Cutter Carried On Elongated Probe-like Member Patents (Class 606/170)
  • Patent number: 10292702
    Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a handle and an articulating shaft extending from the distal end of the handle. The articulating shaft includes a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section, and an articulating joint. An articulation control element is coupled with the proximal shaft section for articulating the distal shaft section relative to the proximal shaft section via the articulating joint. The applicator instrument includes an incompressible member interconnecting the proximal and distal shaft sections that maintains a fixed distance between the distal end face of the distal shaft section and the distal end of the handle as the articulating shaft moves between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration to ensure a consistent firing stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cardinale, Danial Paul Ferreira, Doug Souls, Simon Cohn, Jianxin Guo
  • Patent number: 10285695
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a housing, a shaft assembly, and an end effector is disclosed. The housing comprises a plurality of electric motors. The shaft assembly comprises a plurality of rotatable shafts. The electric motors are simultaneously coupled to the rotatable shafts as the shaft assembly is connected to the housing. The shaft assembly further comprises an articulation joint including an electrically conductive articulation joint conductor that traverses the articulation joint, an electrically conductive shaft conductor in communication with the articulation joint conductor, and a distal coupler. The end effector is releasably connectable to the distal coupler and comprises an electrically conductive end effector conductor. The distal coupler comprises an electrically conductive coupler pathway from the end effector conductor to the articulation joint conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Jaworek, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Michael D. Auld, John S. Kimsey, Daniel L. Baber, Richard L. Leimbach, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 10286190
    Abstract: The technical disclosure relates to catheters useful for engaging a vessel from within a lumen defined by the vessel. A catheter includes an elongate shaft, an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a guide disposed on the external surface of the balloon, and an engaging member having a distal end releasably secured by the guide such that the guide maintains the engaging member distal end adjacent the outer surface of the balloon when the balloon is in an uninflated configuration but releases the engaging member distal end as the balloon moves from an uninflated configuration to an inflated configuration. The technical disclosure also relates to methods of using a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Arne Moelgaard-Nielsen, Steen Aggerholm, Thomas Lysgaard
  • Patent number: 10286114
    Abstract: Described here are temporary devices for placement into tissue cavities at the time of a surgical procedure. In addition to marking the tissue cavity for radiation therapy, the devices are capable of draining fluid from the cavity. The devices generally include a resilient, volumetrically shaped distal portion. The shape of the distal portion may be released when removal of the device from the tissue cavity is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Gail S. Lebovic
  • Patent number: 10245063
    Abstract: A surgical drive apparatus includes a rotating shaft of a sectioning device and a drive unit having a motor disposed in a motor chamber, in which the motor rotationally couples to the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft extends through an end of the motor chamber. A suction chamber is defined by an interior of a cap, in which the end of the motor chamber is receptive to the cap for sealing engagement with the drive unit, and a rotary tool such as the sectioning device extends through the cap for rotational movement relative to the cap while maintaining fluid communication with the suction chamber. For evacuation of surgical material, an outflow tube is in fluid communication with the suction chamber for providing a fluid path to the suctioning device via the suction chamber. The drive protrudes from the motor chamber which is sealed to allow cleaning and sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Loreth
  • Patent number: 10245043
    Abstract: A surgical drill for use with a drill bit. The drill includes a handpiece with a motor and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is a sliding rack adjacent a first end and a second end with a stop adjacent the drill bit. An actuator is mounted to the handpiece and a plunger is coupled to the actuator. A sensor asserts a signal when the drill bit penetrates bone. When the sensor asserts the signal indicting the drill bit penetrated bone, the actuator moves the plunger into engagement with the rack to prevent further insertion of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark M. Xie
  • Patent number: 10238398
    Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Hughett, Sr., Keith Edward Martin, Kenneth Lance Miller, Michael Dolgin
  • Patent number: 10206706
    Abstract: An inner member rotatable in an angled outer tubular member of a rotary surgical cutting instrument includes first and second tubular members. The first tubular member includes rigid proximal and distal portions comprised of a first material and a flexible intermediate portion comprised of a second material. The proximal portion includes a hub. The distal portion terminates at a distal end configured to couple with a cutting tip. The intermediate portion extends between and is fixedly coupled to the proximal and distal portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Thoai Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10201355
    Abstract: Tools adapted for spinal distraction are provided. More specifically, tools having an elongate shaft connected to a head portion are provided for imparting a force for displacing vertebral bodies. The tools may comprise features, such as textured surfaces or the ability to transmit pressure, for cleaning and preparing a spinal disc space for subsequent tools and procedures. A plurality or set of distraction tools is contemplated where the plurality of tools is made up of tools having various distinctions from one another. Such distinctions may be in the way of length, width, angle, and other geometric features or may comprise differences in materials or additional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Kleiner Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kleiner
  • Patent number: 10201349
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument for use with a loading unit comprising an end effector, wherein the loading unit is releasably attachable to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a motor configured to drive a firing member and is configured to determine whether the loading unit includes a datum identifying the loading unit or is otherwise identifiable. If the loading unit is identifiable, then the motor of the surgical instrument fires a first firing rate. If the loading unit is not identifiable, then the motor of the surgical instrument fires at a second firing rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10194892
    Abstract: A medical instrument is provides that includes a handle, a shaft, and a tool insert. The tool insert is attachable to the shaft by a threaded connection which engages a slot connection and to the handle and by a retaining member for actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Melanson, Sabine Zahler
  • Patent number: 10194923
    Abstract: A tool for scrubbing, removing tissue from the medullary cavity or joint cavity of a bone or removing cartilage and/or cortical bone from a joint cavity has a proximal end, a distal end, and a cannula extending therethrough. The distal end includes at least one scraping surface and/or cutting surface to soften marrow in the medullary cavity or joint cavity as the scraping and/or cutting surface(s) are rotated or otherwise moved relative to the medullary cavity or joint cavity. When used, the tool may be attached to a drill and the cannula receives a K-wire previously inserted into the medullary or joint cavity. The drill rotates the tool around the K-wire and pushes the tool over the K-wire into the medullary cavity or joint cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Lloyd P. Champagne, Jozef Zoldos, Atilla A Hunson
  • Patent number: 10182863
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to ablation catheters including bond joints formed to have improved strength and resistance to failure during use. In many embodiments an expanded bond-joint length and area and gap filling are used to increase the strength of the bond joint while decreasing relative variability. The bond joint length area is increased in a controlled manner so as to increase the overall strength of the bond joint by shifting the failure mode from the bond joint to a stronger area of the ablation catheter, such as the catheter shaft. Related methods of manufacturing such ablation catheters (or other medical devices including a bond joint) are also disclosed and described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Pianka Roy, Terry Sterrett, Allyn Jensrud
  • Patent number: 10184111
    Abstract: Tissue processing devices are provided. The tissue processing devices can be used to process and transport tissue in a closed and continuous environment. The devices can be used for adipose tissue transfer, including autologous fat grafting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: LifeCell Corporation
    Inventors: Kai-Roy Wang, Aaron Barere, Evan Friedman, Sangwook Park
  • Patent number: 10179004
    Abstract: A method of amputating and morcellating a uterus (10) includes introducing a first tissue bag (1) into the abdomen of the patient, and placing the first tissue bag over the uterus. A laparoscopic surgical instrument (11) is introduced into the first tissue bag, and the uterus (10) is amputated using the laparoscopic surgical instrument. The first tissue bag (1) is closed around the amputated uterus, and the first tissue bag containing the amputated uterus is placed into a second tissue bag (20). A morcellating instrument is introduced into the second tissue bag (20) and the uterus is morcellated within the second tissue bag. Once the uterus (10) has been morcellated, the second tissue bag (20) containing the morcellated uterus is removed from the abdomen of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel John Thomas, Neill Tomas Brennan
  • Patent number: 10179019
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: AEGEA MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Uriel Hiram Chee, Robert Bilgor Peliks, Hugh Edward Magen, Donnell William Gurskis, Steven Robert Bacich
  • Patent number: 10149695
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a housing, a first actuation member configured; a coupler operatively connected to the first actuation member for imparting a reciprocating action to a portion of the instrument, a second actuation member configured for imparting a rotational action to a portion of the instrument, a first cannula operatively connected to the second actuation member, such that the first cannula is configured for rotational movement with respect to the housing, and a wire member at least partially disposed within the first cannula and fixed to the coupler, the wire member configured to rotate and reciprocate with the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10137569
    Abstract: A multi-articulated manipulator is operated without rickety movement by a pair of grasping members, springs for the grasping members, and other springs extended across the foremost outer shell and the basement outer shell. The manipulator is small in size, easy to handle, reliable, better response and high precision in medical applications. With the multi-articulated manipulator, the foremost outer shell is connected to the basement outer shell in a bending manner. A pair of grasping members of claw members is connected to the foremost end of the foremost outer shell. The claw members are operated with a pair of claw power-transmission shafts and energized with springs to be biased towards their closed situation. The foremost outer shell and the basement outer shell are operated with claw power-transmitting shaft and normally biased by springs towards their closed situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Tetsuya Sakai
  • Patent number: 10123809
    Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Germain
  • Patent number: 10123905
    Abstract: A device and method for cutting or ablating tissue in a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate probe having a distal end, a tissue cutting or ablating apparatus located adjacent within the distal end, and a tissue protector extending from the distal end. The protector generally has a first side and a second side and the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus is located adjacent to the first side thereof. The distal end is structured to be advanceable into tissue or otherwise placed and positioned within the patient's body such that tissue adjacent to the first side of the protector is cut away or ablated by the tissue cutting or ablation apparatus while tissue that is adjacent to the second side of the protector is not substantially damaged by the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NeoMedix
    Inventors: Michael Mittelstein, John T Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, James B Gerg
  • Patent number: 10123788
    Abstract: A deployment catheter is described herein that preferably is configured to deliver a medical device such as a valve to a location in a patient such as a patient's airway. Preferably, such a deployment catheter is configured to be used in conjunction with a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, a locking lever is provided to reduce the likelihood of accidental deployment of the device, and which resets conveniently after use to as to permit multiple device deployments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Desmond O'Connell, Erik Liljegren, David H. Dillard, Hugo X. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10117700
    Abstract: A vessel dissector for harvesting a target vessel has a tubular member carrying a blunt transparent tip with a terminus for blunt dissection of tissue and a base affixed to the tubular member. An active ring set has first and second ring segments mounted to distal ends of respective manipulator bars in the tubular member. The ring segments juxtapose to define a closed loop with an inner diameter larger than the outside diameter of the tip base. The ring segments are movable between a retracted position nested at the base and respective extended positions distally forward of the terminus. At least one of the ring segments is energizable to cut and cauterize a cylindrical pedicle including the target vessel. The ring segments independently extend longitudinally to provide a variable gap between the ring segments to capture, cut, and cauterize side branches to the target vessel between the ring segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randal J. Kadykowski, Kevin R. Line
  • Patent number: 10098527
    Abstract: A surgical system for performing a surgical procedure includes an ex-vivo positioning mechanism and an in-vivo instrument magnetically attracted to the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. The in-vivo instrument can be positioned within a patient by moving the ex-vivo positioning mechanism. In addition, the surgical system includes a percutaneous member introducible into the patient independent from the ex-vivo positioning mechanism, the percutaneous member comprising a connector at a distal end thereof, wherein the connector is selectively couplable to the in-vivo instrument within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ethidcon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Ragae M. Ghabrial
  • Patent number: 10092347
    Abstract: A manually operable HF instrument in bipolar construction includes a jaw part having two electrode legs which can be moved relative to each other like pincers or scissors, and an instrument handle for operating and activating the jaw part. A separate electrode mount is articulated on at least one electrode leg of the jaw part so as to be able to pivot relative to it, an electrode in turn being elastically/pliably installed on the electrode mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Patent number: 10080584
    Abstract: A system and method for body piercings using body piercing forceps. The body piercing forceps comprises two arms pivotally hinged to each other. One arm comprises a needle guide at the end of the arm that may be placed externally on the body. The other arm comprises a receiving tube that may be placed into a body orifice. The body piercing forceps allow complete control over the location of a body piercing and prevent dangerous complications that may arise from traditional piercings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy L. Miller
  • Patent number: 10064677
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. As an example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft extending distally that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue therebetween. A cutting assembly cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A drive shaft extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly. A motorized gear assembly moves the drive shaft. The drive shaft is movable between a first position in which the drive shaft is engaged with the motorized gear assembly such that actuation of the motorized gear assembly drives the drive shaft, and a second position in which the drive shaft is disengaged from the motorized gear assembly such that the drive shaft can move independent of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Jason R. Lesko, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 10064639
    Abstract: A medical manipulator is provided with a brake release mechanism. The brake release mechanism is provided with a release button which is provided on a tilt wheel, and a lever mechanism which has at least one portion arranged on the inside of the tilt wheel and which is pressed when the release button moves inwards. By the action of the lever mechanism when the release button is operated, braking by a brake mechanism is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Shinji Ishida, Hiroaki Sano, Tsuneyoshi Suzuki, Junichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 10058428
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of transcatheterly delivering a band to encircle multiple papillary muscles in a heart. The method may comprise transcutaneously inserting a catheter into a heart and delivering a first end of a first guidewire to a ventricle in the heart via the catheter. The method may further comprise looping a first end of a first guidewire around a first papillary muscle and a second end of a second guidewire around a second papillary muscle. The first end of the first guidewire and the second end of the second guidewire may be brought out of the body while the first and second guidewires remain looped around the first and second papillary muscles, respectively. The first and second guidewires may be interconnected, and at least one end of the first and second guidewires may be pulled to establish a single loop around the papillary muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Success Ltd.
    Inventor: David Neustadter
  • Patent number: 10058680
    Abstract: A steerable stylet assembly includes a tubular member defining a passage, the tubular member defining a first bend enhancing region. At least one further bend enhancing region is arranged intermediate the first bend enhancing region and a distal end of the tubular member. A first actuator is received in the passage of the tubular member, a distal end of the first actuator being fast with the tubular member at a first termination so that relative axial movement between the tubular member and the first actuator causes deflection at the first enhancing region. A second actuator is received in the passage of the tubular member, a distal end of the second actuator being fast with the tubular member at a second termination so that relative axial movement between the tubular member and the second actuator causes the distal part of the tubular member to be formed into a desired shape. The assembly includes a control mechanism to control relative axial movement between the tubular member and each of the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: CathRx Ltd
    Inventors: David Bruce Ogle, Matthew J. Partlett
  • Patent number: 10058392
    Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system may have a robotic arm including a surgical tool and a processor communicatively connected to the robotic aim. The processor may be configured to receive, from a neural monitor, a signal indicative of a distance between the surgical tool and a portion of a patient's anatomy including nervous tissue. The processor may be further configured to generate a command for altering a degree to which the robotic aim resists movement based on the signal received from the neural monitor; and send the command to the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Chris Alan Lightcap, Hyosig Kang, Arthur E. Quaid, III, Rony Abovitz
  • Patent number: 10058343
    Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic procedure is provided. The system includes an actuation assembly having a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The system also includes an end effector configured for selective and operative connection to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The system further includes a holder for selectively engaging the end effector and facilitating attachment of the end effector to the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski
  • Patent number: 10039591
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kathy E. Rooks, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend, William H. Nau, Jr., David M. Garrison, Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 10016219
    Abstract: A uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina. The uterine manipulator includes an umbrella-like tip that creates a secure connection between the uterine manipulator and the uterus and cervix. The uterine manipulator also includes a pneumooccluder that enables rotation of the manipulator shaft while maintaining pneumoperitoneum. The uterine manipulator further includes a cutter that travels in a circle at the junction of the cervix and the vagina, permitting detachment of the uterus and cervix from the top of the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
    Inventor: Jon Einarsson
  • Patent number: 9968371
    Abstract: The disclosed system includes a probe for mechanically cutting tissue Other components of the system include a luminally protective sheath, a microscopic end cauterizing probe, a surgical console, an identification-sensitive self-sealed cassette, and a plurality of flexible tubing lines with pinch valves thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: UroTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Edward Todd
  • Patent number: 9962180
    Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a drive assembly operatively connected to a drive shaft to impart rotation and reciprocation to the drive shaft and thereby rotate and reciprocate a tissue-removing element of the catheter. The drive assembly includes a prime mover configured to generate a rotational drive force and a reciprocating rotor operatively connected to the prime mover to receive the rotational drive force. The rotor is also operatively connected to the drive shaft to impart rotation and reciprocation to the drive shaft. The drive assembly can include a stator configured to constrain rotation and reciprocation of the reciprocating rotor relative to an axis of the rotor. The rotor can define a race that extends around the rotor axis, and the stator can define one or more bearing projections that track through the race as the prime mover rotates the rotor about the rotor axis to drive reciprocation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Bradley Steele
  • Patent number: 9950159
    Abstract: A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include one or more electrode leads coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a tunneler system for subcutaneously implanting a proximal portion of the lead(s). The system may also include a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Mainstay Medical Limited
    Inventors: John Beck, Jason Skubitz, Peter Crosby, Henry DeMorett, Jason Alan Shiroff
  • Patent number: 9949733
    Abstract: An all-suture suture anchor system includes an all-suture anchor, an inserter, and a specially designed drill. The drill is used to enlarge the hole and create a pocket under the bone surface from the pre-drilled hole. The created pocket is intended to accommodate the expansion of the anchor when deployed into the bone, generating a true mechanical interference under the bone surface. The anchor is loaded on the inserter and placed at full length vertically inside the drilled hole. While holding the inserter on top of the drilled hole, so that a feature on the inserter keeps the anchor to a desired depth below the bone surface, tension is applied to the suture limb that is connected to the bottom end of the anchor. This tensioning step causes the length of the anchor to contract vertically and the anchor is simultaneously expanded circumferentially to fill the pocket previously created by the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cayenne Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoang P. Nguyen, Derek J. Harper, Kevin N. Baird
  • Patent number: 9943292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy instrument, comprising the following components: i. a guide element (1) comprising a spring-elastic distal (2) region and a proximal (3) region; ii. a biofunctionalized element (4) arranged between the distal and the proximal region of the guide element and whose surface has detection molecules, and iii. a stabilizing element (5) connected to the proximal region of the guide element. The invention further relates to the use of said biopsy instrument for enriching specific sample material from the body as well as to a biopsy kit and the use of the same for enriching specific sample material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: OGENO GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Pison
  • Patent number: 9936970
    Abstract: The present invention is directed in various methods, devices and systems relating to rotational atherectomy. More specifically, an oscillating driver is connected to a drive shaft, or torque transfer tube, with abrasive element mounted thereon. The result provides a rotational working diameter for the rotating abrasive element that is larger than its resting diameter. Generally, the preferred abrasive element is concentric in profile and/or with center of mass collinear with the drive shaft's rotational axis. However, eccentric abrasive elements, both in terms of offsetting center of mass and/or geometric eccentricity may also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Peter Higgins
  • Patent number: 9931156
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue includes a longitudinal instrument shaft having a central axis, an end effector at the distal end of the shaft, the end effector including at least one element movable between a first and a second position. An actuator includes a handle which reciprocates movement between a first and second actuator position, and an actuation wire associated with the actuator for movement. Movement of the actuator causes the wire to move the element between its first and second positions, the wire running longitudinally of the shaft offset on one side from the central axis of the shaft. Compensation wire is associated with the actuator, the compensation wire running longitudinally of the shaft and being offset on the opposite side of the central axis of the shaft to that of the actuation wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony Atwell
  • Patent number: 9924951
    Abstract: Provided is a cutting instrument including: an elongated member including a tubular portion 105 and a shaft-like portion 101 inserted in the tubular portion 105; a blade 201 including two edges, the blade 201 being provided at an end of the elongated member and being pivotable between a housed position and a projected position; and a motion mechanism that converts a relative movement of the tubular portion 105 and the shaft-like portion 101 resulting from an operation of an operation portion 102 to 104 into pivoting of the blade between the housed position and the projected position, wherein the cutting instrument moves toward the operation portion while rotating in its entirety with the two edges of the blade 201 projected on opposite sides of the tubular portion 105, thereby drilling a hole with a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tubular portion 105.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiro Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9924954
    Abstract: The power handpiece for orthopedic drilling and sawing according to the present application at least includes a handle housing, a clamping assembly for clamping a cutting tool assembly, a power motor for outputting power and driving the cutting tool assembly to perform drilling and sawing operations, and a switch assembly for controlling power output of the power motor, wherein the power motor is connected to an external power source. The power machine utilizes an external power source which can be a large-scale accumulator or city electricity, thereby avoiding the situation of power failure or low power which is prone to occur in the operation, and ensuring the smooth performance of the operation, reduce the quantity of heat of the handle, reduce the overall weight of the device, make the device portable and easy to operate, and improve the efficiency of the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Chongqing Xishan Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yijun Guo, Xinyun Zhang, Changfeng Liu
  • Patent number: 9883868
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rongeur type bone and cartilage removal device incorporating first and second pivotally secured handles, the first handle terminating at a forward end in a first jaw exhibiting a plurality of extending teeth, with second handle terminating in a second jaw opposing the first jaw and exhibiting a continuous blade edge against which the teeth seats during pivotal motion of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Miguel A. Linares, Miguel A. Linares, Jr., Ryan T. Greene
  • Patent number: 9872699
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a transmission assembly, a transducer, and a handle assembly is configured for coupling the transmission assembly to the handle assembly using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable to restrict the rotational movement of an actuator coupling member and the transducer relative to the handle assembly. The locking mechanism may also be operable to lock a trigger of the handle assembly in a first position. An inner tubular actuating member of the transmission assembly may be threadably attachable to the actuator coupling member or the actuator coupling member may include a latching mechanism to couple to a flared portion of the inner tubular actuating member. A waveguide of the transmission assembly may also be threadably attachable to the transducer. In one alternative, the trigger may be configured to operate the locking mechanism, either in the first position or when pivoted distally to a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 9848897
    Abstract: A medical instrument has a shaft with a longitudinal axis, a jaw head on a distal end of the shaft having two jaw parts, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the pivotable jaw part having a wheel portion with toothing mounted about the pivot axis, at least one actuation element having a distal end portion with toothing that meshes with the toothing of the wheel portion such that movement of the actuation element along the longitudinal axis pivots the pivotable jaw part, control elements at a proximal end of the shaft controlling movement of the actuation element, said distal end portion with toothing is flexible, one of the jaws having a hollow space arranged distally to the pivot axis, wherein the distal end portion comes in or out of the hollow space when moving the actuation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann-Josef Frings
  • Patent number: 9833290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a convenient, minimally invasive surgical instrument, and more particularly to a minimally invasive surgical instrument to allow a user to operate an end effector by manipulating a handling unit or the like to perform a minimally invasive surgery in a delicate and convenient manner. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an end effector being connected to one end of the shaft via a joint unit; a rotation manipulation unit being connected to the other end of the shaft, the rotation manipulation unit comprising a gyro link including a gyro wheel; and a plurality of wires being connected between the joint unit and the gyro wheel, wherein the end effector carries out joint motion by the joint unit according to the action of at least some of the plurality of wires caused by a manipulation of the gyro wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventors: Chang Wook Jeong, Hyung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 9833232
    Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of needle grasping arms. Each grasping arm extends along a respective arm axis. The grasping arms are operable to drive a suture needle along a rotational path about an axis, such as one of the arm axes, that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotational path may be perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. A needle driven by the end effector may have an arc radius that is greater than the radius of the shaft. At least one of the needle grasping arms may include a dogleg feature positioning a distal portion of the grasping arm outside the radius of the shaft. The instrument may be used through a trocar during minimally invasive surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Jason R. Lesko, Shawn C. Snyder, David T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9826988
    Abstract: Tools adapted for spinal distraction are provided. More specifically, tools having an elongate shaft connected to a head portion are provided for imparting a force for displacing vertebral bodies. The tools may comprise features, such as textured surfaces or the ability to transmit pressure, for cleaning and preparing a spinal disc space for subsequent tools and procedures. A plurality or set of distraction tools is contemplated where the plurality of tools is made up of tools having various distinctions from one another. Such distinctions may be in the way of length, width, angle, and other geometric features or may comprise differences in materials or additional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Kleiner Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kleiner
  • Patent number: 9795449
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and methods of use. The surgical instrument can include a control portion having a plurality of tubular shaft portions and a plurality of control rods. Each of the plurality of tubular shaft portions can have a diameter of less than or equal to about 2.5 mm. At least one of the plurality of control rods can extend through each of the plurality of shaft portions. The surgical instrument can also include a tool portion having a plurality of tool rods and a plurality of tool cables. Each of the plurality of tool cables can be connected to one of the plurality of control rods. Further, each of the tool rods can be removably connected to one of the plurality of control rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FACULTY PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
    Inventor: Dalton Duane Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9788836
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector with a first jaw and a second jaw. The instrument also includes a first drive assembly, a first motor coupled to the first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, a second motor coupled to the second drive assembly, a control module, and a closure trigger. The first motor is operable to motivate the first drive assembly, and the second motor is operable to motivate the second drive assembly. The control module is operably couplable to the first motor and the second motor. The closure trigger is movable during a closure stroke to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration, and to transition the control module from operable engagement with the first motor to operable engagement with the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Darwin L. Schultz, Daniel L. Baber, David C. Yates, Anil K. Nalagatla