39th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 78 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100249853 | DEVICE FOR THE OSTHEOSYNTHESIS OF PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES - A device for use in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, having a substantially spoon-shaped body comprising a blade-like proximal portion provided with at least one seat, a plate-like and elongate distal portion provided with at least one seat, a central bulge, or block, including a central seat, the central bulge interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion, a cylindrical counterbore obtained in the central bulge and communicating with the central seat, and an eccentric ring and annular seat, the eccentric ring positioned within the annular seat. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249854 | Multizone Implants - Medical devices having more than one degradation zone or degradation mechanism are used for orthopedic repair devices and soft tissue fixation devices. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249855 | Bone repair eyelet - A bone repair eyelet ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249856 | Devices and Methods for Inserting a Vertebral Fixation Member - A device and method for inserting a vertebral stabilization member is disclosed. The stabilization member is releasably clampable to an insertion device between first and second clamping members at a clamping location spaced from a midline of the stabilization member. The insertion device and stabilization member are deliverable through an access sleeve and the stabilization member is rotatably actuatable to position the stabilization member in relation to a bone anchor. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249857 | SURGICAL APPARATUS - A surgical apparatus ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249858 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE FOR FACILITATING POSITIONING OF AN OSTEOCHONDRAL PLUG - A surgical instrument and method are provided for positioning an osteochondral plug within a bone defect site. The instrument includes an elongate shaft, a ribbon, an elongate sleeve and a locking mechanism. The shaft has proximal and distal ends, with the distal end being shaped to contact the osteochondral plug. The ribbon extends along two sides of the shaft and around the distal end, forming a loop that is used to secure the osteochondral plug to the distal end. The sleeve is movably mounted to the shaft for reciprocating relative thereto between retracted and extended positions. The sleeve includes a slot that allows for visualization and cutting of the ribbon. The locking mechanism locks the ribbon in place and thereby controls the size and tension of the loop that surrounds the osteochondral plug, securing it to the distal end of the shaft. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249859 | METHODS FOR AUTONOMIC NEUROMODULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC DISEASE - A method, apparatus, and surgical technique for the modulation of autonomic function, for the purpose of treating any of several conditions and diseases, including obesity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, diabetes, respiratory disease, asthma, inflammatory disease, immunological disease, infection, cancer, cardiac disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, vasospasm, vascular disease, psychiatric disease, depression, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and other conditions. This includes neural and tissue modulators, including implanted devices, used to modulate efferent and afferent autonomic neurons to influence or control autonomic or other neural function, including modulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system components as well as their combination. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249860 | EXTERNAL CARDIAC STIMULATION PATCH - An external cardiac stimulation patch integrates a transcutaneous cardiac stimulation device and body-surface electrodes with a skin patch. The skin patch is to be attached onto a patient to provide for electrical contacts between the body-surface electrodes and a patient. The transcutaneous cardiac stimulation device delivers pacing pulses to the heart of the patient through pacing electrodes selected from the body-surface electrodes. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249861 | ELECTRONIC MODULE ASSEMBLY FOR FILTERED FEEDTHROUGHS - An electronic module assembly (EMA) for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The EMA comprises a non-conductive block having a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side. A plurality of conductive strips are coupled to the non-conductive block. Each conductive strip possesses a front side and a back side. The back side of each conductive strip extends from the front side across the top side and over to back side of the non-conductive block. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249862 | System and Method for Controlling Ventricular Pacing During AF Based on Underlying Ventricular Rates Using an Implantable Medical Device - Techniques are provided for controlling ventricular pacing during an episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) for use by a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or other implantable medical device. In one example, upon detection of AF, the underlying intrinsic ventricular rate of the patient is determined prior to delivering any ventricular pacing. Then, a ventricular pacing procedure—such as dynamic ventricular overdrive (DVO) pacing—is activated to reduce ventricular rate variability to mitigate the adverse effects of AF. The ventricular pacing procedure employed during AF is controlled based on a maximum ventricular rate set relative to the underlying intrinsic ventricular rate so as to keep an overall ventricular rate below the maximum rate. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249863 | HEMODYNAMIC STABILITY ASSESSMENT BASED ON HEART SOUNDS - A method comprises detecting at least one episode of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a subject using an implantable medical device (IMD), sensing at least one heart sound signal for the subject using the IMD, the heart sound signal associated with mechanical vibration of a heart of the subject; initiating, in response to and during the detected episode of tachyarrhythmia, a measurement of hemodynamic stability of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia from the heart sound signal, and deeming whether the ventricular tachyarrhythmia is stable according to the measurement of hemodynamic stability. The measurement of hemodynamic stability is determined using linear prediction. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249864 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING VARIATION OVER TIME OF A MEDICAL PARAMETER OF A HUMAN BEING - An apparatus for determining variation over time of a medical parameter of a human being obtained from a sensed signal has a sensor implantable in the human being for sensing the signal. A comparator compares at least one characteristic property, derived from the sensed signal obtained for at least one predetermined first level of activity of the human being, with corresponding reference property of a sensed reference signal, obtained for a predetermined reference level of activity of the human being, for determining a relation between the characteristic property of the sensed signal and the reference property. A trend determining unit determines trends in the medical parameter by analyzing the relation between the characteristic property of the sensed signal obtained at different times and the reference property. A corresponding method also function an implant for heart failure diagnostics also function as described. A sensor is then arranged to pick up dynamic mechanical information from the heart of the human being and generate a corresponding signal. A heart stimulator includes such an implant and a control unit arranged to control stimulation of the heart depending on determined trends in the medical parameter. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249865 | Systems and Methods for Anemia Detection, Monitoring, and Treatment - Methods and systems for implantably determining a patient's anemia status and treating anemia are described. Blood viscosity is compared one or more thresholds to determine a patient's anemia status. Therapy, in the form of electrical stimulation therapy or administration of a pharmaceutical delivered to the patient's kidneys or hypothalamus is controlled based on the anemia status. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249866 | CARDIAC PACING SYSTEM FOR PREVENTION OF VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION AND VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA EPISODE - A cardiac pacing system preventing short-long-short pacing sequences. The system providing pacing pulses where necessary. The system having dynamic event window generation to adapt to changes in heart rate. The event window adaptable to process a number of intervals. The system including provisions for other inputs, such as sensor and morphology detection. The system adaptable for single mode and dual mode applications. The system also applicable to long pause prevention in atrial pacing and ventricular pacing. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249867 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL AMPLIFIER WITH VOLTAGE PROTECTION AND FAST SIGNAL RECOVERY - A physiological sense amplifier achieves fast recovery times following receipt of a large voltage, such as when a defibrillation pulse is delivered, without blanking. The recovery time may be less than one millisecond when polarization of surrounding tissue or the housing of the device is not present. The sense amplifier uses a feedback network to clamp the input voltage to a gain amplifier at a predetermined value when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249868 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMING APPARATUS HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - Systems and methods for a configurable programmer for an implantable cardiovascular medical device are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a graphical user interface to visualize programming processes to alert a clinician to potential problems with the patient's condition or the therapy provided by the device, or the device itself. The programmer is further adapted to minimize the risk of programming potentially dangerous changes to the implantable device's parameter settings by requiring the clinician to first review new value changes before initiating the programming step. The programmer also allows the clinician to view how a change to one or more parameter settings affect other settings before the implantable device is programmed or re-programmed. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249869 | Lead Retention and Sealing Device - This application discusses, among other things, a header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device including a header having a capture mechanism within a bore of a lead retention device. In an example, when the lead retention device is retracted from the bore, the capture mechanism prevents the device from falling out. In another example, the header assembly has a vent disposed within the bore of the lead retention device that permits unrestricted flow of air when the lead retention device is retracted from an engagement surface. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249870 | Sealing Setscrew - This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. In an example, the implantable medical device header is provided with a lead bore and a setscrew bore with the setscrew bore having a longitudinal axis that extends in a transverse direction to, and in communication with, the lead bore. In one example, the setscrew bore intersects with the lead bore at a location that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the lead bore. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249871 | Full Visibility Lead Retention - This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. An example setscrew has a metal core with an insulative coating disposed over the core to electrically isolate it from body fluids and surrounding tissue. In another example, the setscrew incorporates a sealing capability by including a sealing member that is coupled to the setscrew. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249872 | IMPLANTABLE TEMPERATURE SENSOR - A sensor is disposed within a pin portion of a feedthrough assembly. The feedthrough assembly provides a hermetically sealed enclosure that protects the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor and the feedthrough assembly thermally isolates the sensor from the surrounding housing or enclosure. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249873 | Direct and Indirect Control of Muscle for the Treatment of Pathologies - Methods are disclosed for applying an electrical stimulation signal to nerves and/or muscles to modulate (i.e., relax, relieve spasms or tighten) the smooth muscle of the sphincter of Oddi, which stimulation may be applied directly to the smooth muscle of the sphincter or by modulation of the signals applied to the sphincter through the heptactic plexus. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249874 | BAROREFLEX THERAPY FOR DISORDERED BREATHING - Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249875 | PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH STIMULATION SUBTHRESHOLD TO PARESTHESIA - Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating pain while minimizing or eliminating possible complications and undesired side effects, particularly the sensation of paresthesia. This is achieved by stimulating in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion with stimulation energy in a manner that will affect pain sensations without generating substantial sensations of paresthesia. In some embodiments, such neurostimulation takes advantage of anatomical features and functions particular to the dorsal root ganglion. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249876 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF ILIOHYPOGASTRIC NERVE TO ALLEVIATE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN - The disclosure describes a method and system for applying electrical stimulation to an iliohypogastric nerve of a patient. The system includes electrical stimulators that apply electrical stimulation for alleviation of pelvic pain. The system may apply electrical stimulation for pelvic pain in men or women. The electrical stimulators may comprise various types of electrodes such as cuff electrodes, electrode leads, and microstimulators implanted at various locations proximate to a single or both iliohypogastric nerves of a patient. In particular, the electrode may be implanted proximate or adjacent to an anterior cutaneous branch of one or both iliohypogastric nerves, a lateral cutaneous branch of one or both iliohypogastric nerves, or one or both of iliohypogastric nerves above the branch point. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249877 | Apparatus and Methods for Visual Perception Using an Array of Nanoscale Waveguides - Nanoscale photovoltaic devices fabricated from nanoscale waveguides that receive, propagate, and convert incident light into electrical neural signals, and methods of using these photovoltaic devices for visual perception are disclosed herein. A visual neuroprosthetic device includes an array of nanoscale waveguides ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249878 | Visual Prosthesis Fitting Training and Assessment System and Method - The present invention is an improved fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. A patient, using the visual prosthesis observes a display and indicates location, movement, shape or other properties of the display image to provide for improved fitting and training. In one embodiment, the patient uses a touch screen monitory which displays an image. The patient touches the monitor at the location where the patient perceives the image. The system then corrects the image to the location indicated by the patient. In another embodiment a patient observes an image moving across the touch screen monitor and indicates by moving their hand across the monitor which direction the believe the image is moving. The system can then rotate the image to match the image perceived by the patient. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249879 | Musical Fitting of Cochlear Implants - A method of developing a weighting matrix for a cochlear implant patient is described. An electrode stimulus signal is derived from a first musical signal. A set of further stimulus signals is derived that have a defined musical relation to the first musical signal. A set of weighting values are selected for the stimulation electrodes for the electrode stimulus signal. Then the weighting values are set for the stimulation electrodes for each of the further stimulus signals. Each of the stimulus signals is consecutively presented to the patient and the weighting values individually adjusted for each of the further stimulus signals until the series of stimulus signals elicits an increasing pitch percept according to the defined musical relation. The adjusted weighting values are stored and assigned to a corresponding analysis channel. The process is iteratively repeated using one of the further stimulus signals as the first electrode stimulus signal until weighting values for a complete frequency range have been derived. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249880 | Carrier and Envelope Triggered Cochlear Stimulation - Generation of electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array is described. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals which include a fine structure carrier signal and a modulator envelope signal. For each band pass signal, fine time structure information is extracted from the carrier signal to determine a sequence of stimulation event signals. For one or more low frequency band pass signals, the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. For one or more higher frequency band pass signals, if and only if the modulator envelope signal exceeds a sampling threshold value, then the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. The envelope weighted stimulation event signals are then processed to produce electrode stimulation signals for the implanted electrode array. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249881 | Channel Assessment And Selection For Wireless Communication Between Medical Devices - This disclosure relates to channel assessment and selection for wireless communication between two or more medical devices, such as between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a non-implanted medical device, between two IMDs, or between two non-implanted medical devices. A telemetry module of a medical device operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure obtains measured ambient power levels on a plurality of channels of a frequency band regulation, such as the ten channels of the MICS band regulation. The telemetry module computes channel assessment values for at least a portion of the plurality of channels based on the measured ambient power levels on at least one other channel of the plurality of channels and selects a channel to transmit on based on the channel assessment values. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249882 | Acoustic Telemetry System for Communication with an Implantable Medical Device - A telemetry module of an IMD operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure receives an unmodulated acoustic carrier signal from another device and modulates a reflected portion of the acoustic carrier signal with data for transmission to the other device. In one instance, the telemetry module may modulate the reflected portion of the carrier signal with data by selectively adjusting a reflectance of the transducer of the IMD. For example, the IMD may set the reflectance to be high or low depending on the information, e.g., digital | 2010-09-30 |
20100249883 | Methods for Configuring Satellite Electrodes - Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249884 | Medical Device and Method for Operating the Same - In the case of a medical device with several electronic components, a possibility must be provided for enabling the components to be rapidly matched to each other, in order to guarantee the functional correctness of the medical device. In particular in the case when, for example, an item of operating software is modified for one individual component only, it can occur that this component no longer interoperates with the other components in a desired way. In this context, at a particular point in time, for each of the electronic components of a apparatus data for the component is copied and the copied data is stored outside the storage facility of the component, making it possible at a later point in time, which can be defined, for the copied data for each component to be stored in its storage facility. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249885 | IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATOR WITH PLASTIC HOUSING AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - An implantable microstimulator includes a plastic housing having a first end and a second end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a first electrode disposed at the first end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly; and a second electrode disposed at the second end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The plastic housing, first electrode, and second electrode form a hermetically sealed structure around the electronic subassembly. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249886 | Systems and Methods for Communicating with an Implantable Stimulator - An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with either on-off keying (OOK) modulation or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the OOK modulation and a second telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the FSK modulation. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249887 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - A communications device facilitates communication between a medical device and a wireless communications network and comprises a telemetry circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more medical devices, and a computer network communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate directly with a wireless computer network. The communications device also comprises a peripheral device communication interface configured to communicate with a wireless peripheral device and a processor being in operable communication with, and configured to control operations of, the telemetry circuit, the network communication interface, and the peripheral device communication interface. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249888 | Intravascular implant anchors having remote communication and/or battery recharging capabilities - A medical implant system comprises an implant proportioned for implantation within a blood vessel, a lead coupled to the implant, and an anchor coupled to the lead, the anchor configurable in a radially compressed position so as to be positioned in the blood vessel, and a radially expanded position for engagement with the wall of blood vessel. The anchor functions as an antenna for telemetric communication with an extracorporeal device and/or as a receiver for inductive recharging of secondary cells in the implant using an extracorporeal charging device. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249889 | Neural Stimulation For Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes - Systems and methods are described for treating metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes, and/or one or more of their attendant conditions, by neural stimulation. In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator is electrically coupled to a peripheral nerve, such as the splanchnic nerve. Neural stimulation configured to either block transmission or stimulate transmission of the peripheral nerve may be used to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249890 | PHOTOSTIMULATION APPARATUS - A photostimulation apparatus may include: a membrane for insertion into a living body; and at least one cell disposed on the membrane. Each cell may include a first light source for irradiating light to a photosensitive material in the living body. Further, a photostimulation apparatus may include: a membrane for insertion into a living body; and at least one first light source disposed on the membrane for irradiating light to a photosensitive material in the living body. Since the photostimulation apparatus is placed on the surface of cortex or dura, it may minimize damage of the brain tissue and may activate and/or inhibit a large area simultaneously using light. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249891 | IMPLANTABLE APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF A SURFACE OF A DAMAGED VESSEL OR BODY CAVITY BY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY - The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for the treatment of body cavities and damaged vessels using electromagnetic energy. A device and apparatus according to the invention may be used to irradiate a tissue surface internal to the body, for example, for treatment of an aneurysm, tissue reconstructing, or removal of an anomaly in a blood vessel. Light energy may be radiated from an implantable and retrievable biocompatible matrix into which is mounted a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources, such as light emitting diodes or the like. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249892 | MRI COMPATIBLE IMPLANTED LEAD-ELECTRODE INTERFACE - An electrical lead for implantation into an animal includes a cable to which a stimulation electrode is connected. The cable has a helical electrical conductor enclosed within an insulating sheath. The stimulation electrode has a tubular first contact band with a threaded lumen into which a portion of the helical electrical conductor is screwed. A second contact band has a threaded aperture and a helical electrode coil is screwed into both the threaded lumen and the threaded aperture. The two contact bands are separated so as to expose a portion of the electrode coil to enable electrical stimulation of tissue of the animal. Particular configurations of the helical electrode coil and the helical electrical conductor render the electrical lead compatible with MRI scanning. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249893 | Medical Electrode Assembly - A medical electrode assembly can be substantially transparent or translucent to visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet light so that light rays emitted by a phototherapy device can shine through and pass transversely across every layer of the medical electrode assembly to impinge upon the skin of the patient to which the assembly is attached. This includes an area of skin located directly underneath the medical electrode assembly and thereby enables a combination of therapies including one or more of electrotherapy and phototherapy. The upper and lower exterior exposed faces of the medical electrode can have tacky, self-adhesive surfaces. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249894 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE SYSTEM - An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent. In its expanded configuration, the outflow end portion base stent has tri-lobular shape that closely conforms to the shape of the aortic root and a support ring of the prosthetic valve that is mounted within the base stent. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249895 | DEVICE FOR IMPLANTING A VASCULAR PROSTHESIS - Implantation device for implanting a prosthesis ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249896 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system includes a stent formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and compressed toward its center axis when inserted in vivo, with the stent being capable of restoring its pre-compression shape through outward expansion when left indwelling in vivo. The stent delivery system also includes an inner tube possessing a guide wire lumen, and a stent accommodating tube having a distal portion accommodating the stent. The stent is disposed as to cover a distal portion of the inner tube, and the stent is adapted to be exposed by moving the stent accommodating tube toward the proximal side relative to the inner tube. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249897 | Device and Method for Delivering an Endovascular Stent-Graft Having a Longitudinally Unsupported Portion - An endoluminal prosthesis having an unsupported or flexible region and a delivery system for delivering the endoluminal prosthesis is provided. The delivery system includes a prosthesis delivery catheter with stiffening elements that provide longitudinally rigid support to a flexible or unsupported portion of an endoluminal prosthesis as the prosthesis is being deployed. A prosthesis is removably coupled to the stiffening elements. The endoluminal prosthesis can be a stent or a stent graft or graft. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249898 | Stent Graft - A stent graft system includes a first stent graft having a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The system further includes a second stent graft in fluid communication with the first stent graft. The second stent graft defines a lumen a third end in fluid communication with the second end. The second stent graft further includes a fourth end opposing the third end, and at least a first sleeve and second sleeve extending radially therefrom and in fluid communication with the lumen, The first sleeve is radially offset from the second sleeve. Each of the first sleeve and second sleeve comprises a flexible material configured to evert between a first position such that the sleeve is positioned within the lumen and a second position such that the sleeve is positioned exterior to the lumen. The system further includes a third stent graft. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249899 | PARARENAL STENT GRAFT - A stent graft for endovascular introduction into the pararenal region of the descending aorta. The stent graft has an elongate tubular body ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249900 | Drug eluting medical implant with porous surface - An implant is proposed, in particular made from a base material including a biodegradable metal and/or a biodegradable metal alloy, wherein the implant includes a coating made of crystalline calcium phosphate and/or amorphous calcium phosphate. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249901 | CYLINDRICAL STENT - The present invention relates to a cylindrical stent, which is a self-expanding type medical appliance for expanding the lumen of a blood vessel or esophagus that is stenosed, more specifically a cylindrical stent made of metal material forming a plurality of peak portions P and valley portions B and having a lengthwise axis. The cylindrical stent is characterized in that the end portions A of the peak portions forming both of the distal portions of the cylindrical stent are bent in the inward direction of the cylindrical stent. The present invention can effectively prevent the problem that a false blood vessel is formed as the vessel wall is exfoliated, broken or damaged due to contact between the distal portion of the cylindrical stent arid the vessel wall, and has an effect of effectively preventing the problem that inflammation occurs at the contact portion due to contact between the lumen wall of an esophagus, etc. and the distal portion of the cylindrical stent. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249902 | STENT AND TREATMENT DEVICE FOR TUBULAR ORGAN - The present invention provides a stent and tubular organ treatment device that can flexibly deform according to a curved portion of a tubular organ, contracts less in the longitudinal direction during insertion, and is easy to handle. A stent ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249903 | STENT - A radially expansible annular stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a plurality of stenting turns around a lumen centred on a longitudinal axis. Adjacent turns of the stent are joined by connector struts. The stent annulus has a wall thickness related to the material from which it is formed. The radial thickness of the connector struts is smaller than that of the stent annulus. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed. The method includes cutting the connector struts from a tubular workpiece with a laser beam. The laser beam is aimed so as to be offset from a longitudinal axis of the workpiece to provide the reduced radial thickness of the connector struts. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249904 | STENT AND LIVING ORGAN DILATOR - A stent, composed of linear components, comes into close contact with a tissue in vivo upon being deformed when set indwelling in vivo. The stent has linear components which are deformed to exhibit a force for maintaining dilation when the stent is set indwelling in vivo. The linear components deformed when the stent is set indwelling in vivo are composed of non-biodegradable metallic linear components and a plurality of biodegradable material-made linear components which are bonded to the non-biodegradable metallic linear components. Furthermore, when set indwelling in vivo, the stent exhibits the force for maintaining the dilation owing to both the non-biodegradable metallic linear components and the biodegradable material-made linear components. After a predetermined period of time, biodegradation of the biodegradable material-made linear components proceeds, which results in a lowering of the force for maintaining the dilation | 2010-09-30 |
20100249905 | BALLOON EXPANDABLE BIOABSORBABLE STENT WITH A SINGLE STRESS CONCENTRATION REGION INTERCONNECTING ADJACENT STRUTS - An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249906 | REDUCED PROFILE MEDICAL BALLOON ELEMENT - Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249907 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A SELF-EXPANDING DEVICE FOR PLACEMENT IN A BODILY LUMEN - A delivery system ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249908 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE SYSTEM WITH POSITIONING MARKERS - An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The base stent desirably has three position markers projecting in the axial direction from the outflow end of the base stent to assist in aligning the stent with respect to the commissures of the native valve. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249909 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO TREAT HEART FAILURE - Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation. In embodiments, the device comprises a core segment, an annular flange to engage one surface of the atrial septum and two other annular flanges to engage another surface of the atrial septum. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249910 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO TREAT HEART FAILURE - Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation. Retrievability during deployment is improved, in part, by providing at least one segment or portion of the device that is retained within the placement catheter while all other segments or portions of the device are deployed. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249911 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NON-EXPANDING STENT POSTS AND RETRIEVAL FEATURES - A frame structure for a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve. The frame structure includes an annular annulus portion that is configured for implanting in or near a patient's native heart valve annulus. This annulus portion of the frame structure may include a plurality of annularly spaced commissure post structures interconnected by connecting structures. The commissure post structures may be more resistant to annular collapse than the connecting structures. In the case of a prosthetic aortic valve, the frame structure may also include an annular aortic portion. The aortic portion may include a plurality of attachment points (for tethers) closest to the annulus portion. Such attachment points and tethers can facilitate re-collapse of a partly deployed valve in the event of a need to reposition or remove the valve. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249912 | Intraluminal device with controlled biodegradation - An intraluminal device with controlled biodegradation is provided. The intraluminal device comprises a biodegradable tubular main body. An outer photodegradable layer is disposed over at least a portion of the intraluminal device. The photodegradable outer layer is chemically inert to the body fluids of the implanted region, thereby preventing premature biodegradation of the stent. Degradation of the outer photodegradable layer after a predetermined time occurs by irradiating the layer with UV light waves. After removal of the outer photodegradable layer, the tubular main body becomes exposed to its in vivo environment, thereby allowing biodegradation of the tubular main body. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249913 | Reticulated elastomeric matrices, their manufacture and use in implantable devices - This invention relates to biodurable, reticulated elastomeric matrices that are resiliently-compressible, their manufacture and uses including uses for implantable devices into or for topical treatment of patients, such as humans and other animals, for therapeutic, nutritional, or other useful purposes. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249914 | Sustained drug-releasing stent - A stent includes a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces, a first coated layer coating at least the outer surface, and a second coated layer coating substantially completely over the first coated layer. The first coated layer is prepared of a first composition comprising a polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor (preferably argatroban) of a kind, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight compositional ratio of the polymer to the inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 3:7. On the other hand, the second coated layer is prepared of a polymer alone or a second composition comprising a polymer and a drug, the weight compositional ratio of the drug to 80% by weight of the polymer being less than 20% by weight. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249915 | VALVE PROSTHESIS WITH MOVABLY ATTACHED CLASPERS WITH APEX - A valve prosthesis, implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis. Alternative designs of the devices allow different methods for minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless valve prosthesis, including transapical and transcatheter approaches. Also provided is a delivery device for delivery of a medical prosthesis though minimally invasive means. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249916 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TRANSAPICAL DELIVERY OF A SUTURELESS VALVE PROSTHESIS - A method for delivering a sutureless cardiac valve prosthesis using a transapical approach is provided. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis within the native cardiac valve, minimizing the extent of imaging necessary. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249917 | Methods for Delivery of a Sutureless Pulmonary or Mitral Valve - Methods for delivering a sutureless pulmonary or mitral valve prosthesis using a transcatheter approach are provided. The implantation devices utilize movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prostheses within the native cardiac valve, minimizing the extent of imaging necessary. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249918 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF AORTIC AND MITRAL VALVE PROSTHESES - A valve prosthesis and implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The devices described herein may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249919 | PRE-SIZED PROSTHETIC CHORDAE IMPLANTATION SYSTEM - A pre-sized prosthetic chordae assembly includes a male attachment unit and a female securing member. The male attachment unit includes a plurality of pre-sized prosthetic chordae fixedly connected to at least one male attachment member and a papillary muscle penetration member that is connected to and extends substantially axial to the at least one male attachment member. The female securing member is for receiving the papillary penetration member. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249920 | RECONFIGURING HEART FEATURES - Among other things, a heart tissue support has a ring-shaped body and gripping elements, each gripping element having a free end that is sharp enough to penetrate heart tissue when pushed against the tissue, and a feature to resist withdrawal of the gripping element from the tissue after the sharp free end has penetrated the tissue. Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus has splaying elements that spread apart to hold the support in an expanded configuration prior to attachment. Among other things, an apparatus includes polygonal elements connected along corners of the elements to form a ring, the polygonal elements being capable of expanding and contracting, and gripping elements attached to points of the polygonal elements. Among other things, a method includes using a delivery tool to expand a support and a heart valve annulus to one diameter. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249921 | Cardiac Valve Procedure Methods and Devices - Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249922 | FIBER-REINFORCED SYNTHETIC SHEETS FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE LEAFLETS - A structure for use as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet includes a two-dimensional array that is made up of one or more fiber strands and that is covered by a web of polymer material to produce a sheet that is impervious to blood. This sheet is stretchable along two axes that lie in the plane of the sheet and that are at an angle to one another. The sheet may be more easily stretched along one of these axes than along the other axis. Along each axis the amount of force required to produce initial increments of stretch may be less than the amount of force required to produce subsequent increments of stretch (i.e., increments of stretch beyond the initial increments). | 2010-09-30 |
20100249923 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NATIVE CALCIFIED LEAFLET RETENTION FEATURES - A prosthetic heart valve is circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into a patient. The valve re-expands to operating size at the implant site in the patient. A frame structure of the valve includes restraining structure that can help to push one or more of the patient's native heart valve leaflets radially outwardly so that this native leaflet tissue does not interfere with the operation or service life of the prosthetic valve. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249924 | BIOERODIBLE MATRIX FOR TISSUE INVOLVEMENT - Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249925 | ARTICLE AND A METHOD OF SURFACE TREATMENT OF AN ARTICLE - A method of surface treatment of at least part of a surface of an implant, said method comprising: electrochemical deposition of a layer containing calcium and phosphorus ions onto a metallic substrate; and incorporation of a therapeutic agent into said electrochemically deposited layer and an implant so treated. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249926 | IMPLANT AND A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING, DESIGING AND MANUFACTURING AN IMPROVED ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT - A medical or orthopedic implant, system and method for making the implant having areas that are designed to optimize compressive stress processing by, for example, laser shock peening. The implant is designed by identifying stress areas as processing zones. The processing zones are machined, processed or adapted to have a desired shape or configuration to optimize compression. The processed zones or areas are compressive stressed processed to have a higher density at zones or areas compared to areas that are not compressive stress processed. The implant is finished processed and sterilized and ready for use in the patient. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249927 | MEDICAL DEVICES WITH GALVANIC PARTICULATES - Implantable medical devices having galvanic particulates are disclosed. The particulates may be coated onto at least part of a surface of the medical device. In addition, the galvanic particulates may be contained in the material used to manufacture the antimicrobial medical devices, or may be embedded into the surface of the medical devices. The present invention also provides novel coating methods and processing methods. The devices may have advantageous characteristics and effects including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regeneration promoting. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249928 | DISTENSIBLE LIGAMENT SYSTEMS - Distensible ligaments and distensible ligament systems are provided, including apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for distensible systems. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249929 | ADJUSTABLE PATELLA LIGAMENT FOR ACL REPAIR - There are disclosed methods of performing an ACL repair. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a patella ligament with two native bone blocks and the patella ligament has a length greater than a native ACL. The length of the patella ligament is shortened to a desired length for an ACL repair while maintaining at least one native interface between the patella ligament and the native bone blocks. There are disclosed adjustable patella ligaments for ACL repair. In one embodiment, the ligament includes native bone blocks with the length between shortened from a length greater than a native ACL. A securing member is attached to one of the blocks and the patella ligament. At least one block is attached to the patella ligament by a native interface. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249930 | DOUBLE BUNDLE ACL REPAIR - A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249931 | MECHANICALLY COMPETENT NATURAL POLYMER BASED POROUS GRAFTS FOR BONE REPAIR AND REGENERATION - The invention provides a scaffold for bone or cartilage replacement, in which the scaffold is fabricated from naturally derived polymers. In one embodiment the invention provides a bone replacement scaffold, wherein the scaffold comprises sintered polysaccharide microspheres. In a particular embodiment the invention provides a bone replacement scaffold, in which the scaffold comprises polysaccharide microspheres comprising ethyl cellulose microspheres and/or cellulose acetate microspheres. The invention further includes methods of making bone replacement scaffolds and methods of treating bone injury in an animal. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249932 | Materials, Devices and Methods for Intervertebral Stabilization Via Use of In Situ Shape Recovery - A deformable implant and a method for expanding an intervertebral disc space are provided. The method may include selecting a deformable implant with a predetermined physical configuration and deforming aspects, including temperature. The deformable implant of some embodiments is heated above the transition temperature or deforming temperature, collapsed to a collapsed configuration and cooled below the transition temperature. The collapsed implant may be inserted into the disc space without distracting adjacent vertebrae. The inserted implant absorbs ambient body heat and expands in place to a final shape thereby distracting adjacent vertebrae to expand the disc space. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249933 | SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES FOR INTRAVERTEBRAL SPINAL STABILIZATION WITH EXPANDABLE DEVICES - Expandable devices include a body defining a hollow interior for receiving distal portion of a delivery instrument. The expandable devices are collapsed on the distal portion of the delivery instrument for delivery to the operative site within a vertebral body. Upon delivery of the collapsed expandable devices to the operative site, the distal portion of the delivery instrument is enlargeable to expand the expandable device in situ for implantation at the operative site. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249934 | Ratcheting Expandable Corpectomy/Vertebrectomy Cage - Expandable medical implants for supporting bone structures may include a first member and a second member. The second member may be configured to receive the first member and may be moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the first member. One of the first and second members may include a plurality of teeth and the other of the first and second members may include at least one tooth. At least a portion of one of the first and second main bodies may be elastically deformable to selectively engage and disengage the at least one tooth and the plurality of teeth. At least one tooth and the plurality of teeth may be shaped to deform the elastically deformable portion when both increasing and when decreasing the overall implant height by moving the second member relative to the first member along the longitudinal axis. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249935 | Zero Profile Spinal Fusion Cage - An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249936 | Intervertebral Disk Prosthesis - A method of limiting the movability of an intervertebral disk prosthesis with regard to pivoting movements, and an intervertebral disk prosthesis. The method includes the step of asymmetrically limiting at least one of a flexion-extension movement, a lateral bending, and a rotation about a vertical axis in order to limit the movability of the prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises articulated prosthesis components, and movement-limitation measures configured to limit movability of the components with respect to flexion-extension movement, lateral bending and a rotation about a vertical axis of the prosthesis in a defined manner. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249937 | FLANGED INTERBODY FUSION DEVICE - Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An implant for treating the spine is provided comprising at least two articulations between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. Another implant for treating the spine is also provided, comprising two or more fixation plates attached to a spacer with two or more articulations, wherein the fixation plates are independently movable. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249938 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR LESS INVASIVE GLENOID REPLACEMENT - The invention relates to a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and less invasive methods of their use for the treatment of an injured or damaged shoulder. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249939 | TRAPEZOIDAL BONE PLUGS AND METHOD OF BONE-TENDON-BONE ACL RECONSTRUCTION - A method of synthetic grafting of bone-tendon-bone autograft harvest sites using preformed synthetic trapezoidal implants. The implants are formed of tricalcium phosphate, an osteoconductive bone graft substitute and filler, which allows for simultaneous controlled absorption and promotion of osteogenesis. The implants are preferably pretreated or presoaked intraoperatively in autologous blood, or autologous conditioned plasma, or bone marrow aspirate products to enhance healing ability. The implants are trimmed to match the patellar pole shape, pressed into place in the bone voids, and oversewn to complete the procedure. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249940 | POSTERIOR-STABILIZED TOTAL KNEE PROSTHESIS - In an orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis, an intercondylar fossa of a femoral component cooperates with a spine formed in a tibial component to reproduce the screw home mechanism of a natural knee. When the femoral component and tibial component are positioned to correspond with slight flexion of the knee, the components are mutually rotationally locked against internal or external rotation. At higher degrees of flexion, such as greater than about 10-20 degrees of flexion, internal/external rotation of the tibia is permitted. The tibia is in an externally rotated position when locked, thereby reproducing the screw home mechanism and providing high stability. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249941 | SURGICALLY IMPLANTABLE KNEE PROSTHESIS WITH CAPTURED KEEL - A unicompartmental knee prosthesis for implantation in a knee joint between a femoral condyle and a corresponding tibia plateau is provided including a generally elliptical body having opposed femoral and tibial face, the body having an anterior end and a posterior end. A keel is provided on the tibial face having a generally anterior-posterior orientation, the keel having an anterior end and a posterior end, where the keel posterior end includes a distal posterior portion that extends farther toward the body posterior end compared with a proximal posterior portion of the keel posterior end. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249942 | TOE JOINT REPLACEMENT MODELS - In various embodiments, provided are implantable devices for replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint, comprising (i) a metatarsal component comprising a substantially convex bearing surface; or (ii) a phalanx component comprising a substantially concave bearing surface; or (iii) both. In various embodiments, also provided are methods of treating hallux valgus by replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint with one or more of the provided implantable devices. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249943 | MODULAR NECKS FOR ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICES - There is provided a system of modular orthopaedic devices. The system comprises one or more hip implants or trials, each hip implant or trial having a femoral stem and one of at least two neck segments having different geometries. Each neck segment comprises a proximal end configured to receive a femoral head portion and a distal end configured to be operably received by a proximal portion of the femoral stem. Each proximal end comprises a central portion generally representative of a femoral head center. When each of the at least two neck segments are joined with the femoral stem, the central portion is displaced a predetermined distance in a single direction relative to the femoral stem. The neck segments provided, therefore, advantageously allow a user to independently adjust any one of a height, an offset, or a version angle of an orthopaedic device for best performance and fit. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249944 | Multizone Implants - Medical devices having more than one degradation zone or degradation mechanism are used for orthopedic repair devices and soft tissue fixation devices. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249945 | SURFACE MODIFICATION OF ULTRAHIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE - The present invention relates to polymers and, specifically, to surface modification of polymers. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention increases the bond strength of UHMWPE components to PMMA bone cement by creating a chemical bond between the UHMWPE components and the PMMA bone cement. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, a surface of the UHMWPE component that is to be bonded to PMMA bone cement is treated with an oxidizing agent, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE component is treated with hydrogen peroxide by swabbing the surface of the UHMWPE component with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The surface of the UHMWPE component may then be dried and PMMA bone cement applied to the surface of the UHMWPE component. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249946 | TRANSCUTANEOUSLY ADJUSTABLE FLUID-FILLED IMPLANTS - Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having a self-sealing membrane operably attached to a wall of the implant. The self-sealing membrane provides access for filling the device, and includes a first layer comprising a fabric. The fabric has a first plurality of yarn strands positioned in a first direction, and a second plurality of yarn strands positioned in a second direction. The first and second plurality of yarn strands intersect to form a matrix pattern with cells defined by free spaces between yarn strands. The membrane also includes a first elastomeric material configured to fill the cells as well as form a coating over the first and second plurality of yarn strand, and a second layer comprising a second elastomeric material. The second elastomeric material has a lower durometer than the first elastomeric material. Kits and systems are also disclosed. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249947 | POROUS IMPLANT WITH EFFECTIVE EXTENSIBILITY AND METHODS OF FORMING AN IMPLANT - The implant includes an outer layer of ePTFE which exhibits extensibility normally not associated with ePTFE. The ePTFE is reduced in length by deforming the fibrils between the nodes while maintaining the nodes in a substantially flat configuration. Various implant configurations that can include the outer layer described are also disclosed. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249948 | WRIST ASSISTING APPARATUS - A wrist assisting apparatus can smoothly bend and stretch a joint even if a turning shaft of a joint and a rotation shaft of a wearing tool are deviated from each other. Also, an excessive load is not applied to a user. The wrist assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a palm support member for supporting a hand, angle changing members connected to sides of the palm support member, a front arm wearing tool disposed along the front arm, and joint members for forming a rotation shaft of the angle changing member with respect to the front arm wearing tool, wherein the angle changing members are provided on both sides of the palm support member, the joint members are provided on the angle changing members, respectively, and the joint members are located on both sides of a wrist. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249949 | PROSTHETIC LINER WITH CONTINUOUS DISTAL END AREA - A tubular liner has an open proximal end and a closed-end distal area, and a fabric layer continuously defining an exterior surface of the liner without interruption. A polymeric layer having first and second surfaces is bonded to an interior surface of the fabric layer. A seam is formed by opposed sides of the fabric layer joined together and forming an excess portion directed toward the cavity of the liner. The excess portion is embedded in the polymeric layer. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249950 | LINER FOR VACUUM SOCKETS, AND USE OF THE LINER - A liner for vacuum sockets for receiving amputation stumps and for use in prosthetic sockets, wherein the liner has a double wall made up of an inner liner ( | 2010-09-30 |
20100249951 | Method and Apparatus for Synchronizing Configuration Changes Across Multiple Components of an Industrial Control System - An industrial control system includes an industrial controller and a series of bridge devices logically connected in a cascaded arrangement to facilitate data communication between the industrial controller and an I/O device. The control system further includes a programming interface connected to the industrial controller to provide modifications to the program and component configuration. Modifications are provided to the controller and to the bridge devices across the network in a multiphase operation that includes a first operation that cascades the modifications from the industrial controller and to the bridge devices, and a second operation that cascades a apply command to the industrial controller and to the bridge devices instructing the industrial controller and the bridge devices to update the configuration of each of the devices based on the modifications provided in the first phase only upon acknowledgement that the industrial controller and each of the bridge devices has accepted the modifications. | 2010-09-30 |
20100249952 | Direct Control of Devices Through a Programmable Controller Using Internet Protocol - Aspects of the invention support direct communication between a low-level device and a programmable controller over an automation bus in an industrial automation system for controlling and monitoring an industrial process. A leaf node device may include a low-level device. The leaf node device communicates directly with the programmable controller at the network layer, e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) based on an IP address contained in a signal so that the programmable controller may control the low-level device or receive status information about the low-level device. The industrial automation system may support a plurality of leaf node devices, which may be associated with different automation buses having different communication media. Signals between the programmable controller and the leaf node device may be directed with or without a switching element. | 2010-09-30 |