Patents Issued in December 31, 2019
  • Patent number: 10517564
    Abstract: Techniques for mapping behavior of a heart include acquiring a series of two or more images of the heart. The series of images is taken at one or more pixel locations, each pixel location corresponding to a region of the heart. Image data corresponding to the pixel locations can be obtained, and a periodicity of the image data measured for each of the pixel locations over the series of images. The periodicity corresponds to an electromechanical signal of the heart in the region corresponding to the measured one or more pixel locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Elisa E. Konofagou, Jean Provost, Alok Gambhir, Alexandre Costet, Elaine Wan, Julien Grondin
  • Patent number: 10517565
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a primary probe that includes a substrate; an ultrasound transducer disposed in the substrate to irradiate a first tissue with an ultrasound frequency; a first near infrared source to irradiate the first tissue with a first near infrared wavelength; and a first light detector to detect a first detected wavelength from the first tissue; an auxiliary probe that includes a second near infrared source configured to irradiate a second tissue with a second near infrared wavelength; and a second light detector configured to detect a second detected wavelength from the second tissue. The system also can include an optical tomography device; an ultrasound device; and a processor unit. A process for imaging includes disposing the primary probe on a first tissue, disposing an auxiliary probe on a second tissue, irradiating the first tissue, and irradiating the second tissue to produce an image of the first tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
    Inventor: Quing Zhu
  • Patent number: 10517566
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a base, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, an acoustic adjustment layer, and a wall part. The ultrasonic transducer elements are arranged in an array form on the base, each of the ultrasonic transducer elements having a vibration film. The acoustic adjustment layer is disposed on each of the ultrasonic transducer elements. The wall part is arranged between adjacent ones of the ultrasonic transducer elements when viewed in a plan view along a thickness direction of the base such that the acoustic adjustment layer on the adjacent ones of the ultrasonic transducer elements are separated by the wall part in a range of at least a portion of a height of the acoustic adjustment layer measured from the base. The wall part has an acoustic impedance that is higher than an acoustic impedance of the acoustic adjustment layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kanechika Kiyose, Hironori Suzuki, Hiroshi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10517567
    Abstract: A docking station for electrically charging and managing a thermal condition of an ultrasound probe is presented. The docking station includes a first charging unit magnetically coupled to an induction unit of the ultrasound probe and configured to charge at least one battery in the ultrasound probe. Further, the docking station includes a first cooling unit thermally coupled to a thermal unit of the ultrasound probe and configured to dissipate heat from the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Warren Lee, Naveenan Thiagarajan
  • Patent number: 10517568
    Abstract: An ultrasound cover for use with an ultrasound imaging system, a method of examining a patient with ultrasound, and an ultrasound diagnostic system. The ultrasound cover includes a central layer configured to conform to a shape of a patient's body and a plurality of ultrasound sensors positioned within the central layer. The ultrasound cover is positioned on a patent to be examined and conformed to the shape of the patient's body. RF ultrasound signals are acquired from the plurality of sensors and a 3-D model of the patient created from extracted echoes. The cover may be used with a diagnostic system that includes a computer configured to compare ultrasound data to a orthopedic-specific dataset to locate bony boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: JointVue, LLC
    Inventor: Ray C. Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 10517569
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system uses a magnetic linear motor driven ultrasound scanner, with accurate track and hold operation and/or other motion feedback, to scan a two dimensional or three dimensional area of a sample. The scanner is implemented in a low-power and low-bandwidth handheld device and is connected with a remote image processing system that receives raw data and performs full ultrasound image analysis and creation, allowing the handheld to be used for scanning, pre-processing, and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: William Weitzel, Grant Kruger, Brian Thelen, Jonathan Rubin, Leo Koziol, Robert Brook, Mainak Mitra
  • Patent number: 10517570
    Abstract: A transmit receive switch circuit has a first MOSFET (MN1) and a second MOSFET (MN2), goes into a switch-off state at the time of transmission, and goes into a switch-on state at the time of reception. The first MOSFET (MN1) and the second MOSFET (MN2) are connected between an input terminal (SWIN) and an output terminal (SWOUT). The switch circuit includes a shunt circuit (SHNT) that is connected between a common gate (COMG) and a common source (COMS), the common gate being connected to the gates of the first and second MOSFETs, and the common source being connected to the sources of the first and second MOSFETs. When a signal having a negative voltage relative to a reference voltage is applied to the input terminal, a switch that temporarily turns on causes the shunt circuit to short-circuit the common gate and the common source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kajiyama, Yutaka Igarashi, Toru Yazaki
  • Patent number: 10517571
    Abstract: An ultrasound unit includes an ultrasound array that has a plurality of ultrasound elements, each of which has a first principal surface that is rectangular where a transmitting and receiving portion, a signal electrode terminal, and a ground electrode terminal are arranged in a longer side direction, longer sides of the ultrasound elements being coupled, one or more short-lines that are connected to a plurality of ground electrode terminals, a ground line that is connected to the short-line, and a plurality of signal lines, each of which is connected to one of the signal electrode terminals, and adjoining ultrasound elements of the ultrasound elements are coupled such that the signal electrode terminals are arranged alternately on opposite sides in the longer side direction of the transmitting and receiving portions that are rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Inui, Kazuya Matsumoto, Fukashi Yoshizawa, Hiroshi Iwaisako
  • Patent number: 10517572
    Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus including a probe and a method of controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The method includes: comparing a signal value acquired through an input unit with first and second threshold values; and performing an operation that is determined based on a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-woong Kang, Kyung-dong Kim
  • Patent number: 10517573
    Abstract: Provided is a method of adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image including: generating at least one first image representing a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI; adjusting brightness of the at least one first image based on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from a plurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored image data; and generating a second image representing the ROI based on the adjusted brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sun-Mo Yang, Chul-An Kim, Jae-Moon Jo
  • Patent number: 10517575
    Abstract: A flocked swab for collection and transfer of samples of biological material, in which the swab comprises a support body having an elongate conformation and having a first end portion and a gripping portion, and a flocked layer defined by a plurality of fibres attached and arranged on the first portion of the support body by flocking, so as to realize a flocked collecting portion aimed at absorbing a quantity of a sample of biological material, the first portion of the support body being provided with a first weakening portion aimed at enabling and facilitating a selective breakage of the swab at the first portion and a separation of a first part of the flocked collecting portion from a second part of the flocked collecting portion and from the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Copan Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Triva
  • Patent number: 10517576
    Abstract: A bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone penetrating member having an internal channel having an opening at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end, and a valve cap engaged with the bone penetrating member. The valve cap defines an interior cavity in which part of the bone penetrating member is situated to thereby secure the valve cap to the bone penetrating member. The valve cap includes a valve having an opening having an open state in which the channel is not obstructed and a closed state preventing flow of material through the channel. By being repeatedly switchable between the open and closed states, the valve controls access to the channel by bone marrow sampling and biopsy instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: APERTURE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Bob Rioux, Khoder Jaber
  • Patent number: 10517577
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively align each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A controller in communication with the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the manifold to a presentation position to present a collected tissue sample within a chamber to a user (e.g., at an angular position approximately 90 degrees from the cutter lumen). The controller is further configured to rotate the manifold align the next, empty chamber with the cutter lumen in response to a user input instructing the biopsy device to obtain another tissue sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W. V. Speeg, Gavin M. Monson, John A. Hibner, Andrew P. Nock, Shailendra K. Parihar
  • Patent number: 10517578
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a tubular cutter extending along an axis and having a windowed outer sleeve and a moveable inner cutting sleeve. An ultrasound transducer is operatively coupled to the inner cutting sleeve in order to induce motion in the inner cutting sleeve to enhance cutting or resection of tissue by the inner cutting sleeve as it is reciprocated or otherwise moved past the cutting window. The instrument typically will include a motor drive configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the inner cutting sleeve relative to the windowed outer sleeve, usually at a reciprocation rate between 1 and 10 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Hermes Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 10517579
    Abstract: A collection bag and a bag deployment device for use in collecting an item such as a specimen during surgical procedure. The collection bag and bag deployment device forming an assembly adapted to deliver the collection bag through an access cannula into a surgical cannula. The assembly adapted to strip the collection bag from the distal end of the bag deployment device and cinch a cinch loop to close the open end of the collection bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: A & M Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Ambro
  • Patent number: 10517580
    Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, John To, Mariel Fabro, Brian Tang, Sergey Kantsevoy
  • Patent number: 10517581
    Abstract: Cardiac surgery retractor which comprises a baseband formed by a first base and a second base, mutually arranged in a perpendicular manner and forming a cross-section of the baseband in the shape of an L, the second base being planar and the first base having a curved geometry; the baseband incorporating a fin formed by a profile with a cross-section also in the shape of an L and the fin being articulated at the second base of the baseband, at a lateral edge of the second base contiguous to the contact thereof with the first base of the same baseband; such that in one position of the joint of the fin, one of the sides of the L profile forming the fin is the continuation of the same second base and the other side of the same L profile of the fin is the continuation of the first base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Anas Sarraj Asil
  • Patent number: 10517582
    Abstract: A length or strand of resilient material is formed into a continuous ring having multiple tissue-engaging portions for engaging and spreading eyeball tissue segments apart. The strand is formed with elongated straight sides joined by corner portions which are enlarged in directions transverse to the length dimension of each adjacent side. The corner portions constitute the tissue-engaging portions and have top and bottom sections and a connecting section that forms a gap for receiving the tissue. Each side of the ring extends from a bottom section of one corner to a top section of an adjacent corner. When the ring is deployed, the tissue is captured in the gaps at the corners of the ring and also is engaged along each side as that side transitions from a position situated below the tissue to a position situated above the issue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MicroSurgical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris E. Malyugin, Vaclav Dusek
  • Patent number: 10517583
    Abstract: A combination of a first assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint and a second assembly including femoral and tibial knee components. The combination of the first assembly and the second assembly provides optimal placement and positioning of the femoral and tibial knee components to achieve near-normal knee kinematics and tension. The preparation for and placement of the prosthetic knee components provides medial-pivoting kinematics mimicking that of the natural knee thereby promoting improved outcome for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: G. Lynn Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10517584
    Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: P Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, Hank Bonutti, Kevin Ruholl, Glen A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 10517585
    Abstract: A suture passer includes a handle, an elongated sleeve defining a distal end, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second arms, at least one which is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for retaining a portion of a suture therebetween. The inner shaft and elongated sleeve are relatively movable between a first condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is exposed, a second condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is shielded, and a third condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Jr., Gregory F. Tebbe
  • Patent number: 10517586
    Abstract: A suture package for retaining a barbed suture is provided. The suture package includes a suture retaining member including an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall is radially spaced from the outer wall and defines a suture retaining area therebetween. The inner wall defines a needle retaining area and includes at least one opening therein to permit reception of at least one suture therethrough. The outer wall includes a plurality of inwardly extending tabs configured to engage a cover. The suture package further includes a cover configured to be received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member and to selectively engage the inwardly extending tabs formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Kirsch, Guido Pedros
  • Patent number: 10517587
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween that defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can include first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween that defines a second passage portion. The first end of the first flexible member can pass into and through the second passage portion in a first direction such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion. The first end of the second flexible member can pass into and through the first passage portion in a second direction such that the first end of the second flexible member extends outside of the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct. Applying tension to the first ends can draw the passage portions and corresponding second ends toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Denham, Kevin T. Stone, Zachary Wagner
  • Patent number: 10517588
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section and a cartridge-receiving half-section including an elongated channel member having a pair of opposed openings defined through sidewalls thereof. A disposable assembly including a single use loading unit and a single use firing unit is configured to be releasably supported within the cartridge-receiving half-section. The disposable assembly includes a stationary housing for supporting the firing unit which includes a distal extension for supporting the single use loading unit. The stationary housing includes a pair of flared tabs configured to be releasably received within the openings of the cartridge-receiving half-section to releasably engage the disposable assembly within the cartridge-receiving half-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar Gupta, Nikhil R. Katre, Kiran Garikipati, Sekar Perumal, Rajesh T. Shelke, Cinish P. Varghese, Richard Roland Bueno
  • Patent number: 10517589
    Abstract: A surgical staple includes a body includes a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a crimped region. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member. The second portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the first leg and a first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the second leg and a second end portion of the looped member. The crimped region includes a crimped section in at least one of the second portion or the third portion of the backspan. A combined wire thickness of the second and third portions of the backspan in the crimped region is about equal to the diameter of the body of the surgical staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10517590
    Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus for engaging tissue includes a housing assembly and a movable portion operatively connected to the housing assembly. The movable portion is movable with respect to the housing assembly. In addition, the surgical apparatus includes a power source configured to supply electrical power, and a transmission system configured to transfer at least one of a signal and electrical power between the handle assembly and the movable portion, the transmission system including a first electronic board disposed in the handle assembly and a second electronic board positioned in the movable portion, the second electronic board including a primary control circuit and a secondary control circuit wherein the movable portion is configured and adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the powered surgical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10517591
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LLP
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
  • Patent number: 10517592
    Abstract: A buttress assembly is configured to temporarily adhere to a wet surgical stapler end effector. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a humidity tolerant adhesive material. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is applied to at least one side of the buttress body. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is configured to hold the buttress body to an underside of an anvil or a deck of a staple cartridge for at least five minutes in an environment of 100% relative humidity at approximately 37° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Prudence A. Turner, Jackie Donners, Mark Timmer, Rao S. Bezwada, Aidan Craigwood, Caroline Hagerman, Ashley Easter, Kathrin Holtzmann
  • Patent number: 10517593
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising: an anvil half-section including a distal anvil portion and a proximal handle portion; a cartridge receiving half section defining an elongated channel member and including at least one hinge member (173, 1194) supported on a bottom wall of the elongated channel member, the elongated channel member having a distal portion dimensioned to releasably receive a single use loading unit and a proximal portion configured to support a firing assembly, and wherein the at least one hinge member defines an opening; and a clamping lever (16) pivotally secured to the cartridge receiving half-section, the clamping lever having a proximal end, a distal end and a pivot member (187, 1187) supported in cantilevered fashion on the distal end of the clamping lever; the pivot member of the clamping lever being slidably received within the opening of the at least one hinge member to pivotally secure the clamping lever to the cartridge receiving hal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar Gupta, Harshottam Singh Dhakad, Kiran Garikipati, Nikhil R. Katre, Vinayan Vivekanandan, Mangesh Patankar
  • Patent number: 10517594
    Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a staple cartridge that includes a cartridge body with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an elongate slot extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and a tissue supporting portion that includes three stepped tissue supporting surface surfaces. The staple cartridge includes a set of staggered staples having different unformed heights. The staple cartridge also includes a staple pusher system having a plurality of pusher members that are independently driven to simultaneously deploy the set of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10517595
    Abstract: A surgical end effector including a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw between open and closed positions. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the first jaw along a shaft axis between a starting position and an ending position. A firing member lockout system is movable between an unlocked position wherein the firing member lockout system is out of engagement with the firing member and a locked position wherein the firing member lockout system is configured to prevent the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position unless an unfired staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw. The firing member lockout system is configured to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the second jaw is moved to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Darwin L. Schultz, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10517596
    Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes an elongate shaft that has an end effector coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the shaft. A first articulation link operably interfaces with a source of articulation motions configured to selectively axially move the first articulation link a first axial distance in a first articulation direction. A second articulation link operably interfaces with the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. An articulation stroke multiplier operably interfaces with the first articulation link and the second articulation link such that when the first articulation link is axially moved the first axial distance in the first axial direction, the articulation stroke multiplier moves the second articulation link another first axial distance in the first axial direction that is greater than the first axial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10517597
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include an articulation mechanism including a ball screw to selectively articulate the jaw assembly relative to an elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Schober, Andrew J. McCarthy, Babak D. Jasemian
  • Patent number: 10517598
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes interventional devices, systems, and methods for closing a regurgitant gap in a cardiac valve. Interventional devices are configured to be deployed between two previously placed implants or between a previously placed implant and a valve commissure. The interventional devices compress captured leaflet tissue and/or apply a tensioning force along the line of coaptation to assist in closing the gap and reducing regurgitant flow through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: EVALVE, INC.
    Inventor: Michael F. Wei
  • Patent number: 10517599
    Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body including staple cavities and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a firing member configured to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The staples and staple cavities include features which reduce friction forces between the staples and the staple cavities when the firing member ejects the staples from the staple cavities. Each of the staples comprises a base including a drive portion and staple legs extending from the base and, in at least one instance, each of the staple cavities includes a proximal guide and a distal guide configured to guide the staple legs of the staple positioned therein as it is ejected from the staple cavity. In certain instances, each of the staple cavities further includes an intermediate guide offset from the proximal guide and the distal guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kenneth D. Ballard, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10517600
    Abstract: Magnetic anastomosis devices constructed from magnetic segments coupled together with members that help the devices spontaneously transform from a linear delivery configuration to a polygonal deployment configuration. When two devices are joined together over tissue(s), the compressive force causes the tissue(s) to necrose and form an anastomosis. By altering the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnetic segments in the devices, the magnetic interaction between paired devices can be altered. This property gives surgeons flexibility in choosing how much attractive force the devices will experience during a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: G.I. Windows, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Beisel, Marvin Ryou, Christopher Thompson
  • Patent number: 10517601
    Abstract: An indicator (26) includes an indicator body portion (50), a pivot support member (52), a resilient lever (54) and an anchor (66). The pivot support member (52) has a first end (52a) secured to the indicator body portion (50) and a second end (52b) secured to a first end (54a) of the resilient lever (54). The resilient lever (54) has a second end (54b) secured to the anchor (66). The pivot support member (52) is adapted to be pivotally mounted to a body portion (18) of a surgical device and the anchor (66) is adapted to be secured to the surgical device such that pivotal movement of the indicator body portion (50) from a first position to a second position effects movement of the resilient lever (54) from a relaxed configuration to a stressed configuration. In the stressed configuration, the resilient lever (54) urges the indicator body portion (50) towards the first position. The indicator body portion (50) can be integrally molded of a plastic material to define a single part of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ganesan Murugesan
  • Patent number: 10517602
    Abstract: A method for resetting a stapling apparatus includes providing an apparatus with a cam member in a fired position. A circuit of the apparatus is then changed from a first polarity state to a second polarity state. A motor of the apparatus is then activated to rotate the cam member from a fired position back to a home position while the circuit is in the second polarity state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Brian F. DiNardo, Rodney V. Clingaman, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Richard F. Schwemberger, William R. Stager
  • Patent number: 10517603
    Abstract: An endovascular catheter combination configured to have multiple capabilities is disclosed. These capabilities include proximal and distal occlusion of a segment of a target blood vessel (such as the carotid artery) thus excluding the segment of the blood vessel from circulation for purposes such as surgical consideration. Another capability includes intravascular shunting of the blood through the excluded portion of the artery during a procedure such as an endarterectomy. Additionally, a microsensor provides a measurement of the rate/volume of blood flow through the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a guidewire is provided with a filtration mesh as an anti-embolic mechanism both at the time of initial positioning of the catheter and after reversing the occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: COSETTE, LEE & HARRISON, LLC
    Inventors: Frank H. Boehm, Jr., Janice L. Stone
  • Patent number: 10517604
    Abstract: A system for delivering an implant within a patient is disclosed. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity. A core wire terminates prior to the distal end of the device, allowing for greater flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Heath Bowman, Jake Le, Matthew Fitz
  • Patent number: 10517605
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an embolic device for embolizing a target vascular site is provided. The embolic device includes a biodegradable shape memory element having an original shape and a deformed shape, wherein the biodegradable shape memory element in the deformed shape is in at least one dimension of a smaller size than the biodegradable shape memory element in the original shape, and wherein the biodegradable shape memory element is provided in the deformed shape and configured to resume the original shape in response to an external stimulus being applied to the biodegradable shape memory element in its deformed shape, to embolize the target vascular site and prevent fluid flow through the target vascular site. According to further embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for embolizing a target vascular site and a method thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Health Services PTE Ltd
    Inventors: Subramanian Venkatraman, Weimin Huang, Yee Shan Wong, Abhijit Vijay Salvekar, Kiang Hiong Tay
  • Patent number: 10517606
    Abstract: The inflatable arm sleeve prepares an arm to receive a hypodermic needle. The inflatable arm sleeve comprises a tubular bladder and a pump mechanism. The tubular bladder is further formed with a needle aperture. The tubular bladder is placed around the arm in the manner of a sleeve such that the needle aperture is positioned over the vein of the arm. The pump mechanism introduces compressed air into the tubular bladder such that pressure is applied to the arm from all directions around the arm except the needle aperture. The applied pressure will force blood into the unpressurized region of the vein underneath the needle aperture. The increase in pressure increases the diameter of the vein to make it easier to insert the hypodermic needle into the vein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Donaldson
  • Patent number: 10517607
    Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Loring, Stephen G. Gilbert, Victor Chan, Chulho Pak, Michael Daniels
  • Patent number: 10517608
    Abstract: An instrument for treating a sinus cavity includes a cutter member, a rotatable member, and a fluid passage. The cutter member has a lumen extending therealong, and the rotatable member is received within the lumen. The rotatable member has a helical blade projecting from a distal end portion. The cutter member is configured to translate relative to the rotatable member. Thereby, the cutter member and the rotatable blade are configured to form an opening into the sinus cavity. The fluid passage extends through the cutter member from an inlet to an outlet. The outlet is positioned proximal to the helical blade such that the outlet is configured to fluidly communicate with the sinus cavity. The inlet is configured to receive at least one of a fluid and a vacuum in order to communicate the respective fluid or vacuum to the outlet for irrigating or suctioning the sinus cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Meera L. Sankaran, Alfredo R. Cantu, Rohit Girotra
  • Patent number: 10517609
    Abstract: A suture drill apparatus and method includes a drill shaft with a first end and a second end where the drill shaft is conformed to connect with a drill and where the drill shaft includes a first diameter and a second diameter and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter and a suture is connected with the drill shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew S. Kaplan, Daniel S. Pflaster
  • Patent number: 10517610
    Abstract: A powered surgical tool that includes a housing with a head and a handle that extends from the head. An electric motor is disposed in the head. A trigger extends from the handle. There is a void space in the handle. A plate separates the motor from the handle. Internal to the handle void space there is a rotor sensor and a control circuit. The rotor sensor is able to monitor the magnetic fields emitted by the motor rotor and that pass through the plate. The control circuit receives signals from the rotor sensor representative of the rotational orientation of the rotor and is further able to monitor the actuation of the trigger. Based on the rotor orientation signals and the actuation of the trigger, the control circuit generates signals that result in the selective generation of power signals to the motor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Philipp, Donald W. Malackowski
  • Patent number: 10517611
    Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, and having a curved distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the distal opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Relievant Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samit Patel, Richard C. Pellegrino, Robert Flagler
  • Patent number: 10517612
    Abstract: A jig for placing a screw to stabilize a femoral nail comprises a shell, a drill guide assembly movably mounted on the shell, and having a plurality of radiopaque markers affixed thereon, a magnetic field generator, and a plurality of magnetic location sensors responsive to magnetic fields produced by the magnetic field generator. A position processor is operative to compute positional information of the magnetic location sensors based on signals communicated thereto. The positional information is placed in registration with an anatomical image so that the drill guide assembly can be aligned with a transverse bore in the femoral nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventor: Meir Bar-Tal
  • Patent number: 10517613
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are generally provided for guiding surgical devices into a desired location and orientation in a bone. In general, the devices can include an elongate guide, a sleeve having an inner lumen therethrough for seating the guide, and a locking mechanism configured to lock a position of the guide with respect to the sleeve. The guide can have a distal, bone-engaging portion that can be laterally offset from an intermediate portion of the guide by a predetermined distance and that can extend distally beyond the sleeve to contact a bony structure. The guide can thus orient and stabilize the sleeve at the predetermined distance from the bony structure to provide for the delivery of one or more surgical devices through the sleeve and into the bone at a desired location and orientation, without requiring a surgeon to actually view the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Nicolas Bouduban, Patrick Burki
  • Patent number: 10517614
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including apparatuses that can be used in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure, a bicompartmental knee replacement procedure comprised of two unicompartmental knee replacements, a knee replacement procedure that utilizes a single femoral component and two unicompartmental tibial components, and other types of knee replacement procedures are disclosed. According to one example, an apparatus for guiding a tibial bone cut during knee replacement surgery is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a mounting portion and a cutting portion. The mounting portion can be configured to couple with an alignment mechanism. The cutting portion can be connected to the mounting portion and can define a capture for a proximal cut. The cutting portion can have an aperture disposed adjacent a first end of the capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Lindsey R. Rolston, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos, Brian D. Earl, Anthony Romano, Andrew Freiberg