| 18th week of 2022 patent applcation highlights part 6 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20220133219 | MEDICAL DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION - Medical devices used for the treatment of disease, monitoring of physiological properties and the correction of deformities and/or degenerative conditions including integrated sensors providing physiological parameters to assist in assessing healing and the clinical management of patients. Including methods of production of said medical devices. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133220 | ENHANCING SLEEP THERAPY COMPLIANCE - A computer-implemented method ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133221 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING, MANAGING AND IMPROVING SLEEP - Systems and methods for analyzing, managing, and improving a user's sleep are provided. In an example, a sleep score is calculated for the user's previous night's sleep based on a physiological status of the user, and an assessment of the sleep is received on the current day entered by the user or determined by a sleep monitor device, and based on the discrepancy between the calculated score and the assessment, a recommendation is provided to the user. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133222 | A SLEEP MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A sleep monitoring system has a movement sensing arrangement and a controller for identifying from the movement sensing arrangement output signals sleep-disordered breathing events. Seismocardiography signals are recorded and analyzed to determine repetitive patterns, from which an inter-beat interval time series is derived without identifying specific elements of the repetitive patterns. The sleep-disordered breath events are derived from the inter-beat interval time series. In this way, SCG signals can be used for sleep monitoring in a robust and reliable way. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133223 | SUMMARIAL SCORES FOR AN EMR PLATFORM - Among other things, a respiratory support score is determined. Operating parameters of one or more respiratory support devices associated with a patient are received. Based on the operating parameters, a respiratory support type associated with the patent is determined. A score range for the respiratory support type is received, and a respiratory support score within the range is determined based on at least a subset of the operating parameters. In another aspect, a medication efficacy score is determined. A time point corresponding to a clinical action performed on a patient is identified, the clinical action including administration of a drug at a particular dosage. Parameters indicative of a clinical condition of the patient are tracked for a time range that includes the time point corresponding to the clinical action. Based on the parameters, a metric indicative of an efficacy of the clinical action performed on the patient is determined. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133224 | Apparatus and System for Diabetes Management - An apparatus and system diabetes management. The apparatus comprises a body which houses: (i) at least a first memory for storing data inputs corresponding at least to one or more components in a patient's present insulin dosage regimen and the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times; (ii) a processor operatively connected to the at least first memory, the processor programmed at least to determine from the data inputs corresponding to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times whether and by how much to vary at least one of the one or more components of the patient's present insulin dosage regimen; (iii) a display screen operatively connected to the processor; (iv) a quantity of insulin; (v) a needle communicating with the quantity of insulin for delivering insulin to the patient; (vi) means for effecting delivery of a portion of the quantity of insulin to the patient via the needle; and (vii) metering means for controlling the portion of the quantity of insulin delivered to the patient via the needle. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133225 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING PATIENT FEEDBACK FOR A MEDICAL TREATMENT - A method for capturing patient feedback for a medical treatment includes: receiving user instructions indicating a symptom being treated, a symptom score for the symptom being treated, and an indication of a beginning of a treatment session; receiving patient feedback comprising an updated symptom score for the symptom being treated and/or absence or presence of one or more of a plurality of attributes; storing the received patient feedback and a time in the treatment session at which the respective patient feedback was received; repeating the receiving of patient feedback and storage of data during the treatment session; and receiving a user instruction indicating an ending of the treatment session, wherein an alerting module alerts a user of the computing device for input of patient feedback after a predetermined period of time has elapsed following receipt of patient feedback without a subsequent receipt of patient feedback. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133226 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSDERMAL ALCOHOL MONITORING - A method for monitoring intoxication of a user, the method including: receiving a set of samples from a body region of a user; generating an intoxication metric based on the set of samples; and providing a notification to the user based on the intoxication metric. The method can additionally or alternatively include: modifying operation of the transdermal alcohol sensing device based on the intoxication metric; determining contextual data; maintaining a hydration level of the transdermal alcohol sensing device; and any other suitable processes. A system for monitoring intoxication of a user including a sensor and a housing. The system can additionally or alternatively include any or all of: an inlet, a fastener, an electronics subsystem, a user device, and/or any other suitable component. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133227 | METHOD FOR STRESS DETECTION UTILIZING ANALYSIS OF CARDIAC RHYTHMS AND MORPHOLOGIES - A method for detecting stress in organisms with a cardiac organ is provided. A cardiac waveform is input to an analysis system which decomposes the incoming signal to detect patterns within the decomposed segments. The patterns are comprised of one or more of the following: the overall waveform of a series of beats, a single beat or segments contained within a beat. The decomposed parts of the cardiac waveform are classified according to types of stress patterns both known in the art and dynamically learned through feedback. When the system detects that a sufficient threshold of stress has been exceeded, a notification can be generated and the details of the stress, such as the severity and type can be communicated to an external module, system, user or host. Patterns indicating a future or rapidly increasing stress level, signaled by evolving patterns in the cardiac waveform can be detected and an alert generated before a major or difficult to control stressful event is externalized by the organism. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133228 | IDENTIFICATION AND VISUALIZATION OF NON-NAVIGATED OBJECTS IN MEDICAL IMAGES - A method includes presenting to a user a three-dimensional (3D) map of at least part of an organ of a patient, the 3D map generated by a position-tracking system. An artificial object, which is non-trackable by the position-tracking system, is identified in a medical image of at least part of the organ. A graphical representation of the non-trackable artificial object is presented to the user on the 3D map. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133229 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INFORMING OF ATTACHMENT POSITIONS OF ECG ELECTRODES - Provided are a system and method for informing of attachment positions of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to improve the quality of ECG data. The system includes a judgment indicator extractor configured to extract a plurality of judgment indicator values from ECG data obtained through ECG electrodes, a reference value setter configured to, in a user-specific reference value setting mode, collect the judgment indicator values for a plurality of pieces of ECG data extracted by the judgment indicator extractor and set user-specific reference values for each judgment indicator, a similarity determiner configured to, in an ECG measurement mode, determine similarity by comparing a plurality of judgment indicator values extracted by the judgment indicator extractor with the user-specific reference values, and an electrode attachment position guide configured to inform a user of attachment positions of the ECG electrodes according to a similarity determination result of each of the judgment indicator values. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133230 | ACOUSTIC SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An acoustic sensing apparatus and method are disclosed for acoustically surveying the chest area of a subject, and in particular the rib cage. In use the apparatus is placed on the chest, and it includes an arrangement of one or more sound sensors for sensing acoustic signals received from inside the chest. Based on the signal intensities picked up at a plurality of different locations across the chest, the different locations are each classified by a controller as either rib-aligned or intercostal space-aligned. The controller is further adapted to identify one or more sound intensity hotspots ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133231 | WEARABLE DEVICES FOR DETECTING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - A wearable device for detecting physiological parameters of a patient is provided. The device includes a flexible body for covering at least a portion a wearer's hand, the flexible body having an interior side and an exterior side. The device may also include a first sensor positioned on the body for measuring the pH of the patient on an exterior side of the flexible body. The device may further include a second sensor positioned on the body for measuring the bicarbonate level of the patient on an exterior side of the flexible body. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133232 | Electronic Skin - An electronic skin for attaching on a user's skin and detecting the user's physiological information is disclosed. The electronic skin includes a pasting layer, an electronic unit layer and a covering layer. The electronic unit layer includes a transmission module, a physiological information sensor, a using state sensor, a storage module, a processor, a power module and a flexible substrate. The physiological information sensor is used for sensing the physiological information. The using state sensor is used for sensing the using state of the electronic skin. The flexible substrate is located on the pasting layer and under the transmission module, the physiological information sensor, the using state sensor, the storage module, the processor and the power module. The covering layer is located on the electronic unit layer. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133233 | OPTICAL SHUNT REDUCTION USING OPTICALLY ABSORPTIVE MATERIALS IN A MEDICAL SENSOR - A patient monitoring sensor having a communication interface, through which the patient monitoring sensor can communicate with a monitor is provided. The patient monitoring sensor includes a light-emitting diode (LED) communicatively coupled to the communication interface and a detector, communicatively coupled to the communication interface, capable of detecting light. The patient monitoring sensor includes an optically absorptive material at least partially between the LED and the detector to reduce or prevent shunting of light to the detector. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133234 | INTEGRATED THERMO-PHOTONIC CHEMICAL SENSOR - Embodiments herein relate to integrated thermo-photonic chemical sensors as part of an implantable sensing device. In a first aspect, an implantable sensing device is included having a sensing element, an optical excitation assembly configured to illuminate the sensing element, an optical detection assembly configured to receive optical signals from the sensing element, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive signals from the optical detection assembly, receive signals reflecting temperature, and process signals from the optical detection assembly while adjusting for the signals reflecting temperature. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133235 | SENSOR HAVING AN ADAPTED HOUSING - The present invention relates to a sensor comprising a housing; at least a sensor element arranged within the housing; plurality of elongate structures providing one or more slots; a front end and a back end provided by the housing; wherein the one or more slots are arranged between the front end and the back end of the housing; and wherein the one or more fingers are configured to receive the sensor element extending within the one or more slots. Furthermore, a device comprising the sensor and a method for manufacturing the sensor is provided. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133236 | Guidewire for Imaging and Measurement of Pressure and other Physiologic Parameters - A guidewire system includes an elongated wire configured for insertion into a luminal space, such as the vasculature, of a body. The wire is conductive and configured to conduct electrical signals. One or more sensors are coupled to a distal section of the wire and configured to send and receive the electrical signals via the wire. The wire through which the one or more sensors are coupled is the only wire through which the one or more sensors send and receive the electrical signals. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133237 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMBEDDED SENSORS IN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICAL DEVICES - The present invention relates to miniature biosensor technology which can be directly embedded into medical device technology to create a new category of multifunctional smart medical devices. The resulting data from these smart medical devices results in wireless communication networks and standardized referenceable databases, which are used in the creation of best practice guidelines, clinical decision support tools, personalized medicine applications, and comparative technology assessment. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133238 | TOILET SEAT DEVICE - According to the embodiment, a toilet seat device includes a toilet seat and a biological sensor. The toilet seat that is formed of a resin material and includes a seating part on which a user is seated, and a bottom surface part facing the seating part. The biological sensor that is of an optical type, is positioned inside the toilet seat, and detects biological information of the user seated on the seating part. The seating part includes a thick portion and a thin portion. The thin portion is thinner than the thick portion. The biological sensor is located at a back surface side of the thin portion. The thick portion and the thin portion are formed as a continuous body. The thin portion has a thickness that can transmit irradiated light irradiated from the biological sensor and reflected light reflected from the user seated on the seating part. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133239 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIDE-BAND PHASE GRADIENT SIGNAL ACQUISITION - The present disclosure facilitates capture (e.g., bipolar capture) of differentially-acquired wide-band phase gradient signals (e.g., wide-band cardiac phase gradient signals, wide-band cerebral phase gradient signals) that are simultaneously sampled. Notably, the exemplified system minimizes non-linear distortions (e.g., those that can be introduced via certain filters such as phase distortions) in the acquired wide-band phase gradient signals so as to not affect the information therein that can non-deterministically affect analysis of the wide-band phase gradient signal in the phase space domain. Further, a shield drive circuit and shield-drive voltage plane may be used to facilitate low noise and low interference operation of the acquisition system. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133240 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCTING OR ELIMINATING ARTIFACTS IN MAGNECTIC RESONANCE IMAGING - A computer-implemented method for reducing or eliminating artifacts in MRI, includes steps of: S1: acquiring a plurality of MR signals mixed with EMI with different weightings from a plurality of receiver elements of at least one array coil; S2: obtaining EMI eliminated MR signals for each receiver element based on the MR signals mixed with EMI obtained in step S1; and S3: obtaining MR image based on the EMI eliminated MR signals obtained in step S2. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133241 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOCORRELATION BASED ASSESSMENT OF PPG SIGNAL QUALITY - Systems and methods for assessing PPG signals generated based on transdermal optical data can include a computing device generating a color intensity signal using an acquired sequence of transdermal images of a subject. The computing device can compute a signal quality metric of the color intensity signal. The computing device can provide an indication of a quality of the color intensity signal for display on a display device associated with the computing device. The indication of the quality of the color intensity signal can be determined based on the signal quality metric. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133242 | FEATURE GENERATION BASED ON EIGENFUNCTIONS OF THE SCHRODINGER OPERATOR - A method for generating a feature associated with input data includes receiving the input data; projecting the input data with a set of square functions ψ | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133243 | TERMINAL DEVICE, INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - This terminal device is provided with: an acquisition unit which receives, from a server, information displayed on a display device used for medical treatment or care, and stores the received information in a storage unit; and a display control unit which displays the information on the display device. When a display stop condition, which indicates the likelihood that there is a difference between information stored in the server and information stored in the storage unit, is satisfied, the display control unit stops the display of at least information about biological information on a facility user who is a person requiring the medical treatment or care, among the information on the display device. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133244 | DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PROVIDING A SUGGESTION FOR AN ADAPTED ALARM CONDITION FOR A MEDICAL SYSTEM USER - A device, process and computer program based process provide a suggestion for at least one adapted alarm condition for a user in a medical system. The device includes a processing device configured to generate at least one adapted alarm condition of an alarm concerning at least one parameter triggering the alarm. The alarm condition is provided to offer to the user a possibility of adapting the alarm condition when an alarm frequency exceeds a limit value. The device further includes an interface, which is configured to provide the suggestion for the at least one adapted alarm condition of the alarm. The process includes the generation of at least one adapted alarm condition of an alarm concerning at least one parameter triggering the alarm. This adapted alarm condition is provided to offer the user the possibility of adapting the alarm condition when an alarm frequency exceeds a limit value. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133245 | METHOD OF OBTAINING X-RAY IMAGES - To obtain functional information | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133246 | A SPECT-SCANNER AND COLLIMATOR - A SPECT scanner for making images of an object using gamma radiation comprises a collimator that extends along a longitudinal direction around an object space and that comprises a set of pinholes for the gamma radiation, a detection device for gamma radiation that is allowed to pass through from the object space by the pinholes, and an object carrier for bringing the object into the object space along the longitudinal direction. At least one pinhole is provided in a pinhole body that is rotatable in the collimator around an axis of rotation. Because the pinholes themselves rather than the collimator are made rotatable, the entire object space with the object therein can be advantageously scanned without having to move the object. The properties of the collimator can also easily be adjusted, even during scanning. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133247 | MAMMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - A mammography apparatus includes an imaging table on which a breast of a subject is placed, a compression plate that compresses the breast, the compression plate being disposed to face the imaging table and being movable in a vertical direction with respect to the imaging table, and an operation portion that is operated to move the compression plate, the operation portion being provided separately from the compression plate and being displaced along a movement direction of the compression plate. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133248 | APPARATUS FOR REAL-TIME VISUALIZING A MOVEMENT OF A LOWER JAW VERSUS AN UPPER JAW IN A CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL AREA OF A PATIENT IN DENTAL DIAGNOSTICS - The present invention relates to an apparatus ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133249 | THREE DIMENSIONAL X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - Three-dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The 2D images are taken at different X-ray source positions located on a circle that defines the base of a regular geometric cone with the intraoral sensor located at the apex of that cone. The application also describes a method for making a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising providing an X-ray source on a motion gantry on a first side of an object to be imaged, positioning a stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source, moving the X-ray source in a substantially-continuous, circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, collecting multiple two-dimensional 2D images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions, and reconstructing a three-dimensional 3D image using the multiple 2D images. These X-ray systems and methods offer a quick method of imaging an object, such as a tooth, while at the same time using a low radiation dose. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133250 | X-Ray Image Detector Holder and Mounting Device and Method for Commercial X-Ray Applications - A device for attaching an x-ray image detector holder to a commercial structure such as a pipe so that the modern digital image detector can be used in analysis and inspection. The x-ray image detector holder attach device is constructed to be attached to a structure and can include a flat image detector holder part, the image detector holder part having at least one peripheral slot; a structure contact part constructed to be strapped to a structure to be x-rayed, the structure contact part having a key sized to mate with the peripheral slot, the key having a lock constructed to hold the key in the peripheral slot; the structure contact part can be a means to attach it to the structure to be x-rayed such as a strap or suction cups. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133251 | RADIATION TRACKING FOR PORTABLE FLUOROSCOPY X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - A method for fluoroscopy energizes a radiation source to form a scout image on a detector and processes the scout image to determine and report a radiation field position with respect to a predetermined zone of the detector. The radiation source is energized for fluoroscopic imaging of a subject when the reported radiation field position is fully within the predetermined zone. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133252 | UPRIGHT X-RAY BREAST IMAGING WITH A CT MODE, MULTIPLE TOMOSYNTHESIS MODES, AND A MAMMOGRAPHY MODE - A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133253 | COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus for use with an imaging device in order to image a subject. The imaging device includes an annular gantry having an opening and a table to accommodate the subject or a portion thereof for imaging. The imaging apparatus includes a platform and a positioning device. The imaging device is mounted to the platform. The annular gantry is in a fixed position relative to the platform. The table is horizontally displaceable relative to the annular gantry. The positioning device supports the platform and is configured to horizontally displace the platform relative to a supporting surface for the subject. The positioning device is configured to position the platform with the imaging device in at least one operational state in such a way that, during a relative movement of the table with respect to the annular gantry, the table remains stationary relative to the supporting surface. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133254 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING - Disclosed herein is a method of imaging a tracer in a body region of an organism, the body region comprising L imaging regions (imaging regions (i), i=1, . . . ,L), wherein L is an integer greater than 1, the method comprising: for i=1, . . . ,L, causing the tracer in essentially only the imaging region (i) to emit characteristic X-ray photons (i); for i=1, . . . ,L, capturing a region image (i) of the tracer in essentially only the imaging region (i) with the characteristic X-ray photons (i); and determining a three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the tracer in the body region based on the region images (i), i=1, . . . ,L. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133255 | STONE IDENTIFICATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133256 | IMAGE CAPTURE METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present apparatus, system, and method relate to reliably capturing multiple x-ray images for later combination. An exposure shield blocks a portion of the x-rays emitted from a traditional emitter and collimator. The orientation of exposure shield may then be modified to block a second portion of x-rays while ensuring appropriate overlap of the captured images without intentionally moving the emitter or collimator and without the need for a patient to wear protective garb. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133257 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR ACQUIRING PHASE IMAGING DATA OF AN OBJECT - The invention relates to a control module for controlling an x-ray system ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133258 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, DEVICES AND STORAGE MEDIUMS FOR OBTAINING A RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE - The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for obtaining a radiographic image. The method may include obtaining a control instruction for controlling an imaging device to image a subject; determining, based on information reflecting a user's behavior in using the imaging device, adjustment parameters of a radiation generating device in the imaging device; and based on the control instruction, determining target exposure parameters at least based on a parameter control curve or biological information of the subject, the parameter control curve including a preset first parameter control curve or a second parameter control curve determined based on operation data of the imaging device, and the biological information including at least a weight and an overall content of each component of the subject; and imaging, based on the target exposure parameters, the subject to obtain the radiographic image. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133259 | BLADDER MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING BLADDER MONITORING APPARATUS - Disclosed are a bladder monitoring apparatus which accurately determines a bladder status of a subject based on an ultrasonic image and a posture of the subject and a method for controlling the bladder monitoring apparatus. The bladder monitoring apparatus includes a processor, a memory configured to operably connected to the processor and store at least one code executed by the processor, and a transceiver configured to receive a reflection ultrasonic signal from a subject and a posture sensing signal obtained by sensing a posture of the subject based on a sensor, and the memory may store a code which is executed by the processor to cause the processor to determine the bladder status of the subject by applying the machine learning-based learning model to an ultrasonic image generated from the reflection ultrasonic signal and posture information generated based on the posture sensing signal. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133260 | Premature Birth Prediction - Systems and methods of predicting future medical events are based on the processing of medical image. The prediction of premature birth and estimation of gestational age based on ultrasound images are presented as illustrative examples. The new abilities to estimate the probability of future medical events, before they otherwise could be predicted, provides new avenues for the development of preventative treatments. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133261 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE (LAA) TRANSSEPTAL ACCESS POINT OPTIMIZATION - A method includes, using a processor, identifying a septum and a Left Atrium Appendage (LAA) of a heart of a patient in an anatomical map of at least part of the heart. An entry surface over which a medical device is defined on the anatomical map, which is to be delivered via a sheath that penetrates the septum, is to engage with the LAA. A normal to the entry surface is calculated. A plurality of curves is calculated that each (i) have one end that is tangent to the normal, (ii) have a second end touching the septum, and (iii) comply with specified mechanical properties of the sheath. Multiple candidate locations on the septum are derived from the curves, for transseptal puncture with the sheath. The multiple candidate locations are presented to a user. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133262 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY, PROBE, ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD - The present disclosure provides an ultrasound transducer (UT) assembly for ultrasonic and photoacoustic dual-mode imaging of an endoscope, including a UT and a microlens integrated in the UT. The microlens is used for beam collimation or focusing and accommodated in an aperture of the UT. A probe/catheter including the UT assembly, an endoscopy system including the probe/catheter, and a method of manufacturing the UT assembly are also provided. The present application uses a photocurable glue and mold to form the microlens integrated in the UT and adopts the coaxial arrangement of the devices to solve the problems of light supply and device dimensions (rigid length and diameter), thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) probe/catheter. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133263 | MRI-COMPATIBLE IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND - An implantable ultrasonic transducer device for capturing radiographic and biometric data is provided. The implantable ultrasonic transducer device includes a transducer array configured to provide ultrasonic waves to a target area and to obtain reflected ultrasonic waves from the target area; a controller electrically coupled to the transducer array and configured to provide one or more control signals to the transducer array to control one or more modes of operation of the transducer array; and an antenna electrically coupled to the controller and configured to wireless transmit and receive data from an external device, wherein the transducer array, the controller, and the antenna are completely contained within a body cavity of a patient and an activation surface of the transducer array is positioned in physical contact with a portion of a treatment area of the patient with no air gap between the activation surface and the treatment area. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133264 | TIP ASSEMBLIES FOR REAL-TIME SAMPLING SYSTEM - An apparatus and system for effective real-time visualization of medical device usage. The apparatus includes a handle that receives a medical device and an imaging component, a flexible shaft includes at least two lumen and is attached to the handle and an end cap attached to the flexible shaft. The end cap includes a first lumen, an exit port located at a proximal end of the end cap, a first slot, and a second slot. The first lumen of the end cap receives the imaging component from the flexible shaft. The exit port receives the medical device from the flexible shaft. The slots are located longitudinally on an outer surface of the end cap at a distal section of the end cap. The first lumen of the end cap opens into a trough for better tissue connectivity. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133265 | INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS, INTERFACE ARCHITECTURE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - Solid-state ultrasound imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient ultrasound transducer scanner formed from a substantially cylindrical semiconductor substrate. In some embodiments, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the ultrasound scanner assembly including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of transistors formed thereupon. The semiconductor substrate is curved to have a substantially cylindrical form when the ultrasound scanner assembly is in a rolled form, and the plurality of transistors are arranged in a cylindrical arrangement when the ultrasound scanner assembly is in the rolled form. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers formed upon the semiconductor substrate and arranged in a cylindrical arrangement when the ultrasound scanner assembly is in the rolled form. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133266 | ULTRASOUND SONOGRAPHIC IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A sonographic imaging device involves an at least one movable panel, coupled to an upper surface, wherein movement of the panel will alter the overall size of the opening, a tub positioned beneath the opening and defining a volume such that a body part of a human subject can freely protrude through the opening into the volume defined by the tub, at least one robotic arm having a terminal end, wherein the terminal end is position-able to multiple locations within the volume defined by the tub, and at least one high frequency ultrasound transducer located near the terminal end. A related method of acquiring sonographic images of tissue of a human subject is also described. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133267 | ULTRASHIELD DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE IN ULTRASONIC PROCEDURES - Devices and method are provided for ultrasound transmission without the need for external couplants, such as gels, which are typically used in conventional ultrasound procedures. In particular, ultrashields are provided for use with ultrasound probes, wherein the ultrashields have specialized layers to provide an uninterrupted pathway of acoustic conductance from the probe to the surface of the body throughout the procedure while introducing minimal to no attenuation of ultrasound wave transmission. In addition, combinations of ultrashields and probe covers are provided to provide additional features such as a microbial barrier. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133268 | Device and Method for Intravascular Imaging and Sensing - An intravascular sensor device can be used to guide treatment of a diseased blood vessel in the body of a patient. In some examples, the intravascular sensor device includes a pressure sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The intravascular sensor device is used to measure a pressure within the diseased blood vessel and acquire an ultrasound image of the diseased blood vessel. The pressure may be measured during hyperemic blood flow that is caused by a pharmacologic vasodilator drug. The measured pressure can be used to calculate a fractional flow reserve value. The ultrasound image can be used to determine a physical dimension of the blood vessel, such as cross-sectional area. The fractional flow reserve value and physical dimensions of the blood vessel can be used to optimize patient treatment. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133269 | INTEGRATED WEARABLE ULTRASONIC PHASED ARRAYS FOR MONITORING - Systems and methods are provided that integrate control electronics with a wireless on-board module so that a conformal ultrasound device is a fully functional and self-contained system. Such systems employ integrated control electronics, deep tissue monitoring, wireless communications, and smart machine learning algorithms to analyze data. In particular, a stretchable ultrasonic patch is provided that performs the noted functions. The decoded motion signals may have implications on blood pressure estimation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis, heart function evaluation, and many other medical monitoring aspects. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133270 | ACCESSORY TECHNOLOGIES FOR ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS - Certain embodiments are directed to accessories for the use of portable probes, tablets and smartphones during ultrasound guided procedures requiring real-time visualization and sterile precautions. The embodiments include sterile procedural kits allow the placement of tablets or smartphone into sealed compartment that maintain sterility, allow for touch screen adjustments and continuous visualization. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133271 | DETECTION MODE CONTROL CIRCUIT - A detection mode control circuit, including a morphological detection module ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133272 | WIRELESS ULTRASOUND PROBE, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS CONNECTED TO WIRELESS ULTRASOUND PROBE, AND OPERATING METHOD OF ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - Provided is a wireless ultrasound probe configured to detect a state in which the wireless ultrasound probe is detached from a charging terminal, causing supply of the charging power to the wireless ultrasound probe to be discontinued, and the wireless ultrasound probe is paired with the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus by using a wireless communication scheme when supply of the charging power is discontinued. Also provided are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an operating method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus configured to be automatically paired with a wireless ultrasound probe in a state in which the wireless ultrasound probe is detached from a charging terminal of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, causing supply of the charging power to the wireless ultrasound probe to be discontinued. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133273 | TRANSPARENT ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING - The present disclosure provides photoacoustic-imaging techniques using an optically-transparent bulk piezoelectric ultrasound transducer. A PAI system is disclosed. The PAI system has an optically translucent piezoelectric substrate, and a light source capable of providing light through the transducer to a region of interest. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133274 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133275 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEM AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING METHOD - An ultrasonic imaging method and an ultrasonic imaging system are provided herein. The ultrasonic imaging system includes: a scanning assembly having an ultrasonic transducer to send ultrasonic signals to a tissue to be scanned and acquire a plurality of ultrasonic echo signals at a plurality of positions; a processor to receive the plurality of ultrasonic echo signals acquired at the plurality of positions, and generate an ultrasonic image corresponding to each of the plurality of positions; a display to display the ultrasonic images; and a user input unit to select the ultrasonic image corresponding to any specific position and send an input signal that is configured to control movement of the ultrasonic transducer, driven by a driving device, to the specific position. Also provided in the present invention is an ultrasonic imaging method using the system. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133276 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A medical image processing device according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry detects a contrast medium from a medical image. The processing circuitry sets a first region of interest and a second region of interest in the medical image. The processing circuitry calculates a density ratio between a density of the contrast medium included in the first region of interest and a density of the contrast medium included in the second region of interest. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133277 | ADAPTIVE PULSING FOR SONOTHROMBOLYSIS TREATMENT - A therapeutic ultrasound method configured to adaptively transmit ultrasound pulses toward microbubbles in a treatment region to remove an occlusion is described. In some examples, the system may include a treatment pulse unit configured to transmit an ultrasound pulse to a treatment region of a subject, the treatment region including a plurality of microbubbles. An echo detection unit may be configured to receive one or more echoes responsive to the ultrasound pulse. In some examples, the method may also include a data processor configured to identify, using data associated with the echoes, at least one echo signature indicative of a dynamic state of the microbubbles in response to the ultrasound pulse. A controller may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of an additional ultrasound pulse transmitted to the treatment region via the treatment pulse unit based on the at least one echo signature. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133278 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEGMENTATION AND RENDERING OF INVERTED DATA - Systems and methods for preprocessing three dimensional (3D) data prior to generating inverted renders are disclosed herein. The preprocessing may include segmenting the 3D data to remove portions of the data associated with noise such that those portions do not appear in the generated render. The segmentation may include applying a mask to the 3D data. The mask may be generated by sorting data points in the 3D data set into a first set or a second set. In some examples, the 3D data may be filtered prior to generating the mask. In some examples, the mask may be adjusted based on feature recognition. The preprocessing may allow the visualization of hypoechoic regions of interest in a volume. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133279 | METHOD AND LOCAL AND REGIONAL CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM FOR PRESSURE ELASTOGRAPHY MEASUREMENT DEVICES - An exemplary method and system for a local cloud infrastructure are disclosed for a pressure elastography-based measurement system, e.g., to provide pre-screening/early screening for breast cancer detection and/or mass detection. The exemplary system comprises a local appliance and gateway that provides cloud infrastructure capabilities in a portable manner to be deployable in a doctor's office or clinic. The exemplary system can operate independently, as well as in conjunction with a regional or global cloud infrastructure, to provide electronic medical record capabilities, appointment management capabilities, as well as teleradiology interface capabilities, e.g., to improve examination workflow and reduce overall operation cost. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133280 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING THEREIN COMPUTER-READABLE PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for generating a tomographic image of a subject by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a hardware processor that: detects a blood vessel imaged in the tomographic image; determines whether an image of the blood vessel which has been detected falls under either a short axis view or a long axis view by an image analysis of the tomographic image; and sets a steering angle of an ultrasound beam used in measuring conditions of the detected blood vessel or a blood flow velocity in the detected blood vessel, based on a determination result of the image of the blood vessel. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133281 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - An ultrasound system ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133282 | SECURE DEVICE FOR DELIVERING MEDICATIONS - A device for delivering medications that includes a syringe body, a cartridge nest with an application tip, a plunger actuator, an electronic subassembly adapted for collecting vital signs information, and a biological fluid specimen collector adapted for collecting a specimen from a patient. The biological fluid specimen collector can be adapted for nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal sampling, and may be an absorbent material located at least partially around an application injector extending from the application tip. The electronic subassembly may be configured for interfacing with one or more peripheral sensors, transmitting vital signs information to a database, and transmitting a notification when at least one vital sign parameter meets a predetermined threshold. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133283 | SWAB - A swab is described that includes a handle, a connecting rod including a ring groove, and a head having a shape of at least one of flagella or pilus. The head includes one or more channels configured to collect sample (e.g., specimen) from an anatomical part of a patient. The one or more channels can store the sample while additional sample is being collected. The head has an end that is convex. The handle includes a circular disc to hold the swab. The connecting rod is configured to be broken at the ring groove when pressure is applied to bend the swab. The handle, the connecting rod, and the head form/are a single integrated structure and are inseparable without breaking the single integrated structure. The anatomical part can be a nose or a throat. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques, methods and articles are also within the scope of this disclosure. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133284 | GUIDANCE AND TRACKING SYSTEM FOR TEMPLATED AND TARGETED BIOPSY AND TREATMENT - Disclosed are various embodiments for a guidance and tracking system that facilitate templated and targeted biopsy and/or treatment. A guidance and tracking system may include a catheter having a six-degree-of-freedom magnetic tracking sensor, where the catheter can be positioned and anchored in an organ or a natural passage of an organ such as the urethral passage in the prostate of a patient. Using tracking sensors, a computing device may be employed to track a location and orientation of an organ and medical instruments during a treatment or diagnostic procedure. The computing device may determine a position and orientation of the medical instrument relative to the organ of interest. A graphical user interface including real, three-dimensional objects to overlay and adjust biopsy templates onto a real three-dimensional organ or lesion that is manually reconstructed prior to the biopsy procedure. A simulator or simulator mode can be provided for training. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133285 | BIOPSY DEVICE FOR USE WITH ENDOSCOPE - A biopsy device adapted for use with an endoscope includes an adaptor that is adapted to be secured relative to an endoscope. The biopsy device includes a pair of jaws that are pivotably disposed relative to the adaptor. An actuator is operably coupled with the first jaw and the second jaw and extends proximally therefrom. The actuator is adapted to move the first jaw and the second jaw relative to the biopsy device housing. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133286 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING A VESSEL IN A SUBJECT - A method of treating a vessel in a subject comprises the steps of advancing a device distally across a treatment zone in a vessel, wherein the device comprises an elongated catheter having a lumen and a distal end, and a radially expansive treatment element disposed in the lumen and configured for axial movement relative to the catheter; deploying the radially expansive treatment element proud of the distal end of the catheter to radially expand and circumferentially impress against the vessel lumen at a distal end of the treatment zone; and withdrawing the deployed radially expansive treatment element proximally along the treatment zone with the treatment element circumferentially impressed against the vessel lumen to mechanically and circumferentially denude the treatment zone of the vessel. The radially expansive treatment element is then recaptured into the lumen of the catheter, before the device is withdrawn from the treated vessel. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133287 | SEALANT DELIVERY APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING SAME, FOR USE IN A LUNG PROCEDURE - A sealant delivery apparatus for use in a lung access procedure to aid in preventing pneumothorax includes a sealant applicator device and an injection needle assembly. The injection needle assembly has a hub and an elongate hollow stylet. The hub is configured for removable connection to the sealant applicator device. The elongate hollow stylet is configured to facilitate fluid communication with at least one output port of the sealant applicator device to receive a multi-component sealant. The elongate hollow stylet has a proximal portion, a distal portion having a closed distal end, and a plurality of side ports proximal to the closed distal end. The plurality of side ports radially extend from a lumen and through a side wall of the elongate hollow stylet in the distal portion. The plurality of side ports are in fluid communication with the at least one output port of the sealant applicator device. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133288 | MICROGRAFT FOR THE TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS AND METHOD FOR USE - A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133289 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR CLOSING AN ABDOMINAL WALL DEFECT - Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect are disclosed. The systems may include a subcutaneous guide that is placed transcutaneously between two skin access sites and a self-locking strap that may be advanced into the body through a first access site via a first needle and then passed to a second needle. The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the defect. Devices for closure of a tissue defect are also disclosed. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133290 | ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT DEVICE, AND USAGE METHOD THEREOF - A tissue traction device includes a first needle connected to a distal end of a first thread; a second needle connected to a distal end of a second thread; an elongated main body connected to the first thread and extending between the first thread and the second thread, the main body including a first hole; and a tube disposed at a proximal end of the main body, wherein the second thread is inserted through the first hole to be advanceable and retractable at a position between the second needle and a distal end of the tube, and the tube and the second thread are configured to be relatively movable in a longitudinal direction of the tube. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133291 | FORCE MEASURING JOINT DISTRACTION LEVER - A joint distraction lever includes a lever body having a handle portion coupled to a working portion, a fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the working portion of the lever body, a distal tip, which is raised above a top surface of the working portion of the lever body, a force measurement device used to measure a distraction force applied at the distal tip during a distraction procedure for a joint during which a torque is applied at the handle portion of the lever body, and a force value output used to indicate the distraction force applied at the distal tip. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133292 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR - A retractor can have a portal attached thereto. A portal attachment lock button allows for adjustment of the depth of the portal with respect to the patient. A portal alignment mechanism, such as a ball and socket, allows the portal to be maneuvered. A pair of lock releases control the opening and closing of a respective one of a pair of retractor blades independent from one another. A pair of toeing mechanisms can operate independently as well. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133293 | ORGAN RETRACTOR - An organ retractor includes a plurality of retractor jaws, a central support structure, and a central housing. The central housing includes a threaded portion. The plurality of retractor jaws is hingedly connected to the central housing. The central support structure is coupled to the central housing. The plurality of retractor jaws is disposed in an open position by a spring. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133294 | DEEP ORBITAL ACCESS RETRACTOR - The present disclosure provides a deep orbital access retractor (DOAR) device which includes a manipulable body section including a compressible handle having a size and shape to be manipulated by at least two (2) digits of a clinician. A flexible head section having two (2) arms with each arm having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal ends of the arms spaced apart forming a gap there-between at a distal tip section. A flexible flange material envelops and encloses the two arms and the gap and extends around a periphery of the flexible head section. A flexible diaphragm is attached to and extends between the two arms to provide a generally spoon-shaped flexible head section. The flexible head section is linked to the compressible handle section with the linkage being configured such that upon compression of the handle section the arms articulate with respect to each other thereby causing narrowing of the flexible head section to allow for insertion into the orbit and positioning between soft tissue and bone while the flexible diaphragm remains in sufficient tension to not obstruct the view of the operator into the orbit. When compression is released the flexible diaphragm develops sufficient tension and rigidity for applying sufficient force to retract the orbital contents of a patient to allow access to orbital walls. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133295 | ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT DEVICE - A tissue traction device includes a first needle connected to a distal end of a first thread; a second needle connected to a distal end of a second thread; an elongated main body connected to the first thread and extending between the first thread and the second thread, the main body being elastically deformable; a tube disposed at a proximal end of the main body; and a traction member having a distal end connected to a distal end portion of the main body, the traction member extending from the distal end portion of the main body toward a distal end of the tube. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133296 | METHOD FOR TISSUE FIXATION - A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133297 | SHUTTLE CABLE TRANSPORTING DEVICE AND METHOD - A surgical device for controlling a shuttle cable, comprises a shaft, a capture mechanism comprising a first and second jaw and cavity therebetween accessible by a shuttle cable, and a gate connected to a jaw and in rigid communication with a flexible hinge, the hinge operable to allow the gate to deflect from a closed position to an open position by a force acting on the distal side of the gate, wherein the gate resiliently returns from an open position to a closed position, the capture mechanism is operable to allow the shuttle cable to slide axially through a containment aperture. A method comprises guiding the surgical device through a bone aperture, coupling the surgical device to a portion of the shuttle cable; and retrieving the capture mechanism through the aperture to the first side of the bone. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133298 | POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133299 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A RELEASABLE CLOSURE DRIVE LOCK - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a closure drive configured to close the end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a lock configured to hold a closure actuator of the closure drive in a partially-closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive operable to rotate the end effector about an articulation joint when the closure drive is in its partially-closed position. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133300 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STOWED CLOSURE ACTUATOR STOP - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a closure drive configured to close the end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a stowed lock deployable to hold a closure actuator of the closure drive in a partially-closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive operable to rotate the end effector about an articulation joint when the closure drive is in its partially-closed position. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133301 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN INDICATOR WHICH INDICATES THAT AN ARTICULATION DRIVE IS ACTUATABLE - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and an articulation drive system operable to articulate the end effector about an articulation joint is disclosed. The articulation drive system comprises an actuator which indicates whether the articulation drive system is in an operable state. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133302 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK - A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation drive is disclosed. The articulation drive comprises a lock configured to hold the end effector in position when the articulation drive is not being operated. The articulation lock self-unlocks when the articulation drive is actuated. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133303 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEALABLE INTERFACE - A surgical instrument comprising a sealed shaft interface is disclosed. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133304 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw is disclosed. One or both of the first jaw and the second jaw comprise an arrangement for maintaining the alignment between the first jaw and the second jaw. The alignment arrangement can also provide tactile feedback to the operator of the surgical instrument that the surgical instrument is reaching a fully-closed position during a closure stroke. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133305 | SURGICAL STAPLER END EFFECTOR SLED HAVING CARTRIDGE WALL SUPPORT FEATURE - A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The staple driver actuator also includes a plurality of rails extending upwardly from the base. Each of the plurality of rails includes at least one cam surface, and each of the cam surfaces is inclined relative to the plane. The plurality of rails includes a laterally-opposed pair of outer rails and a laterally-opposed pair of inner rails. The staple driver actuator further includes a distal nose extending distally from at least a portion of the base and having at least one ledge surface. The ledge surface faces upwardly, is parallel to the plane, and is at least partially positioned distally relative to each of the outer and inner rails. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133306 | SURGICAL STAPLER END EFFECTOR SLED HAVING TAPERED DISTAL END - A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The base also has at least one top surface parallel to the plane, a distal lower cam surface inclined relative to the plane, and at least one distal upper cam surface inclined relative to the plane. The at least one distal upper cam surface is opposed from the distal lower cam surface. The staple driver actuator further includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The rail includes at least one rail cam surface longitudinally spaced apart from the distal upper cam surface, and the rail cam surface is inclined relative to the plane. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133307 | SURGICAL STAPLER END EFFECTOR SLED HAVING MULTIPLE SURFACE FINISHES - A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a stapling assembly of the surgical stapler. The staple driver actuator also includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The at least one rail includes at least one rail cam surface, and the rail cam surface is inclined relative to the plane. The staple driver actuator further includes a first surface texture on a first portion of the staple driver actuator, and a second surface texture on a second portion of the staple driver actuator. The second surface texture is smoother than the first surface texture. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133308 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING AN ADAPTER ASSEMBLY AND AN ARTICULATING SURGICAL LOADING UNIT - An adapter assembly includes an articulation nut, an articulation link, and a drive belt operably coupled to a distal portion of the articulation link. The articulation link has a proximal end portion operably coupled to the articulation nut, such that rotation of the articulation nut results in translation of the articulation link. The drive belt has a distal end portion configured to be operably coupled to a proximal end portion of a surgical loading unit, such that movement of the drive belt articulates the surgical loading unit relative to the adapter assembly. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133309 | Suture of Varying Cross-section and Methods of Manufacture and Use - The present invention includes, in one embodiment, a method of forming a suture having various cross-sectional shapes, the method including the steps of braiding the suture such that the suture has a first cross-sectional shape along a length; holding a first end of the suture and holding the suture at a second position at a location in between the first end and a second end such that a first portion of the suture is defined between the first end and the second position; manipulating the first end relative to the second position to alter the first portion of the suture into an altered cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape; and releasing the first end and the second position, wherein the step of manipulating is performed such that, upon release, the first portion maintains its manipulated shape. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133310 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STAGED VOLTAGE REGULATION START-UP SYSTEM - A surgical instrument comprising a power source, a first voltage regulator, and a second voltage regulator are disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a power source configured to sequentially power the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133311 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR CONFIGURED TO SENSE WHETHER AN ARTICULATION DRIVE OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IS ACTUATABLE - A surgical instrument comprising a staple firing drive and an articulation drive is disclosed. The articulation drive is selectively engageable with said firing drive such that the articulation drive is driveable by the staple firing drive. The surgical instrument further comprises a sensor system configured to assess whether the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133312 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW ALIGNMENT SYSTEM - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw is disclosed. One or both of the first jaw and the second jaw comprise alignment features | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133313 | SURGICAL STAPLER END EFFECTOR SLED HAVING STAPLE DRIVER SUPPORT FEATURE - A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The base also has at least one top surface parallel to the plane. The staple driver actuator further includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The rail includes at least one first cam surface. The first cam surface is inclined relative to the plane, and the first cam surface is longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the at least one top surface. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133314 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH PIVOTABLE KNIFE BLADE - Disclosed is a surgical stapling device ( | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133315 | MATERIAL COMBINATIONS AND PROCESSING METHODS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - Surface preparation for sliding surfaces can enhance wear performance for surgical instruments such as surgical staplers which include reusable mechanisms that are used multiple times with single use reload cartridges. To reduce the potential for galling wear in a metal-to-metal sliding engagement, a combination of surface hardening, surface finish, and surface coatings can be applied to metallic components of a surgical instrument. Surface hardening techniques can allow further manufacturing operations such as welding without compromising the strength of the underlying metal substrate. With stainless steel metal substrates, as surface or case hardening techniques can reduce corrosion resistance, a surface coating can be applied to inhibit surface oxidation as well as provide a barrier to metal-to-metal contact. A further lubricious coating layer such as a bone wax coating layer can enhance galling resistance. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133316 | SURGICAL STAPLER END EFFECTOR SLED HAVING CARTRIDGE BIASING FEATURE - A staple driver actuator for a staple cartridge of a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane, and the base defines a longitudinal centerline. The base is configured to slide longitudinally relative to the staple cartridge. The staple driver actuator also includes at least one biasing member. The biasing member is positioned laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal centerline of the base. The biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force on a portion of the staple cartridge in a direction toward the longitudinal centerline of the base. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133317 | ACTUATION SHAFT RETENTION MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL STAPLER - A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism. The powered handle can also include a retention mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of drivetrain components upon actuation of the manual return mechanism. For example, the retention mechanism can apply a direction-dependent frictional force on an actuation shaft of the handle assembly to prevent unintentional movement of the actuation shaft towards a distal end of the handle assembly. The retention mechanism can include a featherboard-like configuration with a plurality of ribs oriented transversely to the actuation shaft to restrict movement of the actuation shaft in one direction while allowing movement of the shaft in the opposite direction. | 2022-05-05 |
| 20220133318 | SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING A POWERED HANDLE - A powered handle for a surgical stapler has a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle includes a shaft recognition mechanism such that when a reload shaft for use with the surgical stapler is installed, a control system can actuate the drive system with the recognized shaft. The powered handle further comprises a LED light ring driven by a light control scheme to display a handle status. The control system also includes a startup module to assess hardware and control system performance before use. The startup module assesses different criteria depending on whether the handle is new, previously used, or previously reset. The control system of the powered handle further includes a lockout module configured to identify when a lockout has been encountered. The lockout module applies different criteria depending on whether the motor is operating at a maximum speed state or less than a maximum speed state. | 2022-05-05 |
