Medical Electrode Device with Movable Active Electrode

The USPTO issued Patent US12594117B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. on April 7, 2026, covering a medical device featuring a shaft with a distal passive electrode containing a central opening and a movable active electrode. The active electrode can transition between an extended position (not contacting the passive electrode) and a retracted position (contacting the passive electrode). The patent contains 18 claims.

Shock wave balloon catheter with multiple shock wave sources

USPTO granted patent US12594119B2 to Shockwave Medical, Inc. for a shock wave balloon catheter apparatus featuring multiple shock wave sources distributed within an inflatable balloon. The invention targets calcified regions in the body, with shock waves propagating through the liquid inside the balloon to impinge upon adjacent tissue. The patent contains 18 claims.

Water-cooled flexible microwave ablation probe

The USPTO granted patent US12594120B2 to COSWAVE MEDICAL INC. for a water-cooled flexible microwave ablation probe designed for surgical ablation procedures. The probe features a coaxial water cooling system with inlet and outlet channels that circulate cooling water through the probe cavity to cool the feed cable and reflector. The patent includes 13 claims covering the flexible elongated water tube design and coaxial tuning cavity configuration.

SpineGuard Surgical Navigation System Patent Granted

USPTO granted SpineGuard patent US12594127B2 on April 7, 2026, for a surgical navigation system that verifies surgical procedures align with pre-operative surgical plans using sensor-based tracking and visual or audible confirmation signals. The patent contains 20 claims covering systems, instruments, and methods for displaying surgical tool trajectories overlaid on anatomical images and confirming proper tool penetration according to the surgical plan.

Context aware surgical systems via hyperspectral image analysis

The USPTO granted patent US12594122B2 for a context-aware surgical system using hyperspectral image analysis to configure medical devices during procedures. The system identifies devices via electromagnetic or RF tracking, processes images to determine context measures, and adaptively configures device parameters based on the surgical context. The patent includes 10 claims covering methods and systems for real-time device configuration during medical procedures.

Intraluminal navigation system using virtual satellite targets for catheter guidance

USPTO granted Canon U.S.A., Inc. Patent US12594126B2 for an intraluminal navigation system that provides catheter guidance using virtual satellite targets. The system comprises a catheter, tracking system, processor, and display that registers catheter tip position and generates virtual targets to guide users through luminal procedures. The patent includes 21 claims with inventors including Brian Ninni.

NJ and Roxbury Seek Injunction to Block ICE Detention Facility

New Jersey and Roxbury Township filed a motion for preliminary injunction in U.S. District Court seeking to block DHS and ICE from converting a vacant industrial warehouse into a mass immigration detention facility housing up to 1,500 detainees. The state alleges DHS failed to consult with state and local officials and to assess environmental and infrastructure impacts as required by law. The motion cites a Maryland federal court ruling finding a similar warehouse-to-detention conversion likely unlawful.

AG Jennings sues Trump to block federal election interference

Delaware Attorney General Kathleen Jennings announced the filing of a lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to block federal interference with state election administration. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, challenges actions perceived as overreach into Delaware's sovereign authority over its electoral processes. The legal action represents a states' rights dispute regarding the division of authority between federal and state governments in election administration.

South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council to Meet April 9, 2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced that the South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually, with the agenda and link to view the proceedings available on the department's meeting event page.

Measles Outbreak Update: No New Cases Since March 17, Total Holds at 997

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. No individuals are currently in quarantine or isolation. The outbreak appears stable pending the 42-day no-case period required for declaration of outbreak end.