40th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 69 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090248052 | Automated Assembly Device to Tolerate Blade Variation - An automated device facilitates the assembly a surgical instrument that includes a knife with a high aspect ratio. The automated device includes a fixture for restraining a subassembly of the surgical instrument that includes the knife. A blade grip on the device is movable relative to the fixture, and is configured to urge the knife into a restrained position in the subassembly suitable for the subsequent assembly of an additional instrument component. A grip actuator is provided to move the blade grip. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248053 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH A FLEXIBLE INSERT - A medical instrument comprises a flexible shaft which has a bendable distal end and extending along said shaft, a flexible insert which at a distal end has a tool. The flexible insert has at its proximal end a connection piece connected releasably to a grip part of a handle of the instrument. The flexible insert is secured in an axially immovable manner to a distal end of the flexible shaft and is connected to the grip part at the proximal end in an articulated manner and held in place by a catch. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248054 | ANCHOR AND ANCHOR DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS - An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element. Radially compressive forces, due to the elastic material of the body member, contribute to retaining the anchor relative to the therapy delivery element. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248055 | TISSUE PENETRATING SURGICAL DEVICE - Devices and methods are provided for penetrating tissue and/or effecting movement of devices relative to tissue. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having an at least partially fabric-covered distal tip that be used to at least partially penetrate tissue by contacting the tissue with the fabric and rotating the fabric to “drill” into the tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured for delivery proximate to tissue through a working channel of a delivery device and can include an elongate shaft having in its distal portion an end effector at least partially covered in fabric. The fabric, the end effector, and/or the shaft can rotate, thereby allowing at least the fabric to penetrate the tissue and, if sufficiently rotated, causing an opening to form in the tissue. The surgical instrument and/or the delivery device can be advanced through the opening. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248056 | APPLICATOR INSTRUMENTS FOR CONTROLLING BLEEDING AT SURGICAL SITES AND METHODS THEREFOR - An instrument for controlling bleeding includes an outer shaft having a central lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, and an inner shaft disposed within the central lumen of the outer shaft, the inner shaft having a central lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. The instrument has an inflatable balloon with a proximal end secured to the outer shaft and a distal end that is inverted and secured to the inner shaft. In one embodiment, the balloon has a spherical shape when the outer and inner shafts are in a first position and a toroidal shape when the outer and inner shafts are in a second position. The instrument includes an actuator for discharging a flowable material from the central lumen. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a stylet having barb-like features to attach a hemostat to the distal end of the instrument. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248057 | Device and method for maintaining unobstructed nasal passageways after nasal surgery - Methods and devices for maintaining nasal passages open after nasal surgery are provided. In some embodiments, the method of the present invention includes initially cleaning at least some of the bodily fluids from the nasal passages of a patient after the nasal surgery; providing a post-operative device having a first tubular member with a first proximal end and a first distal end, and a second tubular member with a second proximal end and a second distal end, where the first proximal end is connected to the second proximal end with a bridging member, and the post-operative device is splintless; inserting the first distal end and the second distal end into the nasal passages of the patient to a location where the first proximal end and the second proximal end each protrude beyond the nostril opening of the patient; and placing a packing material at least partially around each tubular member. In some embodiments of the present invention, a specialized speculum is provided to facilitate placing packing material around the tubular members of the medical device. Medical kits for use following nasal surgery are also provided. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248058 | Device and Method for Maintaining Unobstructed Nasal Passageways after Nasal Surgery - Methods and devices for maintaining nasal passages open after nasal surgery are provided. In some embodiments, the method of the present invention includes initially cleaning at least some of the bodily fluids from the nasal passages of a patient after the nasal surgery; providing a post-operative device having a first tubular member with a first proximal end and a first distal end, and a second tubular member with a second proximal end and a second distal end, where the first proximal end is connected to the second proximal end with a bridging member, which may include a flexible member to facilitate positioning, and the post-operative device is splintless; inserting the first distal end and the second distal end into the nasal passages of the patient to a location where the first proximal end and the second proximal end each protrude beyond the nostril opening of the patient; and placing a packing material at least partially around each tubular member. In some embodiments of the present invention, a specialized speculum is provided to facilitate placing packing material around the tubular members of the medical device. Medical kits for use following nasal surgery are also provided. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248059 | Embolectomy Catheter - The device subject of this disclosure is a catheter conveying inflatable components that control the opening and closing of a net component. The catheter is maneuvered through the tortuous and stenotic cerebral circulatory system to an embolism. The positioning of the catheter may be guided by radio opaque markers. The inflatable component carrying the net is placed into the embolism. The balloons are inflated thereby expanding the net into the embolism. The limit of expansion is controlled by the dimensions of the net. As the net expands, fenestrations or the spacing of a wire mesh comprising the net enlarge, thereby allowing the embolism to become entrapped within the net. The balloons are deflated thereby enclosing the embolism within the net. The device can be retract into a guide catheter and withdrawn from the circulatory system. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248060 | Electrostatic vascular filters - An intravascular filter is constructed to electrostatically capture and retain particles of a targeted type (for example fat or methacrylate emboli), even if those particles are physically small enough to slip through the filter in the absence of electrostatic attraction. Specific types of targeted particles are thereby captured and retained with improved efficiency, while permitting free flow of non-targeted particles. This improvement permits intravascular filters to be constructed with low-resistance, widely spaced filter elements. Accordingly, more targeted particles are captured, less thrombosis occurs, less pressure drop occurs across the filter, and perfusion or blood collection in downstream areas is maintained. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248061 | MOBILE TORUS DEVICES - Disclosed is a device for exsanguinating a portion of an extremity, the device comprising a torus having a variable circumferential diameter, the torus configured to encircle an extremity portion and apply exsanguination pressure thereto, and a transducer operatively associated with the torus, the transducer, while the torus is encircling the extremity portion, being configured to control at least one of a diameter of the variable circumferential diameter, a tension in the torus and a pressure applied by the torus. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248062 | Device Suitable to Create A Pressure on Specific Points of the Skin - A device suitable to exert pressure on specific points of the body, comprising:
| 2009-10-01 |
20090248063 | Crimping device for cranial cruciate ligament stabilization - A crimp tube crimping system including a crimping tool having: a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a first handle and the distal end comprising a first jaw, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a second handle and the distal end comprising a second jaw, the second arm hingedly connected to the first arm, a first straight, flat crimping member integral with the first jaw of the first arm, the first crimping member having a first inner surface width, and a second straight, flat crimping member integral with the second jaw of the second arm, the second crimping member having a second inner surface width, the first and second straight, flat crimping members defining a gap therebetween when the first and second handles close and the crimping tool is in a fully closed position about the crimp tube, the first and second inner surface widths limiting further deformation of the crimp tube, the flat crimping members preventing cutting of a suture within the crimp tube. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248064 | Insertion tool for a closure device - A medical apparatus ( | 2009-10-01 |
20090248065 | HEMOSTATIC DEVICE SEALING DAMAGED SITE WITH VACUUM - A hemostatic device includes a hemostatic head that includes a peripheral end surface formed at a distal end of the hemostatic head, the peripheral end surface extending along an outer edge region of the distal end in a circumferential direction of the hemostatic head and having suction ports formed on the peripheral end surface, a recess that is open at the distal end and that is surrounded by the peripheral end surface, a plurality of suction channels that are formed inside the hemostatic head, the suction channels communicating with the respective suction ports. The device also includes a suction device for applying suction pressure to the suction ports via the suction channels, the suction device being coupled to the suction channels. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248066 | Elastic barbed suture and tissue support system - A tissue support and reinforcement system uses a barbed suture capable of stretching elastically in order to allow the sutured area to act like natural tissue. This is particularly useful in cosmetic surgery. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248067 | Anchoring Device - An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248068 | Non-metallic knotless suture anchor - A polymeric suture anchor for deployment in a preformed bone hole to secure soft tissue to bone in a knotless manner. The suture anchor comprises a hollow outer member and a hollow inner member longitudinally movable within the outer member. Suture is directed along a tortuous path distally through the lumens of both the inner and outer members, transversely across an eyelet situated at the distal end of the inner member and proximally through the lumens of both the inner and outer members. A suture-locking mechanism is provided along the tortuous path to crimp the suture by placing the anchor in a suture locked configuration. This is accomplished by moving the inner member proximally relative to the outer member in order to engage the suture-locking mechanism. The anchor is maintained in this configuration by the engagement of interlocking surfaces on the inner and outer members. Simultaneously, the inner member is provided with radially outwardly extending prongs which pass through slots in the outer member in order to engage bone surrounding the bone hole. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248069 | SUTURE ANCHORING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF USE - A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248070 | Anchoring Suture - A medical device having an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the elongate body terminating in a free end; the distal portion of the elongate body terminating in a loop. The loop further includes a first plurality of anchors disposed along a surface of the loop. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248071 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE TISSUE SUPPORT - Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast is supported. In some embodiments, the methods provide ways of supporting and adjusting tissue, and the apparatus includes components and embodiments for supporting and adjusting the tissue. Some embodiments include a supporting device, having a first portion, a second portion, and a support member positioned between the first portion and second portion. Some embodiments include advancing the first portion of the supporting device into the body to a first location in the body; advancing the second portion of the supporting device into the body to a second location in the body; securing the first portion of the supporting device at the first location; and shifting soft tissue in the body with the support member. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248072 | SURGICAL THREADING DEVICE - A threading device that includes an elongated tube having first and second opposite ends and a fiberoptic core. The elongated tube includes an interior and a suture securing location defined therein. At least one of the ends of the elongated tube includes a blunt tip that is translucent. The fiberoptic core includes at least one fiberoptic strand extending through the interior of the elongated tube that illuminates the translucent tip when the at least one fiberoptic strand is energized. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248073 | BABY TEETHING DEVICES HAVING TEETHING RIDGES - A baby teething device is provided that includes a shield, a handle depending from the shield, a nipple-like portion depending from the shield opposite the handle, and teething ridges defined on the nipple-like portion. The teething ridges can include a series of generally linear ridges that are substantially parallel to the shield and/or a plurality of concentric teething ridges. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248074 | Pacifier - A pacifier includes an inner substrate layer and an outer substrate layer comolded over the inner substrate layer. The outer substrate layer forms a nipple and a handle. The inner substrate layer has a first portion covered by the outer substrate layer and a portion uncovered by the outer substrate layer forming a shield portion. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248075 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248076 | Interspinous Process Spacer Having Tight Access Offset Hooks - An interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248077 | HYBRID DYNAMIC STABILIZATION - A spine stabilization for the prophylactic treatment of adjacent level disease. A first vertebral level may be fused by advancing a pedicle screw in the first and second vertebrae and coupling the bone screws to a rigid portion of a rod. A conformable ligature may be passed around a non-pedicle portion of a third vertebra and coupled to a dynamic portion of the rod using a blocking body. The dynamic properties of the dynamic portion of the rod allow movement of the third vertebra relative to the first and second vertebrae to slow down or prevent Adjacent Level Disease in the third vertebra. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248078 | SPINAL STABILIZATION DEVICE - A spinal stabilization device providing dynamic stabilization to a region of a spinal column. The spinal stabilization device is configured to be connected between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a spinal segment. The spinal stabilization device includes a central region engaging the spinous process of the first vertebra, a first arcuate arm extending from the central region to a first piece of fixation hardware secured to the second vertebra along an arcuate path, and a second arcuate arm extending from the central region to a second piece of fixation hardware secured to the second vertebra along an arcuate path. In some embodiments, the first and second arms are pivotably connected to the first and second pieces of fixation hardware with pivot connections. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248079 | S-Shaped Interspinous Process Spacer Having Tight Access Offset Hooks - An S-shaped interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248080 | ALIGNMENT MARKING FOR SPINAL RODS - Embodiments of methods for marking a spinal rod to aid medical personnel in placement of the spinal rod in a medical patient are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a spinal rod is anodized a first color. Next, a portion of the anodized color is removed from the spinal rod to form a marking. In other embodiments, the anodized spinal rod is anodized a second time to better differentiate the marking from the remainder of the spinal rod. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248081 | Spinal Stabilization Devices and Methods - A device and method for stabilizing a spine utilizes one or more stabilization members made of, or including, a bioresorbable and/or biointegrable material such as natural tissue or a bioresorbable polymer. The stabilization member(s) may be elastic, and may secure one or more spinal motion segments in a manner effective to reduce the range of flexion and/or extension of the spinal motion segments. The stabilization member may include one or more elongate straps of nonosteogenic natural tissue, each of which may be secured to the spine using fasteners such as bone screws or tacks. The stabilization device may include a blocking member sized and configured to be effective for maintaining a medically desirable distance between adjacent spinous processes in the spine of a medical patient. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248082 | SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR JOINT FIXATION - The present disclosure provides surgical systems and method for joint fixation device with a self-locking mechanism to provide stabilization and immobilization of a joint, such as a facet joint or the like. The present invention includes an elongated fixation mechanism that is placed through an opening in a joint and inserted into a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is operable to provide a self-locking mechanism to the elongated fixation mechanism to provide fixation of the joint. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be utilized by a surgeon through a minimally-invasive surgical procedure to provide facet joint fixation. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248083 | ELONGATED CONNECTING ELEMENT WITH VARYING MODULUS OF ELASTICITY - A spinal system comprising a spinal rod with an outer wall, a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axis extending centrally through the spinal rod between the proximal and the distal ends. The spinal rod comprises a first region having a first modulus of elasticity, a second region having a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity, and a third region between the first and second region having a modulus gradation ranging from the first modulus of elasticity to the second modulus of elasticity. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248084 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ANKLE ARTHRODESIS IN A HUMAN PATIENT - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for ankle arthrodesis where the joint between the tibia and the talus of a human patient can be immobilzed. The system in one aspect can comprise an antero-lateral plate and an antero-medial plate. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248085 | TISSUE INJECTION FIXATION SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. The fixation system comprises an implantable anchor comprising a plurality of elements configured to be implanted in at least one of the one or more layers of tissue adjacent the skull of a recipient such that vibrations applied thereto are transferred to the skull. The fixation system further comprises a vibratory coupler, extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a conduction surface and a magnet, wherein when the conduction surface is adjacent the one or more layers, the magnet is attracted to the implantable anchor to retain the conduction surface adjacent the one or more layers, thereby enabling vibrations to pass from the bone conduction device to the skull. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248086 | Tangential Force Resistant Coupling For A Prosthetic Device - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of shearing elements disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the shearing elements form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The shearing elements are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248087 | Variable axis locking mechanism for use in orthopedic implants - A locking mechanism assembly to allow locking of a fastener in an orthopedic implant having its axis at a variable angle relative to the axis of a threaded through opening in the implant. The assembly includes a convexly rounded ring shaped locking insert which mates with the through opening. The head of the fastener includes a concentric flange that engages the locking ring into a locking relationship with the threads of the opening as the fastener is tightened into position. Preferably the locking ring is integral with the head of the fastener. The locking ring is made from a material that is more deformable than the material of the plate. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248088 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring section for anchoring in a bone or a vertebrae, a receiving part for receiving a connection element, a connection element which is at least partly made of a flexible material, a fixation element for fixing the connection element in the receiving part, and wherein a sleeve is provided around the connection element in the receiving part. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248089 | Spinal facet fixation device - An assembly for the fixation of a spinal facet joint, including an outer shank, an inner shank and a tip, such that rotation of the inner shank with respect to the outer shank causes the tip to move into the outer shank. Movement of the tip causes deformation of the distal end of the outer shank such that the distal end of the outer shank is larger in diameter than the hole through which it was inserted, said deformation causing increased compression and reduced chance of device loosening. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248090 | RIB BONE TISSUE CLAMP - Systems, methods, and kits incorporating a clamp for securing to rib bone tissue. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248091 | Sternal clamp with rib extension - A sternal closure clamp device for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the device having a pair of body members each having engagement members adapted to abut the sides of the sternal halves, and at least one rib extension member having rib retaining means attached to at least one of said body members, such that the rib extension member can be secured to a rib to reduce the force being applied directly to the sternal halves. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248092 | Posterior Intervertebral Disc Inserter and Expansion Techniques - Insertion and expansion devices for use in inserting motion discs, and associated methods of use. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248093 | FUSEABLE CATHODE PLATE FOR ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR - An electrolytic capacitor is constructed in a manner to provide a fusing capability and welded connections between the cathode plates. Each cathode plates has a notch at its periphery within which is an extending leg over which a weldable metallic clip is fitted in order to reduce the area of the cathode plate through which current is conducted to reach the clip and form a fusable link. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248094 | SELF-SEALING SEPTUM ASSEMBLY - Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248095 | ANCHORING UNITS FOR LEADS OF IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A nerve stimulation lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The nerve stimulation lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The nerve stimulation lead also includes at least one anchoring unit disposed on the nerve stimulation lead. The at least one anchoring unit is configured and arranged for anchoring the nerve stimulation lead against a bony structure. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248096 | OPERATING ROOM LEAD CONNECTOR - An operating room connector is used in conjunction with a multiple electrode SCS system which can easily detach and connect to an external trial stimulator (ETS). By connecting the electrode SCS system to a stylet handle, and then locking the stylet handle within a slot of the connector platform, a user is able to minimize the required steps in connecting the ETS to the implanted SCS lead system. The ETS can then be used to readjust the position of the electrode array(s) previously implanted to deliver an optimal stimulation therapy. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248097 | INHIBITION OF INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE PRODUCTION BY CHOLINERGIC AGONISTS AND VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - A method of inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine in a cell is disclosed. The method comprises treating the cell with a cholinergic agonist. The method is useful in patients at risk for, or suffering from, a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade, for example endotoxic shock. The cholinergic agonist treatment can be effected by stimulation of an efferent vagus nerve fiber, or the entire vagus nerve. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248098 | DEVICE FOR STIMULATION BY MEANS OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS, AND FIELD APPLICATORS FOR THIS PURPOSE - A device for stimulation via special electric and magnetic fields and optimized field applicators is provided. Derived from human physiology, the autonomic/vegetative nervous system, specifically its sympathetic and parasympathetic components, can be controlled by signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz and of 0.15 to 0.30 Hz, respectively. Along with other components, these constitute integral parts of corresponding modular physical cardiovascular stimulation programs. By addition of characteristic sinusoidal oscillations, including a positive or negative electric field between the head area and a peripheral area of a human or animal, with the corresponding low-frequency sympathetic or parasympathetic control frequency as base oscillation and with application-typical EEG frequencies and higher-frequency sinusoidal oscillations in the range of ca. 250 to 1500 Hz, characteristic stimulation programs can be established in modular configuration. The introduction of the information parameters for the sympathetic and parasympathetic components, via physical stimulation in the area of the spinal cord, the principal part of the central nervous system, is effected by the field applicators being embodied such that, in the upper body area, a concentration of the magnetic flux, which is generated by a mat applicator, is established in the center of the body, and, likewise on the basis of the physiological relationships in the lower half of the body, the associated mat applicator system is embodied such that the field energy is distributed to both leg areas, and two field strength maxima are thus obtained. To allow the advantage of stimulation via the electric potentials to be combined with the input of the magnetic field effects, a field applicator is equipped with a combination of a magnetic-field-generating coil arrangement and of an electrode arrangement generating the electric field. The electrode generating the electric field can at the same time be designed as a magnetic-field-generating coil. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248099 | Systems and methods for improving memory in Alzheimer's patients - In many aspects, the invention relates to systems and methods for providing memory therapy by modulating neural firing rhythms, in particular in Alzheimer's patients. The stimulation of neurons is controlled through a feedback process whereby neuron firing rhythms are altered based on naturally occurring electrical and chemical activity in the brain. Neurons in the nucleus basalis and dentate gyrus may be targeted in order to establish neural signaling pathways and establish communication between these regions. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248100 | System and Method for Conditioning a Lithium Battery in an Automatic External Defibrillator - An inventive system and method de-passivates a direct current (DC) power source of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), such as an AED lithium battery. The system includes a main processor and standby processor. The standby processor monitors the age and usage of the battery. Based on the status of the monitored parameters, the system executes a conditioning discharge to remove a layer of salt crystals on the DC power source. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248101 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE PERFORMANCE AND GENERAL CONDITION OF A SUBJECT - The invention concerns the therapy with a cardiac resynchronisation device (CRT) and/or therapy with an automated internal cardiac defibrilator (ICD) for the treatment of subjects without cardiac diseases, in particular patients with any cancer or patients with cachexia due to acute or chronic illness other than cardiac illness, including malignant tumor disease, COPD, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, chronic infections, and/or AIDS. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248102 | SIGNAL LINE OF AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTROMEDICAL CONFIGURATION - A signal line for an implantable electromedical configuration, having an electric line segment or line end and a mechanoelectric converter for converting an electric AC voltage signal into a mechanical oscillation. The oscillation can in turn be converted back into an electrical signal for delivery to a part of a human or mammal body, e.g., a heart. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248103 | APPARATUS AND METHODS OF OPTIMIZING VENTRICLE-TO-VENTRICULAR PACING DELAY INTERVALS - Provided herewith are methods and apparatus for optimizing ventricle-to-ventricle (V-V) pacing delay intervals based upon ECG-based optimization calculated as a linear function of P-wave duration sensed PR (intrinsic) interval sensed (or paced) QRS duration and heart rate. Since the relationship among these parameters is linear once the coefficients are solved (which can be any value, including null) with reference to a known optimized V-V interval such as from an echocardiographic study, an operating V-V interval value can be dynamically adjusted in an ambulatory subject. The various combinations of values can be loaded into a look up table or calculated automatically. And, since some of the parameters do not typically change much over time they can be determined acutely and fed into the equation while the other values can be measured more frequently. The parameter values can be measured by an implantable medical device such as a dual- or triple-chamber pacemaker. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248104 | AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF STIMULATION CHAMBER FOR VENTRICULAR RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - A device and method for programming an implantable pulse generator. In one embodiment, commands are entered designating implantable pulse generator programming variables into programmer memory. At least some of the commands are transformed into an executable macro. The macro is stored in the programmer memory. The macro is executed to transmit the programming variables to the implantable pulse generator. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248105 | ENHANCED IMPLANTABLE ANTENNA METHOD - As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248106 | Optical wireless system for electrophysiological stimulation - Optical-based wireless systems for electrophysiological stimulation are provided. One or more small implantable devices, referred to as trigger pods, receives infrared light transmitted from an optical transmitter and converts the light into electrical energy, which is then used to generate electrical impulses. The impulses are used for biomedical applications, such as cardiac pacing and neurostimulation for pain relief. Because the trigger pods are battery-less and rely solely on the incident optical signals for power, they can be highly miniaturized for ease of deployment into the body of a patient. The optical signals can also be used for data/signal transmission in addition to power transmission for greater control of the electrical stimulation. Systems having optical fibers and implantable transmitters are also provided. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248107 | Robust High Power and Low Power Cardiac Leads Having Integrated Sensors - A lead of an implantable medical device system that includes a sensor coupled to a lead body and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a distal lead adaptor having a first arm extending distally from the distal end of the sensor to a first arm end, a second arm extending distally from the distal end of the sensor to a second arm end, and a third arm extending between the first arm end and the second arm end, wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm form an open portion. The sensor includes a first portion extending from a top to a bottom, and from a proximal end to a distal end, a second portion engaged against the first portion and extending from a top to a bottom, the top of the second portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a first flange extending proximally relative to the proximal end of the top of the second portion to a first flange end, and a second flange extending distally relative to the distal end of the top of the second portion to a second flange end, wherein the first flange end is aligned with the proximal end of the first portion and the second flange end is aligned with the distal end of the first portion. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248108 | Robust High Power and Low Power Cardiac Leads Having Integrated Sensors - A lead of an implantable medical device system having an elongated lead body, a sensor coupled to the lead body and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a distal lead adaptor having a first arm extending distally from the distal end of the sensor to a first arm end, a second arm extending distally from the distal end of the sensor to a second arm end, and a third arm extending between the first arm end and the second arm end, wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm form an open portion. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248109 | Method for controlling flow in a bodily organ - There is provided a method for treating a male impotent patient comprising stimulating at least one portion of the patient's normal penile tissue or the prolongation thereof to at least restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection. To improve the erection effect the method further comprises gently constricting the penile portion or the prolongation thereof to restrict the venous blood flow in the penile portion, and then stimulating the constricted penile portion to cause contraction of the penile portion to at least further restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248110 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - An apparatus and method for controlling an electrical stimulation system to increase the resolution of the stimulation region with multiple independent power source electrodes is proposed. In the apparatus, the electrode set contains at least three electrodes of which two adjacent electrodes are of the same power polarity to control the location of the composite stimulation signal and the others are of an inverse power polarity to balance the total power polarity and narrow the stimulation region. The method for the apparatus comprises steps of: receiving a target stimulation location and level, generating at least one parameter to adjust power settings of the electrodes, thereby obtaining a composite stimulation signal corresponding to a virtual channel of which a location and level match the target stimulation location and level. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248111 | IMPLANTABLE MULTI-LEAD ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A multi-lead system includes a first lead and a second lead. The first lead includes a distal end and a first plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the first lead. The first plurality of electrodes are configured and arranged in a first electrode axis. The second lead includes a distal end and a proximal end. A second plurality of electrodes is disposed along the distal end of the second lead. The second plurality of electrodes are configured and arranged in a second electrode axis. The second lead also includes at least one bend between the distal end and the proximal end to allow for linear alignment of the first electrode axis with the second electrode axis to form a combination electrode axis when the first lead and the second lead are implanted. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248112 | Wireless Implantable Medical Device - One aspect of the invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a device housing ( | 2009-10-01 |
20090248113 | Microelectrode, Applications Thereof And Method Of Manufacturing - An electrode device is disclosed. The electrode device comprises an electrically conductive core of micrometric size coated by at least one electrically isolating layer. The electrically conductive core comprises a substrate coated by at least one metallic layer having a nanometric pattern thereon and being at least partially exposed at a tip of the electrically conductive core. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248114 | REVERSIBLE IMPLANTABLE ACOUSTIC SENSOR - An implantable medical device having an acoustic element includes a control module coupled to the acoustic element, an acoustic sensing module coupled to the control module, and a patient alert driver module coupled to the control circuit. The patient alert driver module generates a patient alert drive signal for activating the acoustic element to emit a patient alert signal. The control module includes an isolation circuit for isolating the acoustic sensing module from the acoustic element in response to the patient alert drive signal. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248115 | Telemetry Control for Implantable Medical Devices - An implantable medical device (IMD) and method are provided in which a telemetry module in the IMD includes a configurable polling interval at which the telemetry module is powered up from a low power inactive state to perform sniff operations for detecting whether communication signals are being received from an external device. The IMD includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, a controller receiving data from the sensor, and the telemetry module coupled to the controller for facilitating communication between the IMD and an external device. The polling interval of the telemetry module is configured based upon the parameter(s) sensed by the sensor, such that the polling interval is configured to conserve power consumption of the IMD. The polling interval is either decreased or increased to respectively increase or decrease the frequency of the sniff operations based on the parameters sensed at the IMD. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248116 | Method and Apparatus for the Staged Detection of RF Energy - A low power method and apparatus for detecting wake-up signals in sniff processing performed in an implantable medical device (IMD) using a staged detection of RF energy in signals received in order to conserve current consumption. Incoming signals are monitored in a plurality of detection stages which each incrementally increase the accuracy of detecting whether the received signal is a wake-up communication signal. A desired number of stages of signal quantity measurements are performed such that a combined signal quantity is calculated by updating the signal quantity measurements performed in prior stages with signal quantity measurements performed at each stage. The combined signal quantity of the received communication signal is compared at each detection stage against a corresponding threshold value for that stage. The staged detection process aborts sniff processing if the combined signal quantity fails to meet the corresponding threshold value for that stage. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248117 | ROBUST HIGH POWER AND LOW POWER CARDIAC LEADS HAVING INTEGRATED SENSORS - A lead of an implantable medical device system having an elongated lead body and a sensor coupled to the lead body and extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The sensor includes a first portion extending from a top to a bottom, and from a proximal end to a distal end and a second portion engaged against the first portion and extending from a top to a bottom, the top of the second portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A first flange extends proximally relative to the proximal end of the top of the second portion to a first flange end, and a second flange extends distally relative to the distal end of the top of the second portion to a second flange end, wherein the first flange end is aligned with the proximal end of the first portion and the second flange end is aligned with the distal end of the first portion. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248118 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE RELATIVE POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - Interelectrode impedance or electric field potential measurements are used to determine the relative orientation of one lead to other leads in the spinal column or other body/tissue location. Interelectrode impedance is determined by measuring impedance vectors. The value of the impedance vector is due primarily to the electrode-electrolyte interface, and the bulk impedance between the electrodes. The bulk impedance between the electrodes is, in turn, made up of (1) the impedance of the tissue adjacent to the electrodes, and (2) the impedance of the tissue between the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present invention makes both monopolar and bipolar impedance measurements, and then corrects the bipolar impedance measurements using the monopolar measurements to eliminate the effect of the impedance of the tissue adjacent the electrodes. The orientation and position of the leads may be inferred from the relative minima of the corrected bipolar impedance values. These corrected impedance values may also be mapped and stored to facilitate a comparison with subsequent corrected impedance measurement values. Such comparison allows a determination to be made as to whether the lead position and/or orientation has changed appreciably over time. In another embodiment, one or more electrodes are stimulated and the resulting electric field potential on the non-stimulated electrodes is measured. Such field potential measurements provide an indication of the relative orientation of the electrodes. Once known, the relative orientation may be used to track lead migration, to setup stimulation configurations and parameters for nominal stimulation and/or navigation. Also, such measurements allow automatic adjustment of stimulation energy to a previously-defined optimal potential field in the case of lead migration or postural changes. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248119 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AUTONOMIC BALANCE USING NEURAL STIMULATION - A neural stimulation system senses autonomic activities and applies neural stimulation to sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to control autonomic balance. The neural stimulation system is capable of delivering neural stimulation pulses for sympathetic excitation, sympathetic inhibition, parasympathetic excitation, and parasympathetic inhibition. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248120 | Underbody convective blanket and method for manufacturing thereof - A convective underbody blanket has a head portion and a body portion. Provided at the head portion is a non-inflatable head area surrounded by a channel that has arranged thereat at least one row of air apertures that are oriented toward the non-inflatable head area when the channel is inflated. At the body portion there is provided a non-inflatable body area. Along each longitudinal side of the body area there is at least one longitudinal channel. Each of the longitudinal channels is in fluid communication with the channel that surrounds the non-inflatable head area. The longitudinal channels that sandwich the non-inflatable body area extend substantially along the length of the non-inflatable body area and are in fluid communication with each other by way of a cross channel formed at the foot end of the blanket. The configuration of the blanket allows air input to the blanket to be circulated through the various channels, so that the heated air output from the different rows of apertures formed at the various channels has substantially the same temperature. The different rows of apertures may be provided at different areas along the blanket. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248121 | Multi-utility breast thermal therapy delivery system - The invention comprises a thermal therapy delivery device for the entire breast and surrounding lactating tissue, including the armpit area, adaptable for delivering thermal therapy to all impacted tissue with either hot or cold therapy. The device also delivers thermal therapy simultaneously to the areas within and surrounding armpit areas and lactation glands and ducts. Other areas treatable simultaneously include radial zones such as the nipple, areola, surrounding glands, lobules, ducts and connective tissue. To accomplish the thermal delivery objectives, the device main components are delineated in zones comprised of individual cells. Each zone treats a distinct anatomical area, and each zone-addressable component has a specific geometry required to effectively deliver thermal therapy to the entire anatomy of the breast. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248122 | MULTI-CONDUCTOR RIBBON FOR A LEAD ASSEMBLY OF AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead assembly includes a lead with a plurality of electrodes disposed at a distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at a proximal end, and an outer lead covering extending along a longitudinal length of the lead from a region proximal to the plurality of electrodes to a region distal to the plurality of terminals. The lead also includes a multi-conductor ribbon disposed within the outer lead covering. The multi-conductor ribbon has a longitudinal length. The multi-conductor ribbon includes a plurality of conductors and a non-conductive insulation. The conductors are aligned longitudinally along the multi-conductor ribbon and the non-conducting insulation encases and insulates each of the conductors, except for the proximal and distal ends of the conductors. Each conductor is electrically coupled to at least one terminal and to at least one electrode. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248123 | Implantable Elongate Member - The present invention relates to a lead ( | 2009-10-01 |
20090248124 | LEAD IDENTIFIER FOR AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead includes a lead body with a distal end and at least one proximal end. The lead includes at least one lead identifier disposed on the lead body. The lead identifier is configured and arranged to visually identify the end of the lead body on which the at least one lead identifier is disposed. The at least one lead identifier includes at least one of a markable-surface-finish region suitable for marking with a pen, at least one laser-ablated identification marking, at least one contrasting band of material formed of a conspicuous color, at least one conspicuously-colored spacer disposed between two adjacent terminals of at least one of the at least one proximal end of the lead body, or a conspicuously-colored proximal tip disposed on at least one of the at least one proximal end of the lead body. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248125 | INTEGRATED CONDUCTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR CAPSULE WITH CUSTOM MOLDED UNITARY OVERLAY - This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices; in particular, to medical electrical leads coupled to a conductive pressure sensor capsule and methods and apparatus for insulating the capsule with a unitary custom-molded overlay. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248126 | Integrated Conductive Sensor Package Having Conductor Bypass, Distal Electrode, Distal Adapter and Custom Molded Overlay - This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices (IMDs); in particular, to medical electrical leads having an integrated sensor disposed in a hermetic package and said sensor package accommodates a torque coil and an elongated cable conductor extending therethrough. The integrated sensor can include a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, and the like. The coil and the cable can couple to pacing and sensing electrode coupled to the lead distal to the sensor package. The sensor package is compact, substantially circular in cross section and robust, in that the overall design promote mechanical stability. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248127 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEAD BODIES PROVIDING IMPROVED ELECTRODE CONTACT - A distal section of an implantable medical electrical lead body includes a pair of pre-formed arcuate segments between which an approximately straight segment extends. The approximately straight segment includes a first portion extending distally from a first of the pair pre-formed arcuate segments, a second portion extending from the first portion, a third portion extending from the second to a second of the pair pre-formed arcuate segments. An electrode is coupled to the second portion of the approximately straight segment, and the adjacent first portion has a stiffness which is less than that of the first of the pair pre-formed arcuate segments and preferably less than the stiffness of the third portion, so that, when the distal section of the lead body is implanted, for example, within a cardiac vein, the lead buckles to bring the electrode into closer contact with surrounding tissue. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248128 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFROSTING A DEFIBRILLATION ELECTRODE - A device and method for defrosting a defibrillation electrode are provided. This includes an automated external defibrillator that is capable of defrosting one or more frozen electrodes. The device is includes a portable housing containing a battery powered energy source and a controller as well as at least a pair of electrodes which are operably coupled to the housing. The electrodes are designed for attachment to the chest of a patient in need of resuscitation and contain a conductive interface medium that has temperature dependent properties. A controller is configured to selectively heat the conductive interface medium by applying limited electrical impulses and raise the electrode temperature to a desired temperature range. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248129 | ENHANCED IMPLANTABLE ANTENNA SYSTEM AND METHOD - As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248130 | NITINOL ALLOY DESIGN AND COMPOSITION FOR VASCULAR STENTS - A stent and a delivery system for implanting the stent in a body lumen is disclosed. The stent is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium or nitinol, and includes a ternary element in order to minimize the stress hysteresis of the superelastic material. The stress hysteresis is defined by the difference between the loading plateau stress and the unloading plateau stress of the superelastic material. The resulting delivery system has a small profile and includes a sheath covering the stent that has a thin wall. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248131 | Covered Stent and Method of Making Same - A covered stent comprises a substrate, a stent adapted to be placed in a lumen of a human body, where the stent has portions interwoven in the substrate, and encapsulation encapsulating the substrate and the portions of the stent interwoven in the substrate and forming a tubular graft member. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248132 | Double-Walled Stent System - A double walled stent system particularly suited for treating abnormalities of the right ventricular outflow tract is disclosed having an exterior stent component and an interior stent component. The exterior stent component includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending connectors such as straight or sinusoidal bands. The interior stent component has a generally tubular cylindrical body and is centered within the exterior stent component. The stent system has a contracted delivery configuration and a radially expanded configuration for contacting the vessel wall. When deployed, the longitudinally-extending connectors of the exterior stent component come in contact with the vessel wall and fix the stent system to the treatment site. The interior stent component also radially expands but remains centered inside the exterior component and makes little to no contact with the vessel wall. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248133 | Double-Walled Stent System - A double walled stent system particularly suited for treating abnormalities of the right ventricular outflow tract is disclosed having an exterior stent component and an interior stent component. The exterior stent component is secured to the interior stent component in a non-fixed, sliding relationship. The exterior stent component includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending connectors such as straight or sinusoidal bands. The interior stent component has a generally tubular cylindrical body and is centered within the exterior stent component. The stent system has a contracted delivery configuration and a radially expanded configuration for contacting the vessel wall. When deployed, the longitudinally-extending connectors of the exterior stent component come in contact with the vessel wall and fix the stent system to the treatment site. The interior stent component also radially expands but remains centered inside the exterior component and makes little to no contact with the vessel wall. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248134 | STENT WITH POLISHED EYELET - A stent for use in a stent graft comprising a strut region comprising at least two struts, the struts having at least one radius of curvature; a bend connecting the at least two struts and forming an eyelet region, where the strut region and the eyelet region are electropolished and the eyelet region is locally polished; and an eyelet positioned in the eyelet region, having at least one radius of curvature greater than zero is provided. A method of manufacturing the same also is provided. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248135 | Eversible Branch Stent-Graft and Deployment Method - A method of deploying an eversible branch stent-graft includes deploying the eversible branch stent-graft into a main vessel such that a collateral opening in a main stent-graft of the eversible branch stent-graft is aligned with an ostium of a branch vessel emanating from the main vessel. A branch stent ring suture threaded though outer exposed crowns of an outer stent ring of the branch stent-graft is grasped and pulled through the collateral opening to evert the branch stent-graft into the branch vessel as a branch anchor suture is removed to release a protruding end of a branch stent-graft from a proximal end of the main stent-graft. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248136 | MEDICAL SUPPORTING IMPLANT, IN PARTICULAR STENT - A medical supporting implant, in particular a stent, comprises a tubular base body which is made up of bendable struts ( | 2009-10-01 |
20090248137 | EXPANDABLE STENT - An expandable stent comprising a tubular body made up of a plurality of separated tubular elements ( | 2009-10-01 |
20090248138 | STENTS - A stent is provided for external application to an artery in which an aneurysm has occurred or is about to occur to provide support thereto, the stent being of bespoke character by virtue of its creation to conform morphologically to the actual contour of the artery captured using for example MRI, CAD and RP. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248139 | Stent Prosthesis Having Select Flared Crowns - A generally tubular, cylindrical stent prosthesis has an unexpanded delivery configuration and an expanded configuration for contacting the vessel wall. The stent prosthesis has a plurality of adjacent stent struts, each stent strut having a wavelike or sinusoidal pattern of straight segments and crowns. A Y-shaped member is attached to one or more crowns to cause the crowns to flare outwardly at an angle from the cylindrical stent body when the stent is expanded. Upon expansion of the stent, the crown(s) having Y-shaped members attached thereto are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and radially flare from the cylindrical stent body. The flared crowns anchor the stent within the vessel by protruding into the vessel wall and/or seating the stent within an ostium. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248140 | STENT GEOMETRY FOR IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY - A stent comprises one or more circumferential serpentine bands and having alternating peak portions and trough portions. The peak portions include shorter peak portions and longer peak portions. The longer peak portions are of a longitudinal extent greater than the shorter peak portions. The longer peak portions include first bent peak portions which extend in a first direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent and second bent peak portions which extend in a second direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent. Each first bent peak portion is circumferentially adjacent to one second bent peak portion which points toward the first bent peak portion and to one second bent peak portion which points away from the first bent peak portion. Adjacent first and second bent peak portions which point toward one another are separated one from the other by at least one shorter peak portion. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248141 | Shape Memory Polymer Medical Devices - Medical devices for in vivo medical applications are disclosed. The medical devices are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These medical devices may be used in surgical procedures and in both vascular and non-vascular applications. These SMP medical devices have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site to adapt to vessel growth or size changes. SMP medical devices may be formed as stents or occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMP medical devices may be formed from a first monomer and a second cross-linking monomer, wherein the weight percentages of the first and second monomers are selected by performing an iterative function to reach a predetermined glass transition temperature (T | 2009-10-01 |
20090248142 | Methods, Devices and Systems for Treating Venous Insufficiency - Methods and systems for improving the competency of a venous valve wherein one or more compressor(s) (e.g., space occupying material(s) or implantable device(s)) is/are delivered to one or more location(s) adjacent to a venous valve to compress the venous valve in a manner that causes one or both leaflets of the valve to move toward the other, thereby improving closure or coaptation of the valve leaflets. The compressor(s) may be delivered by an open surgical approach, by a direct percutaneous approach or by a transluminal catheter-based approach. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248143 | PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE ASSEMBLY - The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of cardiovascular valve diseases such as aortic stenosis. A vascular valve assembly is formed from two or more valve devices, each of which contains a valve mounted in a stent. The individual valve devices are brought to the site of the defective valve by standard percutaneous catheterization methods. Lateral expansion of the stents at the site of valve replacement produces a functioning valve assembly. Appropriate sizing and number of valve devices prevents regurgitation and migration. The assembly of two or more smaller valve devices at the site of a defective valve prevents complications due to the large size of single valve prostheses. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248144 | ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE WITH EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX MATERIAL AND METHODS - An endoluminal device comprises a stent and a tubular graft supported by the stent. The graft has a proximal and a distal opening and comprises a synthetic material and a bioremodelable material. The bioremodelable material is disposed on an exterior surface in at least one band adjacent at least one of the proximal and distal openings. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248145 | METHOD OF FORMING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF UNIDIRECTIONALLY ALIGNED CELLS - The present invention provides a method of forming a three-dimensional structure of unidirectionally aligned cells. The method comprises providing a substrate with a microchannel. The microchannel is defined by at least a pair of opposing lateral walls and a base. In at least a portion of the microchannel the distance between the pair of opposing lateral walls is within the micrometer range. A first plurality of cells is seeded in the microchannel and the cells are allowed to proliferate up to at least a density of at least 90%. Thereby contact guidance cues are provided by the pair of opposing lateral walls of the microchannel, such that the cells align unidirectionally. Thereby a first layer of aligned cells is also formed at the base of the microchannel. A second plurality of cells is seeded in the microchannel, which already comprises a first layer of aligned cells. When allowing cells of the second plurality of cells to proliferate up to at least substantial confluence, contact guidance cues are again provided by the lateral walls of the microchannel. The cells also align unidirectionally and form a second layer of aligned cells. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248146 | COATINGS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising non-fouling moieties or polymers chemically bonded to the surface of the device via chelating structures, and methods of fabricating the coatings are disclosed. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248147 | Stent With Nucleating Agent - The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248148 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING AN ANNULOPLASTY RING WITH AN INTEGRATED MAGNETIC DRIVE - Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248149 | INJECTABLE HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS FOR LOW-INVASIVE IMPLANTATION - A heart valve prosthesis may include a cylindrical support extending between axially spaced apart ends thereof, the cylindrical support including a plurality of support features extend generally axially between the opposed ends of the support, adjacent pairs of the support features being interconnected so as to bias the cylindrical support radially outwardly. A valve is mounted within the support to define a supported valve. The supported valve can include a sidewall portion extending between inflow and outflow ends thereof, the inflow and outflow ends of the valve sidewall portion being mounted within the cylindrical support such that ends of the sidewall portion are spaced axially apart from the spaced apart ends of the cylindrical support. The supported valve can also include a valve portion residing within the sidewall portion and configured to provide for substantially unidirectional flow of blood through the supported valve, the supported valve being deformable between a reduced cross-sectional condition and an expanded cross-sectional condition, whereby implantation of the supported valve is facilitated when in the reduced cross-sectional condition. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248150 | HYDROGEL INTRAOCULAR LENS AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME - The present invention is directed ophthalmic device materials and, more particularly to an intraocular lens (IOL) formed of a hydrogel material. The hydrogel material includes an acrylate polymer and a radiation resistant compound. The material typically has a relatively high refractive index and/or exhibits a desired degree of radiation protection. | 2009-10-01 |
20090248151 | ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a kind of artificial sphincter system, which takes shape memory alloy (SMA) as its motion device, and then cooperates with controlled circuit to imitate the motion of human sphincter, especially in imitating iris. The present invention can be used in a human body, a robot or a machine. | 2009-10-01 |