Devices Placed Entirely Within Body And Means Used Therewith (e.g., Magnetic Implant Locator) Patents (Class 128/899)
  • Patent number: 10521916
    Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems for identifying a position of target tissue relative to surgical tools using a structured light detector. An exemplary system includes antennas configured to interact with a marker placed proximate target tissue inside a patient's body, a structured light pattern source, a structured light detector, a display device, and a computing device configured to receive data from the antennas indicating interacting with the marker, determine a distance between the antennas and the marker, cause the structured light pattern source to project and detect a pattern onto the antennas. The instructions may further cause the computing device to determine, a pose of the antennas, determine, based on the determined distance between the antennas and the marker, and the determined pose of the antennas, a position of the marker relative to the antennas, and display the position of the marker relative to the antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 10517721
    Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10514044
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a pump device, comprising i. an impeller; ii. a pump housing which at least partly surrounds an interior region, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the impeller is located within the interior region of the pump housing; wherein the pump housing comprises at least one first subregion and at least one further subregion; wherein the first subregion comprises a ceramic, wherein the further subregion comprises a metal, wherein at least one part of the first subregion and at least one part of the further subregion are connected to one another. One aspect of the invention further relates to a housing which comprises the features described for the pump housing. One aspect of the invention also relates to a method for producing a pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Schibli, Ulrich Hausch
  • Patent number: 10514777
    Abstract: A control apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit configured to communicate with an input apparatus is provided. The memory device stores instructions which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive displacement information from the input apparatus, and generate a displacement value for displacing an operation target on a display based on the displacement information, wherein a first set of instructions is used to calculate the displacement value if the displacement information is within a predetermined range, and a second set of instructions is used to calculate the displacement value if the displacement information is outside the predetermined range; and transmit a feedback signal to the input apparatus at a timing based on the displacement information, wherein the timing is calculated differently if the displacement information is within the predetermined range than if the displacement information is outside the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Kabasawa, Tetsuro Goto, Masatoshi Ueno, Shinobu Kuriya, Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Tatsuya Suzuki, Tsubasa Tsukahara, Hideo Kawabe
  • Patent number: 10512766
    Abstract: A medical device comprising an implantable subcutaneous access port having a septum penetrable by a needle; the septum having a cavity located between an outer wall and an inner wall, the cavity containing a flowable media comprising a plurality of displaceable particles arranged to move in response to the needle being inserted through the outer wall and into the cavity and reposition around the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Primo Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Tallarida, John M. Butziger, Richard P. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 10500323
    Abstract: Fluid pressure or flow in a human body may be adjusted with circulation or perfusion systems and methods. The system may include a first pump implantable in a chamber or vessel of the human body, and a plurality of struts connected to a housing of the first pump, wherein the struts secure the first pump in a desired location of the chamber or vessel. The system may also include one or more flow modification elements disposed on the first pump, where the flow modification elements direct flow to a desired organ or a desired vessel to adjust pressure or flow as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: PROCYRION, INC.
    Inventors: Jason J. Heuring, William L. Clifton, Benjamin A. Hertzog, Michael P. Cuchiara, Reynolds M. Delgado, III
  • Patent number: 10500045
    Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10500014
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 10492793
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering embolic devices into a body lumen of a patient. These embolic devices are applicable to a variety of neurological and/or peripheral applications. In particular, the embolic devices may be used to occlude a vessel within a patient, and/or to treat aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, traumatic fistulas, uterine fibroids or cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Elliott
  • Patent number: 10485903
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a process for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endoleak with a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device. First, a bifurcated stent graft is placed within the aneurysm while a micro guidewire is positioned within the aneurysm for future catheter access. Second, after placing the iliac graft extension, a catheter is introduced over wire to deliver embolic foams. Third, embolic foams expand and conform to the aneurysm wall. Fourth, embolic foams create a stable thrombus to prevent endoleak formation by isolating peripheral vessels from the aneurysm volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: Shape Memory Medical, Inc., The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Duncan J. Maitland, Todd L. Landsman, John Horn, Landon Nash, Chung Yeh
  • Patent number: 10478339
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing patient data during ophthalmic surgery. The systems and methods include an ophthalmic surgical device operable to receive data from a RFID chip. Data from the RFID chip is transmitted to a RFID read-write module operably coupled to the ophthalmic surgical system. A processor identifies the RFID chip based on the received data and determines whether the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage. The processor can generate a warning when the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Michel Taleb
  • Patent number: 10461397
    Abstract: A surgical sponge is provided, having a radiofrequency (RF) tag positioned interior thereto. The RF tag has a base layer with at least one tab projecting from an outer perimeter of thereof. The RF tag has a first protective layer with at least one tab projecting from the outer perimeter of the RF tag and generally aligned with the at least one tab of the base layer and an RF identifier laminated between the base layer and the first protective layer. The RF identifier has an antenna, and an electrically responsive member. The antenna can be a metal foil loop antenna etched on to the base layer. The RF identifier can include additional metal foil provided on the base layer when the metal foil loop antenna is etched on to the base layer, the additional metal foil configured to enhance x-ray opacity of the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical and Design, LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Augustine
  • Patent number: 10449330
    Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially or otherwise aligned with the needle cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon B. Newman, Nathaniel Brian P. Harris, Daniel B. Blanchard, John W. Hall
  • Patent number: 10441257
    Abstract: An apparatus and system that includes an elongated body, a vascular closure device that can occlude a hole in a vessel wall coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, a sleeve assembly and a biasing member arranged to elastically deform coupled between the elongated body and the sleeve assembly, wherein the vascular closure device is pliant and is deformable to fit with the sleeve assembly but is too large to fit within the sleeve assembly without deforming it and where application of tension to the elongated body by retracting the sleeve assembly away from the deployed vascular closure device elastically deforms the biasing member and exerts a force on the vascular closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Cleon Stanley, Ram H. Paul, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10436567
    Abstract: A method for locating mobile objects by identifying, on the basis of the objects before a network of magnetometers, a supplementary equation. The method includes connecting, by means of a relationship of equality, a first variable from a current system of equations to a term, the term being a predefined relationship between one or more other variables from the current system of equations or a constant numerical value. The method also includes replacing, in the current system of equations, the first variable with the term to which it is equal to obtain a new system of equations in which the number of variables for which the value needs to be estimated is smaller than in the current system of equations. The method further includes using the new system of equations instead in order to estimate the position/orientation/amplitude of a magnetic moment of one of the magnetic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventor: Tristan Hautson
  • Patent number: 10434221
    Abstract: Biodegradable antimicrobial films are provided that are solid at room temperature and substantially liquefy in situ after implantation into a mammal, such as a human patient. Methods of using the films to cover a medical device, such as a breast implant, prior to insertion into a subject are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Joel Rosenblatt, Issam Raad, Andrew P. Dennis
  • Patent number: 10426483
    Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing or preventing bleeding and associated side effects during and after percutaneous medical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Mitchell R. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 10426377
    Abstract: An volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Toby Markowitz, Michael Kryger
  • Patent number: 10416247
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a narrow elongate probe is adapted for insertion into the body of a living subject. The probe may be flexible and has a plurality of sensors consisting of single coils of very fine wire wound about a backbone of the probe, which transmit signals proximally via fine connecting wires to a position processor. The position processor analyzes the signals to determine position coordinates at multiple points along the length of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Jennifer Maffre, Maribeth Wilczynski
  • Patent number: 10405776
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an orthopedic implant, the apparatus includes a flexible substrate, at least first and second field-generating coils, and circuitry. The flexible substrate is formed into a three-dimensional (3D) shape and is coupled to a predefined location on the orthopedic implant. The at least first and second field-generating coils are formed in the flexible substrate, such that in the 3D shape the first and second field-generating coils have first and second respective axes that are not parallel to one another. The circuitry is mounted on the flexible substrate and electrically connected to the at least first and second field-generating coils, and is configured to drive the at least first and second field-generating coils with respective signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Vadim Gliner, Yehuda Algawi
  • Patent number: 10396948
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data ultrasonically through biological tissue employs a network of a plurality of nodes, at least a portion of the nodes implantable within the biological tissue. At least one implanted node includes a transmitter having an orthogonal frequency division multiplex signal generator to encode an ultrasonic signal for transmission through the biological tissue to an ultrasonic receiver at another node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Tommaso Melodia, Giuseppe Enrico Santagati
  • Patent number: 10383595
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventor: Steven P. Tropello
  • Patent number: 10376352
    Abstract: A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
  • Patent number: 10376353
    Abstract: A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Argon Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventors: James F. McGuckin, Jr., James Erich Bressler, David M. Schaller
  • Patent number: 10376180
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube positioning device includes a first Hall sensor, a second Hall sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor, a converter, and an integrated circuit board electrically connecting the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to the converter, wherein a position range is established for the device based on a symmetry of voltage readings provided from the first and second Hall sensors to the converter. An endotracheal tube positioning system includes an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end, an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface, and a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John C. Victor
  • Patent number: 10369326
    Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter shaft having a shaft wall and a lumen extending longitudinally within the shaft wall. The lumen is bounded in radially outward and radially inward directions. The lumen includes a feed portion and an identification symbol fluidly connected to the feed portion. The lumen is configured to receive a contrast media. The lumen may be formed by a channel formed in an outer surface of a first shaft of the catheter shaft, and a covering disposed around the outer surface of the first shaft to cover the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John Tuohy, Sean Ward
  • Patent number: 10362240
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to endoscopic devices and systems for image correction of a rotating sensor. The disclosure allows for the distal image sensor to rotate as the user rotates the lumen with respect to a fixed handpiece. The system includes an angle sensor located at the junction of the rotating lumen and the fixed handpiece. Periodic measurements of angle are used in the system's image processing chain in order to effect suitable software image rotations, thereby providing a final displayed image or video stream with the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Richardson, Laurent Blanquart, Jeremiah D. Henley, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 10349817
    Abstract: Methods and devices for introducing a colonoscope. An head of an endoscopic guide includes a balloon configured to accommodate a magnetic or ferromagnetic agent. A magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field to exert a retaining force on the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent contained in the endoscopic balloon. The magnetic field is applied using the magnetic field source externally at an area of an abdomen of the patient in which the expanded endoscopic balloon with the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent is present to attract the endoscopic balloon against an anchoring point on a wall of the colon with a retaining force on the magnetic or ferromagnetic agent. The endoscopic guide is put in traction by applying a pulling force on the proximal end of the endoscopic guide to keep the endoscopic guide tensioned and to reduce curvature of loops of the colon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ENDOSTART S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Tozzi, Alberto Bruni, Carlo Bruni
  • Patent number: 10342458
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to a sensor array for use with a user's finger segment and which indirectly maps the topography of a surface under the finger segment. Each sensor array is worn on a user's finger segment and has multiple sensitive strain gauges as well a positioning sensor. The multiple strain gauges are deployed around the periphery or sides of the finger segment. Each strain gauge measures the deformation of the finger segment pad as the finger segment passes over the surface topography. The relative ratios of the deformation detected indicates the location of a feature or contact point on the topography relative to the group of strain gauges. The positioning sensor determines the array's orientation as well as its location relative to a predetermined global reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventors: Louis Ferreira, Ryan Kope
  • Patent number: 10342623
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for avoiding injury to an anatomical structure are disclosed. According to some aspects, an implantable device configured to emit a detectable field may be attached to the anatomical structure. A proximity sensor may be attached to a distal end of a surgical instrument and may be configured to detect the detectable field. A control unit in communication with the proximity sensor may be configured to use the proximity sensor to determine if the distal end of the surgical instrument is within a predetermined distance of the implantable device. If so, a notification such as a vibration or alarm may be provided to a user of the surgical instrument so that the user can maneuver the surgical instrument to limit or prevent contact with the anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: PROXIMED, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Huelman, Andrew Wu, Michael Jung, Marc Child, Vidit Sharma, Addason Mccaslin
  • Patent number: 10342575
    Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Jiaye Z. Jho, Robert N. Golden, Eddie K. Burnside
  • Patent number: 10331220
    Abstract: A configurable human-machine interface for controlling an electrical apparatus includes at least one permanent magnet rigidly connected to each of utensils and a magnetometer array including N triaxial magnetometers, mechanically linked to each other without any degree of freedom to retain a known distance between each of the magnetometers, wherein N is a whole number greater than or equal to five, and a processing unit configured to: define, for each permanent magnet of a utensil, a value of at least one variable encoding a position or orientation of same in a three-dimensional reference system fixed without any degree of freedom to the array or the amplitude of the magnetic moment of same, from measurements of the magnetometers of the array, and automatically select a control law based on the value defined for the variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Tristan Hautson, Rabeb Aloui, Timothee Jobert
  • Patent number: 10328259
    Abstract: A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system can deliver electric pulses to a targeted region within a biological tissue. The system includes an antenna assembly and a lens. The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation. The lens is configured to be positioned between a surface of the biological tissue and the antenna assembly. The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Old Dominion University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Shu Xiao, Andrei Pakhomov, Karl H. Schoenbach
  • Patent number: 10323922
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to localization and tracking of an object. As one example, measurement data can be stored in memory to represent measured electrical signals at each of a plurality of known measurement locations in a given coordinate system in response to an applied signal at an unknown location in the given coordinate system. A dipole model cost function has parameters representing a dipole location and moment corresponding to the applied signal. A boundary condition can be imposed on the dipole model cost function. The unknown location in the given coordinate system, corresponding to the dipole location, can then be determined based on the stored measurement data and the dipole model cost function with the boundary condition imposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: CARDIOINSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Qingguo Zeng, Ping Jia, Charulatha Ramanathan, Lijun Yu, Jeff Burrell, Brian George, Qing Lou, Ryan Bokan, Soniya Bhojwani
  • Patent number: 10321848
    Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly (44) is configured to be associated with a table (20) supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises magnetic field transmitters (57A) that are thin (of minimal height) and transparent, or substantially transparent, to x-ray radiation. The magnetic field transmitters (57A) are configured to minimally obstruct components of an imaging system and to minimally interfere with image quality. A plurality of transmitters is arranged in a first layer of the assembly. Each transmitter (57A) comprises an elongate conductive element, such as a wire, arranged in a spiral form, such as a coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.
    Inventors: Uzi Eichler, Alon Izmirli, Yuval Vaknin, Kor Kobi
  • Patent number: 10320117
    Abstract: System and techniques for an apparel compute device connection are described herein. A base for a removable apparel compute device is bonded to a garment. The base includes connector portions to interface between the apparel compute device and traces within the garment electrically. The apparel compute device is secured to the base via a magnet and oriented via a physical arrangement of the connector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Glen Eric Lewallen
  • Patent number: 10320491
    Abstract: A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Innurvation Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Bandy, Roger Allen Davenport, Yuri Okunev
  • Patent number: 10307238
    Abstract: Methods for delivering a sheet-like implant to a target site including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Cannuflow, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Kucklick
  • Patent number: 10299763
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging apparatus for dividing obtained ultrasound image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body, mapping a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and outputting a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information; and a method of controlling the same. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an image processor configured to obtain image information from an object, a controller configured to divide the obtained image information into pieces of image information in units of regions of a human body and map a body marker to the pieces of image information corresponding to the body marker, and a user interface unit configured to output a result of mapping the body marker to the pieces of image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Jung Song, Jae Moon Jo, Chul An Kim, Min Ju Lee, Gil-Ju Jin
  • Patent number: 10299854
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. The articulating section has a central annulus extending therealong and first and second pluralities of bores. The first plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding tendons therethrough and the second plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding conductive leads therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft including a pair of first and second jaw members. The corresponding conductive leads transition from a first state for enabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second state for disabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Peter M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 10299681
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable medical device system comprising an active medical device having or connected to at least one electrode and circuitry connected to the electrode. The active medical device comprises a telemetry unit. The circuitry connected to the electrode comprises at least one single conductor that provides a radio frequency antenna for the telemetry unit. The implantable medical device system further comprises at least one electronic filter that is arranged between the single conductor of circuitry connected to the electrode and the telemetry unit. The least one electronic filter comprises at least one inductor having a core that comprises a ferromagnetic material with saturating behavior when exposed to an external magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: James W. Hess
  • Patent number: 10293090
    Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive percutaneous device that can be positioned within the body of a subject to aid in the movement or pumping of a bodily fluid. In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of pump units configured to transform from a first compressed configuration where the pump units are organized in a serial arrangement into a second expanded configuration where the pump units are reorganized into a parallel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: YALE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Pramod Bonde, Brian Letzen
  • Patent number: 10297950
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic connector comprising a body having a mounting cavity, the body comprising a PCB received in the mounting cavity, a first conductive terminal soldered to one side of the PCB and extending toward an opening of the mounting cavity, a first magnet disposed along the periphery of the PCB and on the same side as the first conductive terminal. The body further has a first anti-off device which is formed with an insulating bushing enclosing the first conductive terminal or the first magnet. The magnetic connector provided by the present invention has advantages that the connection is more stable and more durable, that the service life is longer, and that a certain degree of solid connection can be maintained even if a part of the anti-off device has failed, which is of a good fault tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Shenzhen Pomagtor Precision Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventor: Zhengpeng Wei
  • Patent number: 10285775
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object are provided. One example apparatus includes a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channel member that has a first base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base to form a first channel therebetween. The first fastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securingly clamp a surgical object in the first channel of the first channel member. The apparatus further includes a housing that has at least a first cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions of the first channel member, a first passageway that receives the first fastener and permits the first fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity, and a second passageway to receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: William A. Blair
  • Patent number: 10278813
    Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis has a head plate as a first fastening element, a second fastening element for the mechanical connection to the ossicular chain, or to the inner ear, and a connecting element. The head plate has a central coupling region and radially outward extending bridging elements which are connected to the coupling region via a radially inner end region and each transition into an outer free end section. The bridging elements are connected to the coupling region so that they fold together upon introduction of a force component parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein their end sections are pivoted radially closer to the longitudinal axis and thereby also execute an axial movement. The bridging elements, without this force, extend from the coupling region at a predefined, fixed angle. The prosthesis can be inserted into the middle ear of the patient more easily and through a much smaller artificial opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
    Inventors: Karl-Bernd Huettenbrink, Axel Lang, Uwe Steinhardt, Markus Gaeckle
  • Patent number: 10238878
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a communication channel comprising a plurality of disparate sequential communication links configured to facilitate bi-direction communication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a programmer. A transceiver is configured to communicate with the programmer via a first communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A telemetry device is configured to communicate with the IMD via a second communication link of the plurality of disparate communication links. A third communication link communicatively couples the transceiver and the telemetry device. A power source is coupled to the transceiver and to the telemetry apparatus. An operational status of at least the first and second communication links can be individually determined in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rondoni, Quan Ni
  • Patent number: 10238464
    Abstract: A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Shai Fitelzon, Paige B. Hastings, David J. McKinley
  • Patent number: 10232196
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for treating an occlusion within a patient's vasculature with ultrasonic energy comprises a catheter configured to be passed through the patient's vasculature such that a portion of the catheter is positioned at an intravascular treatment site. The system further comprises an ultrasound radiating member, an ultrasound signal generator configured to supply a drive signal to the ultrasound radiating member, an infusion pump configured to pump a therapeutic compound into the fluid delivery lumen so as to cause the therapeutic compound to be delivered to the treatment site and a controller configured to control the ultrasound signal generator and the infusion pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Azita Soltani, Adrian F. Prokop
  • Patent number: 10219931
    Abstract: An obstruction device includes an obstruction disc mounted on a proximal portion of a shaft. Anchoring members are disposed on the shaft on a proximal side of the obstruction disc. The anchoring members include a pair of loops which are orthogonal to each other, one being a longitudinal member and the other a latitudinal member. One or more support struts, which include one or more loops, are disposed on a distal side of the obstruction disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Easynotes Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhak Fabian, Nir Altman, Steven Haas, Yoav Hirsch
  • Patent number: 10220144
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide an apparatus system, and method for detecting and treating various neurological events or conditions such as epilepsy and migraine headaches which are associated with cortical spreading depression (CSD). Also, many embodiments provide an apparatus, system and method for delivery of a drug such as a loop diuretic to prevent or reduce the duration of a seizure or other event associated with CSD. The drug may delivered intra-cranially in a dose selected to produce a localized effect in the brain to prevent or reduce the duration of the seizure or other event while minimizing adverse peripheral effects such as diuresis or electrolyte loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran