Rotary Cutter Patents (Class 606/180)
  • Patent number: 8366719
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device and methods for safely and accurately placing screws into bones with a powered driving device. By employing multiple layers of fail-safe features and image-guidance systems, the powered driving device provides safe, accurate, and efficient screw placement. That is, the powered driving device may continuously monitor a screw advancement and placement and may automatically shutdown when improper placement is detected. Monitoring placement may be conducted by a microcurrent-monitoring system, by an image-guidance system, or by any other appropriate sensory system. Additionally, upon detecting that screw insertion is complete, the powered driving device may be automatically shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Integrated Spinal Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Markey, Chris Geiger
  • Publication number: 20120316591
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are presented by which certain surgical procedures normally done by powered surgical handpieces may be accomplished by powered arthroscopic handpieces, thus obviating the need to use powered surgical handpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: LINVATEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc THORNE, Jonh SIEH
  • Patent number: 8316961
    Abstract: A remote controlled work robot including a remote controlled actuator and a support device therefor. The remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member fitted to a distal end of the spindle guide section through a distal end member coupling structure for alteration in attitude, and a drive unit housing connected with a base end of the spindle guide section. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle for holding a tool. The support device includes a single degree-of-freedom system, in which the remote controlled actuator has a degree of freedom in one direction, or a multi-degrees-of-freedom system, in which the remote controlled actuator has a two or more degrees of freedom relative to a base on which the support device is installed. A drive source and is also provided for driving the degree-of-freedom system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Takayoshi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8317794
    Abstract: A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 8308746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Boun Pravong, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Matthew M. Becerra, Matthew A. Wixey, Haruyasu Yawata, Gary M. Johnson, Zoran Falkenstein, John R. Brustad, Charles C. Hart
  • Publication number: 20120283762
    Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Weiru Shao
  • Publication number: 20120283740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical handpiece for driving a surgical tool, with a housing, in which there are arranged a drive in the form of a compressed air motor and at least one bearing or gear part cooperating with the drive on the output side, further comprising at least one lubricant spray connection for coupling to a lubricant spray source, and which is in fluidic connection with at least one of the at least one bearing or gear part and the compressed air motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Roland-Alois Hoegerle, Uwe Mattes, Edgar Blust, Ralf Pfister
  • Patent number: 8303593
    Abstract: A boring tool for a bone, particularly the proximal femur, which has an elongate shank having a cutting portion at the front end, and a portion to mount a rotary driving device at the rear end of the shank. The tool has an axial through bore for receiving a guide wire, wherein the shank, in a rear portion, has at least one radial aperture which is open to the axial bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Simon, Stefan Volzow
  • Patent number: 8303594
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a deflectable cutting element extending from the distal end of the instrument. The deflection of the cutting element is controllable based on a user operating a moveable member of the instrument. The deflectable cutting element is normally disposed within a circumferential region defined by the distal end of the instrument. The moveable member can be moved in relation to the instrument to deflect the deflectable cutting element, such that the cutting element is at least partially outside of the circumferential region. The extent that the cutting element is outside of the circumferential region is a function of the position to which the moveable member is moved in relation to the instrument. The instrument further includes direct imaging of the distal end, such that the deflection of the cutting element for selective removal of bone tissue at the distal end of the instrument can be controlled in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lynch, Carlos E. Collazo, An Chen, Brian Graner
  • Patent number: 8292908
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely cannulating a body part are disclosed. The apparatus is an endoscopic cannulation apparatus having a fluid stasis assembly and a coring assembly. The fluid stasis assembly allows for the penetration of the body part and deployment of an occlusive device to prevent the escape of fluid during the coring and cannulation of the body part. The cannulation assembly allows for the coring of the body part without the introduction of air bubbles or other embolic materials into the patient. The method of the invention provides for the remote coring and cannulation of a body part such as a heart, blood vessels, the stomach, intestines, and other body parts with a sealed apparatus that may be de-aired to lessen the risk of the introduction of emboli into a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: World Heart Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Nieman, Scott D. Miles, Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 8287465
    Abstract: An biopsy apparatus includes a pressure and vacuum generator including a first cylinder and a first piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The cylinder has a pressure generating region and a vacuum generating region. The biopsy apparatus also includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula having a lumen. The inner cannula is movably disposed within the outer cannula, and the vacuum generating region is in one-way fluid communication with the inner cannula lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Suros Surgical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Hardin, Brian Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8282661
    Abstract: A multi-blade curette tool for use in spinal surgery. The curette tool includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A handle is disposed at the first end. A curette head is disposed at the second end. The curette head is generally tapered toward the first end and the second end. The curette head includes a convexly-shaped and generally tapered nose portion, a base portion, and a plurality of blades. Each blade extends between the base portion and the nose portion, and each of the plurality of blades is provided with at least one cutting element. A drive stem connects the handle and the curette head. At least one cutting element of each blade is adapted to remove spinal disk material upon rotation of the curette tool in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Concept Matrix, LLC
    Inventor: Walter W. Eckman
  • Patent number: 8277474
    Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument including a first elongated member, a second tubular member, a handpiece, a first hub, a second hub, and an actuator assembly. The first tubular member has cutting tip and is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member such that the cutting tip is exposed at a cutting window. The first hub is mounted to the first tubular member and is moveably coupled to the handpiece. The second hub is mounted to the second tubular member and defines a hub axis. The actuator assembly rotatably couples the second hub to the handpiece and includes an actuator. Movement of the actuator is translated to rotational movement of the second hub so as to effectuate spatial rotation of the cutting window. In this regard, the actuator movement is not co-axial with the hub axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerould W. Norman, Dale E. Slenker, Kenneth M. Adams, John T. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 8273097
    Abstract: A surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system comprises an elongate tubular outer member having a proximal end, a distal end and an opening at the distal end, an elongate inner member rotatably disposed within the outer member and having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting element at the distal end exposed from the opening, a handpiece mounted to the proximal ends of the outer and inner members, and an irrigation system comprising an irrigation channel composed of a first irrigation passage within the handpiece and a second irrigation passage within the thickness of the annular wall of the outer member, and a sleeve having a rearward end disposed over a front end of the handpiece and a forward end disposed over the outer member adjacent an outlet opening of the second irrigation passage near the distal end of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Aayush Malla, Charles Stanislaus, Joshua David Rubin, William C. Brunnett
  • Patent number: 8246620
    Abstract: An abrading device including an advanced burr and appliqué for a burr and a new process for making cutting tools for fine material removal applications such as in bone and tissue surgeries. An appliqué sheet is first engineered by CAD with an abrading surface having cutting facets. The appliqué is attached to a surface of a tool blank and then metallurgically bonded and coated by the BRAZOL® or Co—P process. The tool blank has a proximal shank attachable to a driver and a distal surface to which the appliqué is affixed. Since each facet is attached to surrounding facets and then strongly bonded to the tool, the facets do not dislodge when used to abrade a surface of an object. The BRAZOL® or Co—P coating imparts excellent wear resistance and lubricity to the cutting facets. This results in excellent operational and material removal characteristics. This approach to making surgical and fine industrial tools offers engineered flexibility in design rather than process dependent designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth Holko, Thomas D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120191121
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a tissue cutting device are described, such as a device with an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a first annular element at the distal end of the elongate tube, the first annular element having a flat portion at its distal end perpendicular to the central axis, the flat portion extending from an outer circumference of the first annular element to the central axis; and a second annular element at the distal end of the elongate tube and concentric with the first annular element, the second annular element having a flat portion at its distal end perpendicular to the central axis, at least one of the first or second annular elements rotatable about the central axis, the rotation causing the first annular element and the second annular element to pass each other to shear tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard T. Chen, Ming Ting Wu, Arun Veeramani, Vacit Arat, Gregory P. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20120191090
    Abstract: Provided is a guide device including a cylindrical insertion part that is inserted into a body and that opens near a distal end thereof and on a proximal side thereof, a perforating part that is disposed at the distal end of the insertion part and that perforates tissue, a moving part disposed near the distal end of the insertion part so as to be displaceable between a nearby position near the insertion part and a farther position farther away from the insertion part than the nearby position, a biasing mechanism that biases the moving part in a direction away from the insertion part, and a displacement-detecting mechanism that detects displacement of the moving part in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michihiro SUGAHARA, Masayuki KOBAYASHI, Yoshiro OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20120191117
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second cutting blades, each including a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, with a cutting window disposed at a side of each cutting blade near its distal end. The second cutting blade rotates inside of the first cutting blade to cut tissue while a vacuum is applied through an internal bore of the second cutting blade. The distal end of each of the cutting blades includes a suction aperture through which a longitudinal axis of the cutting blades extends. The surgical instrument can be used as a suction tool in which the vacuum is applied through the suction apertures by applying the vacuum through the internal bore of the second cutting blade while the second cutting blade is stopped from rotating with the cutting windows of the first and second cutting blades misaligned with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GYRUS ENT L.L.C.
    Inventors: Allen C. PALMER, John P. FLYNN
  • Publication number: 20120191116
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade that rotates within the first cutting blade during a cutting operation to cause cutting windows of the cutting blades to remove tissue from a patient also includes a suction passage forming member disposed over a suction aperture of the first cutting blade. The suction passage forming member includes an inlet, an outlet and a passage between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet communicating with the suction aperture, and the inlet facing distally. The surgical instrument can be used as a suction tool by applying a vacuum through an internal bore of the second cutting blade while the second cutting blade is stopped from rotating with the cutting windows of the first and second cutting blades misaligned with each other so that the vacuum is applied through the suction aperture and the suction passage forming member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GYRUS ENT L.L.C.
    Inventors: John P. FLYNN, Kevin C. EDWARDS
  • Patent number: 8226674
    Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: John B. Simpson, Himanshu Patel, Greg Stine, Brett Follmer, Michael H. Rosenthal, Mehrdad Farhangnia
  • Patent number: 8226677
    Abstract: Sensing arrangements for a handpiece sense suction pressure or fluid flow within a suction path to determine the position of a movable cutting element relative to a fixed cutting element of a cutting accessory. A controller calculates actual speed of the movable cutting element from measured pressure or measured fluid flow. The cutting elements have openings that, when aligned, form a window. The controller controls power to a motor that drives the cutting element. When the handpiece is deactivated, the controller stops the movable cutting element at a predetermined position to close or partially close the window. The controller controls the cutting speed in view of joint pressure combined with suction pressure, or in view of fluid flow through the suction path, to maintain an optimal fluid flow rate that enhances the cutting action of the cutting accessory. Pressure or flow sensors may detect a clog in the suction path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Kauker, Ryon Dierck, Reid Cover
  • Patent number: 8221423
    Abstract: An instrument for harvesting an osteochondral plug graft in an implantable configuration, comprises a support pod comprising an elongated tubular member distally terminating in at least three splayed legs; a drill bit encompassed within a longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and a guide wire encompassed within a longitudinal axis of passageway of the drill bit and terminating at a threaded distal end for removably fixing a distal end of the instrument in a position oriented normal to an osteochondral surface for harvesting an osteochondral plug graft in an implantable normal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos E Gil, Jeetendra S Bharadwaj
  • Patent number: 8215533
    Abstract: A rotary cutting system for use with a surgical stapling device. The rotary cutting system generally includes a knife blade and a mainspring for imparting rotary motion to the circular knife blade. A hammer member is provided and is configured and adapted to engage the knife blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Frank J Viola, Eric J Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120172905
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removing tissue from a patient's body. The apparatus comprises an elongate member defining a lumen and a tissue removal member disposed within the lumen. The tissue removal member comprises a flexible shaft formed from a plurality of strands, and a coil that is helically disposed around the shaft. The coil is substantially in contact with the shaft along a length of the shaft. The coil forms a plurality of outwardly extending projections and each pair of the plurality of outwardly extending projections defines a spacing therebetween. Upon rotation of the tissue removal member within the elongate member, material is conveyed through the lumen of the elongate member. A related method of manufacturing a tissue removal member is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Natasha Lee Shee, Neil Godara, Padina Pezeshki, Caitlyn Paget
  • Publication number: 20120172878
    Abstract: A surgical marking tool for marking a location on a patient includes a cutting head and a handle. The cutting head includes a screw thread. The handle is coupled to the cutting head to rotate the cutting head. The screw thread is configured to progressively embed in the patient to mark the location when the cutting head is placed in contact with the patient and rotated with respect to the patient using the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Piferi
  • Patent number: 8201563
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Conquergood, Mark Leung, Caitlyn Paget
  • Patent number: 8192453
    Abstract: A surgical cutting tool, instrument, kit and system are disclosed, which are adapted for use during in total hip (or shoulder) replacement surgery. The invention optimally and efficiently removes excess bone (osteophytes) and soft tissue from the rim of a hemispherical component such as an implanted acetabular shell, prior to insertion of a liner. The surgical instrument includes an elongated obturator adapted to be removably attached to the acetabular component. An elongated reamer tool has a cannulated central boss for receiving the obturator. The tool has an upper end adapted to be coupled to a powered tool driver, and a lower end provided with a pair of spaced apart blades adapted to engage the rim of the acetabular component and be driven to remove the excess bone fragments from the rim of the implanted shell component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Valla
  • Patent number: 8192370
    Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Suros Surgical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Miller
  • Patent number: 8187293
    Abstract: A microsurgical instrument including a cutting member and a base with an actuating mechanism that provides more efficient cutting of tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: G. Lamar Kirchhevel
  • Patent number: 8187294
    Abstract: A rotating surgical system is provided that includes a base, a first member rotably engaged with the base, and a second member fixed with said first member such that said first member and said second member rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Suros Surgical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Charles Butcher
  • Patent number: 8177803
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Target Medical Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Heisler
  • Publication number: 20120109172
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tissue removal and more particularly to methods and devices for use in medical applications involving selective tissue removal. One exemplary method includes the steps of providing a tissue cutting instrument capable of distinguishing between target tissue to be removed and non-target tissue, urging the instrument against the target tissue and the non-target tissue, and allowing the instrument to cut the target tissue while automatically avoiding cutting of non-target tissue. Various tools for carrying out this method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Eric C. Miller, Richard T. Chen, Ming Ting Wu
  • Publication number: 20120101513
    Abstract: Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Louis M. Shadeck, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8162850
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body having a cannula, a cutter positioned at least partly within the cannula, a tissue collection chamber, and a vacuum source. In one example, the biopsy device includes a cutter loader for rotating the cutter into a loaded position (e.g., open position). A trigger is engaged with a portion of the cutter loader and may be activated to allow the cutter to rotate back to a closed position. During this rotation, the cutter severs a tissue sample, which may thereafter be drawn through the cutter lumen into the tissue collection chamber under the influence of a vacuum created by the vacuum source. The vacuum source includes a piston configured to be operated by squeezing a scissors grip. A user may apply a single stroke or successive strokes to the piston to produce the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Michael J. Andreyko, Eric B. Smith, James Janszen
  • Patent number: 8162967
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an implant of autogenous bone. Generally, the implant may be taken from a selected bone portion and implanted into another selected bone portion within during a procedure. The method may be used in conjunction with soft tissue reinsertion or attachment to the selected implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A Kaiser, Kevin T Stone
  • Patent number: 8157828
    Abstract: A surgical marking tool for marking a location on a patient includes a cutting head and a handle. The cutting head includes a screw thread. The handle is coupled to the cutting head to rotate the cutting head. The screw thread is configured to progressively embed in the patient to mark the location when the cutting head is placed in contact with the patient and rotated with respect to the patient using the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Piferi
  • Patent number: 8157826
    Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Wenjie Deng, Barry J. Kauker
  • Patent number: 8147544
    Abstract: A fenestration (36) piercing the otic capsule bone of the cochlea (34) receives a therapeutic appliance, such as a microactuator (78), plug (92), micropump for drug or therapeutic agent delivery, electrode (102), etc. Disclosed are several different ways of achieving a “water tight” seal between the otic capsule bone and the therapeutic appliance. Also disclosed are specific ways of implanting the therapeutic appliance both with and without a sheath (72) lining the wall of the fenestration (36) formed using specialized surgical burrs (122, 124, 162, 164).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Otokinetics Inc.
    Inventors: S. George Lesinski, Armand P. Neukermans
  • Patent number: 8142464
    Abstract: A flexible inner member for being rotatably disposed in an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument has a flexible region composed of a series of partial circumferential cuts formed through the wall of a tubular body of the inner member. Each cut extends along an arc that defines part of the external circumference of the tubular body. The cuts are uniformly longitudinally spaced in succession along the length of the tubular body corresponding to the flexible region. The cuts are parallel to one another and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cuts are grouped in duplicative patterns that repeat along the length of the flexible region, there being at least two successive cuts in each pattern. The cuts of each pattern are rotationally offset in succession in a rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Miroslav Mitusina
  • Patent number: 8133245
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for penetrating tissue includes an outer member defining a longitudinal axis and having an outer peripheral wall and an inner member at least partially disposed within the outer member. The inner member includes a penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the outer member. The penetrating member has a substantially annular peripheral edge adapted to penetrate tissue. The inner member and the outer member are adapted for relative longitudinal movement between first and second longitudinal positions. In the first position, the annular peripheral edge of the penetrating member is substantially confined within the outer peripheral wall of the outer member and wherein, in the second position, the annular peripheral edge is at least partially exposed from the outer peripheral wall to facilitate penetration through tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120046682
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a cutting head which includes jaw members which may be urged between open and closed positions to providing a biting or chewing action for removal of targeted tissues. The instrument system is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion to open and close the jaw members. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through a suction opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicants: MedicineLodge, Inc. dba IMDS Co-Innovation
    Inventors: Keith J. Nelson, Andrew R. Fauth, Trevor K. Lewis, Daniel J. Triplett
  • Patent number: 8113833
    Abstract: The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Straumann Holding, AG
    Inventor: Stephane Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 8114106
    Abstract: Catheter for aspiration, fragmentation and removal of removable material from hollow bodies, in particular of thrombi and emboli from human blood vessels, comprising a working head, a flexible transport screw, a flexible tube, and a cutting tool. The working head is independently displaceable along a guide wire, is arranged at the distal end of the catheter, and has at least one lateral opening. The flexible transport screw can be rotated at a distance by means of a rotary drive of a drive unit. The flexible tube surrounds the transport screw, is connected to the working head, and is intended for removing the detached thrombi and emboli fragments. The transport screw forms a shearing cutting tool in cooperation with the lateral opening of the working head, in order to comminute the detached thrombi and emboli between peripheral borders of the transport screw and borders of the lateral opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Straub Medical AG
    Inventor: Immanuel Straub
  • Patent number: 8109958
    Abstract: A device for osteoligamentous resection comprising a resector having a shaft with a resecting tip at its distal end, and a retractor at least partially surrounding the resector, and at least part of the retractor being moveable relative to the resector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Neville Alleyne
  • Publication number: 20120029547
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and procedures for performing a circular anastomosis of a tubular organ. The surgical instruments may include selectively deployable tissue acquisition members configured to puncture through a portion of the tubular organ and position the portion of the organ adjacent to a fastener face of a staple cartridge supported in the instrument. At least one cutting member may be radially deployed and rotated to sever the positioned portion of organ from a distal portion of the organ. An anvil may be employed to draw another portion of the organ adjacent to the portion of organ positioned adjacent to the fastener face of the staple cartridge. The staples may then be deployed through the adjacent portions of organ and an annular knife may be advanced through the adjacent organ portions to complete the anastomosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis
  • Patent number: 8105346
    Abstract: The medical handpiece of the present invention has a cutting tool having a flexible shank and a bur provided at the distal end of the cutting tool for cutting an affected area, a tubular sheath for receiving the cutting tool therein, and a handpiece body for detachably holding the proximal end of the cutting tool and transmitting driving force from a drive source to the cutting tool. The sheath and the cutting tool are made flexible for a particular range, with the sheath being plastically deformable and the shank of the cutting tool being elastically deformable. The medical handpiece is further provided with a plurality of bearings arranged in the sheath, first interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged proximal to, distal to, and between the bearings, and second interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged inside the first interposed members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nakanishi Inc.
    Inventor: Takasuke Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20120022564
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue-removal devices and methods for treating spinal diseases using such devices. The tissue-removal devices may comprise a cable and/or extendable elements with a retracted and a deployed configuration. The cable and/or extendable elements may be distally supported and restrained by a support element such that the support element may be pushed transversely away when the extendable element is distally extended into its deployed configuration. An annular cutting element may be provided about the distal end of the extendable element or the support element. Various configurations of the extendable and support elements are described herein, as well as methods of using tissue-removal devices with extendable and support elements coupled by an annular cutting element for treating spinal diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: David Batten, John T. To, Hiep Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8100928
    Abstract: A surgical morcellator includes a trocar body portion and a handle portion detachably mounted to the trocar body portion. The trocar body portion is relatively lightweight and may be used separately from the handle portion with other laparoscopic instruments while morcellation is not required during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nohilly, Simon Cohn
  • Patent number: 8088135
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Target Medical Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Heisler
  • Patent number: 8088136
    Abstract: A medical instrument for cutting tissue has a tubular outer shaft, which comprises at least one window in the region of its distal end. The medical instrument further comprises a tubular inner shaft which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and housed in the outer shaft and which has at its distal end a window arranged in the region of the at least one window of the outer shaft and provided with at least one cutting element. The medical instrument has a fixing element for unrotatably holding of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in a preset position. The fixing element is irreversibly detachable through rotational movement of the inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sascha Berberich