Healthcare Compliance

OSHA Seeks Public Comments on Gear Certification ICR Extension

OSHA is seeking public comments through June 22, 2026 on extending OMB approval of information collection requirements under the Standard on Gear Certification (29 CFR 1919). The agency requests an adjustment increase of 20 burden hours (from 109 to 129 hours) and estimates 6,187 certifications annually affecting 629 respondents. OSHA specifically requests feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and clarity of the information collection, as well as ways to minimize employer burden.

ONDCP Requests Comments on Drug-Free Communities Data Collection Revisions

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has published a 60-day notice requesting comments on revisions to its approved information collection for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants to Address Local Drug Crisis (CARA) Local Drug Crisis Program. The revised collection covers web-based data collection, surveys, and interviews of DFC and CARA grant award recipients through the DFC & CARA Me system. ONDCP estimates a combined annual burden of 19,642 hours for DFC respondents and 640 hours for CARA Local Drug Crisis respondents to complete required progress reports, Coalition Asset Surveys, and case study interviews.

NJ Health Dept Alerts of First Measles Case, Exposure Locations Listed

NJDOH confirmed the state's first measles case in 2026: a Hudson County resident who returned from international travel. Two potential exposure locations were identified: Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B on April 14, 2026 (5:30–9:00 AM) and the pediatric emergency department at Hackensack University Medical Center on April 17–18, 2026. Contact tracing is underway, and exposed individuals who were infected could develop symptoms through May 11, 2026. No additional associated cases have been identified as of April 22. NJDOH urges all residents to ensure they are current on MMR vaccinations.

New Jersey Confirms First Measles Case 2026

NJDOH has confirmed the first measles case in New Jersey for 2026, involving a Hudson County resident who returned from international travel. Two potential exposure locations have been identified: Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B on April 14, 2026 (5:30–9:00 AM) and Hackensack University Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on April 17–18, 2026. Individuals potentially exposed at these locations and times could develop symptoms through May 11, 2026. NJDOH is conducting contact tracing in collaboration with local health officials and urging all residents to ensure they are current on MMR vaccinations, particularly before international travel.

KARL STORZ Hospital Report System Using Sensors

KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG filed US Patent Application US20260112468A1 on October 18, 2024 (Application No. 18920489) for a system and method of generating hospital reports using sensor data. The system captures procedure data from at least two sensors, detects and timestamps multiple events during the procedure, synchronizes the events based on their respective timestamps, and generates a machine-readable report containing the merged events. The patent application was published on April 23, 2026.

Medical Equipment Location and Identification System

USPTO published patent application US20260112478A1, filed October 20, 2025, for systems and methods of identifying and locating medical equipment and supplies. The invention involves transforming clinical names of medical equipment and supplies into inventory names, transmitting those names to an inventory database, and identifying at least one location of the medical equipment or supplies. The publication is an administrative notice of a pending patent application with no immediate compliance obligations for healthcare providers or medical device manufacturers.

Generative AI Method for Patient-Specific Electrical Stimulation Prescriptions

USPTO published patent application US20260112472A1 titled 'Method and System for Generating Electrical Stimulation Prescription' filed October 20, 2025, naming Fang-Cheng Liu, Chuan-Feng Lin, and Tung-Shu Yang as inventors. The application discloses a generative AI module that creates exclusive patient-specific electrical stimulation prescriptions by analyzing patient feedback and a database of reference prescriptions, with doctor confirmation before treatment delivery. CPC classifications are G16H 20/30 and G16H 40/63 under health informatics.

Cardiac Monitoring Device Management Patent Application US20260112481A1

USPTO published patent application US20260112481A1, filed June 28, 2022 (Application No. 19142797), titled 'Systems and Methods for Managing a Cardiac Monitoring Device with a Monitoring Interval Tracker,' naming inventors Richard Todd Butka, Christopher S. Irving, and Patrick Beaulieu. The invention covers a monitoring interval tracker that generates monitoring intervals for multiple patient care modalities including in-office care, remote monitoring, and heart failure care, and that determines whether to extend monitoring intervals, generate dates of service, or create new monitoring intervals based on transmission data and docket report approvals.

Health Assessment Via Music Media, CHIME AI

The USPTO published patent application US20260112480A1 (A1 kind, filed September 10, 2023, application No. 19117046) for CHIME HEALTH AI INC., with inventors David M. GREENBERG and Igor RADOVANOVIC. The application discloses a processor-executed method for assessing user health by obtaining input data, extracting characteristics, determining health scores based on variation from predetermined values, comparing against health condition thresholds, and generating personalized health messages plus health scores for output devices. CPC classification: G16H 40/63 (Health Informatics).

Systems and Methods for Identifying Predictive Parameters Based on Clinical Studies

USPTO published patent application US20260112462A1 on April 23, 2026, filed February 6, 2023 under application number 18164877. The invention by inventors Andrew Busey, Amicia Devin Elliott, and Claire Aldridge discloses a system and method for identifying predictive parameters based on clinical study results using AI/machine learning to analyze biological and historical parameters across subject subsets. CPC classifications G16H 10/20 (health informatics) and G06N 20/00 (machine learning) indicate healthcare and AI applications.

Dual Transcription Generates Health Records From Voice

Acuity Holding Corp. has filed US Patent Application US20260112467A1, published April 23, 2026, covering a dual-transcription AI system that automatically generates health records from vocalized expressions. The system uses two independent transcription models to produce separate transcripts, which are reconciled via a large language model before machine learning determines record data. Desktop automation then populates a record-keeping application based on the extracted data, filed September 19, 2025.

US20260112463A1 Clinical Data Unified Platform System

USPTO published patent application US20260112463A1 for a unified clinical trial data management system invented by Avik Kumar Pal and Yerramalli Subramaniam. The system comprises a centralized database storing clinical trial data and interconnected modules with automated data linking mechanisms that maintain associations between data entries across modules based on predefined rules. The system enforces data dependencies between modules to ensure integrity, automatically creates placeholders in linked modules upon data entry, prevents certain actions until prerequisites are met, and enables real-time data reconciliation without manual intervention or separate application transfers.

Central Patient Access System for Distributed Electronic Health Record Network

USPTO published patent application US20260111598A1 on April 23, 2026, disclosing a system and method for central patient access to a distributed electronic health record (EHR) network. The system comprises multiple EHR systems connected via secure communication links and a central network node that authenticates patient identities and establishes pre-authorized central patient accounts capable of accessing and modifying patient data across all connected EHR systems. The application (No. 19363561) was filed on October 20, 2025, with six named inventors.

NEC Rehabilitation Planning System Using Machine Learning

NEC Corporation has filed USPTO patent application US20260112473A1 for a machine learning-based rehabilitation planning system. The system includes a rehabilitation pattern selection unit, an ability value prediction unit that predicts physical ability values after rehabilitation, a repetition control unit, and a determination unit that identifies optimal rehabilitation patterns. The invention aims to efficiently create personalized rehabilitation plans by iteratively selecting rehabilitation patterns and evaluating predicted ability outcomes against predetermined conditions.

AI Avatar Interface for Medical Queries Using Regulatory-Approved Content

The USPTO published patent application US20260111682A1, filed July 30, 2025 (Application No. 19284743), disclosing a method and system for an AI avatar interface that responds to medical queries using regulatory-approved curated content. The system configures a content delivery platform to receive approved content from a content creator and regulatory body, couples the platform to an LLM operating on vector embeddings of tokenized linguistic units, and generates an AI avatar for user interaction. When a user question cannot be answered, the system marks it as unanswerable in a database and sends an indication to both the content creator and the regulatory body.

Streamlining Prescription Fulfillment for REMS and Controlled Substances

USPTO published patent application US20260112471A1, filed October 17, 2025, for a prescription fulfillment system that electronically handles documentation for regulated products subject to REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) and controlled substance scheduling requirements. The system connects healthcare provider offices with pharmacies via a platform that automatically populates required forms, eliminating paper and redundant documentation while reducing administrative burden. This application names Robert Chuba, Danielle Suzanne Burroughs, Meggan Curta Sullivan, and Joseph V. Fenton as inventors, with CPC classifications in G16H 20/10, G06F 40/174, and G16H 10/60.

Connection Retention Assembly Patent Application by Raymond Feith

USPTO published patent application US20260108717A1, filed by Raymond P. Feith on October 18, 2024, covering a connection retention assembly for medical device connectors. The assembly uses a clamp component with a clip member engaging a mating groove to secure first and second connectors together while allowing removal upon application of separating force. The application includes CPC classifications in the A61M medical device category.

Balloon Catheter, KANEKA Corporation, Apr 23

KANEKA CORPORATION has filed a patent application (US20260108708A1) for a balloon catheter designed with dual independent inflation tubes to reduce kinking when navigating curved blood vessel passages. The application, filed on December 18, 2025, lists inventors Kazuki Matsufuji, Masahiro Kojima, and Takahisa Hamabuchi. The invention features a shaft with two sections: a distal first section where inflation tubes are fixed together, and a proximal second section where they are not fixed, allowing flexibility in bent vessel anatomy.

Sheath Assembly For Insertion Of A Catheter Into A Patient

ECP Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH filed US patent application US20260108707A1 on April 23, 2026, covering a sheath assembly for inserting a cord-shaped element, particularly a catheter, into a patient body. The application describes an introducer sheath and an auxiliary sheath configured to detachably couple and fasten the cord-shaped element. Filing date is September 22, 2025, with Application No. 19335554.

Plastic Stent, UIF, Yonsei University, Apr 23

UIF (University Industry Foundation), Yonsei University filed US Patent Application US20260108711A1 on December 17, 2025 (Application No. 19423245), published April 23, 2026. The invention is a plastic stent comprising a tube-shaped front end portion with an inlet, a central portion extending integrally from the front end, and a rear end portion with an outlet communicating with the inlet via a flow path, wherein the front and rear end portions provide different restoring angles or restoring forces relative to the central portion. Inventors are Jae Hee CHO, Sung Ill JANG, Jung Hyun JO, See Young LEE, and Chan Min JUNG.

Balloon Catheter Patent by RADEXEL INC, Apr 23

RADEXEL INC filed US Patent Application US20260108710A1 for a balloon catheter design on October 6, 2025. The invention includes an external catheter, an inflatable and deflatable balloon configured to be inserted into or expelled from a target site of a living body, and an internal catheter that moves along the external catheter in two directions for insertion or expulsion. The application was published April 23, 2026.

Medical Catheters, Agent Delivery, Expandable Balloon, Deformable Lumens

USPTO published patent application US20260108709A1 filed September 16, 2025 by inventors Thomas ROEWER and Michael P. ALLEN, covering medical delivery devices such as catheters adapted for agent delivery with one or more deformable lumens in collapsed and open configurations, and expandable balloon devices for patient treatment. The application is assigned number 19330503 and claims priority under CPC classifications A61M 25/1018, A61M 25/0023, A61M 25/09, and A61M 2025/0042.

Collagen Stimulation Device with RFID Pen Cartridge

Thomas M. Hitchcock filed patent application US20260108715A1 for a collagen stimulation assembly combining a motorised pen with a single-use cartridge incorporating RFID tag technology. The RFID tag interacts with a transmitter in the pen to detect cartridge status and enable or prevent motor operation accordingly. The application was filed on 2025-10-21 and published on 2026-04-23.

Intraluminal Balloon Dilator Patent Filed by Francis, Grace

Application US20260108706A1 for an intraluminal balloon dilator apparatus was filed September 22, 2023 and published April 23, 2026 by inventors Nathan C. Francis and Kenneth Peter Grace. The invention comprises a flexible elongate member positionable within a body lumen and a balloon that transitions from an unexpanded state to an expanded state with a second diameter larger than the first diameter, with a leading edge extending at an angle to engage anatomical walls as the dilator moves through an opening. This published application does not create immediate compliance obligations but may be relevant for companies developing similar medical devices in the balloon dilator space.

Medical Tube Securement Device

Alexander Johnson and Phillip Whiting filed US Patent Application US20260108718A1 on June 18, 2025, claiming a medical tube securement device comprising a base member with tab portions and an opening for receiving a tube, plus a clamp member to secure the tube and prevent movement at the tube insertion site. The application, assigned number 19242743, was published on April 23, 2026, with CPC classifications A61M 39/1011, A61M 16/0493, A61M 16/0497, and A61M 2039/1077. This publication makes the invention publicly available for review, opposition, or licensing consideration by competitors and potential investors in the medical device space.

AORTYX S.L. Steerable Catheter Patent Application US20260108705A1

USPTO published patent application US20260108705A1 for AORTYX S.L. covering steerable catheters with dual steering sections configured to steer in opposite directions within the same plane. The application, originally filed on August 22, 2025 (Application No. 19307624), was published on April 23, 2026 and also discloses a system comprising the catheter with a deployable patch deployment device. CPC classifications include A61M 25/0147, A61F 2/2481, and A61F 2002/2484.

Roller Pump Calibration Method and Perfusion System, LivaNova

LivaNova Deutschland GmbH has filed USPTO patent application US20260108720A1 for a roller pump calibration method and extracorporeal perfusion system with an automatic calibration mode. The application, filed on October 22, 2024, was published on April 23, 2026, with inventors Friedemann Schubert and Philipp Löffler listed.

Needleless Connector Patent Application US20260108719A1

USPTO published patent application US20260108719A1 on April 23, 2026, filed October 14, 2025, for a needleless connector design. The application names Soon Yong Park, Christopher Jesse Zolllinger, Jason Andrew Wine, and Kuochu Colin Huang as inventors and describes a flexible valve element with fluid flow pathway features to resist obstruction between the valve head and diaphragm. The invention further includes a diaphragm formed as a bellows to reduce strain during connector activation.

Hip Joint Prosthetic Device for Osteoarthritis, Peter Forsell Inventor

USPTO published patent application US20260108356A1 for a hip joint prosthetic device designed to treat hip joint osteoarthritis in human patients. The application, filed December 19, 2024 by inventor Peter Forsell, discloses an artificial caput femur surface adapted to contact the acetabulum surface and a fixating member stabilized by cortical bone of the collum femur. Medical device manufacturers and orthopedic companies should monitor this application for potential competitive implications in the hip replacement market.

Astura Medical Auto-locking Expandable Corpectomy Column Patent Application

The USPTO has published patent application US20260108360A1 for an auto-locking expandable corpectomy column system, assigned to Astura Medical Inc. The application was filed on October 19, 2024, under application number 18920851, with inventors Ross Dusterhoft and Thomas Purcell. The system comprises a vertebral body replacement device featuring an auto-locking mechanism designed to simplify surgical use without requiring additional instrumentation.

Bunion Screw System with Offset Channel

USPTO published patent application US20260108358A1 on April 23, 2026, covering a bunion repair system with a primary bunion screw having a cannulated interior, threaded exterior, and offset channel, plus a secondary support sized for placement within the channel. Inventors: Ryan Niver, Natan Pheil, and Samuel Nader. Filing date: October 18, 2024. Application number: 18919702. CPC classifications: A61F 2/4225, A61B 17/8635, A61B 17/864, A61B 17/8886.

Prosthetic Attachment System Vacuum Mechanical Suspension Patent Application

USPTO published patent application US20260108369A1 (application no. 19363285, filed 2025-10-20) for a prosthetic attachment system combining vacuum suspension and mechanical suspension. The system includes an attachment pin extending from a prosthetic liner, a connector assembly securing to a prosthetic socket, and a lanyard assembly with an external securing system. CPC classifications include A61F 2/7812 (prosthetic socket vacuum or weight-bearing chamber), A61F 2/60, A61F 2/80, and A61F 2002/7875. Five inventors are listed: Hafsteinn JONASSON, Sigurdur HANNESSON, Oskar Thor LARUSSON, Margret Sol RAGNARSDOTTIR, and Halldor ALBERTSSON.

Interbody Device for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion

USPTO published patent application US20260108362A1 titled 'Interbody Device, System, and Method, for Minimally Invasive Kambin Lumbar Lateral Interbody Fusion' on April 23, 2026. The application, filed October 6, 2025 under Application No. 19350506, covers an interbody device with a radiopaque outer body and an insertion portion whose width increases from a first end to a second end, configured for entry into a disc space during spinal fusion surgery. Inventors Anand Agarwal, Niraj Vasavada, and Darshak Shah are named on the application.

Custom Density 3D-Printed Spinal Implants

USPTO published patent application US20260108359A1 filed on October 24, 2025 (Application No. 19368950) for a spinal implant with custom density manufactured via 3D printing. The implant body defines a longitudinal axis with distal and proximal end portions, opposed side surfaces, and top and bottom surfaces configured to engage vertebral bodies with a surface roughness between 3-4 μm. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces covering at least 25% of the surface area, with first orifices through the top surface and second orifices through the bottom surface connected by a plurality of channels. Four inventors are listed: Thomas Morrison, Richard W. Woods, Richard Pellegrino, and Michael Prosser. Medical device manufacturers developing 3D-printed spinal implants should review this intellectual property filing for potential freedom-to-operate implications or licensing considerations.

Femoral Implant With Laterally Rotated Trochlea

USPTO published patent application US20260108357A1 for a femoral implant design featuring a laterally rotated trochlear groove positioned between medial and lateral compartments, with a central axis perpendicular to the posterior condylar axis. The application was filed on October 16, 2025 by inventor James P. Crutcher, JR. under application number 19359792, with CPC classification A61F 2/3859. Patent applications are published for public inspection and do not grant enforceable rights until formally examined and issued.

Expandable Vertebral Implant for Spinal Procedures

Two inventors, Colm McLaughlin and James Himmelberger, filed patent application 19424613 on December 18, 2025, for an expandable vertebral implant for spinal procedures. The application was published by the USPTO on April 23, 2026, disclosing a prosthetic implant with first and second members configured to coaxially interdigitate and move along a longitudinal axis.

Alcon Ocular Implant Delivery System with Dual-Curved-Cannula and Camera

Alcon Inc. filed patent application US20260108386A1 on September 5, 2025, covering ocular implants, delivery systems, and methods of deploying an ocular implant. The published application describes implants comprising supporting frames and spines, with a distal supporting frame configured as an open trough, tool engagement ears curled inward, and a delivery system including a cannula with proximal and distal curved bends in opposite directions, plus a coupled camera. Application No. 19320393 was published April 23, 2026.

MAKO Surgical Corp Prosthetic Positioning System, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4324421A2 titled 'Surgical System for Positioning Prosthetic Component and/or for Constraining Movement of Surgical Tool,' filed by MAKO Surgical Corp. The application names five inventors: HAGAG, Benny; KANK, Hyosig; MOZES, Alon; ODERMATT, Daniel; and SCHMITZ, Brian D. The system covers robotic-assisted surgical tools for prosthetic component positioning, classified under A61B 34/30, A61B 17/16, and A61F 2/34. The patent application is designated across 31 European states including all EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey. MAKO Surgical Corp, a Stryker subsidiary, specializes in robotic-arm assisted surgery primarily for orthopedics, and this published application indicates an active IP filing phase before potential grant.

Zimmer Shoulder Stem, Modular Sensor, EP4478943A1

European Patent Office published patent application EP4478943A1 titled 'Shoulder Stem with Modular Sensor' filed by Zimmer, Inc. The application covers a shoulder stem prosthetic device incorporating modular sensor technology. Named inventors include MILLER, Kevin, BOHNENKAMPER, Kyle A., GOSON, Kristoff, and PARISI, Raymond C. The patent is classified under A61B 5/00 (measuring for diagnostic purposes), A61F 2/40 (shoulder prostheses), and related orthopedic device classifications. Publication date is April 15, 2026.

Prosthetic Heart Valve Leaflet Assembly Patent, Edwards Lifesciences

European Patent Office published EP4356876A2 on April 15, 2026, granting Edwards Lifesciences Corporation a patent for prosthetic heart valve leaflet assemblies and methods of assembling. The patent application EP4356876 was filed by inventors Nir Noam, Bukin Michael, and Sherman Elena, covering innovations in prosthetic heart valve technology. Designated states span all 31 European Patent Convention member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Edwards Lifesciences Prosthetic Heart Valve Patent EP4299037A2

The EPO published European patent application EP4299037A2 for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation's prosthetic heart valve and delivery apparatus (A61F 2/24) on April 15, 2026. The patent designates 39 contracting states spanning Albania to Turkey (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR). Fourteen inventors are listed, including Levi Tamir S., Bukin Michael, Nir Noam, and others.

Medtronic Prosthetic Valve Device Resistant to Backfolding and Buckling, EP4098225A1

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4098225A1 for Medtronic, Inc., covering a prosthetic valve device designed to resist backfolding and buckling. The patent, classified under A61F 2/24 and A61F 2/915, names nine inventors including Timothy Kelley, Victoria Tien, and Geoffrey Orth. The application received A1 publication status with designation extending across 31 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

Gynecological Prosthetic with Anchor Members and Expandable Connecting Links

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4518819A1 for a gynecological prosthetic device featuring anchor members and expandable connecting links, along with a method for custom-designing such prosthetics. The patent is assigned to FemTherapeutics Inc. with nine named inventors. The application covers multiple designated contracting states across Europe including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others.

Self Fixing Mesh Endoprosthesis Based on Titanium Thread and Bioresorbable Polymers

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4309689A2 on April 15, 2026, covering a self-fixing mesh endoprosthesis composed of titanium thread and bioresorbable polymers. The applicant is Titanium Textiles AG, with four named inventors: Kazantsev, Yusupov, Alehin, and Zavaruev. The patent is classified under A61F 2/00 (prosthetics), A61L 27/06, A61L 31/02, and A61L 31/10 (materials for medical devices), and designates 35 contracting states including all major EU jurisdictions.

Cardiac Aorto-Mitral Prosthesis EP4360592A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4360592A1 for a cardiac aorto-mitral prosthesis invented by Andrasi, Terezia. The invention, classified under A61F 2/24 and A61F 2/00, relates to a cardiac valve prosthesis designed for the aorto-mitral region of the human heart. The patent designation extends across 34 European states including DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, and others.

Warsaw Orthopedic Expands Interbody Implant Patent, EP4358902A1

The European Patent Office published application EP4358902A1 on April 15, 2026, covering an expandable interbody implant and corresponding surgical tool. Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. is listed as the applicant, with Stanley Hayes, Kyle Loke, Robert Barfield, Charles Protopsaltis, and Dimitri K. as named inventors. The patent is classified under A61F 2/44 and related orthopedic surgical device categories, with designation extending to all European Patent Convention contracting states.

Cook Medical Stent Graft Patent EP4088686A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4088686A1 titled 'Stent Graft Graft and Method of Forming an Endoluminal Medical Device' filed by Cook Medical Technologies LLC. The patent names inventors King, Bradway, Kratzberg, and Wilger, with international protection designated across 27 European states including DE, FR, GB, IT, and NL.

Carlsmed Patient-Specific Spinal Implant Patent EP4362858A1 Published

The European Patent Office published European Patent EP4362858A1 on 15 April 2026. The patent lists Carlsmed, Inc. as applicant and covers patient-specific adjustment systems for spinal implants, including associated methods and workflows. The A1 publication indicates inclusion of the European search report.

Aesculap AG Patella Trial Implant System With Drilling Guide Tool

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4563123A1 for Aesculap AG on April 15, 2026. The application covers a system comprising a patella trial implant and a drilling guide tool for orthopedic surgical procedures, with inventor Eliott Snauwaert named. The patent application has been published with IPC classifications A61F 2/38, A61B 17/16, A61B 17/17, A61F 2/46, and A61F 2/30, designating 38 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.