24th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130150823 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING HYDRATION FLUID - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing hydration fluids. The invention allows for a ‘background’ rate of providing a hydration fluid to be automatically supplied by an apparatus to a patient, for example intravenously, and for the patient to receive an extra amount of hydration fluid, or ‘bolus dose’, to be provided when the patient sends a signal to the apparatus. In preferred embodiments the background supply rate, the volume and rate of supply of the bolus dose and the maximum extra volume that can be provided as bolus doses in a given time can be set, for example, by a nurse. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150824 | Infusion Pump Systems and Methods - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller in which one or more features sets to be provided by the controller are enabled or disabled based upon the particular pump device that is connected to the controller. For example, in some embodiments, one or more advanced features of the controller are available to the user only when a first type of pump device (e.g., having predefined settings stored therein) is connected to the controller, and those advanced features of the controller are disabled when a second type of pump device is connected to the controller. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150825 | TISSUE TRANSFER SYSTEMS - Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150826 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF BIOACTIVE SOLUTION - Apparatus for transdermal or subcutaneous delivery of a bioactive solution, including a plurality of needles fixed on a needle carrier in a spaced apart relationship and projecting from the needle carrier, each needle having a tip zone adapted to receive an amount of bioactive solution from a reservoir coupled to the needle carrier and to deliver the bioactive solution upon penetrating a skin. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150827 | MEDICAL DEVICE SECUREMENT SYSTEM - A securement device, system, and method for use with a medical article. The securement device, system, or method may include a body that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has an adhesive compound thereon. A resilient retainer formed from a soft, tacky elastomeric gel or foam is supported by the bottom surface of the body. The resilient retainer receives and secures a medical device. The medical device is secured to the skin of a patient upon affixing the bottom surface to the patient via the adhesive compound. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150828 | ANTIFUNGAL CATHETER - A sustained release antimicrobial cannula or catheter for residence within a portion of a human body through which aqueous biological fluids can pass and including a tube. The tube has a polymeric matrix and an antimicrobial agent residing within at least a portion of the polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix includes cured silicon rubber and the antimicrobial agent is a finely divided nitrofuran compound, a paraben antifungal, or combinations thereof. The antimicrobial agent can diffuse out of the polymeric matrix and into an aqueous biological environment when the polymeric matrix comes into contact with such an aqueous biological environment. Methods of making a sustained release antimicrobial cannula and of catheterizing a patient are also disclosed. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150829 | Release Mechanism for Releasing a Medical Implant from a Catheter, and Catheter having a Release Mechanism - A release mechanism ( | 2013-06-13 |
20130150830 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ARTICULATING SHAFT - An articulating shaft system includes an elongated shaft and first and second articulating components. The elongated shaft extends along a main axis and has a distal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. The first articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the elongated shaft and has a proximal end surface and a distal end surface that are not perpendicular to the main axis. The second articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the first articulating component and has a proximal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. Rotating the first articulating component around the main axis positions the first and second articulating components at an angle relative to the main axis. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150831 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ARTICULATING DISTAL END OF AN ENDOSCOPIC MEDICAL DEVICE - An endoscopic medical device system includes an elongated shaft assembly and an articulating distal end assembly. The elongated shaft assembly extends along a main axis and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and an actuator rod. The outer tube is slidably disposed around the inner tube and the actuator rod is slidably disposed within the inner tube. The articulating distal end assembly extends from the inner tube and is configured to be oriented longitudinally along the main axis when disposed within the outer tube and angularly from the main axis as it slides out of the outer tube. The articulating distal end assembly includes a tubular body having equally spaced apart slots separated by solid segments and terminates in a distal segment. Each slot is configured to collapse individually and to form a known angle relative to the main axis as it slides out of the outer tube. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150832 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID ENDOSCOPIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150833 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument having a proximal control handle and a distal tool that are intercoupled by an elongated instrument shaft that is meant to pass internally of an anatomic body, proximal and distal movable members that respectively intercouple the proximal control handle and the distal tool with the instrument shaft, cable control means disposed between the movable members, an actuation member at the handle for controlling the distal tool through the movable members, a coupler for selectively engaging or disengaging separable cable segments of the actuation member, and the handle housing being provided in separate sections providing a rear opening for receiving the instrument shaft portion. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150834 | MEDICAL MARKER, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A MEDICAL MARKER - The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-part medical marker ( | 2013-06-13 |
20130150835 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING IMPROVED SURGICAL INCISIONS IN CORRECTIVE EYE SURGERY - A method and apparatus for making improved surgical incisions in corrective eye surgery are provided. It was observed that a uniform elongated AK (or LRI) incision provides a non-uniform corrective effect due to non-uniform post-surgical relaxation of ophthalmic tissue. The method and apparatus leverage this observation to provide for creation of a surgical incision that is structured to be non-uniform along its length in such a manner as to at least partially counteract an expected variation in ophthalmic tissue relaxation to provide overall increased uniformity of corrective effect. An automated laser surgery system includes a laser control system configured to control laser delivery to cause selective ablation of ophthalmic tissue to provide an elongated structured incision that varies along its length in at least one of a depth, a profile, a width, and an angle of attack relative to a surface of the ophthalmic tissue. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150836 | OPHTHALMIC RANGE FINDING - Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient posterior to the cornea. The method may include scanning a focus of a femtosecond laser beam along a path within the patient's eye. A portion of the path may be disposed posterior to the patient's cornea. The method may also include acquiring a first reflectance image and a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed respectively at a first location of the path and a second location of the path. The method may further include determining the presence or absence of an ophthalmic anatomical feature of the eye based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150837 | DEVICE FOR PROCESSING EYE TISSUE BY MEANS OF A PULSED LASER BEAM - For processing eye tissue by means of a pulsed laser beam (L), an ophthalmological device comprises a projection optical unit for the focused projection of the laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system disposed upstream of the projection optical unit and serving for the beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s′) performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line (s). The projection optical unit can be tilted about an axis of rotation (q) running perpendicularly to a plane defined by the scanning line (s) and the optical axis (o) of the projection optical unit, the tilting of the projection optical unit bringing about a tilting of the scanning line (s) in said plane. The tilting of the scanning line (s) enables a displacement—dependent on the scanning angle—of the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150838 | STEERABLE LASER PROBE - A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation mechanism of the handle, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A portion of the optic fiber may be fixed to an inner portion of the housing tube. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150839 | Devices and Methods for Reconfigurable Multispot Scanning - An ophthalmic laser probe system comprises an array of optical waveguides and an adapter operable to connect with a laser source. The laser probe system further includes a first reflective surface within the adapter. The first reflective surface is movable about a first axis. The laser probe system also includes a second reflective surface within the adapter. The second reflective surface is movable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The first reflective surface is configured to receive a laser beam emitted from the laser source and redirect the laser beam toward the second reflective surface. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150840 | SURGICAL MICROSCOPE SYSTEM FOR OPHTHALMOLOGY, AND ASSOCIATED DETECTION UNIT - A surgical microscope system ( | 2013-06-13 |
20130150841 | DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - An apparatus for treating a subcutaneous fat region is provided. The apparatus includes a housing that has a skin contacting portion defining a chamber. The apparatus also includes a first spaced region in the housing through which a coolant passes and a second spaced region in the housing that is at least partially evacuated of air. The apparatus further includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, a source of vacuum in fluid communication with the chamber, and a source for the coolant. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150842 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. One or both of the jaw members including a first stop member coupled thereto and disposed between the jaw members. The first stop member is longitudinally translatable along a surface of the at least one jaw member from a first position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the first approximated position, and a second position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the second approximated position. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150843 | TREATMENT TIP INCISION TEMPLATE - A shape and depth template for incisions with treatment tips, usable in treatments such as bone surgery, comprising a guiding body for a treatment tip provided with two mutually opposite end surfaces arranged at a preset distance and a lateral surface, one of the end surfaces being arrangeable at the treatment tip incision region and with a hole that of preset shape that passes there through from one end surface to the other. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150844 | Systems and Methods for Creating an Effect Using Microwave Energy to Specified Tissue - Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue includes a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue. The applicator includes one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to the tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer. The controller is configured so that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150845 | System and Method for Monitoring Ablation Size - A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150846 | ELECTROSURGICAL LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ELECTRICAL LEAD - The invention relates to an electrosurgical laparoscopic instrument having an elongated shaft, wherein an end effector is disposed on the distal end of said shaft and a handle is disposed on the proximal end of said shaft. The shaft is designed as a tube through which a rod extends which is coupled to a movable part of the handle and to a movable part of the end effector for actuation by longitudinal movement, and the end effector is connected to the handle via at least one electrical lead. At least one of the leads is disposed in the wall of a hose which is disposed surrounding the rod in the tube. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150847 | CATHETER WITH HELICAL ELECTRODE - An invasive probe includes an insertion tube containing a lumen for providing an irrigation fluid and comprising a distal portion having a plurality of perforations therethrough providing fluid communication between the lumen and an outer surface of the insertion tube. At least one helical electrode is fitted over the distal portion of the insertion tube. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150848 | SURGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM - A surgical treatment system include a pair of holding members holding a living tissue and a plurality of heater members disposed on at least one of the holding members. The surgical treatment system further includes a resistance pattern which transfer heat to the living tissue, a pair of electrodes disposed at opposite ends of the resistance pattern to generate the heat based on a energy to supply the heat to the resistance pattern, wires each connecting one of the heater members to another heater member and heater member energization line connected to the wire and to a energy source to supply the energy from the energy source to the electrodes via the wire. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150849 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND SYSTEM - An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical generator, the instrument having a longitudinal axis and including at least first, second and third electrodes. The electrodes are spaced from each other by one or more insulating members therebetween, the spacing between the first and third electrodes being greater than that between the first and second electrodes. The electrosurgical generator includes a source of radio frequency energy capable of producing either a coagulating RF waveform or a cutting RF waveform and has first second and third output connections connected to the first, second and third electrodes respectively of the electrosurgical instrument. The generator further includes a switching means, and a controller, the controller being such that when a cutting RF waveform is selected, the switching means directs the cutting RF waveform between the first and second output connections and hence the first and second electrodes. When a coagulating RF waveform is selected, the switching means directs the coagulating RF waveform between the first and third output connections and hence the first and third electrodes. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150850 | PFO CLOSING DEVICE - A PFO closing device includes: a clamper including a stick portion provided at a distal portion of a catheter for sticking to a foramen ovale valve and a sandwich member for sandwiching a biological tissue composed of the foramen ovale valve and an atrial septum secundum in cooperation with the stick portion; a cautery device including at least one electrode portion to be inserted into the foramen ovale between the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum; and an electric energy supply unit for supplying electric energy to the electrode portion, wherein the electrode portion is inserted into the foramen ovale and at the same time, the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are sandwiched by the clamper, electric energy is supplied from the electric energy supply unit to the electrode portion and the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are mutually fused. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150851 | MONOFIX NAIL - An intramedullary device includes an intramedullary nail extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the nail including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and an opening extending laterally through a wall thereof proximate the distal end, the channel including a ramped surface along a distal portion thereof opposite the opening. The device further includes a wire extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the wire sized and shaped to be inserted into the channel of the nail such that the distal end engages the ramped surface to extend through the opening. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150852 | POLYAXIAL PEDICLE SCREW - A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing, a bone screw, and a retainer for pivotably coupling the head of the bone screw to the housing. The retainer is positioned into the bore of the housing and includes a plurality of alternating tabs and slots circumferentially arranged to define a cavity for receiving the head portion of the bone screw therein. The retainer is axially moveable in the housing from a first position in which the head portion is not passable through the lower opening of the retainer to a second position in which the head portion is passable through the lower opening of the retainer. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150853 | Metatarsal Fixation Device, System and Method - A metatarsal fixation device is provided for fixation of osteotomy or fracture of a distal metatarsal metaphysis bone of the human foot and for fixation of an associated capsule to the metatarsal head. The device includes a metallic bone plate with a series of screw holes along an elongated portion of the plate and a combination of a singular screw hole and a resilient clamp on an end of the elongated portion. The resilient clamp has two arched resilient arms extending laterally outward from an end of the elongated portion. Each arm has a plurality of spikes on an inner surface thereof providing points of contact that compress and attach a metatarsal phalangeal joint capsule portion to the medial and/or lateral aspect of the metatarsal head, thereby facilitating realignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint and respective digit. The resilient arms are biased to grasp lateral sides of a metatarsal head and any associated capsule portion. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150854 | GAS-OPERATED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A gas operated surgical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a pressurized gas connection for connection to a source of pressurized gas, a working piston adapted to be acted upon by a pressurized gas, an actuating element for actuating the instrument, and a regulating device coupled to the actuating element and to the working piston for regulating a feed force of the working piston. The regulating device is configured such that, for feed forces below a predetermined limit force, it defines a first work area in which the working piston is movable in the distal direction solely owing to a feed force applied with the actuating element, and that above the limit force the regulating device defines a second work area in which the working piston is movable in the distal direction by being acted upon by pressurized gas. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150855 | MULTIPLE PATHWAYS FOR SPINAL NERVE ROOT DECOMPRESSION FROM A SINGLE ACCESS POINT - A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150856 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for cutting tissue in a patient. In some embodiments, a bimanually controlled device may include a tissue modification region; one or more (e.g., two) flexible elongate length of cable that extend proximally to distally, a tissue modification region along a portion of the length of cable; and a guidewire coupler at the distal end of the device for attaching the distal end of the tissue modification device to the proximal end of a guidewire. Method of using these devices (including devices having two or more parallel length of cutting regions) to cut tissue (e.g., spinal lamina) are also described. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150857 | CORTICAL DRILLING - A method is provided that includes advancing a drill having a distal end through an occlusal cortex into trabecular bone of an alveolar ridge, and ceasing the advancing of the drill when the distal end of the drill reaches an occlusal surface of a superior cortex of the alveolar ridge. Other embodiments are also described. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150858 | SURGICAL REAMING INSTRUMENT FOR SHAPING A BONE CAVITY - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for shaping bone voids during revision procedures of total knee replacements. The systems disclosed herein generally include a cannulated reamer assembly, a reaming guide assembly, a guide tube assembly, a trial stem assembly, and an optional insertion/removal tool. Metaphyseal reconstruction devices can be used to fill the bone voids in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150859 | GLENOID REAMER - A bone reamer includes a first member having a first hub and a second member having a second hub. The first hub can extend along a first axis and have a pair of elongated cutting arms that are fixed to the first hub. The elongated cutting arms can extend along a second axis that is generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first hub can define a track thereon. The second hub can extend along a third axis. The second member can have a second pair of elongated cutting arms that are fixed to the second hub and extend along a fourth axis that is generally perpendicular to the third axis. The second member can have a track follower extending thereon and that is configured to slideably advance along the track causing the first and second members to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150860 | MEDICAL CUTTING TOOL QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A cutting tool includes a cutting surface on a first side and an attachment member on a second side. The attachment member is configured to be coupled to a powered driving member. The cutting tool includes a limiting device configured to restrict the use of the cutting tool to a predetermined number of uses. The limiting device can be configured to restrict the number of uses of the cutting tool by restricting the number of times that the attachment member can be coupled to the powered driving member. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150861 | RONGEUR WITH DETACHABLE TIPS - A rongeur has an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated crossbar, which moves between a retracted position and a tissue capturing position position, has a distal end and a proximal end and reciprocates axially with respect to the shank. A first tip is selectively connected to the shank. The first tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the first tip is received in a bore of the shank. A second tip is selectively connected to the crossbar. The second tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the second tip is received in a bore of the crossbar. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150862 | CUSTOMIZED PATIENT-SPECIFIC BONE CUTTING BLOCKS HAVING LOCATING FEATURES AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150863 | ULTRASOUND CT REGISTRATION FOR POSITIONING - An assembly for manipulating a bone includes a first manipulating element configured to be attached to a first portion of bone and including a location emitting signal and a second manipulating element configured to be attached to a second portion of bone and including a sensor detecting the location emitting signal to provide a position and orientation signal of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another. The assembly also includes a tracking unit including a processor tracking movement of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another in a plurality of dimensions using the position and orientation signals. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150864 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - A surgical instrument includes a first member extending along a longitudinal axis having a first end configured to mate with a head of a threaded member, the first end having a first configuration such that the first end loosely mates with the head of the threaded member and a second configuration such that the first end tightly mates with the head of the threaded member. The surgical instrument further includes a second member configured to expand the head from the first configuration to the second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150865 | MEDICAL ROBOT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A medical robot system and a method for controlling the same. The medical robot system includes a trocar, inserted into an incision of a patient, to guide a surgical apparatus and transmit at least one of position information of the surgical apparatus and pressure information of the surgical apparatus, and a console to display a screen including at least one of the position information and the pressure information. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150866 | METHOD OF PERFORMING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - A method of performing a surgical procedure on an affected region in a body cavity includes steps of introducing the distal end, and first and second bendable joints, of a rod-shaped member into the body cavity having the affected region, engaging a body portion in the body cavity, other than the affected region, with the manipulating element, manipulating the body portion other than the affected region using the manipulating element, so as to increase a spacing around the affected region in the body cavity, and bending at least one of said first and second joints so as to increase a spacing between the rod-shaped member and the affected region in the body cavity. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150867 | METHOD MANUFACTURING AN EPILATORY STRIP AND STRIPS OBTAINABLE BY THE METHOD - A method for manufacturing an epilatory strip by providing a first laminate of a pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive sandwiched between a support layer and a first release liner that in combination provide a width to the first laminate; delaminating the width of the first laminate by unwinding the first release liner and exposing an area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive; applying at least one mask or cover material onto the pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive on at least one edge area of the delaminated first laminate to provide a second laminate presenting an exposed area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive; and providing a second release liner to cover at least a portion of exposed area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive to provide a width of epilatory strip material. Thus, hypoallergenic, non-irritant epilatory strips are obtained using the method according to the invention. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150868 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANIPULATING STOMACH TISSUE AND TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE - Stomach tissue is manipulated to form, for example, a restored flap of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The manipulation includes gripping stomach tissue from within the stomach while the stomach is inflated to promote visualization and stabilization of the gripped stomach tissue. Once the stomach tissue is gripped, the stomach is deflated and pulled into a mold. The molded tissue is then fastened with at least one fastener. The stomach is inflated to a first pressure during visualization and then to a second higher pressure during the stomach tissue gripping. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150869 | SELF-CINCHING SURGICAL CLIPS AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - A device and method for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. The device accesses at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and punctures through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein are made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip is disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state by a tube assembly until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip are brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150870 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR REMOVING SURGICAL CLIPS - The invention relates to a surgical instrument for removing a surgical clip applied to a hollow organ, said clip comprising two clamping arms having two free ends and two ends connected to each other and defining a connecting region, and said instrument having a proximal and a distal end, wherein a spreading device for grasping and spreading apart an applied clip from an applied position to a released position is arranged at the distal end. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150871 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID ENDOSCOPIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150872 | MODIFIED TISSUE SECUREMENT FIBERS - Tissue securement fibers of reduced cross sectional area and methods of making them are disclosed. The fibers comprising reduced cross sectional areas provide higher degrees of flexibility by providing discrete bending zones most useful in applications when the fiber is bent at an included angle less than 180°, more particularly when the included angle is less than 90°. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150873 | Methods And Devices For Endoscopically Creating An Anastomosis - A method and devices that endoscopically create an anastomosis between two sections of the digestive tract, thereby allowing at least some chyme to bypass a section of the digestive tract while, optionally, the remaining chyme passes through the entire tract. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150874 | CATHETER SYSTEM WITH BALLOON-MOUNTED PLAQUE-MODIFYING ELEMENTS - A plaque-modifying balloon and method for use in an endovascular procedure includes an elongated balloon that defines a longitudinal axis and is inflatable from a first deflated configuration to a second radially expanded configuration. One or more plaque-modifying elements are mounted on the outside of the inflatable balloon. Optionally, a compressible sheath made of a relatively low durometer, flexible material is mounted on the balloon to cover the elements during transit of the plaque-modifying balloon to and from the treatment site. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150875 | Optimized Pneumatic Drive Lines - In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console operable to provide compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system includes a pneumatic drive line coupling the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore configured to deliver the compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along a length of the pneumatic drive line. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150876 | SINGLE USE LANCET ASSEMBLY - A single use lancet device having a housing, with an open interior and an access opening defined therein, a lancet, with a body and a piercing tip, and disposed in the open interior of the housing so as to move between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, a driving assembly structured to move the lancet into the piercing orientation, and a restrictor assembly having a shoulder element and a restrictor panel operatively associated with the lancet and the housing and structured to pass over the restrictor panel upon the lancet moving from its cocked orientation to its piercing orientation, and to abut the restrictor panel upon attempted movement of the lancet back into its cocked orientation after movement into the piercing orientation, thereby preventing the lancet from moving back into the cocked orientation and preventing re-use of a contaminated piercing tip. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150877 | TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - Provided is a treatment instrument including a guide member with a tip surface to be pressed against an outer surface of a pericardium; a pericardium fixing member including at least one needle-shaped portion having a sharp pointed end extending diagonally forward along a circumferential direction at a tip of a cylinder-shaped body rotatable around the axis thereof; a perforating member for forming a through-hole for a guide wire in the pericardium to which the pericardium fixing member is fixed; and a pointed end position restricting portion for restricting the position of the pointed end in a direction of the axis relative to the tip surface of the guide member at a location where the pointed end of the pericardium fixing member does not reach the outer surface of a heart while the tip surface of the guide member is pressed against the outer surface of the pericardium. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150878 | HAND-HELD APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING WRINKLES IN HUMAN SKIN - A hand-held apparatus and method by which to reduce the depth of a single wrinkle or a group of wrinkles in the skin of a human subject. The apparatus includes an elongated handle coupled to a removable roller. In one preferred embodiment, the roller is a disk having a plurality of needles projecting outwardly and arranged in a single row around the circumference of the roller. In another preferred embodiment, the roller is a cylinder having a plurality of outwardly-projecting needles arranged in alternating rows and columns. The needles are sized to prick the subject's skin when the roller is rolled over and pressed down against the skin area to be treated so as to cause collagen to be produced to fill in the wrinkle and thereby make the subject's skin look fuller and smoother. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150879 | Interventional Medical Device Connector and Method for Using Same - An interventional medical device connector and a method for using same. The interventional medical device connector comprises an implant ( | 2013-06-13 |
20130150880 | SUBINTIMAL RECANALIZATION WITH BIO-ABSORBABLE STENT - A recanalization catheter assembly and method for establishing a subintimal pathway around an occlusion in a blood vessel. The recanalization catheter assembly an inflatable balloon structure including a distal anchoring portion configured to expand within a true lumen portion of the blood vessel distal of the occlusion to anchor the recanalization catheter from unintentional movement during expansion of a stent in the subintimal pathway. The expandable stent, such as a bioabsorbable stent, may be configured to promote native tissue regrowth around the stent to create a superficial intimal layer along the subintimal pathway. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150881 | VALVULOPLASTY DEVICE - A medical device may include an elongate shaft having a plurality of elongated balloons disposed at a distal end including a first balloon, a second balloon, and a third balloon, a manifold disposed at a proximal end of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the plurality of balloons, and a distal tip disposed distal of the plurality of balloons, the distal end of each balloon being joined together by the distal tip. A medical device may include an elongate shaft having a plurality of elongated balloons disposed at a distal end including a first opposing pair and a second opposing pair, a manifold disposed at a proximal end of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the plurality of balloons, and a distal tip disposed distal of the plurality of balloons, the distal end of each balloon being joined together by the distal tip. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150882 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIVERTING EMBOLIC MATERIAL - An embolic deflection device includes an anchor engageable with a lumen of a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch and a deflection device, the deflection device having a first end coupled to the anchor and an elongate member extending from the deflection device. A method of deflecting embolic material away from a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch includes providing a deflection device comprising a anchor and an elongate member extending from the anchor. The anchor is engaged with a lumen of the branch vessel and positioned such that the elongate member extends within the aortic arch in proximity to ostia of at least two branch vessels. Embolic material flowing from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch is diverted by the elongate member away from the branch vessels and into the descending aorta. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150883 | HEMOSTATIC DEVICE - A hemostatic device, method of making, and method of using for internal and external applications to wounds in the body of a patient to induce hemostasis at an anatomical site. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150884 | BALLOON INSERTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SEALING A TISSUE PUNCTURE - The present invention provides apparatus and methods of closing internal tissue punctures. The apparatus and method provide for an introducer sheath having at least one side port enabling aspiration of an internal tissue puncture site and injection of a sealant. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150885 | KNOTLESS GRAFT FIXATION USING AN IMPLANT HAVING A POINTED TIP - A method for securing soft tissue to bone which does not require the surgeon to tie suture knots to secure the tissue to the bone. Suture is passed through the graft at desired points. A cannulated plug or screw is pre-loaded onto the distal end of a driver provided with an eyelet implant at its distal end. Suture attached to the graft is passed through the eyelet of the implant located at the distal end of the driver. The distal end of the driver together with the eyelet implant is inserted into the bone. Tension is applied to the suture to position the graft at the desired location relative to the bone. The screw or plug is advanced into the pilot hole by turning the interference screw or tapping the plug until the cannulated screw or plug securely engages and locks in the eyelet implant, so that the cannulated plug or screw with the engaged eyelet implant is flush with the bone. Once the screw or plug is fully inserted and the suture is impacted into the bone, the driver is removed and any loose ends of the sutures protruding from the anchor site are then clipped short. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150886 | INTERSPINOUS SPACER - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer. The system is configured for implantation through a small percutaneous incision employing minimally invasive techniques. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150887 | METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY EXTENDING AN EXISTING SPINAL CONSTRUCT - Methods and techniques for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. An inline rod connector is utilized which includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure uses a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150888 | MULTI-AXIAL CROSS CONNECTOR - A cross connector for attachment between two spinal implants comprises a first element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging one of the two spinal implants, a second element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging the other of the two spinal implants, an engagement mechanism between the one end of each of the first and second elements, and a locking element for locking the two elements together at the respective one end. The engagement mechanism includes an interface configured to permit relative pivoting between the first element and the second element about at least two non-parallel axes. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150889 | NONINVASIVE DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING FASTENER - One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a system for noninvasive adjusting fastener tensioning has an elongated shaft having a slot defined therein. The shaft has a first end oppositely disposed from the second end. An associated rod or rods may pass through each end. Selectively adjustable fasteners may have a plurality of magnets disposed in the head of the fastener. An external drive device generating a magnetic field may be used to rotate the fasteners via the magnets in the fastener head externally without the need for surgery. The fasteners may move in and out from the shaft and contact the rod to adjust tensioning. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150890 | APPARATUS AND DEVICES FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY EXTENDING AN EXISTING SPINAL CONSTRUCT - Apparatus and devices for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150891 | SERPENTINE SPINAL STABILITY DEVICE - A spinal implant comprising a plurality of contiguous segments that define a segment array, said plurality of contiguous segments extending from a first side of the segment array to a second side of the segment array in an overlapping configuration, said plurality of contiguous segments operable to apply a torque to a degenerate spinal segment in each of three orthogonal axes. At least one mounting connection is configured to connect said spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, said mounting mechanism being configured to attach said spinal implant to said degenerate spinal segment. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150892 | ANCHOR FOR ATTACHMENT TO A BONY STRUCTURE - A spine stabilization system including a first anchor, a second anchor and a rod for connecting the first and second anchors together. The first anchor includes an anchor body and a hook. A slot is defined between the hook and a first wall of the anchor body, facing the hook, the slot being configured to receive a bony structure. The first anchor further comprises a flexible member having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The anchor body is provided with an exit passage from which the first and second ends extend, and a loop passage going through the first wall and facing the hook, the intermediate portion extending from the loop passage to form a loop going through the slot and around the bony structure. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150893 | CAPLESS MULTIAXIAL SCREW AND SPINAL FIXATION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A spinal fixation assembly and capless multi-axial screw system and method are shown. The assembly comprises a receiver having a rotary lock which in one embodiment includes a plurality of channels which urge and lock the elongated member to the screw using a bayonet type connection. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150894 | APPARATUS AND DEVICES FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY EXTENDING AN EXISTING SPINAL CONSTRUCT - Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150895 | APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY EXTENDING AN EXISTING SPINAL CONSTRUCT - Apparatus and instruments for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150896 | METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY ATTACHING A CROSS CONNECTOR TO CONTRALATERAL SPINAL CONSTRUCTS - Methods and techniques for attaching a cross connector to a pair of contraterally implanted spinal rods in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement, the cross connector is subcutaneously placed to interconnect contralaterally to a pair of rod connectors that are percutaneously attached respectively to a pair of rods in existing spinal constructs implanted on opposite sides of spine. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150897 | DYNAMIC CERVICAL PLATE - A dynamic subsidence plate is described having a first plate member and a second plate member in sliding engagement that may infinitely subside between a first and second assembled position. The plate includes a lock assembly associated with the first and second plate members. The lock assembly includes a ramp portion, an interference portion, and a bearing member situated between the ramp portion and the interference portion. The lock assembly of the plate is configured to allow movement of the first member with respect to the second member in a first direction in an infinite number of positions between a first assembled position and a second assembled position. Further, the lock assembly alternatively prevents movement of the first member with respect to the second member in an opposite second direction between the first and second assembled positions. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150898 | VERTEBRAL OSTEOSYNTHESIS ASSEMBLY FORMED BY A VERTEBRAL OSTEOSYNTHESIS MATERIAL AND INSTRUMENTS FOR PLACING SAID MATERIAL - In this assembly; each connecting piece comprises engaging means situated outside said conduit for engaging a connecting bar and outside said conduit for engaging on an anchor member, making it possible to grasp said connecting piece using a handling instrument. The assembly comprises at least one handling instrument comprising engaging means complementary to those comprised by each connecting piece. According to the invention, each anchor member is equipped with a proximal shaft, the length of which is such that it protrudes past the patient's skin after implantation of said anchor member on a vertebra. Each handling instrument is tubular and can be engaged on the proximal shaft of each anchor member so as to allow the movement of a connecting piece grasped by the instrument along the proximal shaft of each anchor member. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150899 | Bone Plate with Two Different Sizes of Discrete Drill Guides Connected to the Plate - A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone includes a bone plate with threaded holes and two types of guides threadedly connected within the threaded holes. One guide is taller and smaller in diameter, whereas the other guide is shorter and wider in diameter. The guides provide guidance for drilling a hole through the guide and screw hole, and optional bending of the plate at the guide. The guides have structure allowing the guides to be individually removed through rotation. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150900 | ORTHOPEDIC PLATE, ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE, METHOD OF COUPLING BONE SEGMENTS, AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING AN ORTHOPEDIC PLATE - An orthopedic plate comprising, a frame portion and a bearing rotatably coupled with the frame portion, wherein the bearing defines an opening configured to receive a fastener for fastening the orthopedic plate to a body, wherein the bearing includes an outer surface that is eccentric to the opening such that a position of the opening with respect to the frame portion is adjustable as the bearing rotates. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150901 | Reduced Component Bone Plating System - An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150902 | BLOCKED BONE PLATE AND SCREW PROVIDED WITH A THREADED CONIC OR PARABOLIC HEAD AND ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING AN IMPLANT AND RESPECTIVE INSERTION METHOD OF SAID IMPLANT TO A BONE TISSUE - Blocked bone plate, provided with orthogonal bore holes, synergically associated to screws with a conic or parabolic head, threaded in said plate orthogonal bore holes, indicated for the treatment of fractures in part of the skeleton that, when affixed to a fractured bone, stabilizes the fracture. The nature of fixture of such a conic or parabolic head into an orthogonal bore hole is advantageous because it allows these fixture elements to perform micro movements that stimulate said bone consolidation. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150903 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR BONE FIXATION USING AXIAL IMPLANTS - The invention comprises a method for fixating bones in the foot by aligning the bones in their desired position, inserting a screw in the aligned bones, inserting at least one transverse element near the head or tip of the screw, and tightening the screw to compress the bones. The screw comprises a shaft having first and second ends with spirally wound screw threads beginning near the first end and extending along the shaft. Advantageously, the screw is cannulated and screw threads are formed on an interior surface of the cannulation. Illustratively, the transverse elements may be staples, open-ended washers, or open-ended nuts. Reduction instruments and drill guides used in the invention are also disclosed. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150904 | MONOPLANAR BONE ANCHORING DEVICE WITH SELECTABLE PIVOT PLANE - A bone anchoring device is provided including a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a longitudinal axis, a first bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis and a second bore; an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into a bone and a second end positionable within the second bore, the second end including a head. The anchoring element is movable relative to the receiving part in a limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angular range lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a guiding member configured to rotate in the first bore, wherein the head of the anchoring element is connected to the guiding member and wherein a form-fit connection between the head and the guiding member limits the movement of the anchoring element to the single plane. A first locking element acts on the guiding member to fix the rotational position of the guiding member and a second locking element acts on the head to fix the head relative to the receiving part. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150905 | Rod Holder - A rod holder for inserting a rod for spinal instrumentation into a patient. The rod may be inserted through the same incision used for fixing pedicle screws, so that an additional incision may not be required. The rod holder may include a body, a slide that slidably mates to a side of the body, and a ram that actuates the slide. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150906 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A LOCKABLE POLYAXIAL DRIVER TOOL - A polyaxial driver system for inserting and setting the angular orientation of an implant includes an elongated component and a distal component. The elongated component extends along a main axis and includes an elongated tubular sheath and an elongated shaft disposed within the tubular sheath. The distal component is pivotally connected to a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes a tubular body extending along the main axis and a spherical head dimensioned to fit and move freely within the tubular body. A proximal end of the elongated shaft includes a first set of outer threads and a proximal end of the elongated tubular sheath includes inner threads shaped and dimensioned to engage the first set of outer threads of the elongated shaft. Rotating the elongated tubular sheath clockwise or counter-clockwise moves the elongated shaft forward or backward along the main axis, respectively. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150907 | LEAD SPLITTER FOR AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING - A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150908 | Pacemaker for Spasmodic Dysphonia - A stimulation system and method for treating to a human subject having spasmodic dysphonia includes a sensing electrode configured to detect voice activity of a vocalizing muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a mechanical actuator configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a glottic closure reflex of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter and a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and stimulate the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the vagus nerve of the subject based on the stimulation parameter. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150909 | MODES OF OPERATION FOR ATRIAL DEFIBRILLATION USING AN IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR - Systems, methods and devices relating to atrial defibrillation and, more specifically, modes of operation for automatically and/or remotely causing the delivery of one or more atrial defibrillation pulses are disclosed. Embodiments provide for wireless communication between an implanted atrial defibrillator, external communication devices and/or servers to detect atrial fibrillation states, communicate with patients and/or initiate the delivery of atrial defibrillation pulses. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150910 | APPARATUS FOR REVERSAL OF MYOCARDIAL REMODELING WITH PRE-EXCITATION - An apparatus for reversing ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. A ventricle is paced by delivering one or more stimulatory pulses in a manner such that a stressed region of the myocardium is pre-excited relative to other regions in order to subject the stressed region to a lessened preload and afterload during systole. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150911 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IDENTIFYING AND USING HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND HEART RATE VARIATION - A heart rate variability or heart rate variation can be identified using sensed and/or paced heart beats. One or more patient metrics, such as a variability index or a variation index, can correspond to the identified heart rate variability or heart rate variation. The patient metrics can be used to identify a need for a particular therapy, such as a rate-responsive pacing therapy. The patient metrics can be used to identify patients at an elevated risk of death. Methods and systems to identify therapy indications or at-risk patients are provided. In an example, a patient risk profile can be adjusted, such as in response to an identified patient heart rate variability or heart rate variation. In an example, a rate-responsive pacing mode can be used to adjust the patient risk profile. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150912 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IDENTIFYING AND USING HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND HEART RATE VARIATION - A heart rate variability or heart rate variation can be identified using sensed and/or paced heart beats. One or more patient metrics, such as a variability index or a variation index, can correspond to the identified heart rate variability or heart rate variation. The patient metrics can be used to identify a need for a particular therapy, such as a rate-responsive pacing therapy. The patient metrics can be used to identify patients at an elevated risk of death. Methods and systems to identify therapy indications or at-risk patients are provided. In an example, a patient risk profile can be adjusted, such as in response to an identified patient heart rate variability or heart rate variation. In an example, a rate-responsive pacing mode can be used to adjust the patient risk profile. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150913 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150914 | HANDLING IMPROPER DEVICE DATA IN IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A system and method for handling data received from an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. The method includes communicating a device parameter value of an IMD device parameter from the IMD to an external device and determining, at the external device, that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value. Additionally, in response to the determining that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value, automatically performing at least one of re-programming the IMD device parameter with a selected substitute device parameter value, ignoring, or purging non-programmable data. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150915 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HEADER AND METHOD - Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead. In some examples, the header core includes a tag holder configured to locate an identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core. In some examples, the header core includes an antenna attachment feature configured to locate an antenna in a selected position with respect to the header core. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150916 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HEADER AND METHOD - Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A modular header core includes a first core module including a first bore hole portion of a first bore hole, the first bore hole portion configured to couple a first electrical component with the electronic module. A second core module includes a second bore hole portion of a second bore hole different than the first bore hole, the second bore hole portion configured to couple a second electrical component with the electronic module. The first core module is detachably engaged with the second core module. A header shell is disposed around the modular header core and attached to the device container. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150917 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HEADER AND METHOD - Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header is coupled to the device container. The header includes a header core including a conductive member electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container. An antenna is coupled to the header core and electrically coupled to the electronic module. A first portion of the header is proximate the antenna. The first portion includes a first dielectric constant that is lower than a second dielectric constant of a second portion of the header. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150918 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY TRAINING A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - Neurostimulators, neurostimulation systems, and methods for providing therapy to a patient. A neurostimulation system stores reference measurements and reference stimulation parameter sets respectively associated with the reference measurements. A new measurement of least one environmental parameter indicative of a change in a therapeutic environment is taken. Whether the new measurement matches one of the stored reference measurements is determined. If a match is determined, stimulation energy is conveyed from the neurostimulation system to the patient in accordance with the stimulation parameter set corresponding to the matching reference measurement. If a match is not determined, stimulation energy is conveyed from the neurostimulation system to the patient in accordance with a user-defined stimulation parameter set, another reference stimulation parameter set is defined based on the user-defined stimulation parameter set, and the new measurement is stored as an additional reference measurement in association with the additional reference stimulation parameter set. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150919 | METHOD FOR DIRECT MODULATION OF THE SPINOTHALAMIC TRACT - A method for treating a patient suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, comprises epidurally applying electrical stimulation energy to a spinothalamic tract of the patient, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain. The method may further comprise increasing the activation threshold of a side-effect exhibiting neural structure relative to the activation threshold of the spinothalamic tract of the patient, wherein the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the spinothalamic tract of the patient while the activation threshold of the neural structure relative to the spinothalamic tract is increased, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain without stimulating the neural structure. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150920 | METHOD FOR DIRECT MODULATION OF THE DORSOLATERAL FUNICULUS - A method for treating a patient suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, comprises epidurally applying electrical stimulation energy to a dorsolateral funiculus of the patient, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain. The method may further comprise increasing the activation threshold of a side-effect exhibiting neural structure relative to the activation threshold of the dorsolateral funiculus of the patient, wherein the electrical stimulation energy is applied to the dorsolateral funiculus of the patient while the activation threshold of the neural structure relative to the dorsolateral funiculus is increased, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain without stimulating the neural structure. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150921 | AUTOMATIC THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS - A medical device detects a previously defined event, and controls delivery of therapy to a patient according to therapy information associated with the previously defined event. In exemplary embodiments, the medical device enters a learning mode in response to a command received from a user, e.g., the patient or a clinician. In such embodiments, the medical device defines the event, collects the therapy information, and associates the therapy information with the defined event while operating in the learning mode. In some embodiments, the medical device defines the event based on the output of a sensor that indicates a physiological parameter of the patient during the learning mode. The sensor may be an accelerometer, which generates an output that reflects motion and/or posture of the patient. The medical device may collect therapy information by recording therapy changes made by the user during the learning mode. | 2013-06-13 |
20130150922 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DEFINE TARGET VOLUME FOR STIMULATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND PERIPHERAL NERVES - One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes storing a volume of tissue activation (VTA) data structure that is derived from analysis of a plurality of patients. Patient data is received for a given patient, the patient data representing an assessment of a patient condition. The VTA data structure is evaluated relative to the patient data to determine a target VTA for achieving a desired therapeutic effect for the given patient. | 2013-06-13 |