Innovation Patents
Care Unit (BilliBlossom)
A care unit can include a base member and a plurality of petal members. Each petal member can extend from a first end, engaged with the base member, to a second end, spaced from the base member. Inward-facing surfaces of at least two petal members and the base member can collectively define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the patient. The care unit can further include one or both of a therapy component, configured to provide a treatment to the patient, or a sensor component, configured to monitor a condition of the patient. The therapy component can be coupled to, or integrated with, one or both of the base member or a petal member and can include an optical light source, a thermal energy source, an oxygen or air source, a sound wave source, a sound wave-cancelling source, or a pulsating source, for example.
Patent No.: US 9,907,688 B2
Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
Inventors: Felicity Pino (Kansas City, MO), Saurav Paul (Minneapolis, MN), James Krocak (Minneapolis, MN), John Ferguson (Minneapolis, MN), Nicole Eugenia Pardo Lamos (Humble, TX), David Amor (Glenview, IL), Ashish Singal (Blaine, MN), Greg Ruth (Chanhassen, MN), Blaine Schneider (St. Paul, MN), Kari Roberts (St. Paul, MN)
Material Analysis of Anatomical Items
A computer-implemented method for medical device modeling includes accessing an electronic definition for a model of a three-dimensional item and an electronic definition of a three-dimensional spline relating to an internal anatomical volume; determining, with a computer-based finite element analysis system and using the electronic definitions, stresses created by the three-dimensional item along the three-dimensional spline, for different points along the three-dimensional spline; and displaying stress data generated by the finite element analysis system with a visualization system, the display of the stress data indicating levels of stress on portions of the three-dimensional item at particular locations along the three-dimensional spline.
Patent No.: US 9,865,096
Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
Inventors: Dane Coffey (Burbank, CA), Daniel F. Keefe (St. Paul, MN), Arthur G. Erdman (New Brighton, MN), Benjamin J. Bidne (Hanover, MN), Gregory Ernest Ostenson (St. Paul, MN), David M. Flynn (Lino Lakes, MN), Kenneth Matthew Merdan (Loretto, MN), Chi-Lun Lin (Minneapolis, MN)
Computer Visualization of Anatomical Items
A computer-implemented medical visualization method includes identifying a three-dimensional model of an anatomical item of a particular mammal; automatically identifying an open path in three-dimensional space through the anatomical item; fitting a smooth curve to the open path; and displaying the anatomical item and a visual representation of the smooth curve to a user on a three-dimensional imaging system.
Patent No.: US 9818231 B2
Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
Inventors: Dane Coffey (Burbank, CA), Daniel F. Keefe (St. Paul, MN), Arthur G. Erdman (New Brighton, MN), Benjamin J. Bidne (Hanover, MN), Gregory Ernest Ostenson (St. Paul, MN), David M. Flynn (Lino Lakes, MN), Kenneth Matthew Merdan (Loretto, MN)
Method and Device for MRI-guided Breast Interventions
A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.
Patent No.: US 9,554,779 B2
Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
Inventors: Blake Timothy Larson, Saint Paul, MN (US), Arthur G. Erdman (New Brighton, MN)
Micro-orifice Surgical Access System
A surgical access system including an access port device. The port device has a port member, a plurality of blades, and an articulation mechanism. The blades are circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the port member to collectively define an access region. The articulation mechanism defines a pivot point along a length of each blade, and is operable to articulate the blades between collapsed and expanded states. The blade tips collectively define a diameter in the collapsed state that is less than that in the expanded state. The blades rotate about the corresponding pivot point, and the pivot points move longitudinally relative to the port member, in transitioning between the contracted and expanded states. Light source(s) can be integrated with the blades or separately provided to enhance surgical field visibility.
Patent No.: US 9,072,501 B2
Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
Inventors: Hector J. Menchaca (Apple Valley, MN); Van N. Michalek (Arden Hills, MN); Nestor B. Suguitani (Sao Paulo, BR); Henry Buchwald (Edina, MN); Mitsuhiro Oura (Minneapolis, MN); Arthur G. Erdman (New Brighton, MN)
Sensing Tissue Properties
Some embodiments of a tissue sensor may include a micro-fabricated structure that can be coupled to a medical instrument, such as a probe, an endoscopic tool, or another minimally invasive instrument. The tissue sensor can be configured to provide information indicate of tissue properties, such as tissue elasticity characteristics or the type of tissue.
Patent No.: US 9,060,713 B2
Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
Inventors: Rajesh Rajamani (Saint Paul, MN); Peng Peng (Falcon Heights, MN); Ahmet Serdar Sezen (Minneapolis, MN); Arthur G. Erdman (New Brighton, MN)
Catheter Insertion Sterilization
A device includes a sheath having a lumen defined by a wall. The wall has an outer surface that is configured to emit ultraviolet light in a direction substantially normal to the wall. The lumen has a distal end configured for percutaneous placement. The lumen has a proximal end configured to receive a catheter.
Patent No.: US 8,933,416 B2
Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
Inventors: Benjamin Arcand (Mpls, MN); Joseph Hale (Maplewood, MN); Nikhil Murdeshwar (Maple Grove, MN); Bryan Rolfes (St. Paul, MN)
Fastener Deployment System and Method
This system and method has a long reach, side ejecting fastener placement apparatus suitable for use in nasal septal surgery. A first linear member carries a fastener body and a second linear member delivers a fastener retainer or provides support for placement of the fastener body. In various examples, the fastener includes a single stud rivet or includes a two legged staple. A mechanical linkage coupled to the handle provides a linear force for placement and deployment of a fastener.
Patent No.: US 8,387,849 B2
Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
Patent No.: US 8,636,188 B2
Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
Inventors: Ryan K. Buesseler, David B. Hom, Arthur G. Erdman
System and Method for Reducing Environmental Crematorial Release of Mercury from Mercury-Containing Dental Amalgam
The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.
Patent No.: US 8,402,619 B2
Date of Patent: May 26, 2013
Inventors: Benjamin Arcand (Mpls, MN); Joseph Hale (Maplewood, MN); Nikhil Murdeshwar (Maple Grove, MN); Bryan Rolfes (St. Paul, MN), Steven Johnson (La Crosse, WI), Luke Mitlyng (Litchfield, MN), Joseph Mullenbach (Adams, MN), Kristopher Kapphahn (Minneapolis, MN)
Treatment and Placement Device for Sinusitis Applications
This device can include a hollow catheter and probe, and can be configured to permit gradual and incremental probe extension. The device can be constructed to enhance the precision and maneuverability within the nasal and sinus passageways, while also accommodating the natural anatomical geometry of a targeted paranasal treatment site in an in-office setting as opposed to an operating room.
For example, the present treatment and placement device can accomplish access to the maxillary sinus ostium by utilizing an uncinate process to guide a probe tip into the ostium in a retrograde manner. The probe can be slidably, bi-directionally or coaxially positioned within the catheter. A distal portion of the probe can be biased away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.
Patent No.: US 8,435,261 B2
Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
Inventors: Benjamin Arcand (Mpls, MN); Joseph Hale (Maplewood, MN); Nikhil Murdeshwar (Maple Grove, MN); Bryan Rolfes (St. Paul, MN)
