07th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130041335 | LIQUID BARRIER NONWOVEN FABRICS WITH RIBBON-SHAPED FIBERS - A nonwoven fabric useful as a component in a personal hygiene product and a nonwoven personal hygiene component, which is substantially free or free of non-ribbon shaped (e.g., round-shaped) spunbond fibers and includes a meltblown layer between and in direct contact with ribbon-shaped spunbond layers. The meltblown layer has a basis weight of at least about 0.008 gsm and not greater than about 5 gsm, and the nonwoven fabric or component has a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm and not greater than about 40 gsm, a pore size of less than or equal to about 27 microns when measured at 10% of cumulative filter flow. The nonwoven fabric also can have a low surface tension liquid strike through flow of less than 0.9 ml per second, a ratio of low surface tension liquid strike through flow to air permeability of greater than or equal to about 0.016, or both. Personal hygiene articles can incorporate the nonwoven fabric or component. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041336 | DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE - A disposable diaper has a central elastic member formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the inward direction, and a pair of side slits formed along the lengthwise direction L so that the absorber can be curved to be convex in the outward direction. A thickness of the absorber at the central portion and at the side edge portions are smaller than a thickness of the absorber at the middle portions. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041337 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING INCISIONS - The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting wounds, such as surgical incisions. In one embodiment, a dressing for protecting a wound includes: a support cushion configured to surround the wound, the support cushion having sidewalls defining a major axis and a minor axis, the support cushion including at least two perforations that traverse the sidewalls at offset locations; a reservoir configured to be suspended over and in engagement with the support cushion; and a cover configured to be positioned over the reservoir. The at least two perforations may define first and second interlocking J-shaped portions. The support cushion may include a wicking portion configured to surround the wound and a hydrophobic portion configured to surround the hydrophobic portion. The wicking portion may be configured to transfer fluid from the wound to the reservoir. Methods of applying the dressing, and kits including the dressing, also are provided. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041338 | SANITARY OR INCONTINENCE PAD - A sanitary or incontinence pad includes a primary pad part extending in a longitudinal direction of the pad, wherein a front end region of the pad covers at least one quarter of an overall longitudinal extension of the pad, and a rear end region of the pad covers at most one quarter of the overall longitudinal extension of the pad, an absorption body for bodily fluids received by the primary pad part, and front and rear wing pairs, each formed by two wings which extend transversely from respective longitudinal sides of the primary pad part, wherein the front wing pair is arranged outside the front end region, and wherein at least 90% of a top-view-surface of the wings of the rear wing pair is arranged within the rear end region, and wherein each wing is foldable about a web of an undergarment and is delimited by front and rear side flanks. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041339 | Panty Pads - Panty pads are new innovative disposable underwear worn by women and girls during their menstrual cycles. It contains therapeutic heat to help relieve symptoms of PMS. Panty Pads eliminate the need for women and girls to soil or ruin expensive underwear worn during their menstrual cycles. This all in one disposable undergarment provides comfort and reliability. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041340 | DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE - In a disposable wearing article, front and rear waist elastics are attached between respective outer and inner sheets. An absorbent structure and leg-cuffs are attached to an inner side of the inner sheet. Lateral proximal portions of the respective leg cuffs are bonded between the absorbent structure and the inner sheet and lateral distal portions of the respective leg cuffs extend outwardly in a transverse direction beyond the absorbent structure and are not bonded to the inner sheet. These lateral distal portions are provided with a plurality of cuff elastics. Front and rear waist regions respectively include first through third sub-regions which are adjacent one to another in this order and the respective sub-regions are provided with first through third waist elastics. A tensile stress in the first and third sub-regions is higher than that in the second sub-region and the cuff elastics extend to at least the second sub-region. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041341 | CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL FLUID ADMINISTRATION - A connector system for medical fluid administration has a female connection member, which can act as an access port for a container of medical fluid, and a male connection member, for accessing the container of medical fluid. The female connection member defines a sheath for receiving a portion of the male connection member and this sheath is spanned at one end by a septum, which acts to close the container of medical fluid. A lumen is defined through the male connection member to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The septum has a central region and a peripheral region, the central region being of substantially greater thickness than the peripheral region. The male connection member comprises means for rupturing the peripheral region of the septum when it is received in the female connection member to form a connection. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041342 | INSULIN PUMP AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE INSULIN PUMP - A device and method for delivering insulin to a patient is disclosed. The method includes receiving an amount of insulin to deliver to a patient and beginning delivery of the insulin to the patient. The method further includes monitoring the delivery of the insulin to determine whether the insulin pump is able to deliver the entire amount of insulin and maintaining a timer until the insulin pump recommences the delivery of the insulin. The method includes comparing an amount of time indicated by the timer to a threshold. The method further includes generating a first insulin delivery record indicating that a first amount of insulin was delivered when the amount of time indicated by the timer is less than the threshold and a second insulin record indicating that a second amount of insulin was delivered when the amount of time indicated by the timer is greater than the threshold. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041343 | INSULIN PUMP - The present invention relates to a controller unit and methods for controlling an insulin pump. The controller unit includes a user input that receives a gain factor. The gain factor has been calculated based on historical data in relation to a patient. The controller unit includes a measurement input for receiving data representative of a measured blood glucose level for the patient. Processing logic of the controller unit is configured to apply the measured blood glucose level to a pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion computational model to predict an insulin output level, apply the gain factor to the predicted insulin output level to determine a patient insulin deficiency level, and calculate a control signal for controlling the insulin output level of the insulin pump based on the patient insulin deficiency level. Methods are provided for optimising the gain factor based on the historical data in relation to the patient. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041344 | Medication Delivery Device and Method for Dispensing a Medication - A medication delivery device ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041345 | STERNAL LOCATORS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Apparatuses, systems, and methods for sternal locators for placement of an intraosseous device into the sternum of a human patient. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041346 | LOW VOLUME ACCURATE INJECTOR - Substance-administration apparatus ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041347 | MEDICAMENT DELIVERY DEVICE - The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041348 | Catheter-Based Delivery of Skeletal Myoblasts to the Myocardium of Damaged Hearts - The present invention provides improved systems and methods for the minimally invasive treatment of heart tissue deficiency, damage and/or loss, especially in patients suffering from disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function, such as congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction. In certain embodiments, a cell composition comprising autologous skeletal myoblasts and, optionally, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes and/or stem cells, is delivered to a subject's myocardium at or near the site of tissue deficiency, damage or loss, using an intravascular catheter with a deployable needle. Preferably, the cell transplantation is performed after identifying a region of the subject's myocardium in need of treatment. The inventive procedure, which can be repeated several times over time, results in improved structural and/or functional properties of the region treated, as well as in improved overall cardiac function. In particular, the inventive therapeutic methods may be performed on patients that have previously undergone CABG or LVAD implantation. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041349 | SUBSTITUTE THERAPY FOR GLUCOCORTICOIDS - The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising glucocorticoid (GC)-induced human monocytes, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041350 | MULTI WIRE SHEATH - A multi-guidewire sheath (MGS) is provided for cases where simultaneous guidewire access to multiple target arteries is required. Embodiments of the MGS have multiple guidewires in a single sheath configured with a single lumen. The MGS incorporates an engagement system to independently secure the one or more guidewires within the sheath to maintain the separate positions of the guidewires. Embodiments of the MGS are configured with a taper from the desired intra-arterial portion (e.g., conventional French sizes) to a larger diameter for the portion of the sheath outside (distal) the vessel. The distal segment of the MGS has a larger diameter to accommodate the engagement system to secure the independent positions of multiple guidewires, and a hemostatic valve seal and slit mounted in a rotating hub. The engagement system has a series of wire-lock engagement points positioned along the circumference of the MGS. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041351 | CLOSED WOUND DRAINAGE SYSTEM - A container ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041352 | Self-Cleansing Bladder Drainage Catheter - An indwelling endourethral drainage catheter includes a tubular distal portion and a spiral first portion. A central lumen extends along substantially the entire length of the catheter. The spiral first portion defines an outer spiral channel in fluid communication with the central lumen. The distal end of the catheter is anchored externally so that the catheter is held against advancement into or out of the urethra. In certain methods, the diameter of the spiral first portion may be changed to address obstructions within the urethra or facilitate navigation of the catheter along the urethra. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041353 | ELECTRO-OSMOTIC PUMPS, SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPOSITIONS - The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions, methods, devices, and systems for delivering a composition (e.g., a fluid composition) to a subject. For example, the present disclosure relates to non-gassing, direct current (DC), electro-osmotic pumps in some embodiments. A pump may comprise an anode (e.g., a porous silver/silver oxide anode), a cathode (e.g., a porous silver/silver oxide cathode), and a membrane (e.g., a porous ceramic membrane) positioned at least partially between the anode and the cathode in some embodiments. A pump system may comprise an electro-osmotic pump, a reservoir comprising a pump fluid chamber in fluid communication with the electro-osmotic pump and a delivery fluid chamber in fluid communication with the electro-osmotic pump; a controller assembly in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode; and a cannula and/or a needle in fluid communication with the delivery fluid chamber. A pump fluid may comprise water and/or a delivery fluid may comprise a drug, in some embodiments. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041354 | REGISTERING OCT OR OTHER EYE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM WITH A FEMTOSECOND FLAP CUT OR OTHER LASER SURGICAL TREATMENT USING A COMMON PATIENT INTERFACE - Methods and systems for ablating internal targets in the eye of a patient employ an ophthalmic measurement system to acquire location data of structures in the eye. A controller calculates target locations based on the location data received from the ophthalmic measurement system, and a laser emits a laser beam to treat the target locations received from the controller. A patient interface is attached to the eye to provide a common reference surface for both the laser and the ophthalmic measurement system. The patient interface may engage the eye around the optically used cornea, and without conforming the optically used cornea to a predetermined shape. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041355 | Reducing Damage From A Dielectric Breakdown in Surgical Applications - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reducing damage caused by a dielectric breakdown during surgical application of a pulsed-electric field (PEF) device. By detecting a dielectric breakdown when it occurs or before it occurs, the properties of the pulsed electric field can be adjusted to reduce damage caused by the energy released during the breakdown. A dielectric breakdown or its precursor can be detected optically, acoustically, or electrically. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041356 | MULTI-SPOT LASER SURGICAL PROBE USING FACETED OPTICAL ELEMENTS - In particular embodiments of the present invention, an optical surgical probe includes a handpiece configured to optically couple to a light source and a cannula at a distal end of the handpiece. The probe further includes at least one light guide within the handpiece. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The probe also includes a multi-spot generator in the cannula that includes a faceted optical adhesive with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam. In some embodiments, the probe also includes a high-conductivity ferrule at the distal end of the light guide. In other embodiments, the cannula is formed from a transparent material. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041357 | CLASS 1 LASER TREATMENT SYSTEM - Eye-safe, low-power-density, Class 1 or Class 3R laser treatment systems for medical applications are disclosed. Systems having controlled power and stray irradiation can meet laser safety requirements according to IEC 60825-1:2007 or equivalent for eye-safe rating; classification as laser-Class 1 or as laser-Class 3R. Laser system comprises a diode laser source, an optical fiber probe, means for detecting and identifying said optical probe and means to ensure that laser power transmitted from the fiber probe is limited to pre-specified maximum power level per application; laser wavelength; emission characteristics; probe characteristics; limiting values according to applied safety regulations. Device can identify the connected optical fiber probe to exclude using non-conforming optical fiber probes and/or to limit maximum output to optical powers in compliance with laser safety regulations. System preferably operates at a wavelength of 1400 nm or higher. Breakage or leakage from fiber probe is detectable and prevented. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041358 | CRYOABLATION SYSTEM HAVING DOCKING STATION FOR CHARGING CRYOGEN CONTAINERS AND RELATED METHOD - A cryoablation system includes thermally insulated containers for holding liquid refrigerant. The containers are placed in a docking station that charges the containers with a liquid refrigerant at a cryogenic temperature suitable for carrying out a surgical procedure. The charged containers are detachably connectable with an inlet line of a cryoablation probe. When the cryoprobe is activated, the chilled liquid refrigerant is transported from a delivery container, through the cryoprobe, and to a recovery container. The recovery container is preferably identical in design to the delivery container. The refilled recovery container is then placed in the docking station to charge. In another embodiment, a cartridge includes a delivery container and recovery container combined as a single unit. Methods are also described. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041359 | CUTTING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, a cutting device, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen extending through the sheath and cutting device. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041360 | Methods, Systems, and Devices Relating to Surgical End Effectors - The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices, and more specifically including end effectors that can be incorporated into such devices. Certain end effector embodiments include various vessel cautery devices that have rotational movement as well as cautery and cutting functions while maintaining a relatively compact structure. Other end effector embodiments include various dual end effector devices that have more than one end effector. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041361 | Microwave Sensing for Tissue Sealing - A system for monitoring the target tissue during a tissue sealing procedure is disclosed. The system includes a forceps having opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp the tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members to includes a sealing member. The system also includes a generator coupled to the sealing members so that therapeutic energy is delivered to the target tissue. The generator includes an output stage configured to generate therapeutic energy and a microwave detector configured to measure reflected and/or absorbed microwave signals. The monitored microwave signals may be either the therapeutic energy signal or a separate non-therapeutic microwave monitoring signal. The generator also includes a controller operatively coupled to the microwave detector. The controller is configured to determine the state of the tissue based on the reflected and/or absorbed microwave signals and to control the delivery of therapeutic energy from the generator to tissue based on the microwave measurements. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041362 | Microwave Antenna Having a Coaxial Cable with an Adjustable Outer Conductor Configuration - A microwave ablation system is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable that includes inner and outer conductors having a compressible dielectric operably disposed therebetween. The inner conductor in operative communication with a radiating section associated with the microwave antenna. The outer conductor includes a distal end transitionable with respect to each of the inner conductor, compressible dielectric and radiating section from an initial condition wherein the distal end has a first diameter to a subsequent condition wherein the distal end has second diameter. Transition of the distal end from the initial condition to the subsequent condition enhances the delivery of microwave energy from the power source to the inner conductor and radiating section such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041363 | Dual-Mode Electrosurgical Devices And Electrosurgical Methods Using Same - Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041364 | Electrosurgical Apparatus With Predictive RF Source Control - An electrosurgical generator is disclosed, which includes a closed loop control system having a sensor system configured to sense tissue and/or energy properties at a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal representative of the tissue and/or energy properties. The control system includes a controller configured to select an electrosurgical operational mode from a plurality of electrosurgical operational modes in response to the sensor signal. A radio frequency arbitrary source is also included which generates a radio frequency input signal corresponding to the selected electrosurgical operational mode and a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a treatment signal corresponding to the electrosurgical operational mode. The system includes a predictive signal processor configured to adjust the radio frequency output stage in response to the radio frequency input signal, such that the radio frequency output stage alters the treatment signal in real time based on the selected electrosurgical operational mode. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041365 | DYNAMICALLY MATCHED MICROWAVE ANTENNA FOR TISSUE ABLATION - A microwave ablation probe for providing microwave energy to tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a secondary inner conductor, an insulating spacer, and an outer conductor. The inner conductor is slidably disposed within the secondary inner conductor. The feedline also includes a radiating portion having an extruded portion of the inner conductor centrally disposed therein, wherein longitudinal movement of the inner conductor relative to the feedline tunes the radiating portion. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041366 | Vacuum Device for Sealing an Anatomical Opening - A device for accessing a hollow organ comprises an elongated body sized for insertion into an entrance passage to the hollow organ, the elongated body including an outer sealing surface engaging an inner surface of the entrance passage and a working channel extending therethrough from a proximal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position is proximal to a proximal opening of the entrance passage, to a distal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, extends distally past a distal opening of the entrance passage into the hollow organ and a plurality of suction holes formed through an outer wall of the elongated body, disposed around a circumference of a portion of the elongated body which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, is located within the entrance passage in combination with a vacuum channel formed in the elongated body for transferring a negative pressure to the suction holes to increase a sealing force applied by tissue of the entrance passage to the outer surface of the elongated body. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041367 | VESSEL SEALING SYSTEM - An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041368 | Apparatus and Method for Using a Remote Control System in Surgical Procedures - A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041369 | Electrosurgical Device and Methods - An electrosurgical probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The probe includes tubular electrodes configured such that the inner surface of the lesioning electrodes are cooled, directly or indirectly, while keeping the electrodes electrically isolated. One embodiment includes an electrosurgical probe having at least two electrically isolated electrical conductors, including an inner electrical conductor and an outer electrical conductor. The inner electrical conductor defines a lumen for the circulation of a cooling fluid therein. An inner electrical insulator is disposed between the electrical conductors to electrically isolate the electrical conductors. The electrical insulator has sufficient thermal conductivity to allow for cooling of the inner and outer electrical conductors when the cooling fluid is circulating within the lumen of the inner electrical conductor. In this way, cooling of both electrodes is achieved while avoiding direct contact of the cooling fluid with one of the electrodes. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041370 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes a disposable shaft and a reusable shaft. The shafts each including a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shafts are releasably coupled to one another about a pivot and are moveable relative to one another for moving the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. The disposable shaft includes a first tissue sealing plate disposed thereon and an electrical, connector coupled thereto that includes a plurality of wires extending therethrough and into the disposable shaft member. One or more wires is coupled to the first tissue sealing plate and one or more wires is coupled to a second tissue sealing plate that is configured for releasable engagement with the jaw member of the reusable shaft member. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to conduct energy through tissue for sealing tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041371 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MAGNETIC DRIVE TRAIN TORQUE LIMITING DEVICE - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train. The instrument also comprises a torque-limiting device connected between to an output pole of the motor and an input pole of the drive train. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041372 | Surgical Snare with Electrosurgical Tip and Method of Use - A medical device includes a tissue dissector and a snare loop on a common shaft. At least the distal tip of the snare loop is energizable to function as an electrosurgical element for tissue dissection. In use the snare loop is partially extended from the shaft to expose the electrosurgical element for electrosurgical dissection, and the snare loop is fully extended from the shaft to deploy the snare loop for retrieval and positioning of an implant such as a gastric banding device. The snare loop may be deployed through a pair of jaws also mounted on the shaft for use in tissue dissection. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041373 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXCISION OF TISSUE - Various apparatus and methods for excising tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method of excising a target tissue mass from a subject, may include advancing an elongate instrument having an opening at its distal end into a subject. A cutting element, e.g., a snare or loop, may be advanced from the distal end of the elongate instrument, wherein the cutting element may be configured to cut tissue. The cutting element may be positioned near the target tissue mass. The cutting element may be actuated, e.g., expanded or deployed, and may perform energy based or mechanical cutting of a section of tissue encapsulating the target tissue mass. The cut section of tissue and the target tissue mass encapsulated therein may be removed from the subject. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041374 | RADIUS INTRAMEDULLAR LOCKING NAIL - This invention is related to the radius intramedullar locking nail which provides fusion by fixing the bone in case of single or multiple fractures of radius bone, which fixes the distal end of the nail with a locking screw ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041375 | Modular Hook Plate Assembly - A hook plate assembly includes a bone plate extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and including an upper surface facing away from a bone, a bone contacting surface, a plate hole extending therethrough from the upper surface to the bone contacting surface and a connection section arranged at the second end. The plate hole is sized and shaped to receive a bone fixation element therethrough in combination with a hook including a connecting portion configured to connect the hook to the connection section of the bone plate and a fastening element releasably coupling the hook to the bone plate. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041376 | PROSTHESIS RESECTION GUIDE - A conical burr template is indexed to the intramedullary canal of a tibia, such that a burr may trace the periphery of the template to define a correspondingly shaped cavity in the bone which is properly sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a cone-shaped tibial augment component. Advantageously, use of the burr template promotes expedient surgery while maintaining optimal fit characteristics and proper spatial placement of the tibial cone augment. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041377 | ARTICULATED CAVITY CREATOR - Disclosed herein are devices for use through a cannula to create cavities within interior body regions. When deployed, the distal end of several such devices extend beyond the distal end of the catheter and can then be selectively curved into a shaped compression surface that, when articulated, creates a void within the interior body. This compression surface may then be withdrawn back into the cannula for removal and to make way for bone cement that, in certain instances, may be introduced through the same cannula. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041378 | RONGEUR WITH VENTED T-SLIDE AND/OR INCREASED STRENGTH - A rongeur comprising a bottom shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end terminating in a footplate, a substantially flat upper surface extending along the bottom shaft, and a groove characterized by a wider proximal recess and a narrower distal recess comprising an undercut; a top shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a substantially flat bottom surface extending along the top shaft, and a tongue characterized by a crossbar connected to the flat bottom surface by a vertical riser; wherein the flat bottom surface rests on the flat upper surface and the tongue is slidably disposed in the groove so that when the top shaft is moved distally relative to the bottom shaft, the tongue slides from the proximal recess into the distal recess; and further wherein the top shaft comprises a passageway for admitting air into the portion of the proximal recess vacated by the tongue. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041379 | Surgical Rongeur Release Mechanism - A rongeur including a shaft having a foot plate, a cutting slide, a breach extending between the foot plate and the cutting slide and a handle assembly for moving the cutting slide along the shaft. The cutting slide includes a pair of tracking arms arranged about a distal end of the cutting slide and a third tracking arm arranged about the proximal end thereof. The tracking arms are received within corresponding tracking slots in the shaft when the rongeur is in a closed position. The tracking arms are disengaged from the tracking slots by rotating the cutting slide about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the length of the shaft thereby placing the rongeur in an open position. To prevent inadvertent disengagement of the tracking arms from the tracking slots, a trigger assembly is provided which arrests proximal movement of the cutting slide. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041380 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREPARING AND IMPLANTING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041381 | CUSTOMIZED DRILLING JIG FOR IMPLANTATION OF A HEARING AID - A method of producing a drilling jig for implantation of a hearing aid involves capturing a molded imprint ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041382 | Injector Apparatus for Injecting Intraocular Lens - Injector apparatus ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041383 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTERNAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041385 | APPARATUS FOR SKIN REDUCTION - An apparatus for making an incision in skin and other body tissue includes an incising assembly having a resilient blade assembly and a fingerwheel for rotatably driving the blade assembly, and a spreader disposed within the blade assembly for deforming the resilient blade assembly. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041386 | Multiple member interconnect for surgical instrument and absorbable screw fastener - An absorbable surgical screw fastener is provided which includes a head and a tapered shaft extending distally of the head. Buttress threads are provided about the tapered shaft to secure the fastener in tissue. The fastener includes slots formed in the head and buttress threads. A gap is provided between the buttress threads in the head to secure a prosthetic. There is also provided a surgical instrument having novel lockout structure to prevent inadvertent actuation. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041387 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING A HIP JOINT, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL SUTURE PASSER - A suture passer comprising:
| 2013-02-14 |
20130041388 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUTURING TISSUE - A suturing device of the present invention is in the form a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle/suture (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle/suture upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to a position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. A safety shield mechanism ensures the user is protected from the needle at all times. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041389 | GASTRIC BAND WITH OVERMOLD - A gastric band comprises a bladder having an opening, an insertable component to fluidly seal the opening, and a strap that may be overmolded onto the bladder. The insertable component may be a grommet or a plug. Additionally, the insertable component may be coupled to a support member via a living hinge. In another configuration, the insertable component comprises a grommet and a suture loop at least partially formed within the grommet. A band may be provided instead of the strap, with the band having a grommet aperture formed through a deck such that the grommet may be inserted into the opening of the bladder. An overmolded shell having a latching member may be overmolded onto the deck to secure the grommet and a portion of the suture loop therein. The gastric band may further be coupled to a flexible conduit and an injection port. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041390 | METHODS, COMPOSITIONS AND KITS FOR PERFORMING ANASTOMOSIS PROCEDURES IN CONJUNCTION WITH A RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY PROCEDURE - In some aspects, a surgical procedure for the removal of a prostate gland is provided. The procedure comprises: (a) positioning an implant material within the urethra, (b) removing the prostate, thereby creating a urethral stump and a bladder neck, wherein the implant material occupies the urethral stump, the bladder neck, or both, and (c) securing the bladder neck to the urethral stump in an anastomosis procedure to establish a path of urine flow from the bladder to an external urethral opening (e.g., the meatus). Subsequently, the implant material is removed from the urethra, for example, by natural urine voiding or by flowing a removal fluid through and/or around the implant material in the urethra. In other aspects, a medical kit is provided. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041391 | EXPANDABLE SCAFFOLD WITH CUTTING ELEMENTS MOUNTED THERETO - A medical device assembly for incising a stenosis in a blood vessel which includes an incising device, a tubular sheath, and a catheter having an inflatable balloon mounted thereon. The incising device includes a self-expanding scaffold having a plurality of cutting elements projecting radially outward therefrom, and an elongate member extending proximally from the self-expanding scaffold to be manipulated by a user. The self-expanding scaffold is positionable in the lumen of the sheath in a contracted configuration and deployed out of the lumen of the sheath to permit the self-expanding scaffold to expand to an expanded configuration. The inflatable balloon of the catheter is configured to be advanced distally into an interior of the self-expanding scaffold through a proximal opening of the self-expanding scaffold, and inflation of the inflatable balloon urges the cutting elements radially outward to incise a stenosis. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041392 | LOCKING FLEXIBLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A flexible-shaft surgical instrument has a compression member that is distally movable to provide a compression force between the compression member and a distal compression bearing to compress a plurality of links and rigidly lock a semi-rigid tube formed by those links at any of a variety of user-selectable predetermined positions. The semi-rigid tube is configured to be bent and locked at the user-selectable predetermined position and, upon proximal movement of the compression member, returned to an unlocked state without significant plastic deformation of the semi-rigid tube. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041393 | LANCET DEVICE WITH LANCE RETRACTION - A lancet device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and having a proximal end and a distal end and a slider slidable at least partially within the cavity along a longitudinal axis from an outward position to a pushed position. The slider extends outside of the cavity beyond the proximal end when it is in the outward position. A needle holder holding a needle is rotatable about and translatable along the longitudinal axis when moved from an initial position to an extended position. When the needle holder is in the initial position, the slider is in the outward position. When the needle holder is in the extended position, the lance extends beyond the proximal end. Sliding of the slider to the pushed position enables a first biasing member to urge the needle holder toward the extended position. A second biasing member can be present in the lancet device. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041394 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING INCISIONS IN OCULAR TISSUE - A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041395 | INTRODUCTORY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR INSERTING INTRACARDIAC INSTRUMENTS - An introduction assembly and method for the insertion of medical instruments through a thoracic passage into a selected one of either the left or right atrium of the heart. Catheters or other instruments dedicated to performing required cardiac maneuvers are passed through an introductory sheath having a distal end disposed within the targeted atrium. Upon completion of the required cardiac maneuvers the instruments are removed from the atrium and a closure assembly is passed through the introductory sheath into a closing relation to an entry site, formed in the pericardium and corresponding atrium wall, to facilitate healing thereof. The introductory assembly and method facilitates the concurrent, operative disposition of a plurality of catheters or other instruments into the interior of the selected atrium through different thoracic passages and entry sites thereby allowing synergistic interaction between the multiple catheters in the performance of the required cardiac maneuvers. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041396 | STIMULUS METHOD FOR RELEASING STRESS, AND STRESS-FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT METHOD BY THE STIMULUS METHOD - In a stimulus method, a stimulus applying apparatus is attached to an area selected from a group of specific parts of a body surface by an acupuncture needle(s) or heating etc. thereby releasing the stress, and a stress-free medical treatment method based on the stimulus method. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041397 | ACUPUNCTURE TOOL - An acupuncture tool for performing acupuncture includes an injection needle and an implant thread. The implant thread has one end side being inserted into a pore at a tip side of the injection needle and another end side being drawn so that when the injection needle is inserted into a body, the implant thread is also simultaneously implanted in the body and the injection needle is then extracted with the implant thread left in the body. The injection needle has a predetermined fastener movably mounted thereon. The fastener holds the other end side of the implant thread along the injection needle, and is configured to move in a direction reverse to a direction of inserting the injection needle while the fastener is holding the implant thread during a period from when the injection needle is inserted into the body to when the implant thread is implanted in the body. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041398 | Dilator - A device for dilating a body passage includes an inner element including a shaft portion extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and an enlarged portion situated in the distal end and an outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate the shaft portion of the inner element such that the device is movable between an insertion configuration, in which the enlarged portion extends distally past the distal end of the outer sleeve, and an expanded configuration, in which the distal end of the outer sleeve receives the enlarged portion of the inner element therein. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041399 | BALLOON CATHETER WITH DILATING ELEMENTS - A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. The dilation elements may comprise a coil and dilation wire. The coil and wire may be configured in various ways such that inflation of the balloon creates a concentration of forces along the dilating wires which are thereafter transmitted to stenosed regions of a vessel wall. The force exerted by the dilation elements against the stenosed region is sufficient to fracture plaque from the vessel wall. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041400 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION SYSTEM - A catheter system | 2013-02-14 |
20130041401 | Disposable acupressure relief strip - A disposable acupressure strip providing 72 hours of nausea and vomiting relief for surgery and cancer treating patients includes a raised portion of a contact button extending from a film substrate through a cutout positioned over the P6 pericardium acupressure point on a user's wrist and secured there by a medical grade surgical adhesive tape. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041402 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft members are moveable relative to one another between spaced-apart and approximated positions to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. A knife assembly is engaged within the second shaft member. The knife assembly includes an arm extending through a trough defined within the second shaft member and has a knife disposed at a distal end thereof. The arm is moveable between a first position, corresponding to a retracted position of the knife, wherein the arm defines an arched portion extending from the second shaft member, and a second position, wherein the arched portion defines a more linear configuration to elongated the arm distally to advance the knife between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041403 | DRIVE MECHANISM FOR ARTICULATION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. A pair of drive cables extends through the elongated shaft and is coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of torsion members that are rotatable about two distinct axes in response to movement of the actuator. A respective follower is operatively coupled to each torsion member to translate in a respective longitudinal direction in response to rotation of the torsion members, and each follower is coupled to a respective drive cable to impart translational motion thereto. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041404 | Heart Occlusion Devices - Devices for occluding an aperture in tissue or a vessel comprise a first flexible wire and a second flexible wire. Each of the first and second wires is comprised of a shape memory material. Each of the first and second wires is shaped into first and second geometric forms such that the first geometric form of the first wire and the first geometric form of the second wire form a first plate in a first plane, and the second geometric form of the first wire and the second geometric form of the second wire form a second plate in a second plane that is parallel to and remote from the first plane. The first and second plates are separated by a waist formed from two portions of the first wire and two portions of the second wire. Methods for occluding an aperture in tissue or a vessel using such devices are also provided. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041405 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLOSING HOLES IN TISSUE - A device for closing holes in tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041406 | SURGICAL STAPLE WITH LOCALIZED ADJUNCT COATING - A medical fastener has a first, pre-deployment shape for loading into a surgical instrument, and a second, post-deployment shape for connecting tissue together, and includes a crown and a pair of legs, each leg substantially transversely extending from a respective end of the crown in the first, pre-deployment shape. A coating, such as a hemostatic agent, is applied to a fastener interior surface defined by interior surfaces of the crown and the pair of legs. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041407 | CHITOSAN FIBER - A fluid-swellable fiber in particular for the use as a surgical suture, the fiber comprising chitosan, the fiber's swelling ratio being less than 100%, and a fabric comprising the fiber. Moreover, a method of manufacturing from a chitosan-containing solution a fiber comprising chitosan, wherein during manufacture, the solution is brought into contact with a coagulation medium containing at least one organic solvent, a method of removing a fiber from a living organism, wherein the fiber is at least partly dissolved in a solvent applied from the outside, and a kit comprising a chitosan containing fiber and a solvent for at least partly dissolving the fiber. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041408 | Interspinous Implant and Implantation Instrument - The present invention relates to an interspinous implant, intended to be implanted between two adjacent dorsal spines, each including an upper edge, a lower edge and two opposed lateral faces, wherein the implant includes at least one body with dimensions arranged so as to maintain or restore a distance between the adjacent edges of the two spinous processes and including at least two wings extending so that at least a part of each wing lies along at least a part of one lateral face of one of the two spinous processes and, additionally, at least one retainer for the implant, designed to retain the body of the implant between the two spinous processes and to be inserted from the same lateral face as the body. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041409 | APPARATUS FOR STABILIZING VERTEBRAL BODIES - A dynamic stabilization apparatus comprises elongated members mounted within the proximal end of anchoring devices that are placed in adjacent vertebral bodies. A flexible element having elastic properties within the applicable range of loading, for example loads that the spine experiences, is disposed between the proximal ends of the elongated members. At least one additional flexible element is mounted about the proximal ends of the elongated members adjacent the central flexible element. A housing encapsulates the proximal ends of the members such that the flexible element and the additional flexible elements are contained therein. As compressive, tensile, angular, shear and rotational forces are applied to the elongated members the central flexible element and the additional flexible elements interact with the elongated members and the housing to allow for motion of the elongated members. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041410 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device including a clamping device and a flexible band configured to be secured a vertebra. The clamping device includes a base member and an upper member configured to be secured together with a fastener. The flexible band is configured to be passed around a bone portion and through a passage of the base member to position the flexible band between a clamping surface of the base member and a clamping surface of the upper member. The flexible band is tensioned to urge the clamping device against the bone portion and then clamped between the clamping surfaces of the base member and the upper member. A stabilization member of a vertebral stabilization construct may be secured to the vertebra with the bone anchoring device without invasively altering or impairing the structural integrity of the vertebra. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041411 | DEVICE FOR SECURING SPINAL RODS - A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041412 | FLEXIBLE PEDICLE SCREWS - Various bone screws and methods for accommodating stiffness regions in bone are provided. The bone screw provided generally includes a receiver member configured to receive a fixation element and an elongate shank having different stiffness regions. In one embodiment, the elongate shank can include at least one slot for increasing the flexibility of the slotted portion of the elongate shank. In another embodiment, the elongate shank can be manufactured from materials selected to alter the stiffness of the shank. The different stiffness regions allow the bone screw to mimic the flexibility of bone, reducing the risk of fracture of the bone and/or loosening of the bone screw. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041413 | UNIVERSAL LOCKING AND COMPRESSION DEVICE FOR BONE PLATE - A kind of bone plate gimbal lock pressure device. The body of the bone plate ( | 2013-02-14 |
20130041414 | Telescoping Bone Screw - A bone screw for treating a bone fracture having a detent assembly on a body portion thereof. The detent assembly includes a detent member that is movable between a first and second position. The detent assembly operative to secure the body whereby said plunger portion moves independent of said body. The bone screw may also include a plunger assembly having a plunger with a threaded portion and a plunger portion. The plunger portion is slidably disposed within a chamber of the body. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041415 | Systems and Methods for Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures FO Systems - One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number of bone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. A connecting element inserter instrument is engageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. As the inserter instrument is moved along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchors, a leading end of the connecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis and the connecting element is positioned at a location adjacent the number of bone anchors in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041416 | POSITIONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING AN ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEM - Positioning instruments and related methods are described for implanting an energy absorbing system for treating joints. The positioning instruments and methods allow the energy absorbing system to be positioned at a joint such that the desired motion will occur for the particular design of a particular energy absorbing system which is to be implanted. The positioning instruments include a locating instrument for locating an anatomical feature and a target location for implantation of the energy absorbing system, a verification instrument for verification of the target location, a placement guide for guiding placement of a part of the energy absorbing system, and positioning device for aligning portions of the energy absorbing system. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041417 | SPIRAL ASSEMBLY TOOL - An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and a second member operably associated with the second component. The second member includes a cap having a threaded recess and further includes a threaded rod adapted to engage the threaded recess so as to move the second member relative to the first member and the threaded rod is made of a harder metal than the threaded recess. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041418 | METHODS FOR TREATING PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE - A method and device for discharging an electrical defibrillation pulse or an electrical demand pacer pulse or delivering at least one pharmaceutical agent to treat conditions such as cardiac arrest, bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac standstill, PEA, EMD and other heart conditions are disclosed. The pharmaceutical agent can be delivered into the heart tissue, the heart cavity, or the peritoneal cavity. The pharmaceutical agent can also include analgesics such as morphine. Also included are pharmaceutical agents used to increase myocardial contractility or inhibit platelet aggregation and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and thyroid hormones such as T3 and T4 can be delivered. A method for the treatment of cardiac arrest or pulmonary hypertension patients by administering a therapeutically effective amount of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is also encompassed by the invention. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041419 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Pairing Vagus Nerve Stimulation with Motor Therapy in Stroke Patients - A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041420 | SINTERED CAPACITOR ELECTRODE INCLUDING A 3-DIMENSIONAL FRAMEWORK - An example includes a capacitor case sealed to retain electrolyte, at least one anode disposed in the capacitor case, the at least one anode comprising a sintered portion disposed on a current collector formed of a framework defining cells extending to three axes, an anode conductor coupled to the current collector formed of a framework defining cells extending to three axes in electrical communication with the sintered portion, the anode conductor sealingly extending through the capacitor case to an anode terminal disposed on the exterior of the capacitor case with the anode terminal in electrical communication with the sintered portion, a cathode disposed in the capacitor case, a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode and a cathode terminal disposed on an exterior of the capacitor case and in electrical communication with the cathode, wherein the anode terminal and the cathode terminal are electrically isolated from one another. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041421 | ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MONITORING - Techniques for determining whether one or more leads are not adequately connected to a patient, e.g., for ECG monitoring, are described. The techniques involve injection of an integrated signal (which includes a test signal) into one lead, and monitoring the driven lead and the response at the other leads, including the common mode and the difference between the other leads. These “lead-off” detection techniques may be provided by an external defibrillator that provides three-wire ECG monitoring. Techniques for determining a type of a cable coupled to a defibrillator are also described. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either a three-wire ECG monitoring mode or a therapy mode, based on whether a three-wire ECG cable or a defibrillation cable is coupled to the defibrillator. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041422 | PROGRAMMER FOR BIOSTIMULATOR SYSTEM - A biostimulator system comprises one or more implantable devices and an external programmer configured for communicating with the implantable device or devices via bidirectional communication pathways comprising a receiving pathway that decodes information encoded on stimulation pulses generated by ones of the implantable device or devices and conducted through body tissue to the external programmer. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041423 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR SINGLE-CHAMBER PACING USING A DUAL-CHAMBER PACING DEVICE - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, methods and devices for cardiac applications including those relating to pacing devices. One such device is directed to a cardiac rhythm therapy (CRT) device designed for dual chamber pacing using two pacing signals each having a positive and negative component that has been modified for single chamber pacing. The device comprises a first output that connects to a pacing lead; a second output that connects to the pacing lead; a third output that connects to a reference point; and electrical circuitry connecting the second electrical connection to the first output, the third electrical connection to the second output, and the first and fourth electrical connections to the third output. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041424 | DUODENAL STIMULATION TO INDUCE SATIETY - Methods and devices for creating and/or adding to sensations of satiety to reduce food intake. Methods include electrically stimulating the duodenum which may induce false nerve signals in the duodenal region which are normally indicative of duodenal distension (fullness) and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. The artificially generated signals may be applied in a pattern which mimics at least in part a naturally occurring pattern of duodenal signals generated responsive to eating a meal. Some artificial patterns may be exaggerated relative to the natural patterns, by occurring earlier after ingestion, and/or lasting longer after ingestion, having an exaggerated (higher) frequency response or a faster rate of frequency increase after ingestion. The applied signals may generate nerve signals going to the brain which induce a feeling of satiety. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041425 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING ASYNCHRONOUS NEURAL RESPONSES TO TREAT PAIN AND/OR OTHER PATIENT CONDITIONS - Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a target stimulation frequency that is above a threshold frequency, with the threshold frequency corresponding to a refractory period for neurons of a target sensory neural population. The method can further include producing a patient sensation of paresthesia by directing an electrical signal to multiple sensory neurons of the target sensory neural population at the stimulation frequency, with individual neurons of the sensory neural population completing corresponding individual refractory periods at different times, resulting in an asynchronous sensory neuron response to the electrical signal. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041426 | TRAINING/MEDICAL LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROMYOSTIMULATING GARMENT - The training/medical electromyostimulating device according to the present invention is realized in the form of a garment to be worn by a person (PE); it comprises at least one electrical myostimulation signals generating device (EMS-LF- | 2013-02-14 |
20130041427 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREVENTING ANKLE SPRAIN INJURIES - Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041428 | Upgradeable Cochlear Implant - The present application discloses an upgradeable cochlear implant. In one example, the implant may include a stimulator configured to generate a stimulation current comprising at least one stimulus, a first lead configured to conduct the stimulation current from the stimulator to at least one electrode, and a second lead configured to allow connection of a separate module to the stimulator. The second lead may include a lead conductor, a reference electrode configured to collect the stimulation current, an electrode conductor configured to conduct the stimulation current between the reference electrode and the stimulator, and an insulating material surrounding at least the lead conductor and the electrode conductor. The reference electrode may be formed at an exterior surface of the second lead, or may be formed on a portion of a connector for connecting to the separate module. The implant may additionally include a protective element. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041429 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041430 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A PELVIC CONDITION OF A PATIENT - A system for treating a pelvic condition of a patient includes a plurality of electrodes, a memory a plurality of predefined unique stimulation programs stored in the memory, and an implantable controller. Each of the stimulation programs defines a stimulation signal and an identification of one or more of the electrodes to which the stimulation signal is to be applied. The implantable controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and is configured to execute a selected stimulation program from the memory to apply a stimulation signal to one or more of the electrodes in accordance with the selected stimulation program. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041431 | LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - A system includes a LLLT device, with a laser diode and a momentary switch, and a clip device configured to attach to the LLLT device and to press the momentary switch while attached, causing the LLLT device to activate the laser diode. A LLLT device includes a laser diode, a front end from which light radiates when the laser diode is activated, and an eye safety mechanism at the front end. The LLLT device is configured to activate the laser diode when the front end is pressed. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041432 | DEVICE FOR PROMOTING GROWTH OF EYEBROW HAIR - A device for promoting eyebrow hair growth includes an array of light generating sources, such as LEDs, laser diodes and IPLs, which are housed within a brow plate, for providing evenly distributed light to a user's eyebrows at a low level output wavelength suitable for stimulating hair growth. This photo-biostimulation process promotes hair growth in the directed region by producing an increase in ATP and keratin production, enhancement in blood flow and circulation, as well as an increase in collagen production. Temple arm members with corresponding ear pieces or a headband are used to support the device on a user's head. The light generating sources may be powered by an internal power source, such as a rechargeable battery or disposable batteries, located within the headband or temple arm members, or by an external power source, such as a plug used in connection with an AC outlet. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041433 | FLUORESCENT HANDPIECE - A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a waveguide. The waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041434 | PAD FOR THERMOTHERAPHY - A pad for thermotherapy includes: a stretchable and flexible substrate; an electrode pattern positioned over the stretchable and flexible substrate, and including a plurality of light source electrodes and a linear electrode connecting the light source electrodes; light sources positioned over the electrode pattern; and a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source, wherein the linear electrode is formed longer than intervals between neighboring light source electrodes and separated from the substrate. | 2013-02-14 |
20130041435 | THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch. | 2013-02-14 |