Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110071431 | BIOPSY MARKER DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A biopsy system includes a biopsy device operable for taking one or more biopsy samples from a patient and a marker delivery device. The biopsy device includes a body portion having an alignment feature and a hollow biopsy needle extending distally from the body portion. The marker delivery device includes a marker deployer tube and an alignment feature associated with the marker deployer tube. The alignment feature on the marker delivery device is configured to matingly engage with the alignment feature on the biopsy device. A marker delivery device includes a resilient marker guide ramp. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071553 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM WITH LOAD MONITOR - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071558 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM TENSION RELEASE MECHANISM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071646 | TISSUE INTERFACE FOR IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110196286 | ULTRASONICALLY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATING CUTTING IMPLEMENT - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that rotatably supports an ultrasonic transducer assembly therein that may be selectively rotated by various motor configurations. Various slip ring arrangements are disclosed for supplying ultrasonic electrical signals and motor drive signals from a control system. Various forms of blade and cutting implements are disclosed for attachment to the ultrasonic transducer assembly such that such implements may be selectively rotatable within a hollow outer sheath. Vacuum may be applied to the cutting implement or through the outer sheath to draw tissue through an opening in the sheath and into contact with the cutting implement. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196287 | METHODS OF USING ULTRASONICALLY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE CUTTING IMPLEMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to methods for treating tissue within an aqueous environment. Various methods may include introducing a cutting implement of a surgical instrument into the aqueous environment. The cutting implement may have at least one cutting surface thereon and at least one ultrasonic portion thereon and be selectively rotatable within a hollow sheath. The methods may include rotating or rotatably oscillating the cutting implement within the hollow sheath for tissue cutting purposes. The cutting implement may also be retained in a position wherein the ultrasonic portion of the cutting implement may be applied to tissue and then have ultrasonic motion applied thereto. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196399 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE BLADE AND HOLLOW SHEATH ARRANGEMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that rotatably supports an ultrasonic transducer assembly therein that may be selectively rotated by a motor housed therein. Various forms of blades are disclosed for attachment to the ultrasonic transducer assembly such that the blade may be selectively rotatable within a hollow outer sheath. The hollow outer sheath has at least one opening therein through which the blade tip may be exposed to tissue. Vacuum may be applied to the cutting implement or through the outer sheath to draw tissue through the opening(s) in the sheath and into contact with a portion of the blade. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196401 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PARTIALLY ROTATING BLADE AND FIXED PAD ARRANGEMENT - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that supports an ultrasonically excited blade and an outer sheath that can be selectively rotated relative to each other to bring a distal cutting tip of the blade into contact with at least one cutting surface formed on a distal end of the outer sheath. In some embodiments, the distal cutting tip may contact two cutting surfaces located on opposing sides of an opening in the outer sheath through which the distal cutting tip protrudes. Tissue pads may be attached to the cutting surfaces. Various embodiments also include at least one suction lumen. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196404 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MOVING CUTTING IMPLEMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath. | 08-11-2011 |
20110257598 | TROCAR SEAL WITH REDUCED CONTACT AREA - Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall. | 10-20-2011 |
20120022399 | Biopsy Device with Integral Needle Tip Protector - A biopsy device comprises a housing, a needle, a cutter, and an integral needle tip protector. The integral needle tip protector comprises a cover that translates relative to the housing to selectively shield all or a portion of the needle to protect a user from contact with the sharp needle and to prevent the needle from damage during handling. The integral needle tip protector may be used to shield the needle before and/or after a biopsy procedure. The integral needle tip protector is designed such that it can be controlled with the user's hands remaining proximal from the distal end of the needle. In some versions, the integral needle tip protector is designed with an unfolding distal portion unfold or resiliently expanding distal portion. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022400 | Biopsy Device with Detachable Needle Tip Protector - A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a needle tip protector. The needle tip protector is selectively attachable to the biopsy device before and/or after a procedure, to protect a user from contact with the sharp needle and to prevent the needle from damage during handling. In some versions, the needle tip protector may be placed on, and removed from, the biopsy device with the user's hands remaining proximal from the distal end of the needle. In some versions, the needle tip protector substantially seals the lateral aperture of the needle such that the needle can be primed before a procedure. In some versions, the needle tip protector includes one or more living hinges for selectively securing the needle tip protector to the biopsy device; or for actuating the needle tip protector to shield or expose the distal end of the needle. | 01-26-2012 |
20120116363 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDPIECE WITH RESILIENTLY BIASED COUPLING TO MODULAR SHAFT AND END EFFECTOR - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force. | 05-10-2012 |
20120283563 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH MANIFOLD ALIGNMENT FEATURE AND TISSUE SENSOR - A biopsy system includes a needle, a cutter movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample, a processing module, a tissue sensor, and an indicator. The tissue sensor is operable to sense a tissue sample severed by the cutter. The processing module is operable to drive the indicator based on information from the tissue sensor. The indicator may include an audible indicator and/or a visual indicator. The indication provided by the indicator may vary based on sensed qualities of the tissue sample. The indicator may be integrated into a biopsy instrument or may be provided as part of a remote unit. The biopsy system may also include a multi-chamber tissue sample holder. A graphical user interface may indicate which chambers of the tissue sample holder are occupied by tissue samples. | 11-08-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150230783 | MODULAR SURGICAL TOOL SYSTEMS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an actuation system, a drive system, and a tool head. The drive system is coupled to the actuation system and includes a rotatable shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. The tool head is coupled to the drive system and includes an annular cartridge and a pliable bunchable ring. The annular cartridge includes a plurality of staples. The pliable bunchable ring surrounds the annular cartridge. The surgical instrument is configured to drive the staples through the pliable bunchable ring substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. | 08-20-2015 |
20150230784 | MODULAR SURGICAL TOOL SYSTEMS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an actuation system, a drive system, and a tool head. The drive system is coupled to the actuation system and includes a rotatable shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. The tool head is coupled to the drive system and includes an annular cartridge and a pliable bunchable ring. The annular cartridge includes a plurality of staples. The pliable bunchable ring surrounds the annular cartridge. The surgical instrument is configured to drive the staples through the pliable bunchable ring substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. | 08-20-2015 |
20150297210 | SURGICAL BOWEL RETRACTOR DEVICES - Bowel retractor devices. In various forms, the bowel retractor devices are configurable from a collapsed position wherein the retractor may be inserted through a trocar cannula or other opening in a patient's body to a second expanded position wherein at least a portion of the patient's bowel may be advantageously supported in a desired position. | 10-22-2015 |
20150320437 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN ARTICULATING ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis. | 11-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090062972 | Systems and Methods for Presenting and Obtaining Flight Control Information - Systems and methods for presenting and obtaining flight control information are disclosed. In one embodiment, information corresponding to a vertical motion of the aircraft can be displayed between information corresponding to a lateral motion of the aircraft and information corresponding to an airspeed of the aircraft. The information displayed can include a current mode for controlling the motion of the aircraft, a current target to which the aircraft is being directed and, at least proximate to both the current mode and the current target, a subsequent target to which the aircraft will be directed after attaining the current target. | 03-05-2009 |
20100076627 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AND RECEIVING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC FLIGHT GUIDANCE INFORMATION - Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time. | 03-25-2010 |
20100262358 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AND RECEIVING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC FLIGHT GUIDANCE INFORMATION - Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time. | 10-14-2010 |
20110118908 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGEMENT OF AIRPLANE SPEED PROFILE - Methods and systems for airplane speed profile management are disclosed. A method and system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a graphical display of speed segments and constraints as well as controls for managing the speeds and associated constraints. Speed Profile Management System (SPMS) provides an integrated and interactive speed profile management tool where pilots can view, update, or change the speed profile of their airplane's current or subsequent phases of flight. | 05-19-2011 |
20110224848 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AND RECEIVING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC FLIGHT GUIDANCE INFORMATION - Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time. | 09-15-2011 |
20110295450 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AND RECEIVING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC FLIGHT GUIDANCE INFORMATION - Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time. | 12-01-2011 |
20120179307 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AND RECEIVING TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC FLIGHT GUIDANCE INFORMATION - Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time. | 07-12-2012 |
20140188312 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR LAYERED AND MULTI-INDEXED FLIGHT MANAGEMENT INTERFACE - Methods, systems, and apparatus for tab-pane-based flight plan management interface are disclosed. The tab-pane-based flight management interface system (FMIS) is optimally Layered and Multi-Indexed (LMI) such that the management of flight management (FM) functions and associated parameters that affect the airplane's flight are easily and efficiently operable by pilots. The LMI-FMIS provides a flexible tab-pane-based architecture that allows pilots to start a flight plan modification, proceed to engage in other tasks not related to the modification, and return to the pending modification to continue the modification process. The LMI-FMIS also provides task-oriented menu structures that provide pilots tailored options or menus applicable to the task at hand thus efficiently guiding pilots to complete a task while maintaining easy access to information that was displayed prior to the commencement of the task. | 07-03-2014 |