Having Means For Cooling Or Heating Body, Treating Or Collected Material Or Device Patents (Class 604/113)
  • Patent number: 10821219
    Abstract: A cold and heat exchange system for a cardiac surgical operation with cardiac arrest, comprising: an ice water tank (15), a primary circulation water tank (11), and a secondary circulation water tank (16). Side walls of the primary circulation water tank (11) and the secondary circulation water tank (16) are each provided with an overflow orifice which is connected to the ice water tank (15) through a circulation pipe (14). A first roller pump (12) is mounted on a first hose (13). A second roller pump (18) is mounted on a second hose (17). The primary circulation water tank (11) is mounted on a first loop (5) and a second loop (6). The secondary circulation water tank (16) is mounted on a third loop (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventors: Weiwen Hu, Ulrich Blumendeller
  • Patent number: 10813687
    Abstract: Discloses herein are ablative catheters and methods of use. The catheters can include a cooling chamber for circulating cooling fluid within the catheter tip to reduce hot spots within the catheter tip and/or to reduce the formation of coagulum. A proximal cooling chamber can be positioned proximally to a thermal mass for cooling a proximal portion of the catheter. In addition, or alternatively, a distal cooling chamber can be positioned for cooling a distal portion of the catheter tip. The cooling fluid can flow the ablative catheter in an open, closed, or open and closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
    Inventors: Josef V. Koblish, Leslie Oley
  • Patent number: 10716619
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for ablating tissue includes a handle portion and a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft assembly includes an outer shaft, a coaxial cable extending through the outer shaft, and an electrode coupled to a distal portion of the outer shaft. The coaxial cable has a distal portion that forms a microwave antenna configured to transmit microwave energy radially outward and through the outer shaft. The electrode is configured to transmit radiofrequency energy. An actuation of the handle portion activates the transmission of the microwave energy from the microwave antenna and/or the transmission of the radiofrequency energy from the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Eric W. Larson
  • Patent number: 10709638
    Abstract: The protecting body for a flexible pouch is specially designed to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid. It includes two substantially planar plates which respectively form a lower surface and an upper surface and which are fixed to each other. The two plates are able to sandwich the flexible pouch for constraining the flexible pouch such that the protecting body is substantially planar, and includes, on a peripheral side, at least one opening able to receive at least one port of the flexible pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Marc Sanchez, Jonathan Cutting
  • Patent number: 10681845
    Abstract: Systems and methods that use thermal energy transfer devices to reduce thermal energy within environments are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a cool sink to transfer thermal energy from an environment. The method also includes using a thermal energy transfer device to transfer the thermal energy to liquid within a conduit. Further, the method includes transporting the liquid containing the transferred thermal energy away from the environment such that the thermal energy within the environment is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Aaron Heller, Jeffrey Scott Holland
  • Patent number: 10675079
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplasties of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly elevate the temperature of a biocompatible fluid media within an electrically insulated instrument portion. The altered media which may then be a gas is characterized by a (i) a high heat content, and (ii) a high exit velocity from the working end, both of which characteristics are controlled to hydrate tissue and at the same time denature proteins to fuse, seal, weld or cause any other thermally-mediated treatment of an engaged tissue volume—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow the engaged tissue volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 10603508
    Abstract: An illuminator for photodynamically diagnosing or treating a surface includes a plurality of panels. The illuminator further includes a plurality of light sources, each mounted to one of the plurality of panels. The plurality of light sources are configured to irradiate the surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The illuminator also includes a heat source configured to emit heat to a patient. The heat increases the generation of a photoactivatable agent and thus shortens the time needed to complete photodynamic therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: DUSA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Boyajian, Mark Carota, Brian Mazejka, Michael Leccese
  • Patent number: 10556061
    Abstract: A device, kit, and method for producing medically-deliverable intravenous solution may include supplying a liquid to a housing, pumping the liquid through the housing while purifying the liquid, metering concentrated intravenous solution into the liquid to create a medically-deliverable intravenous solution, and dispensing the medically-deliverable intravenous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: ODSS Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. Scalise
  • Patent number: 10548654
    Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring the temperature of tissue at various locations in a treatment volume during fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided having an elongate body, at least one ablation element, and at least one temperature sensor. The elongate body includes a proximal and distal end, an inner lumen, and at least one outlet port to allow fluid to be delivered to tissue surrounding the elongate body. The at least one ablation element is configured to heat tissue surrounding the at least one ablation element. The at least one temperature sensor can be positioned a distance away from the at least one ablation element and can be effective to output a measured temperature of tissue spaced a distance apart from the at least one ablation element such that the measured temperature indicates whether tissue is being heating to a therapeutic level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Thermedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Curley
  • Patent number: 10507292
    Abstract: Presented herein is an infusate heating system with a vacuum release valve that obviates a system halt failure due to inaccurate detection of fluid level in an infusate reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Belmont Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Landy, III, George G. Brusard, Tristan Dion
  • Patent number: 10434229
    Abstract: A breastpump unit for expressing human breastmilk has a breastshield for placing on a human mother's breast, a vacuum pump for generating an underpressure, and a suction line for connecting the breastshield to the vacuum pump and for transferring to the breastshield the underpressure generated by the vacuum pump. The breastpump unit also has a pressure sensor. In addition, a measuring line is present, wherein the measuring line extends from the breastshield to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Armin Felber
  • Patent number: 10413302
    Abstract: The present invention provides for implant device delivery apparatuses and related methods of use. The delivery systems of the present invention incorporate a stretch resistant tube that advantageously makes the implant device, such as an embolic coil, stretch resistant while a delivery system is being used to position the implant device at a desired target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Fitz, Joseph Gulachenski
  • Patent number: 10383676
    Abstract: A device for treating esophageal target tissue comprises a catheter, a balloon and a refrigerant delivery device. The catheter has a distal portion and a refrigerant delivery lumen. The balloon is mounted to and the refrigerant delivery device is coupled to the distal portion. The refrigerant delivery device comprises a chamber with the refrigerant delivery lumen opening into the chamber, a refrigerant delivery opening fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, and a distribution passageway fluidly coupling the chamber and the refrigerant delivery opening. A refrigerant is deliverable through the refrigerant delivery lumen, into the chamber, through the distribution passageway, through the refrigerant delivery opening and into the balloon interior so to place the balloon into an expanded, cooled state so that the balloon can press against and cool esophageal target tissue. The medical device may include means for sensing a leak in the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: PENTAX OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard S. Williams, Peter Garcia-Meza
  • Patent number: 10384038
    Abstract: Devices and methods are discussed directed to the use of a low profile laser ablation catheter for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. Also discussed are devices and methods directed to packaging, long term storage and sterilization of liquid core ablation catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Ra Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Laudenslager, Dean S. Irwin
  • Patent number: 10363092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with heat transfer ability. In some embodiments, the systems and devices also have variable characteristic impedance as a result of the use of heat transfer materials. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NEUWAVE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Warren van der Weide, Fred T. Lee, Jr., Paul F. Laeseke, Christopher Lee Brace
  • Patent number: 10363081
    Abstract: An apparatus, probe and method for a cryogenic system are described. According to certain embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus for cryosurgery comprising: an exhaust line configured to receive cryogen from a probe; and a vacuum source configured to be in fluid communication with the exhaust line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NITRO MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Brian Clarke
  • Patent number: 10342592
    Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including selectively neuromodulating afferent or efferent renal nerves. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to systemic sympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity in the patient can thereby be reduced. Selectively neuromodulating afferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal pelvis. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via fluid within the renal pelvis. Selectively neuromodulating efferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via a therapeutic element within the portion of the renal artery or the renal branch artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Stefan Tunev, Julie Trudel
  • Patent number: 10299848
    Abstract: A cryotreatment catheter for treating tissue. The catheter may include an outer elongate body, a balloon treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body with a plurality of balloon lobes radially arranged around the outer elongate body, an inner elongate body rotatably movable within the lumen of the outer elongate body, and a fluid delivery lumen located within the lumen of the outer elongate body and at least partially within the lumen of the inner elongate body. The fluid delivery lumen may be branched at a distal portion into a plurality of linear segments, each linear segment being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of balloon lobes. Each of the balloon lobes may be inflated independently of each other by the linear segments of the fluid delivery lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP
    Inventors: Rahmani Sara, Lies Safar Remali
  • Patent number: 10219822
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool has probe body with an operative surface or edge contactable with organic tissues for performing a surgical operation on the tissues. A shank of the probe body is provided with a connector for operatively attaching the tool to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy. The shank and a portion of the probe body are formed with a channel for fluid delivery to the probe body. At least a portion of the probe body located between the channel and the operative surface or edge has a microporous or sintered structure enabling fluid penetration to the operative surface or edge from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: MISONIX, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dan Voic, Ronald Manna, Alexander Darian, Scott Isola
  • Patent number: 10219860
    Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Ian Matthew Collier, Andrew Miles Wallace, Jonathan Matthew Bond
  • Patent number: 10207084
    Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Caliber Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Baumbach, Darren R. Sherman, Robert S. Burgermeister
  • Patent number: 10176650
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a volatile memory module configured to store vehicle data; a non-volatile memory module coupled to the volatile memory module; and an energy-storage module configured to provide power to the volatile memory module and the non-volatile memory module during a data transfer between the volatile memory module and the non-volatile memory module. The energy is provided to the non-volatile memory module for writing the vehicle data to non-volatile memory. The apparatus further includes a collision-detector module configured to identify a collision event of the vehicle; and a controller coupled to the energy-storage module and the collision-detector module. The controller is configured to initiate a transfer of the vehicle data stored in the volatile memory module to the non-volatile memory module in response to receiving an indication from the collision-detector module that a collision has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Lyft, Inc.
    Inventors: George James Hansel, Yi Lu
  • Patent number: 10159782
    Abstract: Provided is a method and system for delivering a diagnostic agent to a site in the brain of a subject for imaging at least a portion of the brain site on a medical imaging system. The method and system includes a catheter device with associated lumens having diagnostic agent ports for delivering the diagnostic agent (e.g., infusate) through the lumens and advancing the diagnostic agent so as to exit out from the lumens to at least a portion of the brain site and while sealing a portion of the brain site thereby preventing the exited diagnostic agent from travelling proximally beyond the sealing location, and at the same time imaging at least a portion of the brain site during at least a portion of the sealing duration so that the brain site can be visualized on a medical imaging system. The diagnostic agent (infusate) is able to highlight borders and internal patterns of the deep structures of the brain thereby enabling direct targeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: William J. Elias, Aaron E. Bond, George T. Gillies
  • Patent number: 10130431
    Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a robot and an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly includes a drive unit with at least one rotary drive having an electric motor and a drive shaft that has a coupling part for coupling to a drive shaft of the instrument; an instrument including an instrument shaft and a drive shaft that has a coupling part for coupling to a drive shaft of the drive unit; and an instrument interface including a sheath that encompasses the drive unit. In order to detachably couple an instrument module to an instrument part of a surgical instrument, an electromagnet in a magnet assembly of the instrument module is activated or deactivated, a permanent magnet of said magnet assembly is moved into a locking position and/or an angular position of a coupled counter element assembly of the instrument part is detected by an angle sensor of the instrument module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Lohmeier, Wolfgang Schober
  • Patent number: 10092698
    Abstract: Disclosed is an injection gadget corresponding to an end-effector such as a rescue robot or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tae Sang Park, Dae Hyun Kum, Seong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 10026579
    Abstract: A transient electronic device includes electronic elements (e.g., an SOI- or chip-based IC) and a trigger mechanism disposed on a frangible glass substrate. The trigger mechanism includes a switch that initiates a large trigger current through a self-limiting resistive element in response to a received trigger signal. The self-limiting resistive element includes a resistor portion that generates heat in response to the trigger current, thereby rapidly increasing the temperature of a localized (small) region of the frangible glass substrate, and a current limiting portion (e.g., a fuse) that self-limits (terminates) the trigger current after a predetermined amount of time, causing the localized region to rapidly cool down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Whiting, Scott J. Limb, Christopher L. Chua, Sean Garner, Sylvia J. Smullin, Qian Wang, Rene A. Lujan
  • Patent number: 10016566
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for maintaining breast or udder health. The systems include a first container comprising a top and a bottom, one or more cups attached to the top of the container and a first temperature-controlling element for providing vapor from the container to a breast or udder via the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Henian Zhang
  • Patent number: 9956023
    Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Danek, Bryan E. Loomas, Thomas M. Keast, Michael D. Laufer
  • Patent number: 9937076
    Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus comprises a containment body (3), at least one supply device (4), (5) which can be fixed to an eyeball (6) and/or moved by an operator, feeding means (7) for the controlled feeding of at least one operating fluid, at least partly mounted in the containment body (3) and in turn comprising at least one main pipe (8) which is or can be connected to the supply device (4), (5), and at least one control unit (21) operatively connected at least to the feeding means (7) for controlling their operation. The vitrectomy apparatus (1) also comprises means for varying the temperature (11) of the operating fluid, being coupled with the feeding means (7) and/or with the supply device (4), (5), for varying the temperature of the operating fluid, the control unit (21) also being connected to the means for varying the temperature (11) in order to control their operation. In particular, the means for varying the temperature (11) can act as heating means (12), and comprise one or more Peltier cells (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mauro Beccaro, Enrico Bettini, Paolo Signori, Mario Romano
  • Patent number: 9936957
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-coil assembly including a micro-coil unit which is inserted into an aneurysm or other vascular malformation of a patient and prevents inflow of blood by inducing thrombus, a coil pusher unit which is arranged adjacent to the micro-coil unit and delivers the micro-coil unit to the aneurysm or other vascular malformation of the patient, a tensile wire which is relatively movably arranged in the coil pusher unit, a tie which connects the micro-coil unit and the tensile wire, and a tie cutting unit which is arranged adjacent to the coil pusher unit such that at least a part of the tie cutting unit is movable between a setting position for maintaining the tie in a tied state and a cutting position for cutting the tie, and cuts the tie when moved to the cutting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: INCUMEDx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ho Chang Kang
  • Patent number: 9927305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to more accurate indication of fever. Temperature data from a large population of individuals are obtained and the temperature data are processed to determine a threshold, at a fever bump, above a normal range of distribution. The fever threshold, along with an individual's temperature, is used to indicate if the individual has a fever. Further, circadian information may be utilized to adjust the temperature data for an individual or the population of individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Exergen Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Pompei, Janette H. Lee, Jason N. Jarboe
  • Patent number: 9918777
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Patent number: 9913941
    Abstract: A fluid path set for a fluid delivery system includes a tube coil that is designed to optimally position one or more volumes of a pharmaceutical within an ionization chamber to measure and prepare a pharmaceutical dose for administration to a patient. Methods for priming at least a portion of the fluid path set include placing a tubing section of the fluid path set in fluid connection with a source of a radiopharmaceutical, and placing the tube coil within a dose calibrator of the fluid delivery system. A volume of the radiopharmaceutical may be pumped through the tube coil, the tubing section, and an additional tubing section, and the dose calibrator may be monitored to determine if a measured activity level is substantially equal to or above a predetermined activity level, and if so, it may be concluded that the tubing section of the fluid path set has been primed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Miller, James H. Shigeno, Jared E. Neff, Leon J. Tate, Joseph E. Bisegna, Edward Ilgenfritz, Scott R. Griffith, Brandon Ripley
  • Patent number: 9895498
    Abstract: There is disclosed a heater unit (1600) for conductively heating a removable heat exchanger unit (1602) via a heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit, the heater unit comprising: a body portion (1610) for receiving the heat exchanger unit (1602); a flexible heating element (1604) which, in use, makes thermal contact with the heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit; a compressible portion (1606) disposed on the distal side of the flexible heating element (1604) relative to the heat exchanger unit (1602) when received; and a biasing arrangement (1608) operable, in use, to distribute a transverse compression force across the arrangement formed from the compressible portion (1606), the heating element (1604) and the heat exchanger unit (1602), whereby the compression force causes the heating element (1604) to be urged towards the heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit (1602) and the compressible portion, in conjunction with the compression force, causes the heating element (1604) to co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE SURGICAL COMPANY INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Joris Bronkhorst, Jeroen Hermanus Johannes Wijlens
  • Patent number: 9848910
    Abstract: A medical device for ablating tissue within a body cavity includes a sheath having a lumen extending therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end and a first channel extending within the lumen, an end-effector extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an expandable member having a plurality of arms extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The arms are configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state and a mechanism for transporting a fluid through one of the channels to the body cavity to ablate the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Brian MacLean
  • Patent number: 9839410
    Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an external sheath, a rotatable conduit housed within the external sheath, and a fluid rotary joint having a rotatable insert that places an inner lumen of the rotatable conduit in fluid communication with an external port under rotation of the rotatable conduit. The rotatable insert may include a channel structure including an external annular channel. The rotatable conduit is received within the channel structure such that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the external port through the annular channel under rotation. The external sheath may define an outer lumen that may be in fluid communication with the inner lumen at a location remote from a proximal portion of the catheter, and the outer lumen may be in fluid communication with a secondary port. The rotatable conduit may be housed within a torque cable that is connected to the rotatable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: CONAVI MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Amandeep Thind, Isaac Jourard
  • Patent number: 9833308
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for endoscopic dissection of blood vessels and control over cavity pressure within an endoscopic procedure are described herein. Apparatus, systems, and methods for harvesting of blood vessels are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Dye
  • Patent number: 9808565
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing extracorporeal blood circulation and oxygenation control include multi-stage deairing of blood to provide automated cardiopulmonary replacement to sustain patient life during a medical procedure such as cardiopulonary bypass graft surgery, keyhole cardiopulmonary bypass graft surgery, percutaneous angioplasty, percutaneous stent placement, and percutaneous atherectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL LifeBridge GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Muller-Spanka, Hans Reinhard-Zerkowski
  • Patent number: 9788881
    Abstract: A cassette for a heated fluid ablation system, comprises a fluid supply lumen receiving an ablation fluid from an external fluid source and a fluid chamber containing a therapeutic agent in combination with an impeller pumping the ablation fluid out of the cassette via to a fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a first configuration and pumping the therapeutic agent out of the cassette via the fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Oskin
  • Patent number: 9724116
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, William H. Nau, Jr., Jeffrey R. Townsend, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 9655668
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Frank W. Ingle, Leonard J. George, Joann Heberer, Raphael Hon
  • Patent number: 9642668
    Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient's lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Uptake Medical Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Barry, Brian Thomas Cran, Dean T. Corcoran, Sheldon K. Lee
  • Patent number: 9644880
    Abstract: A cooling device and methods of using the cooling device are described. The cooling device includes a flexible, elongated body member having a first end portion and a second end portion, or is adjustable with the first end portion and the second end portion attached, the elongated body member forming an elongated cavity extending substantially between the first end portion and the second end portion, the cavity having a first substance disposed within the cavity. The cooling device further includes at least one rupturable compartment contained within the cavity, the compartment having a second substance disposed within the compartment. The cooling device also includes fastening means disposed on at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion for detachably fastening the first end portion to the second end portion to secure the cooling device around a circumference of a body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Mastaneh Paul
  • Patent number: 9579144
    Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. A controller automatically suspends energy delivery for one or more periods of time while the temperature is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventor: Duane W. Marion
  • Patent number: 9561125
    Abstract: A system for delivering an implant within a patient is described. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity. A core wire terminates prior to the distal end of the device, allowing for greater flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Heath Bowman, Jake Le, Matthew Fitz
  • Patent number: 9528796
    Abstract: An aiming device including a thermoelectric module, a light source and a sight element. The thermoelectric module generates electricity from a thermal gradient, produced from a user's body heat that is transferred to the module. The electricity powers the light source. The light source illuminates a sight element of a projectile shooting device to enhance visibility of the sight element in a variety of ambient lighting conditions, optionally in low light conditions. The aiming device can be mounted to a projectile shooting device. With the aiming device, a user can selectively illuminate a sight element of a projectile shooting device, with the user's own body heat, to assist aiming the projectile shooting device during a shooting activity. The projectile shooting device can be any type of archery bow and/or firearm. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Grace Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Grace, Jr., Timothy J. Roelens, II
  • Patent number: 9522244
    Abstract: A brain cooling apparatus is provided that can circulate a fluid between a containing unit of a brain cooling device and the brain cooling apparatus while maintaining an appropriate pressure of the fluid in the containing unit, and a brain cooling device suitable thereto also is provided. A control device circulates a physiological saline solution between a storage tank and a cuff by driving a first pump in a direction in which the physiological saline solution flows toward the cuff, and driving a second pump in a direction in which the physiological saline solution flows toward the storage tank. In this state, the control device adjusts the rotation speed of at least the second pump, so that the pressure of the physiological saline solution in the cuff becomes a preset target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: KAIKEN IKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Takeda, Kiyoshi Morita, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Hidekazu Tsuji, Masatomo Kokubu
  • Patent number: 9523556
    Abstract: An aiming device including a thermoelectric module, a light source and a sight element. The thermoelectric module generates electricity from a thermal gradient, produced from a user's body heat that is transferred to the module. The electricity powers the light source. The light source illuminates a sight element of a projectile shooting device to enhance visibility of the sight element in a variety of ambient lighting conditions, optionally in low light conditions. The aiming device can be mounted to a projectile shooting device. With the aiming device, a user can selectively illuminate a sight element of a projectile shooting device, with the user's own body heat, to assist aiming the projectile shooting device during a shooting activity. The projectile shooting device can be any type of archery bow and/or firearm. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Grace Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Grace, Jr., Timothy J. Roelens, II
  • Patent number: RE46697
    Abstract: Methods for (a) preventing hypoxic damage to a potentially transplantable organ or tissue prior to explanation of that organ or tissue from the body of a mammalian transplant donor and (b) preventing rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue in a human or veterinary transplant recipient. The methods comprise placing a heat exchange apparatus in the vasculature of the donor or recipient and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool at least a portion of the body of the donor or recipient to a temperature below normothermia (e.g. below normothermia and sometimes between about 30° C. and about 36° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Hayes, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE47330
    Abstract: Methods for (a) preventing hypoxic damage to a potentially transplantable organ or tissue prior to explanation of that organ or tissue from the body of a mammalian transplant donor and (b) preventing rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue in a human or veterinary transplant recipient. The methods comprise placing a heat exchange apparatus in the vasculature of the donor or recipient and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool at least a portion of the body of the donor or recipient to a temperature below normothermia (e.g. below normothermia and sometimes between about 30° C. and about 36° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.
    Inventor: Hayes Kenneth, Jr.