28th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110172639 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF MICRONEEDLE TO DESIRED DEPTH WITHIN THE SKIN - A device for delivering a drug into the skin of a subject is provided. The device includes a drug reservoir and a microneedle having a tip, a length, and a tip sharpness. The microneedle is coupled to the reservoir. The device includes a microneedle actuator coupled to the microneedle configured to drive the microneedle into the skin of the subject upon activation. The tip sharpness and the actuator allow the microneedle to pass through an outer layer of the skin upon activation, and the length is limited such that the tip does not extend past a desired depth below the surface of the skin of the subject, wherein the desired depth is located in the papillary dermis or the reticular dermis. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172640 | Medical injector with ratcheting plunger - A medical injector has a body with a displaceable plunger. The plunger includes a plurality of spaced-apart ratchet teeth disposed along the length thereof. At least one indexer is provided to engage the plunger, wherein the indexer is configured to allow the plunger to displace distally toward a distal end of the body but not proximally toward a proximal end of the body. The medical injector also includes an actuator having an engagement portion formed to engage one or more of the ratchet teeth. The actuator is displaceable to a ready state, the engagement portion being displaced proximally relative to the plunger with the actuator being displaced to the ready state. The indexer prevents proximal movement of the plunger, thereby allowing the engagement portion to bypass one or more of the ratchet teeth with the actuator being displaced to the ready state. In addition, the actuator is displaceable from the ready state to cause actuation of the medical injector. The displacement from the ready state causes distal displacement of the engagement portion with the engagement portion engaging one or more of the ratchet teeth and causing distal displacement of the plunger with the engagement portion. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172641 | ANIMAL RESTRAINT DEVICE AND METHOD - An animal restraining device and method provide dual capability for restraining an animal and administering medications. A first embodiment provides an administration tube connected to a body with handles which can be grasped by user to position the device either for restraining or administering medications. A second embodiment is a continuous hook-shaped member having a hollow passageway in order to introduce medications. The second embodiment is reversible to place either end of the device in the animal's mouth for restraining or administering medications, depending upon the size of the particular animal. The method of restraint includes positioning the device in the animal's mouth and applying a force to elicit a natural response by the animal which causes the animal to pause or remain motionless for a period of time while a caregiver may treat or examine the animal. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172642 | Occlusion Resistant Catheter - Catheters configured to minimize, prevent, disrupt, and/or treat thrombus accumulation and subsequent occlusion are disclosed. Such catheters include at least one sidewall cut extending to the catheter distal end that forms catheter sidewall portions that move relative to each other when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172643 | Catheter with Composite Stiffener - A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172644 | MULTI LAYER COEXTRUDED CATHETER SHAFT - A central venous catheter is provided having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member that are preferably formed as a single integrated tube containing polymer material of different durometer and varying amounts of radiopaque filler material. The polymer durometer of the inner tubular member is higher than the polymer durometer of the outer tubular member. The percentage by weight of the filler material contained in the inner tubular member is higher than that of the outer tubular member. The combination of the higher durometer inner tubular member and the lower durometer outer tubular member along the length of the tube provides the desired tensile strength, hardness, chemical resistance and fatigue resistance and at the same time provides the desired flexibility and radiopacity. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172645 | WEARABLE DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING INTEGRATED PUMPING AND ACTIVATION ELEMENTS - A drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a subject is provided. The drug delivery device includes a housing, a drug reservoir supported by the housing containing the drug and a hollow microneedle supported by the housing. The hollow microneedle is moveable from an inactive position to an activated position, wherein, when the hollow microneedle is moved to the activated position, the tip portion of the hollow microneedle is configured to penetrate the skin of the subject. The drug delivery device includes a channel having an input in communication with the drug reservoir and an output in communication with the hollow microneedle. The channel provides fluid communication between the drug reservoir and the hollow microneedle, such that the drug is permitted to flow from the drug reservoir through the channel and through the hollow microneedle. The channel moves from a first position to a second position as the hollow microneedle moves from the inactive position to the activated position, and the position of the drug reservoir relative to the housing remains fixed as the hollow microneedle moves from the inactive position to the activated position. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172646 | MULTI-MATERIAL SINGLE-PIECE ACTUATOR MEMBER FOR MINIATURE RECIPROCATING PISTON PUMP IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - An implantable medical device including a two piece actuator member which comprises a monocrystaline piston and a magnetizable pole. The monocrystalline piston is positioned within a piston channel having a surface having a titanium-oxide layer. The monocrystalline piston is selectively movable within the piston bore to permit intake and output of fluids. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172647 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - The invention concerns a surgical instrument with a base part, which has a shaft and a stationary handle branch. A working part is guided movably on the shaft and a swiveling handle branch is arranged on the base part, which is mounted able to swivel in an opening of the base part in order to activate the working part by means of a pivot pin. The pivot pin engages with a through opening in the swiveling handle branch, and for the purpose of separating the swiveling handle branch from the working part, the pivot pin can be entirely lifted out axially from the swiveling handle branch and is captively secured to the base part. The swiveling handle branch in the position separated from the working part is captively secured to the base part. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172648 | TOOL FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to an easy-to-control tool for minimally invasive surgery and a method for using the same. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for minimally invasive surgery and a method for using the same comprising, a main shaft, a first control shaft and a second control shaft positioned in sequence from one end of the main shaft, a first actuating shaft and a second actuating shaft positioned in sequence from the other end of the main shaft, an adjustment handle positioned around one end of the second control shaft, an end effector positioned around one end of the second actuating shaft, a pitch control part positioned around one position of the positions between the main shaft and the first control shaft, between the first control shaft and the second control shaft, and between the second control shaft and the adjustment handle, for transferring a motion of the adjustment handle in a pitch direction to the end effector, a first yaw control part and a second yaw control part positioned around the other positions of the positions between the main shaft and the first control shaft, between the first control shaft and the second control shaft, and between the second control shaft and the adjustment handle, respectively, for transferring a motion of the adjustment handle in a yaw direction to the end effector, a pitch actuating part positioned around one position of the positions between the main shaft and the first actuating shaft, between the first actuating shaft and the second actuating shaft, and between the second actuating shaft and the end effector, a first yaw actuating part and a second yaw actuating part positioned around the other positions of the positions between the main shaft and the first actuating shaft, between the first actuating shaft and the second actuating shaft, and between the second actuating shaft and the end effector, respectively, a first pitch cable and a second pitch cable for transferring motions from the pitch control part, the first yaw control part, and the second yaw control part to the pitch actuating part, the first yaw actuating part, and the second yaw actuating part, respectively, and a yaw cable for transferring a motion from the first yaw control part to the first yaw actuating part with the first pitch cable and the second pitch cable. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172649 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODIFYING EYE TISSUE AND INTRAOCULAR LENSES - As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, a method and system for making physical modifications to intraocular targets is disclosed. In varying embodiments, the method and system disclosed herein provide many advantages over the current standard of care. Specifically, linear absorption facilitated photodecomposition and linear absorption facilitated plasma generation to modify intraocular tissues and synthetic intraocular lenses. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172650 | METHODS FOR TREATING EYE CONDITIONS - Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172651 | Heads For Dermatology Treatment - Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172652 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UNDERSKIN RADIATION TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE - A method and device for underskin treatment and removal of adipose tissue by means of a radiation energy source is disclosed. The method disclosed of radiation-assisted tissue improvement consists of inserting a device or part of a device below the skin into areas to be treated, emitting radiation and moving the device within tissue area to reach all parts. The method is characterized by emitting radiation at intensity levels low enough to practically avoid or minimize carbonization in the main tissue components such as fat and connective tissue but at sufficient intensity to enable coagulation of smaller blood vessels thus preventing from bleeding at the spectrum emitted. Thus, in preferred embodiments, power density is kept at up to about 2 W/mm. This allows for use of small diameter fibers such as 400 μm or less. The device for carrying out underskin radiation treatment consists of a handpiece that allows easy manipulation by physicians, with a part that can be inserted below the skin and a part that can be held and manipulated outside the body. The part inserted below the skin can be vibrated or oscillated by means of suitable transducers to aid in distributing the radiation. Simultaneously or immediately afterwards, liquefied tissue is aspirated. If convenient, fluid irrigation of the area to be treated can be done. In a preferred embodiment, handpiece consists in a hollow cannula incorporating at least one channel for suction and/or irrigation and a light guiding means in its body/wall section for the purpose of the treatment and liquefaction of adipose tissue. Due to handpiece's special configuration, a wide variety of fiber tip configurations can be used, i.e. side emitting, conical, radial emitting, drop shaped, reflective caps, but not limited thereto. Each fiber tip configuration allows for optimally performing different specific treatments. The device further comprises at least one radiation source, included in device part affixed to the handpiece either in a permanent or detachable manner. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172653 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION OF TARGET CELLS USING AN OPTICAL TRANSMISSION ELEMENT - Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one such device, target cells are stimulated using an implantable device. The device includes a light source for producing light from electrical power. An optical transmission element is made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light from the light source. This transmission element substantially encases the light source at a proximal end. The transmission element delivers light from the light source to a distal end. The shape and size of the transmission element facilitates implanting of the element within a patient. A fixation portion physically couples to the optical transmission element and secures the device to the patient. A heat dissipation portion removes heat from the near optical transmission element and the light source and dissipates the removed heat through the fixation portion. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172654 | Device and Method for Lung Treatment - This invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient's lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172655 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR APPLICATION OF ENERGY TO AIRWAY WALLS AND OTHER MEDIUMS - The present invention includes a system for delivering energy to an airway wall of a lung comprising an energy delivering apparatus and a PID controller having one or more variable gain factors which are rest after energy deliver has begun. The energy delivering apparatus may include a flexible elongated member and a distal expandable basket having at least one electrode for transferring energy to the airway wall and at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature. The PID controller determines a new power set point base on an error between a preset temperature and the measured temperature. The algorithm can be P | 2011-07-14 |
20110172656 | SOFT GENERATOR - A high-frequency surgical generator for generating high efficiency outputs that can be operated in resonance over a wide load resistance range. The high-frequency surgical generator includes, a first stage circuit for generating high-frequency power and a second stage circuit coupled to the first state circuit. The second stage circuit includes an input and an output and a series resonant circuit located between the input and the output. The second stage circuit further includes an inductor that is switched parallel to the input and a capacitor that is switched parallel to the output. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172657 | ABLATION CATHETER ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF A CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA - An ablation catheter arrangement includes an ablation generator, a rinsing liquid source for providing a liquid for rinsing the treatment area in which ablation is performed, and an ablation catheter connectable to the ablation generator and to the rinsing liquid source. The ablation catheter has an ablation area, at least one rinsing opening, and a rinsing bath for supplying rinsing liquid to the treatment area. A blood pressure measurement device detects the intracardiac blood pressure over the liquid column of the rinsing liquid, and communicates with the rinsing channel of the ablation catheter by fluid connection. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172658 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR USE IN BODILY LUMENS, FOR EXAMPLE AN ATRIUM - A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s). | 2011-07-14 |
20110172659 | Ablation Device With User Interface at Device Handle, System Including Same, and Method of Ablating Tissue Using Same - An ablation device includes a handle assembly including a distal end, an ablation probe extending distally from the distal end of the handle assembly, and a user interface disposed at the handle assembly. The ablation probe is operably coupled to the user interface. The user interface includes a controller unit, a power on/off switch operably coupled to the controller unit, and at least one detector capable of generating an electrical signal. The controller is in communication with the at least one detector and configured to override operation of the power on/off switch in response to the electrical signal generated by the at least one detector. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172660 | Battery-Powered Electrosurgical Forceps With Multi-Turn Selectable-Ratio Transformer - An electrocautery surgical device includes a battery power source and radio-frequency signal generating circuitry electrically coupled to the battery power source and operable to deliver power to an electrosurgical forceps. The radio-frequency signal generating circuitry includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding includes first and second primary sub-windings. At least one switching component is electrically coupled to the first and second primary sub-windings and is operable to switch between engaging the first primary sub-winding and engaging the second primary sub-winding such that a current flows through the first and/or second primary sub-windings. The first and second primary sub-windings have a different number of turns such that the radio-frequency signal generating circuitry produces a different impedance value depending on which one of the first and second primary sub-windings is engaged. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172661 | BIPOLAR COAGULATION ELECTRODE - The invention concerns a bipolar coagulation probe ( | 2011-07-14 |
20110172662 | Bone Compression and Distraction System - A bone compression and distraction system which has an apparatus and a plurality of pins. The apparatus includes a body, a worm screw and a pair of pin attachment members. The worm screw is placed in the body and the pin attachment members are coupled to the worm screw, and constrained from rotation relative to the worm screw, wherein the worm screw has opposing threads extending away from a central region. Upon rotation of the worm screw, the pin attachment members travel in opposite directions, either toward each other or away from each other to either decrease or increase the spacing therebetween. A pin may be coupled to each of the pin attachment members. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172663 | ARTICULATION APPARATUS FOR EXTERNAL FIXATION DEVICE - An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purposes of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and/or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172664 | ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICE FOR CORRECTING DEFORMITIES OF LONG BONES - Orthopaedic device ( | 2011-07-14 |
20110172665 | ADJUSTABLE BONE STABILIZING FRAME SYSTEM - By providing components securable to anchor pins or screws of different diameters as well as providing clamps which hold associated pins in any position during adjustments, an external fixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable of being quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. In the present invention, the frame structure is retained in any assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to be made, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in the precisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In this way, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted, and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in the precisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamping members. In one preferred embodiment, the clamping members employed in the frame structure of the present invention incorporate friction pins internally mounted in each clamp which engages the rod member once this rod is inserted into the jaws of the clamp. In this way, any rod member inserted into the clamping jaws contacts the surface of the jaws and the friction pin, preventing the rod member from sliding or moving relative to the clamp. In addition, by incorporating a uniquely constructed, moving wedge plate that is adjustably engageable with any cooperating anchor pin, secure affixation of the mounting member with the anchor pins of any diameter is easily achieved, regardless of the orientation configuration, or diameter of the anchor pin. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172666 | VARIABLE ANGLE LOCKING SCREW - An implantable orthopedic fastener comprising: (a) a support substrate including a first through hole at least partially defined by an interior wall tapering to decrease a diameter of the first through hole; (b) a nut having an internal wall at least partially defining a second through hole having a diameter less than the diameter of the first through hole, the nut also including a projection radially extending beyond the internal wall to provide the nut with a widthwise dimension greater than the diameter of the first through hole, the nut further including a washer radially extending beyond the internal wall, the washer having a widthwise dimension greater than the diameter of the first through hole, where the projection and the washer cooperate to retain at least a portion of the nut within the first through hole; and (c) a fastening screw comprising a head and a longitudinal shaft extending from the head, the longitudinal shaft including external threads sized to permit through passage of the longitudinal shaft with respect to first and second through holes, the head also including a cap sized to allow entry of the head into the first through hole but prohibiting through passage of the head with respect to the first through hole, the cap further including an opening into a hollow formed into a top of the head, where at least one of the head and the internal wall of the nut includes threads to selectively mount the fastening screw to the nut, the threads operative to allow rotational and vertical motion of the fastening screw with respect to the nut, and where the support substrate, the nut, and the fastening screw cooperate to form a compression joint operatively sandwiching at least a portion of the interior wall between the cap and the washer of the nut to fix an angular orientation of the fastening screw with respect to the support substrate. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172667 | BONE FIXATION DEVICE WITH COVER - A bone fixation device ( | 2011-07-14 |
20110172668 | Intramedullary Mandibular Condyle Implants and Method for Application of the Same - A device for intramedullary fixation of mandibular condyle fractures is provided. This device includes a proximal screw portion and a distal peg portion. The screw portion includes threads and a taper at the proximal tip. The peg portion contains a taper at the distal end, it may be of circular or ovoid cross-sectional shape to accommodate variations in individual patient anatomy, and may contain peg holes oriented perpendicular to its long axis. Perpendicular grooves are present on the distal end of the device to allow coupling with a surgical screwdriver. The method of application includes reaming of the intramedullary canal, insertion of the device into the proximal condyle fragment, and manipulation of the intramedullary canal of the distal mandible onto the device to achieve stable fracture fixation. This device and method provide the benefits of intramedullary fixation and a total endoscopic surgical approach to the treatment of mandibular condyle fractures. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172669 | Bone Plate With Pre-Assembled Drill Guide Tips - Removable drill guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a bone plate. The tips may be used with an extension to together function as a conventional drill guide. After drilling, the extension or another tool is used to remove the tips from the plate. According to another use, the tip is used as a guide for a drill bit without any additional extension and then removed with a tool. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172670 | EXPANDABLE PROXIMAL REAMER - A reamer for reaming a portion of a long bone cavity for use in implanting a joint prosthesis. The reamer is used in cooperation with a portion of an orthopaedic implant component and includes an expandable body that is adapted to adjust between a plurality of diameters. A plurality of cutting edges are also included and extend outwardly from the body, the edges adapted for cooperation with bone, and the cutting edges expanding as the expandable body expands. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172671 | Orthopedic/Spine Bone Mill - A orthopedic/spine bone mill comprising a vessel and a rotatable grinding tool to produce ground autologous and or allograft bone particles for surgical bone reconstruction use, wherein the vessel includes a wall defining a circular cylindrical chamber having a concentric axis. The vessel further includes generally concave or a cup shaped bottom wall which corresponds to the shape of the cutting blade and a lid adapted to be removably connected to the vessel. The lid includes an opening coincident with the axis. The grinding tool includes an elongated shaft extending through the opening in the Jid along the axis with a cutting blade mounted to the shaft within the chamber whereby the cutting blade can be rotated by motive device, such as a drill find in the operating room, engaging the shaft exterior of the vessel to cut bone, placed in the vessel, into said bone particles. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172672 | INSTRUMENT WITH TRANSPARENT PORTION FOR USE WITH PATIENT-SPECIFIC ALIGNMENT GUIDE - A system for orienting objects relative to an anatomical feature of a patient includes a guide with a reference guide surface. The system also includes a referencing object that is guided by the reference guide surface toward the anatomical feature to be fixed to the anatomical feature in a reference orientation relative to the anatomical feature. Moreover, the system includes an instrument with at least a portion that is transparent. The referencing object is viewable through the transparent portion of the instrument to align the referencing object with the instrument and to orient the instrument in the reference orientation relative to the anatomical feature. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172673 | IMPLANT EXTRACTION TOOL - Implant removal tool ( | 2011-07-14 |
20110172674 | System and Methods for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Methods and instruments are provided to allow access to a surgical site through a small incision while optimizing visualization of the patient anatomy. The instrumentation provide for the retraction of soft tissue, creation of a working envelope below the skin, and access to intervertebral discs and/or the surrounding bony structures for the purpose of performing various operative procedures including discectomy, laminectomy, and other spinal fixations. One set of disclosed instrumentation provides for the targeting of placement and trajectory of spinal fixation devices while reducing the number of instruments necessary needed to pass through the surgical incision. Another instrument disclosed herein allows for the compression of the intervertebral space through a very small incision. The instrument profile is minimized by using the same instrument that is used for tightening of the pedicle screws as one of the active components of the compression instrument. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172675 | OCULAR INLAY DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - The present application describes an ocular inlay delivery system that can include a loader, forceps, and tray system. The loader can be configured to receive an ocular inlay, protect it during handling and shipment, and present it for removal during surgery, receive jaws of surgical forceps and align the jaws in relation to the inlay allowing the forceps to grip the inlay in a proper orientation. Forceps can be configured to fit within the channel of the loader, grip the inlay using a clamping motion, maintain a grip on the inlay during transfer to the eye of a patient, deposit the inlay in the eye of a patient, and release the inlay using a sliding motion. The tray can be configured to restrict movement of the loader mechanism during shipment and handling. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172676 | PLUNGER TIP COUPLING DEVICE FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS INJECTOR - The present disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and methods directed to mounting a plunger tip to a plunger of an IOL injection device. A plunger tip wrench that is operable to releasably retain a plunger tip may be coupled to a holder extending from an end of the IOL injection device to align the plunger tip with the plunger of the IOL injection device. In some instances, the IOL injection device may include a motor and use a back electromotive force (EMF) of the motor to detect a position of the plunger as it is extended to engage the plunger tip. The plunger tip may be positioned relative to the plunger such that the plunger will engage the plunger tip within the entire range of a negative error position and a positive error position. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172677 | Medical instrument positioning device - A medical instrument positioning device that allows medical personnel to quickly and easily insert and remove medical instruments and accessories through a portal in a patient is described. The device guides the inserted instruments directly to the surgical site so that the surgeon does not have to search to reacquire the site. The device is generally “L” shaped, having a handle on the proximal end and a somewhat sharpened tip on the distal end. The body of the device is generally curved or otherwise shaped to form a channel down which medical instruments, cameras, accessories, etc. can be positioned. The tip of the device is shaped so as to be easily inserted into a portal. Once inserted, the device is positioned so that the distal end is in proximity to a surgical site. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172678 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYING URETERAL STENTS - A ureteral decompression device comprises a guide member and an anchoring structure. The guide member may be introduced through the urethra and bladder into the ureter so that the anchor structure passes a lodged kidney stone. Once past the stone, the anchor structure can be compacted to anchor the guide member in place. The anchor structure will permit leakage and the guide member will provide a leakage path directly past the stone, thus decompressing the kidney. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172679 | METHOD OF IMPLANTING MICRODEVICE WITH EXTENDED LEAD AND REMOTE ELECTRODE - An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172680 | OPTICAL FIBER SHAPE SENSING SYSTEMS - A medical instrument system includes an elongate instrument body defining a longitudinal axis and capable of being twisted about its longitudinal axis and an optical fiber sensor coupled to the instrument body. A detector is operatively coupled to the optical fiber sensor and configured to detect respective light signals transmitted on the optical fiber sensor. A controller is operatively coupled to the detector and configured to determine a twist of a portion of the instrument body about its longitudinal axis based on an analysis of detected light signals. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172681 | POWERED TACKER INSTRUMENT - There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172682 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ANNULUS REPAIR SYSTEM AND BONE ANCHOR DELIVERY TOOL - An intervertebral disc repair system comprises an implant and a delivery tool configured to deploy the implant at least partially in a vertebral body of a patient. The implant includes an anchor member and an adjustable suture assembly coupled thereto. The delivery tool includes a proximal handle, an outer tubular member extending distally from the handle, a needle cannula slidably received within the outer tubular member having a sharpened tip for penetrating tissue (e.g., the vertebral body), an inner pusher member slidably received within the needle cannula, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the handle for selectively retracting the needle cannula relative to the outer tubular member and the inner pusher member. At least the anchor member of the implant is releasably received within the needle cannula. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172683 | TISSUE EXPANDER - Provided herein is a tissue stretching device including a tissue clamping member defining an area in a Z plane, wherein the tissue clamping member is configured to hold tissue parallel to the Z plane. Methods of use of the tissue stretching device to stretch a tissue as well as for culturing organized tissues are also provided. Stretched and/or cultured tissues produced by these processes are also provided, as well as methods of treatment making use of the same. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172684 | PROSTHESIS FOR ANASTOMOSIS - Prosthetic devices are provided that are used for end-to-side, end-to-end and side-to-side anastomosis, without clamping and sutureless or with quick clamping and sutureless, where the tubular member of the prosthesis, besides having its intraluminal part angled in relation to the flange, can also have more than one intraluminal part, in form of a “Y”, a “T”, and other variations. The flange can also be with or without openings or small handles and chamfers, allowing the tie-up to the external part of the tissue, vein, artery or tubular organ to eliminate the contact of foreign bodies inside the anastomosis. The prosthesis can also be without flange or have a tubular member with tapered center to peripheral part or from external part to intraluminal one, and it can be cut in the desired size and gauge. Therefore, the prosthesis can have varied sizes and shapes to accommodate varied graft sizes and types in a simultaneous way. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172685 | TRANSESOPHAGEAL GASTRIC REDUCTION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A gastric reduction system and method provides for transesophageal formation of a gastric reduction pouch of the stomach. The system includes an expandable structure, which may be placed in a stomach and expanded to occupy a fractional volume of the stomach. An evacuator is then fed through the expandable structure and utilized to deflate the stomach and draw the stomach to and around the expandable structure to form the gastric reduction pouch. A self-deploying fastener is then deployed to maintain the gastric reduction pouch. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172686 | Device For Engaging Tissue Having a Preexisting Opening - A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple. A second aspect of the invention includes an anastomotic fitting, having an inner flange over which the graft vessel is everted and an outer flange which contacts the exterior surface of the target vessel. A tailored amount of compression applied by the inner and outer flanges grips the target vessel wall and creates a leak-proof seal between the graft vessel and the target vessel. A third aspect of the invention has a flange to which the graft vessel attaches, by everting the graft vessel over the flange, and a plurality of staple-like members which attach the flange and the everted end of the graft vessel to the wall of the target vessel to form the anastomosis | 2011-07-14 |
20110172687 | Telemetry Device with Software User Input Features - An implantable restriction device is configured to provide a restriction in a patient. A pressure sensor implanted in the patient is configured to sense pressure associated with the restriction device. A remote input device is configured to wirelessly receive pressure measurements from the pressure sensor and transmit the pressure measurements to a display device. The display device is configured to plot the pressure measurements as a function of time. The remote input device also includes buttons that may be used to annotate the pressure measurements, such as to indicate physical events associated with the patient (e.g., coughing, sneezing, etc.). The display device is also configured to display the annotations on or near the plot of pressure measurements. A viewer may thus take the annotations into account when evaluating the pressure measurements, such as by ignoring pressure measurements associated with certain types of annotations. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172688 | Conduit Harvesting Instrument and Method - A surgical instrument for harvesting vessels from the body includes an elongated shaft having distal and proximal ends and a plurality of lumens disposed therethrough. The shaft also includes a tip having a dissecting portion disposed at a distal end thereof and a cradle section. The tip is movable from a first position proximate the distal end of the shaft to at least one additional position distally further from the distal end of the shaft to expose the cradle section. The instrument also includes an endoscope disposed in one of the plurality of lumens and at least one additional surgical instrument disposed in one of the remaining lumens. Methods are disclosed for utilizing the surgical instrument. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172689 | Method of Maintaining Constant Movement of a Cutting Blade on an Ultrasonic Waveguide - A method of maintaining a constant movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide includes providing an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, and a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer. Current is supplied through a set of connection points of the parallel configuration with the variable power source to, thereby, create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer and the motional current is regulated with a current controller by varying an output of the power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172690 | Balloon Catheter for Use with a Surgical Coring System - A balloon catheter for use with a surgical coring system for off pump surgery, includes various shaped balloon portions which are adapted to seal an apical hole in the left ventricle of a patient's heart. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172691 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TISSUE RESECTION - A resection device includes an elongated probe shaft and a tissue resection member disposed at a distal end of the elongated probe shaft. The tissue resection member has a cutting surface configured for being placed in contact with tissue. In one aspect of the invention, at least one ejection port is located adjacent to the cutting surface of the tissue resection member, wherein the at least one ejection port is coupled to a source of a polymerizable hemostasis-promoting material that is delivered to the resection site of interest. In certain embodiments, polymerization of the hemostasis-promoting material may be accelerated by application of heat, radiofrequency energy, or ultra violet light. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172692 | HEMODIALYSIS ARTERIO-VENOUS GRAFT WITH A RING-LIKE DIAMETER-ADJUSTABLE DEVICE - A ring device is integrated externally onto and around a regular hemodialysis arterio-venous graft conduit. The ring device is adjustable to reduce or to normalize (by rebounding) the diameter of the graft, and eventually to change blood flow through the graft. This ring device is designed such that it can be scaled up or down to change its diameter, and simultaneously the diameter of the associated graft prior to and even after its implantation into a patient's arm or leg. Since a hemodialysis arterio-venous graft is usually implanted superficially underneath skin, the device and its adjustable parts can be electively or urgently located and operated from outside by touching and pushing the skin, subcutaneous tissues and the device without a surgical incision. The ring device can be located anywhere within the graft and can function with a single ring or as a set of multiple rings. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172693 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING OBESITY - The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus comprising an implantable movement restriction device that maintains cardia in the correct position and an implantable stimulation device adapted to engage with the cardia sphincter of a patient. The invention further comprises a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter. The invention can be combined with various methods for treating obesity, in particular methods that creates satiety by stretching the wall of the stomach or fills out a volume of the stomach. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172694 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FECAL INCONTINENCE - This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the anal canal, and is designed for remaining where required in the anal canal or rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172695 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLANTING AN OCCLUSIVE STRUCTURE - A method of treating a vein comprises accessing a vein at an access point spaced from a sapheno-femoral junction. A bioabsorbable fibrous body is implanted into the vein through the access point. The body is moved in the vein toward the sapheno-femoral junction. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172696 | CATHETER HAVING A SOFT DISTAL TIP - The present invention relates to a catheter having a soft distal tip that can be manufactured at lower cost than catheters in the prior art. In one embodiment, the catheter is produced by coupling a soft sleeve to the distal end of a catheter tube. The sleeve may affixed to the catheter tube under temperature and pressure conditions that cause the proximal end of the sleeve to taper against the outer surface of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the insertion profile of the catheter, and that also cause the inner wall of the sleeve to taper against the distal end of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the lumen of the catheter. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172697 | Medical Device, Method And System For Temporary Occlusion Of An Opening In A Lumen Of A Body - A medical system is disclosed that has three basic components; a retractable sheet, a first balloon that has a centrally arranged hollow, and a collapsible/expandable support structure at the hollow. The first balloon is for instance mounted/molded onto the exterior surface of the support structure. The aggregate of support structure and the first balloon is positioned, and once the sheet has been retracted from the first balloon, the first balloon is inflated. The support structure may be self-expandable or expandable by an expansion unit, such as a further balloon arranged at its inside. The lumen of the support structure is chosen to be smaller than that of a main lumen. The outside diameter of the inflated first balloon is chosen to be larger than the interior diameter of the main lumen. This procedure may be done using standard Seldinger technique and fluoroscopy. This makes the system user friendly and increases patient safety, as a well established clinical method may be used with some modifications according to the invention. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172698 | NON-COMPLIANT MEDICAL BALLOON HAVING BRAIDED OR KNITTED REINFORCEMENT - A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172699 | Balloon Catheter - This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172700 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC STROKE - A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172701 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ANNULUS REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A device for at least partially closing an aperture in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc of a patient comprises an implant delivery tool and an implant releasably coupled to the implant delivery tool. The implant delivery tool includes a substantially rigid outer tube having a sharpened distal tip, a body a body coupled to the proximal section of the outer tube, and a plunger assembly movable axially relative to the body and including a plunger member and a pusher tube coupled thereto and disposed within the outer tube. The implant includes first and second tissue anchors serially disposed within the distal section of the outer tube, and a flexible connecting element coupling the first and second tissue anchors including a knotless braided suture structure for adjusting the length of the flexible coupling element. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172702 | TISSUE PUNCTURE CLOSURE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC TAMPING - A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172703 | TISSUE SEALANT APPLICATOR SYSTEM - A tissue sealant applicator system includes a tissue sealant applicator having an elongate body forming a bore containing a tissue sealant component, a piston, and a spray adaptor in fluid communication with the bore and forming a gas flow path. The system also includes a control unit adapted to be connected to a gas source, and a first gas passageway connecting the gas flow path and the control unit. The applicator includes an actuating member cooperatively associated with the piston to eject the tissue sealant from the bore upon user actuation. The control unit is adapted to supply gas from the gas source to the first gas passageway essentially simultaneously with user actuation of the actuating member, and to permit the supply of gas to the spray adaptor from the gas source to continue to flow for a predetermined time delay after the user stops actuating the actuating member. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172704 | SOLDER FORMULATION AND USE IN TISSUE WELDING - Supersaturated gel formulations including a solution of chitosan, albumin, and a laser specific chromophore. Laser tissue welding methods using the gel formulations of the present invention are also described. In the methods, the gel formulation of the present invention is provided to a site for tissue repair and the laser specific chromophore within the gel is excited with a laser in order to fuse tissue by inducing protein denaturation. The gel formulations and laser tissue welding methods may be used, for example, to enable skull base repairs, aerodigestive endoscopic repairs, endoscopic endonasal surgical repairs, iatrogenic esophageal perforation repairs, laparoscopic abdominal surgical repairs, lung repairs, colon repairs, anastomosis of vessels, urologic/gynecologic endoscopic pelvic repairs, orofacial surgical repairs, dental replacement, skin closure, uterine closure and repairs after fibroidectomies and bladder surgery. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172705 | Water-Swellable Copolymers and Articles and Coatings Made Therefrom - The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a copolymer that includes a first monomer and a second monomer that is different from the first monomer, wherein both the first and second monomer are selected from the group consisting of 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt, sodium acrylate, N-(tris(hydroxyl methyl)methyl)acrylamide, and 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid. The present disclosure further relates to methods for preparing the copolymer compositions and shaped articles comprising the copolymers. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172706 | TOOL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - Tool delivery systems and methods of use are disclosed herein. The delivery systems include a case for transporting a flexible tool to a procedure site and a guide tube. In one aspect, the flexible tool has a first size and shape greater than the diameter of a lumen within the guide tube. Placing the flexible tool into the case changes the flexible tool into a second, smaller size and shape and allows delivery of the needle through the guide tube. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172707 | Water-Swellable Copolymers and Articles and Coatings Made Therefrom - The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a copolymer that includes a first monomer and a second monomer that is different from the first monomer, wherein both the first and second monomer are selected from the group consisting of 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt, sodium acrylate, N-(tris(hydroxyl methyl)methyl)acrylamide, and 2-acrylamideo-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid. The present disclosure further relates to methods for preparing the copolymer compositions and shaped articles comprising the copolymers. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172708 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING THE BENDING STIFFNESS OF A SPINAL SEGMENT WITH ELONGATION LIMIT - A system for restricting spinal flexion includes a compliance member having a body and an elongation limit. The body typically comprises a spring or other tension element which provides elastic constraint to the spinal segment when the compliance member is attached to the spinous processes. The elongation limit prevents overextension of the compliance member, thus reducing the likelihood that the patient will experience over flexion of the spinal segment and reducing the risk of placing excessive mechanical load on the compliance member. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172709 | DYNAMIC INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE - Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device includes a pair of superior plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in a superior spinous process and a pair of inferior plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in an adjacent inferior spinous process. The superior plates and inferior plates are connected to each other in such a way as to allow relative motion therebetween. A spacer may be disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172710 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACER IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172711 | MODULAR INTERSPINOUS FIXATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A modular interspinous fixation system and method are shown. The system and method comprise a first plate, a second plate and a locking cross bar for locking the first and second plates together and into locked engagement with a first spinous process and a second spinous process. A bridge is mounted or received on the locking cross bar so that it becomes locked onto the locking cross bar when the locking cross bar is in locked engagement. The bridge and locking cross bar are adapted so that the bridge does not rotate about its axis while on the locking cross bar. Various other embodiments are shown illustrating various bridges of different shapes and sizes, integral and non-integral locking cross bars and even a ramped locking cross bar for facilitating preventing separation of the first and second plates after they are mounted to the first and second spinous processes. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172712 | FACET JOINT FUSION DEVICES AND METHODS - A method for promoting fusion of and/or stabilizing a facet joint between two adjacent vertebrae comprises clamping the two adjacent vertebrae across the facet joint to apply a compressive force across the joint. Apparatus for promoting fusion of and/or stabilizing a facet joint comprises at least one cinchable tether and at least one locking member coupled with the tether for locking the cinched tether to maintain compressive force across the facet joint. The tether is adapted to extend through at least one hole through each of two adjacent vertebrae, across the facet joint. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172713 | Offset Variable Angle Connection Assembly - In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an offset connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SPINAL SURGERY - Systems and methods for surgical spinal correction are disclosed. A system including a plurality of bone screws, spinal rods, manipulators, and/or transverse couplers is disclosed for the manipulation of the spinal column is disclosed. A method of achieving, in a single action, manipulation and/or rotation of the spinal column using the disclosed system is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of conducting spinal surgery to correct spinal deformities wherein spinal rods are pre-bent in a physiological sagittal plane prior to attachment of the vertebrae using bone screws. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172715 | Spinal Anchor Assemblies Having Extended Receivers - There are provided systems ( | 2011-07-14 |
20110172716 | Expandable Spacer and Method For Use Thereof - An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172717 | Spinal Rod Extenders and Methods of Use - A spinal rod assembly may be formed by attaching an extension portion onto a spinal rod that extends along a longitudinal axis. The extension portion may include a rod coupler that attaches to the spinal rod with a first coupling that includes a first degree of rotational freedom and a first degree of translational freedom in positioning the rod coupler relative to the spinal rod along the longitudinal axis. The extension portion may further include an extender rod including an elongated rod body that may be secured to the rod coupler using a second coupling that includes at least a second degree of rotational freedom in positioning the extender rod relative to the rod coupler about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The extension portion may be assembled in situ to a spinal rod that has been previously secured to vertebral bodies in a patient. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172718 | RADIOLUCENT SCREW WITH RADIOPAQUE MARKER - A bone screw includes an elongate shaft extending longitudinally between a proximal end and an opposing distal end The shaft bounds a first passageway at least partially extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The shaft is comprised of a radiolucent material. A core is disposed within the first passageway of the shaft. The core can be comprised of a radiolucent or radiopaque material. A head is either integrally formed with or secured to the proximal end of the shaft or the proximal end of the core. The head can also bound a second passageway that extends through the head and is aligned with the first passageway. The core can also be disposed within the second passageway. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172719 | Locking Bone Screw and Spinal Plate System - A bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172720 | ARTICULATING INTERSPINOUS PROCESS CLAMP - Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. Such a medical device may include a pair of plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in a superior spinous process and an adjacent inferior spinous process. The device may also allow relative motion between adjacent spinous processes. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172721 | ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS FOR USE WITH PRECISION BONE RESURFACING INSTRUMENTATION - Reduced height and zero-profile implants, such as bone plates, are provided that take advantage of improved bone resurfacing instrument technology to form precisely resurfaced implant-receiving beds in cortical bone, such as across a fracture or bone portion in need of repair, to accommodate the implants. The implants are provided in forms that do not necessitate the inclusion of bone screws while providing increased implant-repulsion resistance. The implants may be sized and configured to receive anchoring pins, preferably anchoring pins having non-circular cross-sectional shafts that further increase implant-repulsion resistance. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172722 | Motion Segment Repair Systems and Methods - Various methods and devices are provided for implanting a motion segment repair system. In particular, exemplary methods and devices are provided for implanting a spinal disc implant and/or a PDS device using a posterior surgical approach, including methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae using a posterior surgical approach, methods and devices for posteriorly introducing a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, and methods and devices for coupling a PDS device to the adjacent vertebrae to provide a complete motion segment repair system that is implanted using a posterior surgical approach. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172723 | MULTI-DIRECTIONAL ROD REDUCER INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - A surgical reducing instrument is used to position an elongated implant element in a desired position relative to one or more of the bone anchors of a spinal implant system. The reducing instrument includes a mounting member that is mounted to the anchor and extends along a first longitudinal axis and an implant reducing member pivotally linked to the mounting member that extends along a second longitudinal axis that is offset from and variably positionable relative to the first longitudinal axis about a pivot axis. The reducing member contacts the implant element and includes a manipulation portion to move the implant element along the second longitudinal axis and can maintain contact to move the implant element toward the bone anchor when the reducing member is pivoted relative to the mounting member about the pivot axis. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172724 | BIOCOMPATIBLE MAGNESIUM MATERIAL - A biocompatible material from which solid structures such as for example screws or plates can be manufactured, which are used for fixing bone fractures or damage and display an adequate mechanical stability. A mixture of apatite and a magnesium alloy, in the form of chips or powder, is ground in a ball mill until a homogeneous mixture forms. The homogeneous mixture is consolidated in a second step. This can be carried out by extrusion or forging. The desired shape can then be extracted from the obtained solid material by machining. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172725 | NERVE STIMULATOR AND METHOD USING SIMULTANEOUS ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL SIGNALS - An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172726 | CRANIAL ELECTROSTIMULATION METHOD AND EQUIPMENT - A method and equipment for conducting cranial electrostimulation on a patient are provided. Suitable electrodes are attached to the head of the patient cause electrostimulation currents to be created in response to pulses applied to the electrodes. Music is simultaneously audible to the patient. The pulses, or sequences of pulses, are generated at a frequency that is varied according to the rhythm, beat of music that is audible to the patient. The equipment comprises a cranial electrostimulation pulse generator and associated electrodes for applying pulses to the head of a patient, and a sound signal generator with at least one associated loudspeaker that is typically a pair of earphones, for generating audible sound. A controller controls the frequency at which pulses or sequences of pulses are generated by the cranial electrostimulation pulse generator such that the frequency is varied according to the rhythm, beat or tempo of the music. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172727 | REDUCING INAPPROPRIATE DELIVERY OF THERAPY FOR SUSPECTED NON-LETHAL ARRHYTHMIAS - An implantable medical device (IMD) identifies suspected non-lethal ventricular arrhythmia, and takes one or more actions in response to the identification to avoid or delay delivery of a defibrillation or cardioversion shock. The IMD employs number of intervals to detect (NID) thresholds for detection of ventricular arrhythmias. When a NID threshold is met, the IMD determines whether the ventricular rhythm is a suspected non-lethal rhythm despite satisfying a NID threshold. In some embodiments, the IMD increases the NID threshold, i.e., extends the time for detection, in response to identifying a rhythm as a suspected non-lethal rhythm, and monitors subsequent ventricular beats to determine if the increased NID threshold is met before detecting a ventricular arrhythmia and delivering therapy. The IMD can determine whether a rhythm is a suspected non-lethal arrhythmia by, for example, comparing the median ventricular cycle length (VCL) to the median atrial cycle length (ACL). | 2011-07-14 |
20110172728 | CLOSED LOOP OPTIMIZATION OF A-V AND V-V TIMING - Embodiments of close loop optimization of atrio-ventricular (A-V) delay interval and/or inter-ventricular (V-V) timing are disclosed. An implantable medical device includes a housing that supports a processing means adapted for implantation in a patient. There can be two or more electrodes electrically coupled to the processing means where the two or more electrodes can be used for sensing a patient's cardiac signals, which include a far-field EGM. The processing means can determine a width of a P-wave from the sensed far-field EGM. Also included can be a means for delivering an adapted cardiac pacing therapy based upon the width of the P-wave, including revised A-V delay and/or V-V temporal intervals. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172729 | USE OF SIGNIFICANT POINT METHODOLOGY TO PREVENT INAPPROPRIATE THERAPY - An apparatus example comprises a cardiac signal sensing circuit configured to provide a sensed cardiac signal representative of cardiac depolarization events of a subject, a sampling circuit coupled to the cardiac signal sensing circuit, a therapy circuit, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sampling circuit and the therapy circuit. The controller includes a detection module configured to detect tachyarrhythmia using the cardiac signal and a signal analysis module configured to establish significant points (SPs) of the sampled cardiac signal, estimate heart rate during the tachyarrhythmia using the SPs, and provide an indication of whether noise is present in the cardiac signal using the SPs. The controller is configured to select a therapy for delivery by the therapy circuit in response to the tachyarrhythmia detection and to modify the selected therapy according to the heart rate estimation and the noise indication. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172730 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH EMBEDDED PROGRAMMABLE NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A method comprising providing a programmable non-volatile memory (PNVM) circuit fabricated together with a processor on an integrated circuit chip (IC) in an implantable medical device (IMD), partitioning the PNVM circuit into a plurality of portions based on how often that the processor accesses a portion, and selectively providing power or selectively restricting power to one or more of the portions according to how often that the processor accesses a portion. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172731 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO STIMULATE HEART ATRIA - A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing vagal tone and secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by excitory pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in atrial contraction against closed AV valves, and atrial contraction rate that is higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing results in the increased atrial wall stress. An implantable device is used to monitor ECG and pace the atria in a nonphysiologic manner. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172732 | USING PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DATA WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172733 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - Provided is an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator system for treating obstructive sleep apnea, comprising an implant having a top and a bottom layer, the bottom layer serving as an attachment mechanism such that the bottom layer of the implant encompasses the hypoglossal nerve and attaches to the top layer of the implant; a printed circuit board (PCB) attached to the top layer of the implant, the PCB having a first and a second opposing sides; a neural interface attached to the second side of the PCB; a core subsystem (CSS) attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the neural interface; and a radio frequency (RF) interface attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the CSS, wherein the implant is powered and controlled by an external programmable controller. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172734 | BAROREFLEX MODULATION BASED ON MONITORED CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETER - The present invention is a system for providing baroreceptor stimulation comprising, a sensor to sense a physiologic parameter and provide a signal indicative of the physiologic parameter, a baroreceptor activation device, which includes, a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreceptor stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and a control system to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the physiologic parameter such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreceptor stimulation corresponding to a desired physiologic parameter. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172735 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERAPY - An electrotherapy stimulation device is provided. In an embodiment the electrotherapy stimulation device may include a cranial electrical stimulation module with a pulse generator system, a processor, and a memory. The processor can be configured to control the pulse generation system and the memory can be configured to store instructions that cause the processor to cause the pulse generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms. The electrotherapy stimulation device may also include a body stimulation module that is coupled to the cranial stimulation system and configured to operate in conjunction with it. One example body stimulation module is an electrical muscle stimulation module. Additionally, the electrotherapy stimulation device may be used to stimulate a patient's mind and body by following a protocol that can including predetermined e-yoga, power vector, classical sequence, dynamic rotation, micro-massage, and body care. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172736 | PENETRATING ELECTRODES FOR RETINAL STIMULATION - Apparatus configured for implantation in a body of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes a support substrate, and at least 500 electrodes protruding at least 50 um from the support substrate, each electrode having (a) a distal tip, (b) an electrically-exposed tip portion, and (c) a cross-section of 50-1500 um2, 20 um from the distal tip. Other embodiments are also described. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172737 | PROGRAMMING THERAPY DELIVERED BY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This disclosure describes techniques for programming stimulation therapy programs according to therapy targets (e.g., symptoms or areas of pain) in a patient to which they are applied. Several programs can be programmed for each therapy target, stored on an implantable medical device, and retrieved later by a programmer to modify, edit, delete, create, and/or select a therapy program for each of the therapy targets. Each therapy target is independent from the other therapy targets, and a user can select or change a program under one therapy target without affecting programs under the other therapy targets. During programming, a user can specify parameters for each program applicable to only that program, and can specify parameters for each therapy target applicable to every program associated with that therapy target. The organization of programs into slots and the selection of a program in each slot may be manual or automated. | 2011-07-14 |
20110172738 | GRAPHICAL MANIPULATION OF POSTURE ZONES FOR POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - The disclosure provides a system that displays graphical representations of posture zones associated with posture states of a patient, on a display device communicatively coupled to a medical device. The medical device is configured to deliver therapy to the patient based on detected posture states of the patient, where the detected posture state is based on the posture zones. The display device may allow a user to manipulate the graphical representations of the posture zones, including changing the size of the posture zones. Additionally, the display device may allow a user to change transition times associated with transitions between posture states, and displaying an indication of the changed transition time by highlighting the two graphical representations of the posture zones corresponding to the posture states associated with the changed transition time. | 2011-07-14 |