to further fixate and purchase the bone screw within the patient's bone. The screw body can include an inner cavity, the plurality of apertures each being open to the inner cavity. The anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures from the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MiRus, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew J. McGirt
  • Patent number: 10499970
    Abstract: A laser device having a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, the distal end configured to receive a fixation member to be affixed to a target surgical site. The laser device includes a laser source supported by the laser device body and capable of emitting a laser beam to the distal end, wherein the laser source is responsive to at least one input so as to selectively switch between an inactive configuration whereby the laser source does not emit the laser beam, and an active configuration whereby the laser source emits the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Leuenberger, Dieter Schmidli
  • Patent number: 10499971
    Abstract: A bone cement delivery system including a mixer, a reservoir for holding bone cement, a cannula that is connected to the reservoir and through which the bone cement is delivered into living tissue. A plunger that is advanced by a drive assembly, pushes the bone cement out of the delivery tube into the cannula for discharge from the cannula. A valve is located upstream of the cannula. A control unit regulates both drive assembly and the setting of the valve. The control unit is configured to, when deactivating the valve so as to stop the advancement of the plunger, close the valve. The closing of the valve reduces the extent to which the bone cement, which is under pressure continues to flow into and be discharged out of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jared P. Coffeen, Jeffery D. Arnett
  • Patent number: 10499972
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a mini cable tensioner for introducing tension on a cable, the mini cable tensioner including a tensioning tube, a tensioning grip, including a collet opener as an internal structure of the tensioning grip, a tensioning unit, including a collet axially positioned in a cone sheath, a tensioning rod having a proximal end connected to an end stop nut and a distal end connected to the cone sheath, a tensioning nut rotatable on the tensioning rod, an inner spring configured to actuate the collet in a first direction, and an outer spring configured to actuate the tensioning rod in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Bosshard, This Aebi, Martin Altmann
  • Patent number: 10499973
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for applying energy to tissue, and more particularly relates to a system for ablating or modifying structures in a body with systems and methods that generate a flow of vapor at a controlled flow rate for applying energy to the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 10499974
    Abstract: A surgical system that illuminates a surgical site using one or more illumination means is powered by radiofrequency energy produced by an electrosurgical generator. Illumination may occur whether or not current is being delivered from an active electrode to target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Heim, Alex Vayser, David Wayne, Jason Hegener
  • Patent number: 10499975
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to releasably couple to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade there through to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Weijiang Ding, Peixiong Yi, Xiucheng Shen, Duane E. Kerr, Sarfraz Ahamed Syed
  • Patent number: 10499976
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members each jaw member defining an opposed surface. The jaw members are movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue within a grasping area. First and second tissue-treating plates are disposed on the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue disposed within a tissue-treating. Each jaw member defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position, wherein the knife is positioned proximally of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife extends at least partially through the knife channels of the jaw members to cut tissue positioned adjacent the tissue-treating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Gary M. Couture, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Barry J. Kaup
  • Patent number: 10499977
    Abstract: A method of surgery utilizing an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members defining a grasping area therebetween and a tissue-treating area therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. The end effector assembly is positioned such that the knife channels are positioned adjacent tissue to be removed. Thereafter, the first and/or second jaw members are moved from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween, the jaw members are energized for conducting energy through tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area to treat tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area, and a knife is advanced through the knife channels to cut tissue adjacent the tissue-treating area thereby separating tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Gary M. Couture, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Barry J. Kaup
  • Patent number: 10499978
    Abstract: A dissecting device for dissecting tissue surrounding a blood vessel in a living body. The dissecting device includes a grasping section that includes an insertion lumen. The dissecting device includes a dissecting member at the distal portion of the grasping section. The dissecting member is insertable into the living body along the blood vessel to dissect the tissue surrounding the blood vessel in the living body. The dissecting member includes a treating section and a protruding section. The treating section performs a predetermined treatment of a branch vessel branching from the blood vessel. The protruding section protrudes from the treating section in the thickness direction of the treating section. The protruding section includes a guide section configured to guide the branch vessel toward the treating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsunori Fujii, Akihiro Takahashi, Makoto Jinno
  • Patent number: 10499979
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a matched pair of opposing jaw members of an end-effector assembly includes assembling a first jaw member having a knife channel, assembling a second jaw member having a knife channel, setting a jaw gap and aligning a first sealing plate of the first jaw member and a second sealing plate of the second jaw member in relation to one another by bringing the first jaw member and the second jaw member into clamped engagement with an alignment spacer. The alignment spacer is configured to engage the knife channel of the first jaw member and the knife channel of the second jaw member. The method also includes coupling the first jaw member to the second jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Daniel A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 10499980
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway all and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Shuman, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Sean D. Alm, Peter Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10499981
    Abstract: An intrauterine device includes an articulating array. The intrauterine device can be operated by articulating the articulating array into an installed position or geometry within the uterus of a patient. Further, the articulating array can be constructed to include an insertion geometry have a smaller cross section than an installation geometry. The articulating array can also be constructed to be housed within a sheath in the intrauterine device. Once the sheath has been inserted into a patient, for example through the patient's cervix, the articulating array can be deployed in its insertion geometry and then articulated into an installed position. The articulating array can include a plurality of expansion chambers. The expansion chambers can be constructed and arranged to take on the installed geometry when expanded. In one embodiment, the purpose of the articulating array is to position a conductive array within the patient's uterus enabling ablation of the uterine lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Model
  • Patent number: 10499982
    Abstract: A catheter for denervation includes a catheter body extending in one direction to have a proximal end and a distal end and having an inner space formed along the longitudinal direction thereof, a movable member provided at the distal end of the catheter body to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the catheter body, an operating member having a distal end connected to the movable member to move the movable member, a plurality of support members having one end connected to a terminal of the catheter body and the other end connected to the movable member, wherein when the movable member moves to decrease a distance between the terminal of the catheter body and the movable member, at least a partial portion of the plurality of support members is bent so that the bending portion moves away from the catheter body, a plurality of electrodes respectively provided at the bending portion of the plurality of support members to generate heat, and a lead wire respectively electrically connected to the plurality
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: HANDOK KALOS MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: In-Je Hwang, Hae-Won Jang, Seung-Woo Song, Woo-Ick Jang
  • Patent number: 10499983
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Epix Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Andrew Schultheis, Josef Vincent Koblish, Dorin Panescu
  • Patent number: 10499984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue monitoring apparatus, a tissue monitoring method and an ablation lesion monitoring, measuring, and controlling automated algorithm incorporating diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and/or Arrhenius model thermal denaturation kinetics for determining the characteristics of the lesion or the tissue, especially for identifying the transmurality of the ablation lesion. The invention pertains to a device for and method of real time monitoring of lesion formation as ablation is being carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Bernard Boon Chye Lim
  • Patent number: 10499985
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of the electrode temperatures while effectively irrigating the device and target areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Jeremy D. Dando, Dale Just, Allen P. Moore
  • Patent number: 10499986
    Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Gelbart, Douglas Wayne Goertzen, Fernando Luis de Souza Lopes
  • Patent number: 10499987
    Abstract: A probe for resecting and coagulating tissue comprises an outer sleeve having a tissue cutting window and an inner sleeve having a tissue cutting distal end. And RF cutting region is formed at the distal end of the inner member and an RF coagulation region is formed on an exterior surface of the inner member immediately proximal to the cutting surface. A single power supply providing a single RF energy mode can be connected to both RF applicator regions to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, John H. Shadduck, Michael D. Walker, Kyle Klein, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 10499988
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave ablation device, the method including applying a balun short circumferentially about an outer conductor of a coaxial feedline and applying a dielectric material circumferentially about the outer conductor of the coaxial feedline and in contact with the balun short to form a balun. The method further including extending a temperature sensor along the coaxial feedline such that the sensor contacts the balun short, securing the temperature sensor to the coaxial feedline with a first heat shrink material, and securing the dielectric material, balun short, and temperature sensor in contact with each other and to the coaxial feedline using a second heat shrink material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10499989
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a coaxial feedline and cooling chamber is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a dipole antenna arrangement having a radiating section, a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the radiating section, and a ring-like balun short, or choke, which may control a radiation pattern of the probe. A conductive tube disposed coaxially around the balun short includes at least one fluid conduit which provides coolant, such as dionized water, to a cooling chamber defined within the probe. A radiofrequency transparent catheter forms an outer surface of the probe and may include a lubricious coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 10499990
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing organ and/or tissue transplantation by estimating blood flow through a virtual transplant model by receiving a patient-specific anatomical model of the intended transplant recipient; receiving a patient-specific anatomical model of the intended transplant donor, the model including the vasculature of the organ or tissue that is intended to be transplanted to the recipient; constructing a unified model of the connected system post transplantation, the connected system including the transplanted organ or tissue from the intended transplant donor and the vascular system of the intended transplant recipient; receiving one or more blood flow characteristics of the connected system; assessing the suitability for an actual organ or tissue transplantation using the received blood flow characteristics; and outputting the assessment into an electronic storage medium or display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: HeartFlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Grady, Charles A. Taylor, Christopher Zarins
  • Patent number: 10499991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing insurance claims associated with a long-term care insurance policy are provided. According to certain aspects, an insurance claim that lists a set of services purportedly administered by a caregiver within a property of a policyholder may be received. Operation data may be collected from a set of devices that are populated within the property, where the operation data may be indicate a set of services that were actually performed. The set of purported services may be compared to the set of actual services, and the insurance claim may be processed accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy Myers, Brittany Boyer, Dana Hunt, David Turrentine, Larry J. Ingrum, Erin Olander, Nicole M. Blakney, Aaron C. Williams
  • Patent number: 10499992
    Abstract: The present teaching relates to surgical procedure assistance. In one example, a first volume of air inside a lung is obtained based on a first image of the lung captured prior to a surgical procedure. The lung has a first shape on the first image. A second volume of air deflated from the lung is determined based on a second image of the lung captured during the surgical procedure. A second shape of the lung is estimated based on the first shape of the lung and the first air volume inside the lung and second volume of air deflated from the lung. A surgical plan is updated based on the estimated second shape of the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: EDDA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Guo-Qing Wei, Li Fan, Cheng-Chung Liang, Jianzhong Qian, Xiaolan Zeng
  • Patent number: 10499993
    Abstract: A processing system comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive a reference three-dimensional volumetric representation of a branched anatomical formation in a reference state and obtain a reference tree of nodes and linkages based on the reference three-dimensional volumetric representation. The computer readable instructions also cause the system to obtain a reference three-dimensional geometric model based on the reference tree and detect deformation of the branched anatomical formation due to anatomical motion based on measurements from a shape sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Prashant Chopra, Vincent Duindam, Lei Xu, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 10499994
    Abstract: Data characterizing a mother video feed acquired by an endoscopic video capture device can be received. The mother video feed can be for characterizing an operative field within a patient. One or more predefined markers can be identified within the mother video feed. Each of the one or more predefined markers can be associated with a surgical instrument in the operative field. Using the data characterizing the mother video feed, a daughter video feed comprising a sub-portion of the mother video feed can be generated. At least one of a location of the daughter video feed within the mother video feed and a zoom of the daughter video feed can be based on the identified one or more predefined markers. The daughter video feed can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: University Surgical Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois I. Luks, Derek Merck
  • Patent number: 10499995
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a navigation method and system which does not require a remotely located tracking system, or additional targets or other devices to be installed on the patient or object being tracked. The system uses one flexible component in physical contact with the patient/object and measures relative position as a function of forces that are generated by the flexing component as it is bent. The system translates forces into navigational commands for a robot, other manipulator, or for human manual navigation. A method for transforming a pre-planned motion pathway into a sequence of forces for this mode of navigation is also described. This system is also applicable in the field of manufacturing robotics, where the locations of objects or assemblies may not be precisely known or constant. The method and system disclosed herein can be used to maintain known position of an object/assembly or to navigate movement of a robot relative to an object/assembly as in the case of machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Louis Ferreira, Matthew Stokes
  • Patent number: 10499996
    Abstract: Disclosed is a concept for computer-assisted procedures of surgery and diagnosis that target rigid, non-deformable anatomical parts such as bone, tissue, or teeth. The disclosure describes attaching small visual markers to instruments and anatomy of interest (e.g. bone surface), with each marker having a printed known pattern for detection and unique identification in images acquired by a free-moving camera, and a geometry that enables estimating its rotation and translation with respect to the camera using solely image processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Universidade de Coimbra
    Inventor: João Pedro de Almeida Barreto
  • Patent number: 10499997
    Abstract: System and methods for surgical navigation providing mixed reality visualization are provided. The mixed reality visualization depicts virtual images in conjunction with real objects to provide improved visualization to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Jeremy Weinstein, Andrei Danilchenko, Jose Luis Moctezuma de la Barrera
  • Patent number: 10499998
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enabling user preview and control of the size and shape of an electromagnetic energy field used in a surgical procedure. The disclosed system includes a selectively activatable source of microwave surgical energy in the range of about 900 mHz to about 5 gHz in operable communication with a graphical user interface and a database. The database is populated with data corresponding to the various surgical probes, such as microwave ablation antenna probes, that may include a probe identifier, the probe diameter, operational frequency of the probe, ablation length of the probe, ablation diameter of the probe, a temporal coefficient, a shape metric, and the like. The probe data is graphically presented on the graphical user interface where the surgeon may interactively view and select an appropriate surgical probe. Three-dimensional views of the probe(s) may be presented allowing the surgeon to interactively rotate the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kyle R. Rick
  • Patent number: 10499999
    Abstract: An alignment system for controlling an alignment of a robotically controlled elongate member at an access site on a patient may include a longitudinal support rail and support arms coupled with and extending from the longitudinal support rail to form an alignment joint. One or more of the support arms may be configured to maintain the alignment of the elongate member with the access site during a surgical procedure. A method of aligning an elongate member with an access site may include determining a position of a stabilizer of an alignment joint and the access site on a patient, coupling the stabilizer to the access site on the patient, and automatically aligning the instrument driver with the stabilizer on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Lau Yu
  • Patent number: 10500000
    Abstract: A surgical tool of a robotic surgical device is provided that is configured to be removably and replaceably attached to an electromechanical arm of a surgical robotic system that is capable of supplying electrical power to the surgical tool when the tool is attached to the arm. The tool has an elongate shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws movable between open and closed positions. The tool also has a member configured to move distally and proximally within at least a portion of the end effector to open and close the jaws. An actuator disposed on the shaft is configured to be manually moved from a first position to a second position to cause the member to move proximally to thereby open the jaws when the surgical tool is in a mode in which it is not deriving electrical power from the surgical robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10500001
    Abstract: A surgical robotics system with robotic arms is configurable to perform a variety of surgical procedures. The surgical robotics system includes a table, column, base, and robotic arms that are either column-mounted, rail-mounted, or mounted on a separate unit. In a column-mounted configuration, the column includes column rings that translate vertically and rotate about the column. The robotic arms are attached to the column rings. In a rail-mounted configuration, the base includes base rails that translate along the base. The robotic arms are attached to the base rails. In both configurations, the robotic arms move independently from each other and include a multiple arm segments. Each arm segment provides an additional degree of freedom to the robotic arm. Thus, the surgical robotics system may position the robotic arms into numerous configurations to access different parts of a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Yu, Frederic H. Moll, Benjamin Richter, Mark H. Olson, Jason Gonzalez, Kyle Andrew Tucker, Paxton Maeder-York, Gregory T. Schulte
  • Patent number: 10500002
    Abstract: A rotatable wrist connecting a gripper tool to the distal end of a positioning shaft. The rotatable wrist includes a wrist hub that is non-rotatably connected to the distal end of the shaft. A wrist capstan is rotatably connected to the wrist hub and non-rotatably connected to an actuatable device (e.g., a gripper). A flexible wire loop extends through the wrist hub and partially contacts the wrist capstan. Linear movement of the flexible wire loop through the shaft causes rotation of the wrist capstan due to friction between the flexible wire loop and the wrist capstan. The wrist also supports selective detachability and control of roll, pitch and roll, pitch yaw and roll according to different embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Nabil Simaan, Roger E. Goldman, Andrea Bajo
  • Patent number: 10500003
    Abstract: A method of initializing the layout of one or more robotic arms controllable by an input object, comprising: entering a paused mode, in which control of movement of the robotic arms by the input object is paused; measuring an input object initialization layout, defined by the layout of at least one segment of the input object; actuating at least a portion of the robotic arms to match the input object initialization layout; and entering a controlled mode, in which movements of the input object control the robotic arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd.
    Inventors: Dvir Cohen, Eli Shapira
  • Patent number: 10500004
    Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a dynamic guided setup system having step-by-step setup instructions for setting up a teleoperational assembly having at least one motorized surgical arm configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes a user interface configured to communicate the step-by-step setup instructions to a user. The dynamic guided setup system is configured to automatically recognize completion of a first setup step based on detected physical arrangement of at least one surgical arm on a teleoperational assembly and automatically display a prompt for a subsequent setup step after the recognizing completion of the first setup step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hanuschik, Julie L. Berry, Joseph Arsanious, Paul W. Mohr, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Paul G. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 10500005
    Abstract: A robotic system comprises a robotic assembly comprising a drive mechanism, a sensor assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The controller has at least one processor configured to execute a method. The method comprises recording a position of the drive mechanism to non-volatile memory during use of the robotic assembly and receiving a request to initiate a mid-procedure restart of the robotic assembly after a mid-procedure shut-down of the robotic assembly. The method also comprises determining whether a post-shutdown position of the drive mechanism is within an accepted tolerance with respect to a pre-shutdown position of the drive mechanism and preventing further use of the robotic assembly in response to a determination that the post-shutdown position of the drive mechanism is not within the accepted tolerance with respect to the pre-shutdown position of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Joseph M. Arsanious, Gabriel F. Brisson, Niels Smaby
  • Patent number: 10500006
    Abstract: A compensated constant force spring device includes a bracket, a drum rotatably supported by the bracket, and a constant force spring wound on the drum. A motor is fixed to the bracket and provides a compensating force to the drum. The motor may be located in an interior volume of the drum. A control module may coupled to the motor to control the compensating force. A position sensor may be coupled to the control module. The compensating force may be responsive to a signal from the position sensor. The constant force spring may support a load and counterbalance gravitational forces on the load. The compensating force may be adjusted when the load approaches an end of a range of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Paul G. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 10500007
    Abstract: A method of controlling an end effector of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument may include receiving a first input signal indicative of a high grip level input at a master grip input mechanism that controls a slave gripping force of the end effector; receiving a second input signal indicative of a user's readiness to operate the surgical instrument to perform a first surgical procedure; and outputting a locking signal in response to receiving the first input signal and the second input signal together to lock one or more degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument during the first surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Richmond, Gary S. Guthart
  • Patent number: 10500008
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to robotic arm assemblies. The robotic arm assembly may include forearm segment, upper arm segment, and elbow coupling joint assembly. Upper arm segment includes a motor. Elbow coupling joint assembly connects forearm and upper arm segments. Elbow coupling joint assembly includes distal and proximal elbow joint subassemblies. Distal elbow joint subassembly is connected to the forearm segment. Distal elbow joint subassembly includes gear train system having gear stages including first distal elbow gear stage, second distal elbow gear stage, third distal elbow gear stage, and fourth distal elbow gear stage. First distal elbow gear stage includes bevel gears. Second distal elbow gear stage includes spur gears. Third distal elbow gear stage includes bevel gears. Fourth distal elbow gear stage includes a planetary gear assembly. Proximal elbow joint subassembly connects the upper arm segment to the distal elbow joint subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bio-Medical Engineering (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Chung Kwong Yeung, Wai Leung William Cheng
  • Patent number: 10500009
    Abstract: Self-clamping drape systems, apparatuses, kits and methods are shown and described. End drape systems, apparatuses, kits and methods are shown and described. A disposable medical drape may include a drape and a self-clamping system. A disposable medical drape system may include a drape, a self-clamping system and one or more end drapes. A self-clamping drape may have attached clamps and/or be secured by way of self-clamping clamps. The medical drape system may form a barrier beneath a medical operating room table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Protection Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wayne Hale