Devices Placed Entirely Within Body And Means Used Therewith (e.g., Magnetic Implant Locator) Patents (Class 128/899)
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Patent number: 8882652Abstract: An apparatus for preventing incontinence includes a tubular body with a first guiding element connected to a tube-shaped retaining element with a second guiding element that opens axially into a termination on a side of the retaining element. The retaining element is formed of a reversible stretchable and compressible metal grille that is air-tight and fluid-tight at the termination in a region of a transition thereof to the tubular body. A fixing device that fixes the apparatus when the apparatus is immovably implanted in a body tissue of a patient is formed of the first guiding element defining areas with axially spaced projections. In a non-extended state, the projections are formed as slits protruding out of the surface of the first guiding element and, in an axially extended state, the projections are immovably implanted in the body tissue when the first guiding element is compressed in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: R & M Consulting and Trading GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Vitzthum
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Patent number: 8876693Abstract: A surgical procedure for repairing vaginal prolapse, including apical descent (vaginal vault or uterine descensus), cystocele and/or rectocele, avoids bladder injury, the need for laparoscopic suturing, and difficulties in tensioning the mesh used to hold the vagina in the correct anatomical position, and can be practiced with off the shelf components. The procedure typically comprises exposing a female patient's peritoneum; making a peritoneal incision (e.g. over the patient's sacrum); mobilizing the peritoneum; incising the patient's vagina and attaching the anterior and posterior surfaces of a first (e.g. generally rectangular) mesh component, with a truncated stem and first locking element, to the apex of the patient's vagina; passing a mesh base component having a second locking element at a distal end, and a proximal end, underneath the peritoneum; moving the first and second locking elements together into locking relationship; anchoring the mesh base (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: David Elliot Rapp
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Patent number: 8875714Abstract: Implants responsive to spatiotemporal signal sequences, and methods of operating implants by transmitting spatiotemporal signal sequences.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8868373Abstract: Disclosed are virtual reality systems, in particular immersive virtual reality systems, their parts, construction and use. The systems and/or parts thereof may be used by adults or children, and may be adapted to support, often within a single device, a large range of users of different sizes and medical condition. Users with physical disabilities have difficulties using existing immersive technologies such as those using accessories like head-mounted displays and data gloves. Such users are provided with immersive virtual reality outputs that allow them to see virtual representations of their body parts which appear in a correct spatial position relative to the users' viewpoint.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Universitat Zurich Prorektorat MNWInventors: Kynan Eng, Pawel Pyk, Edith Chevrier, Lisa Holper, Daniel Kiper
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Patent number: 8849377Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered adjacent to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can coil adjacent to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its coiled position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II
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Patent number: 8813757Abstract: A reading and adjustment tool for use with a valve having a pressure or flow setting adjustable to a plurality of pressure or flow settings is disclosed. The tool includes a signal generator and an excitation coil coupled to the signal generator. The signal generator includes an adjustment interface configured to generate an adjustment signal to adjust the pressure or flow setting and a reading interface to generate a reading signal to read the pressure or flow setting of the valve. At least one excitation coil is connected to the signal generator and configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field based on one of the adjustment signal and reading signal. A sense coil can include two portions positioned on either side of the at least one excitation coil to determine the pressure or flow setting of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R. Prisco, John Murdock Murphy, Jamie Hei, Laetitia Mayor, Pierre Jaquier
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Patent number: 8814868Abstract: A system (110, 150) for targeting a landmark (114, 160) is disclosed. The system includes an instrumented medical implant (112, 152), a control circuit (118, 153), a power supply (120, 157), and a landmark identifier (122, 154). The instrumented medical implant (112, 152) has one or more landmarks (114, 160) and each landmark (114, 160) has a corresponding coil (116, 162). The control circuit (118, 153) is electrically connected to the corresponding coil (116, 162), and the power supply (120, 157) is electrically connected to the control circuit (118,153). The landmark identifier (122, 154) has a magnetic sensor (124, 155) for sensing the corresponding coil (116, 162).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Sied W. Janna, Darren J. Wilson, Robert L. Morgan
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Patent number: 8808158Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael R. Harrison, Kathryn H. Rosenbluth, Dillon A. Kwiat, Eric J. Kezirian, Richard J. Fechter, Darrell Christensen
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Patent number: 8800567Abstract: A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Kevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, John R. Jacobs
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Patent number: 8792966Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered through a tissue wall proximate to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can be movable between a non-deployed or unexpanded position, in which the marker is configured to be delivered through a relatively small diameter passageway, to an expanded, balloon-like position in which the marker is configured to engage opposed sides of a tissue wall proximate to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its expanded position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II
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Patent number: 8789536Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules (a) operable for mooring at least partly within a digestive tract, (b) small enough to pass through the tract per vias naturales and including a wireless-control component, (c) having one or more attachment protrusions positionable adjacent to a mucous membrane, (d) configured to facilitate redundant modes of attachment, (e) facilitating a “primary” material supply deployable within a stomach for an extended and/or controllable period, (f) moored by one or more adaptable extender modules supported by a subject's head or neck, and/or (g) configured to facilitate supporting at least a sensor within a subject's body lumen for up to a day or more.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 8783258Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: John Jacobs, Kevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, David Lindh, Sr.
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Patent number: 8784425Abstract: Systems (10, 110, 1010, 1110) for identifying landmarks (31, 131, 1028, 1128) on orthopedic implants (30, 130, 1024, 1124) are disclosed. The systems (10, 110, 1010, 1110) include a field generator (16, 116, 1016, 1116) for generating a magnetic field and an orthopedic implant (30, 130, 1024, 1124) located within the magnetic field. The implant (30, 130, 1024, 1124) includes at least one landmark (31, 131, 1028, 1128), an optional removable probe (1029, 1129) and a first magnetic sensor (32, 132, 1026, 1126).Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Henry B. Faber, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, Tobias Schwägli, William M. Ricci
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Patent number: 8776802Abstract: An effective method for prolonging localization of therapeutics within the rat gastrointestinal tract of at least about 12 hours is provided. Attractive forces between an orally administered magnetic dose and an external magnet were monitored and internal dose motion in real time using biplanar videofluoroscopy was visualized. Tissue elasticity was quantified as a measure of tissue health by combining data streams. The methods address safety, efficacy, and monitoring capacity of magnetically localized doses and show a platform for testing the benefits of localized drug delivery.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Brown UniversityInventors: Edith Mathiowitz, Bryan Laulicht
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Patent number: 8757166Abstract: The Invasive Agent Treatment System incorporates the pairing of energy fields with nano-particles to cause a thermal effect in the nano-particles, which thermal effect is transmitted into the biological cells of the invasive agent. The energy fields are derived from at least one or a combination of the following: an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field (EM), an acoustic field, and an optical field. The Invasive Agent Treatment System provides the necessary coordination among the characteristics of the nano-particles, concentration of nano-particles, duration of treatment, and applied fields to enable the generation of precisely crafted fields and their application in a mode and manner to be effective with a high degree of accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Actium BioSystems, LLCInventors: Daniel Bernard McKenna, Karl Michael Frantz, Andrew Curtis Updegrave, Martin Albert Huisjen
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Patent number: 8740774Abstract: Using a guidance system with a simple configuration, propulsive motion along a longitudinal direction and changing of the propulsion direction are easily performed with good precision and stability. There is provided a capsule-type medical apparatus which is inserted into the body of a subject and is guided by an external magnetic field, the capsule-type medical apparatus comprising: a substantially cylindrical capsule; a propulsion mechanism for converting rotary motion about a longitudinal axis R of the capsule into propulsive motion along the longitudinal axis R; a magnet accommodated inside the capsule and disposed in such a manner that the magnetic-pole direction thereof can be switched between a direction along the longitudinal axis R and a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis R; and a securing portion for securing the magnet to the capsule in each of the switched states of the magnetic-pole direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Hironobu Takizawa, Hironao Kawano, Akio Uchiyama, Shinsuke Tanaka, Atsushi Chiba
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Patent number: 8739801Abstract: A system (10, 110) for identifying a landmark is disclosed. The system includes a field generator (16, 116) for generating a magnetic field, an orthopaedic implant (30, 130) located within the magnetic field, the implant having at least one landmark (31) and a first magnetic sensor (32) spaced apart from the landmark, a landmark identifier (18, 118) with a second magnetic sensor (20, 120) and a processor (12, 112) for comparing sensor data from the first and second sensor and using the set distance to calculate the position of the landmark identifier relative to the at least one landmark. The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: James K. Rains, Nicholas S. Ritchey, Gene Edward Austin, Henry B. Faber, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Tobias Schwägli, William M. Ricci
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Patent number: 8731641Abstract: A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide two or more types of navigation or modalities of navigation to navigate a single instrument. The single instrument can be positioned within the patient and tracked. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within a patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Hartmann, Andrew Bzostek, Bradley A. Jascob
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Patent number: 8726911Abstract: Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. The object may include a piece of absorbent material, a transponder to wirelessly receive and transmit signals, and a cover. The cover is attached directly to the piece of absorbent material to retain the transponder. Methods of manufacturing wirelessly detectable objects are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: RF Surgical Systems, Inc.Inventor: William A. Blair
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Patent number: 8731637Abstract: Provided is an intra-subject medical system which includes a body-insertable device and a physical quantity generator. The body-insertable device is to be introduced into a subject, is covered by a capsule-shaped exterior member, and includes a physical quantity detecting member which has a directivity to detect a predetermined physical quantity; at least one functional member which has a necessary function for examining or treating inside the subject; and a switch control unit which controls an on/off state or operation mode of the at least one functional member when the physical quantity detecting member detects a physical quantity. The physical quantity generator has a physical quantity emitting unit which emits a temporary physical quantity inside the subject; and a physical quantity direction changing unit which changes an emission direction of the physical quantity.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Hironao Kawano, Hironobu Takizawa, Akio Uchiyama, Atsushi Chiba, Takeshi Yokoi, Hideo Ito, Hidetake Segawa
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Patent number: 8730518Abstract: Printing of color imagery onto a rewritable color surface is accomplished by providing an applicator with an alignment subsystem capable of sensing an alignment marker of one or more colors dots from multiple local color dot patterns as the applicator scans the surface to align the applicator's print head to the local color dot patterns. The alignment subsystem uses the sensed alignment markers to determine an absolute position on the rewritable color surface at a resolution of the individual color dots in the local color dot pattern and to align the state values for the corresponding portion of the color image to the individual color dots in the local color dot patterns on said surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Darin S. Williams
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Patent number: 8723640Abstract: Configuration technologies for cost-effectively indicating a regimen compliance status of a subject, for example, responsive to whether a presence of a wireless signal in a first frequency range below a threshold frequency occurred contemporaneously with an absence of a wireless signal in a second frequency range above the threshold frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8715150Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Pulse Therapeutics, Inc.Inventor: Francis M. Creighton
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Patent number: 8707964Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules (a) operable for mooring at least partly within a digestive tract, (b) small enough to pass through the tract per vias naturales and including a wireless-control component, (c) having one or more attachment protrusions positionable adjacent to a mucous membrane, (d) configured to facilitate redundant modes of attachment, (e) facilitating a “primary” material supply deployable within a stomach for an extended and/or controllable period, (f) moored by one or more adaptable extender modules supported by a subject's head or neck, and/or (g) configured to facilitate supporting at least a sensor within a subject's body lumen for up to a day or more.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 8701676Abstract: In the present invention, because no examples are known of binding of magnetic particle to mesenchymal cell or chondrocyte which might be used in regenerative medicine, whether or not a cell having the magnetic particle bound thereto is retained in local by external magnetism after administration and whether or not the cell can exhibit intrinsic activity is studied. According to the present invention, a magnetic cell comprising mesenchymal cell or cultured chondrocyte having magnetic particle bound to the surface thereof is provided, and when the cell is administered in vivo and an external magnetic field is applied, the cell can be retained for a long time at a disease site. Moreover, a drug delivery system can be constructed by causing the magnetic cells to contain a drug.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Eisai R&D Management Co. Ltd., Mitsuo OchiInventor: Mitsuo Ochi
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Patent number: 8701677Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for determining the position of a remote object such as an in vivo medical device such as capsule or probe within a medical patient. The systems and methods of the invention may also be used in other enclosed environments such as fluid handling or mechanical systems. The systems and methods of the invention use one or more external magnetic sensor arrays for sensing the magnetic field of a remote object within a target area. The position of the object is determined by applying magnetic field spatial geometry characterization point analysis to evaluate the sensed magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Ankon Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiaodong Duan, Guohua Xiao, Xinhong Wang
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Patent number: 8690752Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting one or more oocytes from a fluid mixture includes a chamber inserted into a hollow elongate tube. An inlet channel receives an injected fluid mixture of oocytes and extraneous fluids and passes the fluid mixture to the hollow elongate tube. A separation unit positioned within the chamber includes a porous filter that selectively filters the fluid mixture to retain the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube, and a propeller for agitating the extraneous fluids for allowing unobstructed passage of the extraneous fluids into an outlet channel and for compactly collecting fibrin elements from the extraneous fluids. A flow of the extraneous fluids rotates the propeller on application of a vacuum suction force. Furthermore, the chamber includes an outlet channel for allowing passage of the extraneous fluids separated from the fluid mixture out of the chamber, and retaining the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Alison Jane Jose
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Patent number: 8689801Abstract: Targeting sensors for use in targeting landmarks of orthopaedic devices. The sensors include a non-cylindrical mounting platform such as a printed circuit board and at least two mounted or printed sensor coils to provide a low profile sensor assembly which can be placed in a predetermined position and orientation on or in an orthopaedic device. The platform has a non-circular cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.5:1. The non-circular cross-section of the platform enables the sensor to be placed in a known fixed position within the implant. The sensor coils may be partially or fully embedded in the platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Northern Digital, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Gene Edward Austin, Charles C. Heotis, Stefan R. Kirsch
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Patent number: 8689800Abstract: A magnetic navigation control apparatus includes a sensing unit, a control unit and a magnetic field generating unit. The sensing unit generates a sensing signal according to the position of a magnetic element. The control unit is electrically connected with the sensing unit and generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the sensing signal. The magnetic field generating unit is electrically connected with the control unit and has a housing, a plurality of interpoles, and a plurality of short poles. The interpoles are disposed in the housing. The short poles are disposed between the interpoles evenly. The magnetic field generating unit generates a navigation signal according to the first control signal, thereby controlling the magnetic element to move in at least one direction within a target region. The magnetic navigation control apparatus has greater magnetic navigation effects, and can thus reduce the cost.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: National Cheng Kung University, Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Ray-Lee Lin, Sheng-Fu Hsiao
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Patent number: 8684009Abstract: Systems and method utilizing microelectronic devices for determining relative positions such as distances and/or angles between at least two points is described. The points may be locations of parts of the body such as the fingers on a person's hand. A first microelectronic device is adapted to emit magnetic signals and at least a second microelectronic device is adapted to receive the magnetic signals, wherein a controller is adapted to communicate with the first and second microelectronic devices. The second microelectronic device and/or the controller are adapted to determine a distance and angle between the first and the second microelectronic devices based on the strength of the magnetic signals received by the second microelectronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Eusebiu Matei, Lawrence J. Karr, Joseph H. Schulman
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Patent number: 8688196Abstract: An EMT system for use in ultrasound and other imaging modality guided medical procedures. The system includes a tool set of various components to which EM sensors can be releasably secured. Thus, the sensors can be reused, notwithstanding the disposal of other components of the tool set. Various components of the tool set include keying elements to facilitate their registration to the anatomy of the patient undergoing the procedure via the EM sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: CIVCO Medical Instruments Co., Inc.Inventors: Willet F. Whitmore, III, Craig J. Cermak
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Patent number: 8684010Abstract: A guided medical propulsion capsule driven by strong electro-magnetic interaction between an external AC/DC magnetic gradient-lobe generator and a set of uniquely magnetized ferrous-conductive elements contained within the capsule. The capsule is navigated through the lumens and cavities of the human body wirelessly and without any physical contact for medical diagnostic, drug delivery, or other procedures with the magnetically guiding field generator external to the human body. The capsule is equipped with at least two sets of magnetic rings, disks and/or plates each possessing anisotropic magnetic properties. The external magnetic gradient fields provide the gradient forces and rotational torques on the internal conductive and magnetic elements needed to make the capsule move, tilt, and rotate in the body lumens and cavities according to the commands of an operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Magnetecs CorporationInventors: Yehoshua Shachar, Laszlo Farkas, Bruce E. Marx, David Johnson, Shawn Hakim, Winston Wu
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Patent number: 8672830Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A release mechanism is provided for the tension element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Toralf Bork, Christine H. Chen, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Anil K. Nalagatla, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Richard W. Timm
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Patent number: 8662085Abstract: For particularly effective stem cell therapy a nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle has a first element consisting of a magnetic material, a support or envelope element consisting of a biodegradable material, a first substance containing an x-ray contrast agent, and a second substance containing stem cells. The stem cells are embodied such that they can be used for angiogenesis or for myogenesis.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Maschke
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Patent number: 8652023Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: LifeWave, Inc.Inventor: David G. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8651113Abstract: Magnetically responsive therapeutic carriers comprise nanoparticles including single-domain nanoparticles comprising magnetite and having an average particle size ranging between 1 and 50 nanometers, clusters of the single-domain nanoparticles, the clusters having an average cluster size ranging between 5 and 1000 nanometers, and mixtures of the two. The single-domain nanoparticles are encapsulated with a silica coating. A silane coupling agent is bonded to the silica coating and has a specific pendant functional group capable of selectively binding with the therapeutic. Preferably, the bond between the specific pendant functional group and the therapeutic is a covalent bond. The movement of magnetically responsive nanoparticle therapeutic constructs, with concentration and extravasation/endocytosis at a target site, such as cancerous tumors, uses a controllable magnetic field generator adapted to move the therapeutic constructs in three dimensions, and is enhanced using a repetitively-varying magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: SWR&D Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Seeney, Jim Klostergaard, William A. Yuill, Donald D. Gibson
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Patent number: 8640712Abstract: A bolus for monitoring the parameters of an animal. The bolus will sense selective parameters and will send signals representative of those parameters to a receiver. The bolus includes sensors for sensing a number of parameters such as temperature, pH and movement. The power of the signal inside the animal is greater than that outside the animal since the signal is attenuated by the structure of the animal.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: William E. Ardrey, Jr.
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Patent number: 8630695Abstract: The invention is aimed at improving valve pinpointing and reading devices by proposing to activate a magnetic detection source allowing measurements regularly-distributed in a circle around an axis at predetermined measurement positions. An exemplary locator comprises a casing (26) provided with a mechanism for detecting and analyzing the magnetic field of the magnetic dipole of the valve. It comprises:—a magnetic detection source (36) able to detect and measure the magnetic field of the magnetic center of the valve at predetermined measurement positions distributed in a circle around an axis (X-X?), linked to—a microprocessor (32) for analyzing the measurements and for generating detection signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: SophysaInventors: Philippe Negre, Christophe Boyer, Sylvain Morel, Christophe Moureaux
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Patent number: 8628525Abstract: An interventional device (12) is configured to be positioned in a body and includes an electrically operable unit (E1, E2) configured to carry out an interaction with the body upon a receipt of electric power. The device further includes a sensor (2) configured for wirelessly receiving electromagnetic energy from a remote source. The sensor is configured as a resonant circuit (2a, 2b) which converts the received electromagnetic energy into the electric power. The electrically operable device may include a diagnostic and/or therapeutic module.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Daniel Wirtz, Oliver Lips, Sascha Krueger, Bernd David, Steffen Weiss
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Patent number: 8602034Abstract: A magnetoelectric element of a surgical tool positioned in the body of a subject is controllably bent or elongated under the influence of an applied magnetic field. A piezoelectric layer in the magnetoelectric element provides output that can be used to determine the actual amount of bending or elongation of the magnetoelectric element, and this actual amount is compared to a theoretical amount of bending or elongation which would result from the applied magnetic field. Any differences between the actual and theoretical amounts provide feedback to the surgeon for performing the surgical procedure. Preferably, tactile feedback is provided to the surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInventors: Vishnu-Baba Sundaresan, Jayasimha Atulasimha, Joshua Clarke
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Patent number: 8600477Abstract: A navigation system for catheter-based interventions, the system comprising a processing device; an angiogram x-ray system connected by data transfer connection to the processing device and capable of capturing angiographic images of a patient; an electrocardiogram monitoring device that is also connected by data transfer connection to the processing device and to the x-ray system; a medical instrument to be inserted into the area of the patient captured by the angiographic image; a position capture module for getting position information about the position of the medical instrument, the unit connected by data transfer connection to the processing device, wherein the processing device is capable of triggering the capturing of the angiographic images as a roadmap and superimposing on the roadmap the position information about the medical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Corinduc, Inc.Inventors: Rafael Beyar, Tal Wenderow
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Patent number: 8573228Abstract: A system includes (i) a needle for insertion into a port of an implantable infusion device, and (ii) a receiver apparatus having a port location signal receiver module capable of receiving a signal from the implantable infusion device regarding spatial orientation of the port. The system further includes a processor operably coupled to the receiver apparatus and capable of determining the orientation of the needle relative to the port based on the received signal. The system also includes a display operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to cause the display to graphically render trajectory of the needle relative to the port. The port is graphically rendered as a target structure having a reference area. The needle is graphically rendered as an object moveable relative to the target structure. Occupation of the reference area by the object indicates trajectory alignment of the port and the needle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Scott L. Kalpin
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Patent number: 8567410Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosols containing magnetic particles, wherein the aerosols comprise magnetic particles and a pharmaceutical active agent. The invention furthermore relates to the use of such aerosols containing magnetic particles for directed magnetic field-guided transfer of the active agents contained therein in aerosol therapy.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Ethris GmbHInventors: Carsten Rudolph, Joseph Rosenecker
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Patent number: 8568286Abstract: A system for controlling the location of a therapeutic agent administered to a mammal is provided. The system employs a device that is capable of generating a magnetic field and a therapeutic agent labeled with a magnetically responsive moiety. Methods which employ the device and the therapeutic agent are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Haris J. Sih, Craig Stolen, Jihong Ou, Darrell O. Wagner
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Patent number: 8571679Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Goran N. Marnfeldt
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Patent number: 8563039Abstract: New biomaterials consisting of a combination of sulphated hyaluronic acid and gellan (as well as gellan that has not been associated with other polymers), to be used as a highly effective barrier to prevent post-surgical adhesions in abdominal, pelvic and, above all, spine surgery.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Anika Therapeutics S.R.L.Inventors: Davide Bellini, Cristina Longinotti, Vittorio Crescenzi, Anna Taglienti
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Patent number: 8559900Abstract: A portable device for data communication using a body as a conductor to transmit data to a receiver, the portable device includes a data receiving unit to receive data, a controller unit to control processing of data to be transmitted, a current limiting circuit to limit a current of a signal corresponding to the data to be transmitted to a predetermined value, and transmitting electrodes connected to the current limiting circuit and to contact the body to transmit the signal having the current of predetermined value to the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Tae-Song Kim, Jong-Oh Park, Byung-Kyu Kim, Jin-Seok Kim, Han Cheung, Won-Woo Cho, Nan-Young Yoon, Young-Rok Kim
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Patent number: 8555894Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature in a body, the system comprising at least one implantable device, wherein the implantable device(s) is operable to sense temperature in the body and to generate status signals based on the sensed temperature in the body. The system further comprising a system control unit for wirelessly communicating with the implantable device(s), and the system control unit comprising a signal receiver for receiving the status signals, and also a programmable controller for producing notification signals based on the received status signals. A notification unit can alternatively communicate with the system control unit or the implantable device(s) for disclosing the sensed body temperature based on the notification signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Joseph H. Schulman, John C. Gord, James H. Wolfe
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Publication number: 20130267788Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for moving an object in an enclosed area using a magnetic dipole deployed in the enclosed area and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field for applying a rotational force to the dipole along one or more selected axis. The external magnetic field is moved to manipulate object in the desired direction(s) of movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: ANKON TECHNOLOGIES CO. LTD.Inventors: Xiaodong Duan, Guohua Xiao, Xinhong Wang
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Patent number: 8544474Abstract: Systems and methods that provide magnetically-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to selected tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods involve the use of carrier devices and release devices and two different magnetic fields to move magnetic particles into selected tissue. Movement of the magnetic particles (and any associated therapeutic agent) into the tissue may be assisted by both magnetic attractive forces as well as magnetic repulsive forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Gurpreet S. Sandhu, David R. Holmes, Jr., Robert D. Simari, Nicole P. Sandhu, David R. Holmes, III