Patents Issued in March 12, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200077961
    Abstract: An apparatus for health care which guides a user to measure a target component. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for health care may include a physiological information acquirer configured to acquire physiological information related to a target component and a processor configured to monitor a measurement event of the target component based on the acquired physiological information and guide a user to measure the target component based on a monitoring result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ka Ram CHOI, Sang Kon BAE, So Young LEE
  • Publication number: 20200077962
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a current respiratory curve of a patient with regard to a recording region which is imaged by magnetic resonance scanning. The method includes acquiring a reference respiratory curve of the patient over a plurality of respiratory cycles; establishing a respiration state of the patient that is suitable for the magnetic resonance scanning based on the reference respiratory curve; determining at least one reference recording time window and a trigger threshold value for starting a magnetic resonance scan based on the previously determined respiration state; carrying out at least one magnetic resonance scan within the determined reference recording time window of the current respiratory curve using the trigger threshold value; and continually acquiring and monitoring the current respiratory curve during the magnetic resonance scan in the reference recording time window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Ralf Kartäusch, Dominik Paul
  • Publication number: 20200077963
    Abstract: Mobile or wearable devices can process physiological signals (e.g., ECG signals) for display on the mobile or wearable device. The device can comprise a physiological sensor and processing circuitry coupled to the physiological sensor. In some examples, the processing circuitry can determine the dynamic range of the ECG signal and determine whether the ECG signal should be scaled based on the dynamic range of the ECG signal. The processing circuitry can determine a scaling factor and apply the scaling factor to the ECG signal. The scaled ECG signal can be displayed on the display of the mobile or wearable device. In some examples, the scaling can be performed in real-time. In some examples, the scaling can be applied to ECG signals using a scaling factor determined based on the analysis and processing of an ECG signal from a previous time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Mohsen MOLLAZADEH, Roxanne BRITTAIN, Saeid WAHABI
  • Publication number: 20200077964
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for displaying an internal organ of a patient comprising a computer (2) and a screen (3) connected to the computer in order to display at least one image of the internal organ. According to the invention, the computer is arranged to determine, from at least one medical examination previously carried out on the internal organ, at least one confidence area (10) and/or at least one affected area (11), at least partially encompassing one or more portions (9) of the internal organ where samples have been taken and/or at least partially encompassing one or more areas previously identified as suspect during a medical imaging procedure, and to display, on the screen, the image of the internal organ supplemented with the confidence area and/or the affected area. The invention also concerns a corresponding display method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: KOELIS
    Inventors: Antoine LEROY, Patrick HENRI, Michael BAUMANN, Eric GAUDARD, Johan SARRAZIN
  • Publication number: 20200077965
    Abstract: A method for creating alarm signals based on time-series signal behavior determined from real-time discrete data obtained from a medical device. In one embodiment the method includes identifying patterns in preceding time-series measurement threshold breaches in clinical readings obtained from said medical device when associated with a particular patient, and initiating an alarm signal to a front-line clinician based on the preceding quantity of threshold breaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Bernoulli Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John ZALESKI
  • Publication number: 20200077966
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a collimator element. The method includes applying a lithographic coating layer. The lithographic coating layer is then exposed using a grid mask. Exposure regions then correspond to a structure of the collimator element. Here, the structure of the collimator element is aligned on a common focus. The lithographic coating layer is then developed to give a pre-structure of the collimator element. Further, an X-ray absorbing layer is applied via cathode sputtering. At least the X-ray absorbing layer is then removed from regions of the pre-structure. A collimator element, a method for manufacturing a scattered-radiation collimator, a scattered-radiation collimator, a radiation detector and a CT device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten ERGLER, Vojislav KRSTIC
  • Publication number: 20200077967
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus discriminates a light exposure field of visible light regardless of the color of the clothes (gown) of a subject. The apparatus for the X-ray imaging apparatus has an adjustable exposure field and a color sensor mounted to the underside of a collimator detects a color of the clothes (gown) worn by the subject on the table. Each light amount of a first LED that emits a red light, a second LED that emits a green light and a third LED that emits a blue light and a fourth LED that emits a white light is individually adjusted based on the color of the clothes worn by the subject, which the color sensor discriminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi OKUMURA, Tatsuya Araki
  • Publication number: 20200077968
    Abstract: An apparatus for vascular modeling is disclosed. The apparatus receives medical images from an imaging device that include representations of a coronary vessel tree of a subject recorded at a different viewing angles. The apparatus determines, from a first of the medical images, a first centerline set and first vessel diameters for sample points along the first centerline set, and determines, from a second of the medical images, a second centerline set and second vessel diameters for sample points along the second centerline set. The apparatus determines a correspondence between the first centerline set and the second centerline set, and determines diameters for a combined centerline set based on the correspondence of sample points along the first and second centerline sets. The apparatus provides the combined centerline set for estimating blood flow resistance values of the coronary vessel tree of the subject to determine at least one potential stenosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Nessi Benishti, Ifat Lavi, Ran Kornowski, Idit Avrahami, Guy Lavi
  • Publication number: 20200077969
    Abstract: Provided are a medical imaging device and a medical image processing method. A medical imaging device includes a data obtainer configured to obtain raw data by performing computed tomography (CT) imaging on an object; a processor configured to set a plurality of regions based on the raw data or an image generated from the raw data, determine at least one reconstruction processing method for each of the plurality of regions, and reconstruct a CT image by applying the determined at least one reconstruction processing method to each of the plurality of regions; and a display displaying the reconstructed CT image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-yong LEE, Dong-gue LEE
  • Publication number: 20200077970
    Abstract: A subject support (12) includes a fixed portion (22) and a moveable portion (11) coupled to the fixed portion and configured to move along at least one axis relative to the fixed portion (22), and the coupling includes one or more points of friction (32) that move during movement of the moveable portion (11) and which wear due to at least movement by the moveable portion (11). The moveable portion (11) receives and supports at least one of an object or a subject during an imaging procedure with an imaging device (18). One or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) (50) are affixed to or embedded in the moveable portion (11) that directly measure acceleration of translation of the moveable portion (11) along one or more axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel David JUDKINS, Marc Anthony CHAPPO
  • Publication number: 20200077971
    Abstract: There is provided a radiation imaging system including a radiation emitting apparatus 3 having a radiation source 34 that generates radiation, a radiation imaging apparatus 100B that receives radiation and generates radiation image data, and a hardware processor. The hardware processor detects height of the radiation source 34 and height of the radiation imaging apparatus 100B. The hardware processor further calculates a distance from a focal point of the radiation generated by the radiation source 34 to the radiation imaging apparatus 100B based on the height of the radiation source 34 and the height of the radiation imaging apparatus 100B, and causes a display to display the calculated distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Masahiro KUWATA, Ikuma OTA, Tomoyasu YOKOYAMA, Sho NOJI, Takuya YAMAMURA, Takafumi MATSUO, Hidetake TEZUKA
  • Publication number: 20200077972
    Abstract: A method of detecting flow instability includes insonating an area of interest with ultrasound wave pulses, acquiring radio frequency (RF) data from echo pulses of the ultrasound wave pulses, processing the RF data, and deriving a Doppler band-width from the processed RF data by AR modeling. Also described herein is a device for detecting flow instability. The device includes an emitter configured to insonate ultrasound wave pulses on an area of interest, a receiver configured to acquiring radio frequency (RF) data from echo pulses of the ultrasound wave pulses, and a processor configured to process the RF data, and derive a Doppler band-width from the processed RF data by AR modeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Yat Shun YIU, Adrian Jian Yuan CHEE, Alfred Cheuk Hang YU, Guo TANG, Wenbo LUO
  • Publication number: 20200077973
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the alignment and deployment of a prosthetic heart valve, such as a mitral valve. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tube assembly and a needle assembly configured to be received through a lumen of an outer tube member of the tube assembly. The needle assembly includes an elongate needle having a distal tip configured to be inserted through the epicardial surface of a heart. An imaging probe is coupled to a coupling member and includes an imaging element. The imaging probe is configured to provide image data associated with a location of a commissural-commissural (C-C) plane and a location of the anterior-posterior (A-P) plane of the mitral valve and the annular region of the heart such that a prosthetic mitral valve can be positioned within the heart based at least in part on the C-C plane and the A-P plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Craig A. Ekvall
  • Publication number: 20200077974
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for multispectral, non-invasive, and real-time assessment to diagnose hemorrhaging and/or hypoxia through PA imaging through an acoustic window defined in a body, such as through transfontanelle PA imaging of a neonatal infant brain. Such methods and systems include transmitting a plurality of ultrasound (US) waves and light between the probe device and the acoustic window, converting, via the probe device, a plurality of reflected US waves and generated PA waves into a plurality of US and PA signals, displaying in real-time on an US machine communicatively coupled to the probe device one or more images of the brain or spinal cord through the acoustic window, such as the neonatal infant brain through the fontanelle, and diagnosing at least one of one or more hemorrhages and hypoxia in the neonatal infant brain at least partially based on the one or more images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Kamran Avanaki, Juri G. Gelovani
  • Publication number: 20200077975
    Abstract: A reusable rotating ultrasound capsule for mounting to a distal end of a catheter. An exemplary device includes a motor compartment having a proximal face and a distal end. A sensor compartment includes a cap that seals with the motor compartment. A motor located within the motor compartment includes a drive component and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive component and extending distally from the motor compartment into the sensor compartment. The shaft includes an ultrasound transducer. A plurality of electrical contacts are mounted on the proximal face. At least two of the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to the motor. A rotational electrical coupler includes a rotational component mechanically coupled to the shaft and electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer and a stationary component mechanically coupled to the motor compartment and electrically coupled to one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Jason T. Panzenbeck
  • Publication number: 20200077976
    Abstract: A change from a non-contact state to a contact state is determined. Until a change from the contact state to the non-contact state is determined, frame data is sequentially acquired. Volume data is configured with a plurality of pieces of acquired frame data. When the number of pieces of acquired frame data is small, error processing is executed. After determining the acquisition end, the volume data processing is automatically executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Takanori HIRAI
  • Publication number: 20200077977
    Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device including a transmitter, a receiver, an observation point setter, and a frame generator. The transmitter repeatedly performs a transmission event, changing a position of a transducer array for each transmission event, the transmission event including selecting the transducer array from transducers on an ultrasound probe and outputting a drive signal driving the transducer array to transmit focused transmitted ultrasound. The receiver receives signals from the ultrasound probe to generate signal sequences, the signals being based on reflected ultrasound acquired by the ultrasound probe. The observation point setter sets observation points corresponding to positions in the subject. The frame generator generates a frame acoustic line signal based on the signal sequences corresponding to each of the observation points. The observation points are set such that observation points in a region shallower than a focal region each correspond to only one transmission event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Mineo TSUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20200077978
    Abstract: A systems and methods for tissue characterization using ultrasound are disclosed. One embodiment is for a system with a novel YB-scan transducer. The YB transducer is comprised of a plurality of separate and independent piezo-elements. The system is configured to scan a tissue or organ using two different frequencies to produce 2D images and two-frequency attenuation data to characterize tissue types. Other embodiments are presented permitting conventional B-scan imaging combined with A-mode scanning for two-frequency tissue characterization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Igor Yukov
  • Publication number: 20200077979
    Abstract: Provided is a probe which transmits an ultrasonic wave to a diagnostic site and receives a reception signal which is a reflected wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Yutaka IGARASHI, Shinya KAJIYAMA, Yohei NAKAMURA, Kengo IMAGAWA, Kazuhiro AMINO, Takayuki IWASHITA
  • Publication number: 20200077980
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe, which includes a transducer, a driving motor and a transmission mechanism configured to drive the transducer to reciprocatingly oscillate within a predetermined angle. The transmission mechanism includes a transducer base fixed and connected with the transducer, a face gear arranged on the transducer base, and a cylindrical gear meshed with the face gear. A rotating shaft of the face gear is positioned on the transducer base, and the face gear drives the transducer base to reciprocatingly oscillate. A transmission shaft is arranged on the axis of the cylindrical gear, and the transmission shaft is connected with the driving motor. The three dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe provided by the present application aims at simplifying the internal structure of the three dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe, reducing the internal installation complexity and improving motion stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Hua LUO, Jianhua MO, Bo OUYANG, Dan ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20200077981
    Abstract: An endovascular navigation system and method are disclosed. The endovascular navigation system includes an elongate flexible member configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient, a processor, and a display. The elongate flexible member includes an endovascular electrogram lead disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to sense an endovascular electrogram signal of the venous vasculature of the patient, and a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly transmit the endovascular electrogram signal to the processor. The processor includes a second wireless interface configured to wirelessly receive the endovascular electrogram signal from the elongate flexible member. The processor is configured to determine that the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within a predetermined structure within the venous vasculature of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Sorin GRUNWALD, Fiona M. SANDER, Wilfred J. SAMSON, Bradley HILL, E. Tina CHENG
  • Publication number: 20200077982
    Abstract: By identifying locations of contrast agent response, an intensity-based metric of contrast agent signal is used to control a duration of microbubble destruction with a medical ultrasound scanner. Feedback from motion of the transducer may be used to indicate when a user perceives enough destruction. A combination of both an intensity-based metric and transducer motion may be used to control the duration of bursting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: David P. Duncan, Gilles D. Guenette, Ismayil M. Guracar
  • Publication number: 20200077983
    Abstract: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a contrast image and a vascular structure image which includes the vascular structure in an image acquisition mode capable of capturing the vascular structure. The processing circuitry is configured to extract data indicating the vascular structure from the vascular structure image. The processing circuitry is configured to superimpose the data indicating the vascular structure on the contrast image to generate a superimposed image. The processing circuitry is configured to display the superimposed image on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asuka Ozawa, Hiroki Yoshiara, Takeshi Sugio, Tomio Nabatame, Takashi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20200077984
    Abstract: Improved ultrasound imaging devices and methods of operating the devices that minimize grating lobe artifacts in an ultrasound image are provided. For example, an ultrasound imaging system analyzes the ultrasound data at different frequency bands and generates a grating-lobe-minimized image based on minimum signals identified for each pixel among the plurality of frequency ranges. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer array configured to obtain ultrasound data, and a processor in communication with the ultrasound transducer array. The processor is configured to receive the ultrasound data, generate an ultrasound image based on a first frequency range of the ultrasound data, generate a grating-lobe-minimized ultrasound image based on a plurality of second frequency ranges of the ultrasound data, combine the ultrasound image and the grating-lobe-minimized ultrasound image to generate a combined ultrasound image, and output the combined ultrasound image to a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Jun Seob SHIN, Seungsoo KIM, Francois Guy Gerard Marie VIGNON, David HOPE SIMPSON
  • Publication number: 20200077985
    Abstract: Improved ultrasound imaging devices and methods of using the devices are provided. An intraluminal imaging device is configured process imaging data obtained using a single imaging sequence in different processing paths to generate B-mode and flow images. For example, an ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound imaging device comprising an array of acoustic elements and a processor in communication with the array. The processor activates the array of acoustic elements to acquire ultrasound data using a sequence of transmit-receive pairs, generates a B-mode image using the acquired ultrasound data, forms a plurality of sub-apertures comprising a portion of the transmit-receive pairs, groups the sub-apertures into temporally-spaced ensembles, determines a flow estimate based on a comparison of at least one of sub-apertures within an ensemble, ensembles within an aperture, or different apertures, and outputs a graphical representation of the B-mode image and the flow estimate to a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: David HOPE SIMPSON, Andrew HANCOCK, Jun Seob SHIN, Seungsoo KIM, Jean-luc Francois-Marie ROBERT, Francois Guy Gerard Marie VIGNON
  • Publication number: 20200077986
    Abstract: For shear wave imaging with ultrasound, a direction of the ARFI beam is selected based on tissue information, such as being perpendicular to an orientation of tissue or other than perpendicular to a face of the transducer array. As a result, the estimated shear wave velocity measured perpendicular to the ARFI beam may be closer to actual shear wave velocity. Alternatively or additionally, one or more vectors of propagation of the shear wave are determined and displayed to the user, allowing the user to visualize an extent of anisotropy of the tissue to judge impact on the shear wave velocity estimation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Yassin Labyed
  • Publication number: 20200077987
    Abstract: Provided herein is a pre-Caesarean method for collecting amniotic fluid from a patient. A needle is inserted into the incision site for the future C-section, which may be under ultrasound guidance, through which the amniotic fluid is drawn under a low level suction and, optionally, gravity to a sterile collection container. The method encompasses filtering and/or irradiating the amniotic fluid to collect biomolecules of interest such as growth factors and/or stem cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Carl Randall Harrell
  • Publication number: 20200077988
    Abstract: A device (100) for sensing a first analyte in sweat on skin includes an analyte-specific sensor (120) for sensing the first analyte and an active sweat coupling component (130) for transporting at least one sweat sample inside the device (100) and into fluid communication with the analyte-specific sensor (120). A method of sensing a first analyte in sweat on skin includes actively transporting at least one sweat sample into fluid communication with an analyte-specific sensor (120) for sensing the first analyte using an active sweat coupling component (130) and sensing the first analyte using the analyte-specific sensor (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Jason C. Heikenfeld
  • Publication number: 20200077989
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating blood concentration of an analyte may include a sweat collector configured to collect sweat from a skin surface of a user. The apparatus may include an optical sensor configured to emit light rays of different wavelengths towards the collected sweat, and detect an optical signal reflected by the collected sweat. The apparatus may include a processor configured to estimate the blood concentration of the analyte based on the detected optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Kyu KIM, Jun Ho LEE
  • Publication number: 20200077990
    Abstract: Various technologies for cartilage harvesting are provided. Some of the technologies include a method including coupling a cutting head onto an actuator; applying a force to the cutting head via the actuator; and cutting a cartilage with the cutting head based on the force. Some of the technologies include a method including coupling an adapter to a rotary tool, wherein the adapter adapts the rotary tool from a rotary power to an impact power; coupling a cutting head to the adapter; applying a force to the cutting head via the adapter; and cutting a cartilage with the cutting head based on the force. Some of the technologies include a device including a cutting head hosting a plug that is able to travel within the cutting head. Some of the technologies may include an extracted chondrocyte including a sidewall inclined from about five degrees to about twenty five degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher M. Mooney, Riley Joseph Williams, III
  • Publication number: 20200077991
    Abstract: A medical tool comprises an elongated tubular section having a body wall including a plurality of slits and a rigid needle tip coupled to a distal end of the tubular section. The tool further includes a flexible jacket coupled with the elongated tubular section by extending into the plurality of slits to block a fluid passageway through the plurality of slits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Lucas S. Gordon, Hans F. Valencia, Oliver J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20200077992
    Abstract: A device for collecting a biological sample in an esophagus of a patient includes a swallowable collection portion for collecting a sample at a collection site in the esophagus. A stylet is connected with the collection portion for placing the collection portion into the back of a throat of a patient for swallowing. The device may have a collection portion having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. A sleeve is in the first axial end portion. The device may have at least one tissue collecting projection extending from an outer surface of the collection portion; a first side wall of the tissue collecting; a second wall of the tissue collecting projection. A method for collecting a biological sample includes moving the swallowable collection portion with the stylet into the back of a throat of a patient for swallowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Sanford Markowitz, Dean Secrest, Amitabh Chak, Joseph Willis, Dennis Siedlak
  • Publication number: 20200077993
    Abstract: A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Chew Loong YAP, Yibao SHI, Teoh Hwa ANG, Poon Kiong Gilbert MAK, Hongjun CHEN, Wai Sam Christopher CHENG, Shyi Peng John YUEN, Sun Sien Henry HO
  • Publication number: 20200077994
    Abstract: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark S. Ortiz, Leslie M. Fugikawa
  • Publication number: 20200077995
    Abstract: Medical adhesive applicators are disclosed which allow medical adhesives to have long storage life and be easily dispensed in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, the applicator has a frangible glass vial with the medical adhesive. The frangible glass vial is held in a plastic enclosure with a dispensing tip. Attached to the plastic enclosure is a squeeze tube capable of imparting air pressure into the enclosure. To dispense medical adhesive quickly and with precision, one simply breaks the frangible glass vial and pushes on the squeeze tube. In another embodiment, the applicator has a proximal chamber containing medical adhesive, a distal chamber for dispensing medical adhesive and one or more rupturable membranes between them. To achieve long shelf life, the applicator chambers and membrane(s) are formed from fluorinated plastic. To dispense medical adhesive, one ruptures the membrane(s) and pushes on the sides of the proximal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Rousseau Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Russo
  • Publication number: 20200077996
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Josef E. Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Publication number: 20200077997
    Abstract: A generally wishbone-shaped disposable radiolucent retractor, including a transverse portion, a first leg extending from the transverse portion, a second leg extending from the transverse portion, wherein the first and second legs define a plane, a first plate operationally connected to the first leg and spaced from the transverse portion, and a second plate operationally connected to the second leg and spaced from the transverse portion. The first and second leg define and angle of about 35 degrees. The retractor is made of a generally electrically insulating nonmagnetic radiolucent material, such as nonporous medical grade thermoplastic resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Eric McCormick, Mitchell Logan McCormick
  • Publication number: 20200077998
    Abstract: An introducer sheath system including an outer layer, an inner layer, and a dilator is disclosed. The outer layer is circumferentially extending between a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. An expandable gap is defined between the first and second longitudinal edges. The inner layer is disposed within the outer layer. The inner layer is configured to be continuously circumferentially expandable. The inner layer includes a non-extended state having a circumferential portion extending circumferentially inside the outer layer and a fold portion extending into an interior cavity of the inner layer. The inner layer includes an extended state wherein the fold portion extends at least partially circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal edges. The dilator is extendable longitudinally within the inner layer. The dilator includes a recess configured to accommodate the fold portion of the inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200077999
    Abstract: Methods and anchor devices for repairing soft tissue with a suture are provided. An anchor device comprises an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end, the first lumen having at least one face which is sloped relative to the central axis of the elongate body such that the cross-sectional area of the first lumen decreases in the proximal direction. The anchor device also comprises a suture locking wedge movably disposed at least partially within the first lumen, the wedge consisting of a sloped face such that the cross-sectional area of the wedge decreases in the proximal direction, the sloped face of the wedge contacting the sloped face of the first lumen when the wedge is in a suture locking position, and a wedge lumen through the wedge located away from the proximal tip, wherein the wedge lumen is configured to allow the suture to pass through the wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Bowman, Jonathan GOLD, Jacob HUSTEDT
  • Publication number: 20200078000
    Abstract: A medical assembly implanting a transcatheter heart valve in the heart at a valve deployment site and related methods of implantation and delivery. An anchor is endovascularly introduced into the heart and implanted to a cardiac wall with an anchor delivery system and delivery cable. A second delivery system introduces a tether which coupled to the implanted anchor and a transcatheter heart valve. The transcatheter heart valve includes either a top or bottom brim which is positioned to conform to the atrial floor at the deployment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Opus Medical Therapies, LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Rajagopal, Jaime Eduardo Sarabia, Yenchin Liao
  • Publication number: 20200078001
    Abstract: Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture securing features able to lock suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: VentureMD Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: T. Wade FALLIN
  • Publication number: 20200078002
    Abstract: A transluminal sheath is advanced into a femoral vein of a subject, through an inferior vena cava of the subject, into a right atrium of a heart of the subject, and transseptally into a left atrium of the heart. A surrounding-sheath is advanced out of a distal end of the transluminal sheath, into the left atrium, and toward a commissure of a mitral valve of the heart. A commissural helix is implanted at the commissure by advancing the commissural helix out of the surrounding-sheath and through the commissure into a left ventricle of the heart, such that the commissural helix wraps around at least some chordae tendineae at the commissure and facilitates sealing of the commissure. Subsequently to the implantation of the commissural helix, the surrounding-sheath is extracted from the heart. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Gil Hacohen, Yossi Gross, Tal Reich
  • Publication number: 20200078003
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, William R. Davis, Scott Freedman
  • Publication number: 20200078004
    Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible fixation member, a suture, and a delivery device. The fixation member includes a body with two terminal ends. A suture passes through the flexible fixation member at various points along a length of the body such that portions of the fixation member are slidable relative to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site. The delivery device includes a tubular member, an elongated inserter, and a trigger. The elongated inserter is slidably disposed within the tubular member. The inserter has a forked distal end configured to receive a portion of the flexible fixation member and the suture. The trigger is finger-engagable and fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the inserter. It is configured to advance and retract the inserter relative to the tubular member. The trigger includes a retention member for retaining a proximal end portion of the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Karasic, Brett A. McKenzie, Steven William Astorino, Richard M. Lunn, Matthew Edwin Koski, Tatsuya Arai, Mark Edwin Housman, Roland F. Gatturna
  • Publication number: 20200078005
    Abstract: A loader for a surgical suturing instrument is disclosed. The loader has a head having a protrusion configured to be releasably held by a tissue bite area of a surgical suturing instrument. The loader also has a tube interface. The loader further has one or more ferrule holders. The loader also has one or more ferrules, each corresponding to and held by one of the one or more ferrule holders and coupled to a suture end that leads from a tube releasably held by the tube interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, MD, Angelo John Martellaro
  • Publication number: 20200078006
    Abstract: A suture assembly may include a needle having a cylindrical body with a sharp point on at least one end, a lumen extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, and a recess in communication with an opening to the lumen. A suture extends through the lumen and is secured within the recess of the needle by a sleeve extending over the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: BRIANA J. MORETTI, ASHRITA RAGHURAM, SHAUN D. COMEE, CHRISTOPHER R. DEUEL, STAN GILBERT, THOMAS JONES, KEVIN WINDHEUSER
  • Publication number: 20200078007
    Abstract: Devices are provided for a suturing device used during laparoscopic surgical procedures. A suturing needle includes a shaft forming a rod axis; a curved body having a piercing tip at a first end and a base at a second end; and an arm extending from the shaft to the base of the curved body such that the curved body is rotatable about the shaft. The suturing device includes a housing, a suturing needle, one or more sutures, a suture magazine configured to hold the one or more sutures, and a drive system, whereby the drive system may actuate the suturing needle to rotate, allowing the suturing needle to drive into and out of tissue to apply a suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Derek M. O'Hara, Daniel E. Johns, Peter J. Meinz
  • Publication number: 20200078008
    Abstract: An adaptor for a powered surgical instrument includes a casing, a cam drum, a first linear driver, and a second linear driver. The cam drum defines and is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the adaptor between a retracted position and an advanced position. The cam drum is being supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cam drum defines first and second radial cam grooves about an outer surface thereof. The first cam groove defines a first profile and the second cam groove defines a second profile. The first linear driver includes a first cam follower disposed in the first cam groove and the second linear driver includes a second cam follower disposed in the second cam groove. The first and second linear drivers are supported for movement between advanced and retracted positions in response to rotation of the cam drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20200078009
    Abstract: A medical device includes a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the filament is coupled to a needle. The medical device also includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has a first arm and a second arm. The energy delivery device is configured to delivery energy to a portion of the filament when the portion of the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Peter J. Pereira, Rebecca DeLegge, Lauren Eskew
  • Publication number: 20200078010
    Abstract: A suture construct apparatus, including a self-cinching suture member having a first strand, a second strand, a sleeve defined on the second strand, and a self-cinching suture member fixed loop with a sheath positioned on the self-cinching suture member. The suture construct apparatus may further include an anchor disposed on the self-cinching suture member, a self-cinching suture member shuttling suture disposed on the self-cinching suture member fixed loop, and a sheath removably disposed around at least a portion of the self-cinching suture member. The first strand may pass through the sleeve and form a self-cinching suture member free end. The first strand may also be axially moveable through the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Christian N. Anderson