Healthcare Compliance

Design Patent USD1123156S1 for Tongue Scraper Issued to LEZU VENTURES LLC

USPTO granted Design Patent USD1123156S1 for a tongue scraper to LEZU VENTURES LLC. The patent covers the ornamental design of the tongue scraper and lists Mike Sertyan as inventor. The application was filed on September 28, 2023.

Avatar Medical Autostereoscopic Display Patent Granted

The USPTO granted patent US12605062B1 to Avatar Medical on April 21, 2026, covering a switchable autostereoscopic display system capable of rendering both stereoscopic 3D images and flat 2D images on a single display. The patent contains 15 claims and is classified under medical imaging CPC codes.

Wahoo Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Design Patent USD1123163S1

USPTO issued Design Patent USD1123163S1 to Wahoo Fitness L.L.C. for a heart rate monitor design. The patent contains one design claim and was filed on December 31, 2024. This grant provides Wahoo Fitness with exclusive design rights for the ornamental appearance of the heart rate monitor device in the United States.

Agnya Perceptive Eye Imaging Patent Granted Apr 21

USPTO granted Patent US12605061B2 to Agnya Perceptive Solutions, L.L.C. for an eye imaging system with a head-wearable positioning helmet, conformable liner with head location fiducials, and an articulating eye imager fixture with positioning indication system. The system enables automated fundus camera positioning for accurate image capture and analysis using machine learning models for patient evaluation, monitoring, or diagnosis.

SCHUTHINK LLC Topographical Dental Abutment Design Patent USD1123160S1

USPTO granted Design Patent USD1123160S1 to SCHUTHINK LLC for a topographical dental abutment. The patent protects the ornamental design of the dental abutment component used in dental implant procedures. Inventor Stephen J. Chu filed the application on September 5, 2025 under Application No. 30021675.

Medical Apparatus and Method for Operating Medical Apparatus

USPTO granted Patent US12605055B2 to FUJIFILM Corporation on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a medical apparatus that illuminates a subject and captures images of reflected light for examination purposes, including a light source, light receiving section, and image control processor.

Edwards Lifesciences Heart Valve Repair Patent Granted

USPTO granted patent US12605248B2 to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation on April 21, 2026. The patent covers valve repair systems and leaflet clip devices for reducing regurgitation through native heart valves, including a delivery apparatus and clipping member that transforms from a delivery configuration to an implantation configuration via tensioning members. The patent names Lauren R. Freschauf and Ralph Schneider as inventors.

Olympus Endoscope Suction Channel Design Patent Granted

The USPTO granted Olympus Corporation Patent US12605054B2 for an endoscope with a suction channel featuring a variable-diameter design. The suction channel includes a main body and a small-diameter distal portion satisfying the relational expression R1/R2>1.27, where R1 is the inner diameter of the channel main body and R2 is the inner diameter of the small-diameter channel portion. The patent contains 10 claims and covers technology for suctioning liquid along with crushed calculi during endoscopic procedures.

Analyte Sensor Inserter Design Patent Granted April 21, 2026

The USPTO granted Design Patent USD1123164S1 for an analyte sensor inserter to inventors Shun Hui, Zhongyi Ding, and Guochang Li. The patent application (No. 35522868) was filed on October 18, 2024, and the design is classified under A61B 17/205, A61B 2017/925, and A61M 37/0015. One claim was allowed.

Balloon Device for Rigid Bronchoscope US12605060B1

The USPTO granted Patent US12605060B1 to inventors An Ho and David Stein for a balloon device configured for use with rigid bronchoscopes. The invention includes a balloon shaft member, a balloon member, and an inflation device, designed to fit snugly on the outside of a rigid bronchoscope to improve patient ventilation and prevent back bleeding during rigid bronchoscopy procedures.

Orthopedic Corset Patent US12605265B2, 21st Apr

The USPTO granted Patent US12605265B2 on April 21, 2026, to inventor Kathrine A. Johns for an orthopedic back support corset design. The invention features a back-support panel with bonings, a lacing system for tightness adjustment, and a multi-panel construction with front-side fastener. The patent contains 20 claims under CPC classifications A61F 5/028, A61F 5/01, and related subclasses.

USPTO Grants Medical Device Patent US12605268B2 to Horizon IP Tech

USPTO granted Patent US12605268B2 to HORIZON IP TECH, LLC on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a medical device comprising a plastic film with insufficient intrinsic stability to retain a planar shape against gravity, supported by a structure that inhibits at least 80% of the film from deforming regardless of orientation. The application (17736284) was filed May 4, 2022, and the patent contains 8 claims.

US12605271B2 External Female Catheter

The USPTO granted Patent US12605271B2 to inventor Roxanna Stead for an external urinary catheterization device designed for females. The device comprises a shell with a cutout positioned over the vulva, a fill material that wicks urine into an interior space, and a tube connected to a vacuum assembly for urine removal. The patent contains 11 claims and was filed on December 22, 2022.

Prolapse Corrective Device, US Patent 12605273B2

The USPTO granted Patent 12605273B2 to inventor Juan Llopis Manzanera on April 21, 2026, for a prolapse corrective device. The device comprises a single-piece structure with a dome-shaped head, two opposing diverging arms, and a connecting strap, adopting a dished isosceles triangle shape by default that is elastically deformable for insertion and extraction.

Liquid and Waste Collection System US12605270B2

USPTO granted Patent US12605270B2 to Babyation Inc. for a liquid and waste collection system using pressure and liquid tubing connected to a pressure source and liquid collector. The system collects liquid without passing it through the pump. The patent, filed February 18, 2022 under Application No. 17676028, contains 10 claims and covers CPC classifications A61F 5/455, A61F 5/453, A61F 5/4408, and A61F 13/15.

Thumb Brace Patent US12605266B1 - Bullseye Brace

The USPTO granted patent US12605266B1 to Bullseye Brace, Inc. (inventor Jeffrey B Stearns) on April 21, 2026 for a sheath lacing arrangement and associated carpometacarpal (CMC) thumb brace. The patent includes 14 claims covering the brace's design and functionality for limiting thumb and CMC joint range of motion. The filing date was October 13, 2023, under application number 18486640.

Urinary Catheter Collection Bag with Replaceable Filter, US12605269B1

The USPTO granted patent US12605269B1 to six inventors for a urinary catheter urine collection system featuring a removable blockage filter positioned between the collection bag and drainage tube. The system includes a flow valve with open and closed configurations that selectively directs urine through the filter to trap blockage material. The patent, granted April 21, 2026, claims 20 patent claims covering the replaceable filter cup design with wall slits.

Modular System for Cold Water Exposure Therapy Using Directed Ice Impingement

The USPTO granted patent US12605274B1 to Brrr Tech, LLC on April 21, 2026, covering a modular cold water exposure therapy system using directed ice impingement. The system includes an ice container configured to form and hold treatment ice, an agitator module with pump and impingement ports for circulating chilled water, and mobile app connectivity for session tracking. The patent protects methods for forming treatment ice, circulating treatment water, and conducting controlled cold exposure sessions in clinical and at-home settings.

Finger Pain Relief Device Patent US12605267B2

The USPTO granted patent US12605267B2 to inventor Jafar Vossoughi on April 21, 2026, covering a device and method to maintain distance between bones of a finger for pain relief. The patent describes an apparatus with engaging members and adjustable rod assemblies that control the gap between finger bones across a joint. The application was filed September 29, 2023, under application number 18478190, with 14 claims allowed.

2579 Welsh Childcare Providers Achieve 96% SASS Submission Rate

Care Inspectorate Wales announced that 2,579 childcare and play providers achieved a 96% submission rate for the Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS). The data will inform future support for the sector and guide regulatory activities focused on children's wellbeing and development. This reflects the sector's commitment to quality improvement and regulatory compliance.

Osteochondral Transfer Systems and Methods

USPTO granted patent US12605255B1 to the University of Utah Research Foundation on April 21, 2026, covering a system for osteochondral defect repair. The invention comprises a guide with a body, multiple legs, and a locking mechanism that slides along a longitudinal axis to capture cartilage surface topography without axial force application. The patent contains 36 claims and names five inventors.

OTTO BOCK US12605260B2 Prosthetic Foot Spring Patent

USPTO granted patent US12605260B2 to OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE LP for a prosthetic foot with reinforced spring connection. The invention comprises a base spring with toe and heel portions and a top spring assembly featuring dual spring members with bond connections and a spring connector. The patent contains 22 claims and was filed on December 6, 2018.

US12605258B2 Hip Arthroplasty Liner Removal Apparatus

The USPTO granted Patent US12605258B2 to Globus Medical, Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering an apparatus and method for removing a liner attached to an implanted acetabular shell in hip arthroplasty procedures. The patent discloses a rim plate with a through opening placed over the acetabular shell, a pilot hole drilled through the opening into the liner, and a removal tool inserted into the drilled hole to disengage the liner from the shell. The patent contains 20 claims and names John Loiacono, Kenny Chen, and Pasquale Petrera as inventors.

US12605262B2 Inflatable Limb Prosthesis, Israel Pilosof

The USPTO granted patent US12605262B2 to inventors Israel Pilosof and Yehuda Pilosof for an inflatable limb prosthesis. The invention includes a socket with an inner cavity configured for disposal of a limb stump, a mechanism for changing the inner diameter via remote control, and an inflatable lining with 15-60 longitudinal cells designed to diminish blood flow blockage. A pump assembly allows inflation/deflation to a user-set air pressure.

Prosthetic Thumb Device Patent US12605261B2

The USPTO granted US Patent 12605261B2 to Point Designs, Inc. for a prosthetic thumb device featuring a track configured for attachment to a prosthetic socket, a carriage with first and second components, and a locking mechanism. The device enables controlled movement of a prosthetic digit along a curved track profile with selectable locking states. The patent contains 18 claims and was assigned CPC classifications A61F 2002/587 and A61F 2/586.

USPTO Grants Otto Bock Prosthetic System Patent

The USPTO granted US Patent 12605259B2 to Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a prosthetic system with two pivotally connected prosthetic parts and a cover element that simultaneously pivots with the prosthetic parts about a joint axis. The 13-claim patent, filed on April 15, 2021, names six inventors including Marton Balint, Johannes Bischof, and Walter Lunzer.

DePuy Ireland U-Shaped Femoral Implant Removal Tool

The USPTO issued Patent US12605256B2 to DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a U-shaped femoral implant removal tool featuring a rectangular opening positioned over the implant neck and a sharpened front edge for cutting the stem interface. The filing (Application No. 18389795, filed December 20, 2023) contains 10 claims.

Expandable Corpectomy Modular Endplate Connection

The USPTO granted Patent US12605253B2 to Astura Medical Inc for an expandable corpectomy modular endplate connection system. The invention relates to vertebral body replacement devices featuring a quick-connecting removable endplate mechanism. The patent, filed on October 18, 2024, contains 9 claims and names Ross Dusterhoft and Thomas Purcell as inventors.

Expandable Intervertebral Cage Implant

USPTO granted patent US12605254B2 to inventor Robert Woodruff for an expandable intervertebral cage implant. The device features top and bottom plates with rotatable leaves, front and rear wedges, and a deployment mechanism that rotates leaves into a deployed position while increasing cage width and height. The mechanism also allows variation of the lordosis angle by moving one wedge while keeping the other stationary.

Aurora Spine Bone Density-Matched Orthopedic Implant Method Patent Grant

The USPTO granted Patent US12605252B2 to Aurora Spine, Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering a method of selecting and implanting orthopedic implants matched to a patient's bone density as determined by DEXA scan T-scores. The patent names inventors Trent James Northcutt and Laszlo Garamszegi and contains 16 claims.

Implantable Electromagnetic Field Generator for Orthopedic Therapy

The USPTO granted patent US12605249B2 to Pulsar Medtech Ltd. on April 21, 2026. The patent covers an implantable electromagnetic field generator for orthopedic therapy, comprising an anchor with an affixing portion, a coil, an electronics module, and a power source that generates therapeutic electromagnetic fields for soft tissue repair.

US12605250B2 Stabilizing Sacroiliac Joints Patent

USPTO granted US Patent 12605250B2 to Tenon Medical, Inc. covering prostheses and methods for stabilizing dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joints. The patent describes devices configured for posterior trajectory advancement via surgically created pilot openings, featuring elongated edge sections and bridge sections. The patent includes 11 claims and CPC classifications spanning A61F 2002/30995, A61F 2/30988, A61F 2/4455, and A61F 2/447.

California Clears 215,000 Cannabis Convictions, Disrupts $1.2B Illicit Market at 10-Year Legalization Milestone

California has cleared more than 215,000 cannabis convictions and disrupted $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis activity over the past decade, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on April 20, 2026, marking 10 years since voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016. The announcement commemorates the state's decade-long experiment with regulated cannabis commerce following the voter-approved legalization measure.

CCBHC-Expansion Grant Program Evaluation Information Collection

SAMHSA has published a 30-day notice and request for public comment on a proposed new information collection for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)-Expansion Grant Program Evaluation. The collection involves 298 respondents submitting de-identified Electronic Health Record data twice over an 8-hour response period each, totaling 4,768 burden hours at an estimated cost of $281,645.76. Comments are due June 22, 2026.

VA Cooperative Studies Program Importer Controlled Substances

The DEA published notice that VA Cooperative Studies Program applied on April 9, 2026, to be registered as an importer of controlled substances for research purposes. The application covers Marihuana Extract (Drug Code 7350) and Tetrahydrocannabinols (Drug Code 7370), Schedule I controlled substances, which the company plans to import as finished dosage unit products for clinical trial studies only. The DEA is accepting electronic comments and written hearing requests on the application through May 21, 2026.

AJNA Biosciences Bulk Manufacturer of Controlled Substances Application

The Drug Enforcement Administration published notice that AJNA Biosciences applied on March 23, 2026 to be registered as a bulk manufacturer of Schedule I controlled substances psilocybin (drug code 7437) and psilocyn (drug code 7438). The company plans to bulk manufacture psilocybin-containing mushrooms for internal research, clinical trials, and analytical purposes, and to distribute to customers conducting Schedule I clinical research. The public comment period closes June 22, 2026.

Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Leading Pharma LLC

The DEA published notice that Leading Pharma LLC, 3 Oak Road, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004, applied on March 25, 2026 to be registered as an importer of Diphenoxylate (drug code 9170, Schedule II controlled substance). The company plans to import the listed controlled substance as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for research and development toward manufacturing a finished dosage product for Food and Drug Administration approval. Public comments on the application and requests for a hearing must be submitted on or before May 21, 2026.

Fresh Glasswort Leaves and Stems From Israel Authorized for Import

APHIS announces authorization of fresh glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) leaves and stems from Israel for human consumption into the United States, effective April 21, 2026. The decision follows a pest risk analysis and 60-day comment period, with two comments received that did not affect the outcome. Importation is subject to phytosanitary measures specified in the accompanying Risk Management Document.

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meeting

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice of a closed virtual meeting of the Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel on April 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The meeting is closed to the public pursuant to sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) of Title 5 U.S.C. to protect confidential trade secrets, commercial property, and personal privacy information associated with grant applications under review. The panel will review and evaluate grant applications related to Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep (HLBS) diseases and disorders.

CDC Proposes Data Collection Under Paperwork Reduction Act; Comments Due June 22, 2026

The CDC has published a notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 21292) announcing a proposed data collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency is soliciting public comments on the proposed collection of information. The comment period closes on June 22, 2026, providing 62 days for public input. This is a standard administrative notice related to the agency's information collection activities.

Proposed Data Collection Under Paperwork Reduction Act

The CDC published a Federal Register notice announcing a proposed data collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act and requesting public comment. The notice solicits recommendations on the proposed collection. The comment period runs for 62 days, closing on June 22, 2026. The notice applies to all parties subject to CDC information collection requests under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

CDC Proposes Data Collection for Public Comment

The CDC has published a notice proposing a new data collection under OMB Control No. 60Day-26-0314, seeking public comment for 60 days through June 22, 2026. The notice is a standard Paperwork Reduction Act 60-day pre-submission notice typical of federal data collection activities.

Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

The CDC has published a notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 21295) announcing a proposed data collection under docket CDC-2026-0628. The notice opens a 62-day public comment period, which closes on June 22, 2026. Interested parties may submit comments via Regulations.gov or directly through the Health and Human Services Department submission portal.

Tick Bite Prevention Advisory for Virginians

The Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services jointly issued a public health advisory warning Virginians of increased tick activity as spring weather arrives. The advisory identifies Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Alpha-gal Syndrome as tick-borne illness risks in Virginia and recommends prevention measures including EPA-registered insect repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and thorough post-outdoor body checks for ticks.

Montana Celebrates National Home Visiting Week, April 20-24, 2026

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announces the Second Annual National Home Visiting Week (April 20-24, 2026), celebrating home visiting professionals who support expectant parents and families of young children through evidence-based coaching programs. Healthy Montana Families served 948 families in 2025 through 18 programs across 16 counties. Governor Greg Gianforte issued a state proclamation designating this period as Home Visiting Week in Montana.

Champions for Montana's Children and Families Recognized at Annual Awards Ceremony

DPHHS and Montana Children's Trust Fund hosted their annual Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference awards ceremony on April 16, 2026, in Missoula. Foster parents, child protection workers, youth, and nonprofit organizations from across Montana were honored for their service to children and families. Recipients include six recipients of the Jana Elliott Memorial Resource Parent of the Year award, youth achievement honorees, and recognition for multiple child welfare professionals and organizations.

Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee Meeting Thursday Apr. 23, 2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces the Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee will meet on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room B228, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The meeting agenda and a link to virtually view the proceedings are available on the dedicated meeting event page.

Whitmer Proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month

Governor Whitmer has proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan. MDHHS is using the occasion to highlight its Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, which includes structured decision-making tools for child welfare hotline staff, a CSA teaming model overhaul, and programs such as MiFamily Together expected to expand statewide in October. The proclamation emphasizes prevention services that improve health, educational outcomes, and economic stability for families.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for City of Fort Scott Bourbon County

KDHE issued a boil water advisory effective April 18, 2026 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems in Bourbon County, Kansas. The advisory was triggered by a waterline break causing loss of pressure in the distribution system, which may result in loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, dispose of ice cubes, and disinfect food contact surfaces until KDHE issues a rescind order following laboratory testing.

Medicare Preventive Services Codes Coverage Information

CMS Medicare Learning Network published MLN006559 (ICN MLN006559) in April 2026, a navigation page directing Medicare providers and billers to a range of Medicare Preventive Services products including wellness visits, diabetes self-management training, vaccines, and screening examinations. The page lists seven linked resources as downloadable PDFs alongside one HTML product on the Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Chart.