11th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100069913 | THREADED BONE FILLING MATERIAL PLUNGER - Described herein are devices, systems and method for assuring that connection regions (e.g., threaded regions) of stabilization devices are clear of bone filling materials such as bone cements. A stabilization device may be referred to as a bone stabilization device or an anchor, and may be a self-expanding device configured for insertion into bone. One exemplary clearing device is configured as a plunger-type device for clearing the connector region by scraping and/or rubbing the surface of the connector region. A clearing device may include a handle, a rod and a connector end that is configured to mate with the connector of a stabilization device. The connector end may include one or more scraping surfaces (e.g., edges) and may include a vacuum port for removing material such as scraped bone cement. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069914 | Methods and instrumentation for inserting intervertebral grafts and devices - Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include upper and lower guide members separated by a spreader with the implant positioned forwardly of the spreader. The spreader is movable forwardly between the guide members with a drive member to position the implant in a space between the bony portions. The spreader contacts the adjacent bony portions to facilitate withdrawal of the inserter instrument when the implant is positioned in the space. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069915 | CORNEAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PLACEMENT - A system comprising a hollow member is used to deliver a constrained corneal implant into a corneal pocket. The hollow member may be tapered and the system may further include an implant deformation chamber and an axial pusher to advance the implant through the hollow member. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069916 | REMOVABLE STENT-GRAFT - A removable device such as a stent-graft, intended for applications where it may be desirable to remove the device at some time following implantation. The stent-graft of the present invention includes a helically-wound stent component provided with a covering of graft material. It is removable by gripping an end of the helically-wound stent component with a retrieval device and applying tension to the stent component in the direction in which it is intended to be withdrawn from the site of implantation. The use of such a retrieval device allows the stent-graft to be removed remotely, such as via a catheter inserted into the body at a different location from the implantation site. The design of the stent-graft is such that the stent component is extended axially while the adjacent portion of the graft separates between windings of the stent component. The axial extension of the stent component, with portions of the graft still joined to the stent component, allows the device to be “unraveled” (or “unwound”) and removed through a catheter of diameter adequately small to be inserted into the body cavity that contained the stent-graft. It is removed atraumatically, without incurring significant trauma to the body conduit in which it had been deployed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069917 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ENDOPROSTHESIS DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH HUB - Medical device delivery systems, components, and methods are provided. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069918 | ORAL CLEANING DEVICE - An oral cleaning device for removing tonsilliths lodged within the crypts of soft tissue within the buccal cavity which are typically the source of bad breath and the cause of sore throat is provided. The oral cleaning device includes a body, a head, and a contact member or portion for removing the tonsilliths through the application of pressure in a massage-like fashion. Operation of the oral cleaning device causes the crypts to contract in size which, in turn, causes the tonsilliths to be dislodged and expelled from the crypts. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069919 | Electronic Guidance of Spinal Instrumentation - Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent an anatomical structure in minimally-invasive surgical procedures, including an electronic guidance system associated with the connecting element and at least one receiving portion of a tissue anchor that receives the connecting element in the patient. The electronic guidance system includes a processor subsystem to receive signals from the guidance system and provide relative positional data between the connecting element and the at least one receiving portion to aid the surgeon in guiding the connecting element to the receiving portion. In one embodiment, the systems and methods are used in association with positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally-invasive spinal stabilization procedures. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069920 | SEVEN OR MORE DEGREES OF FREEDOM ROBOTIC MANIPULATOR HAVING AT LEAST ONE REDUNDANT JOINT - A robotic treatment delivery system including a linear accelerator (LINAC), and a robotic manipulator coupled to the LINAC. The robotic manipulator is configured to move the LINAC along seven or more degrees of freedom, at least one of the seven degrees of freedom being a redundant degree of freedom. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069921 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING LESIONS IN TISSUE - A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069922 | Suture Cutter with Replaceable Blade - An apparatus ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069923 | Suture Anchor Inserter - The present disclosure relates to a suture anchor inserter. The suture anchor inserter includes a handle having a proximal component, a central component coupled to the proximal component, and a distal component coupled to the proximal component and the central component, the central component capable of rotating relative to the proximal component; and a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the handle. A method of inserting a suture anchor into bone is also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069924 | METHODS FOR ACHIEVING SEROSA-TO-SEROSA CLOSURE OF A BODILY OPENING USING ONE OR MORE TACKING DEVICES - The present embodiments provide methods for facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one exemplary method, a compressive force is imposed upon first and second tissue segments that at least partially surround an opening in tissue. The first and second tissue segments are positioned in a manner where a first serosal tissue region of the first tissue segment is compressed against a second serosal tissue region of the second tissue segment to facilitate sealing of the opening. At least one tacking device having proximal and distal deployable members may be deployed using a suitable insertion tool to impose a compressive force to hold the first serosal tissue region in a sealing relationship against the second serosal tissue region. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069925 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LIGATING ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - Devices and methods for ligating anatomical structures are provided herein. In particular, the devices and methods provided herein can be used to ligate the left atrial appendage. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069926 | LINE LOCK GRAFT RETENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for restoring articular cartilage has a cover, an anchor, and a tether that cooperate to retain graft tissue with respect to a graft site. The cover is attached to the anchor via the tether. The tether passes through a tunnel through a bone to which the articular cartilage is attached. The tunnel may be blind or may extend through the bone. The anchor is retained within the tunnel such that tension in the tether keeps the cover in place over the tissue graft. The anchor may receive the tether such that the tether can only pass through the anchor along one direction. Thus, tension applied to the tether between the anchor and the tissue graft is automatically maintained by the anchor. After passing through the anchor, the tether may exit the tunnel through the graft site, or through the opposite side of the bone. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069927 | Polymeric Masking Materials for Spanning Wound Sites, and Methods of Use Thereof - One aspect of the present invention generally relates to methods of sealing a defect, wound or void using a two component system composed of masking material, which creates an anti-adhesion barrier, and a covering material. In certain embodiment, the covering material comprises an in situ polymerizing sealant. In certain embodiments, the in situ polymerizing sealant is a hydrogel which binds to the healthy tissue but remain unadhered to the area under the masking material. In certain embodiments, the masking material is also a hydrogel. In certain embodiments, normal biological processes may dissolve away the masking material leaving a protective cover of polymerized sealant over the wound site. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069928 | ANCHOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ATTACH A HUMAN TISSUE OR SUTURE TO A BONE - An anchor to attach a tissue/suture-material (T) into a bone ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069929 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF SPINAL PROSTHESIS FUNCTION - A barrier is placed across a portion of or across the totality of a spinal implant. The barrier can serve a variety of purposes, including, for example: (1) to keep tissue away from the implant and minimize or eliminate the likelihood of tissue adhesion with the spine or implant; (2) to decrease or eliminate the likelihood of tissue growth, migration, invasion and/or interaction with the implant; (3) to decrease or eliminate the likelihood of the dissemination of implant wear debris and particles away from the implant and into body cavities; and (4) to decrease or eliminate the likelihood of calcification, ossification, and/or bone formation adjacent to the implant. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069930 | Method and apparatus for minimally invasive delivery, tensioned deployment and fixation of secondary material prosthetic devices in patient body tissue, including hernia repair within the patient's herniation site - Apparatus and methods enable insertion and tensioned deployment of a secondary material prosthetic device into a body cavity or other tissue of a patient, such as for example hernia repair mesh into the abdominopelvic cavity of a patient through the hernia site. The present invention establishes fixation sites for the prosthetic device and tensions it against the body tissue. It may also be used implant fixation devices within the body tissue so that the prosthetic device is tensioned into firm abutting contact with the body tissue. Instrument deployment and fixation struts may be advanced in retrograde fashion in order to reduce needed deployment volume within the patient's body cavity. The prosthetic device advantageously may be flexibly coupled to the instrument via fixation devices such as sutures, so as to increase orientation flexibility. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069931 | Transesophageal gastric reduction method and device for reducing the size of a previously formed gastric reduction pouch - A gastric reduction pouch of a stomach is formed by gathering stomach tissue circumferentially from within the stomach to form a reduced diameter stomach section. A plurality of fasteners are deployed within the gathered stomach tissue to maintain the reduced diameter stomach portion. The gathering step may include folding the stomach tissue to produce a plurality of stomach tissue folds. A device is disclosed that is particularly adapted to permit such gastric reduction of a previously formed gastric reduction pouch. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069932 | ANASTOMOTIC DEVICE - An anastomotic device ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069933 | POSITIONING DEVICE FOR DEPLOYING AT LEAST ONE LOCKING PORTION OF AN ANASTOMOTIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT ANASTOMOSIS IN TRACTS OF THE DIGESTIVE TUBE - A positioning device for deploying at least one locking portion ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069934 | Anastomosis Method Utilizing Tool with Fluid-Driven Actuator - A method of performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel, each having a circumferential wall and a lumen therethrough, may include providing an anastomosis tool including a tissue effector and a fluid-driven actuator operationally connected to that tissue effector; connecting the fluid-driven actuator to an energy source; placing an end of the graft vessel in proximity to the side of the target vessel; and actuating the fluid-driven actuator to connect the end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069935 | CLOSING ASSEMBLIES FOR CLAMPING DEVICE - A closing assembly for a clamping device having first and second jaw members includes a closing mechanism connected between the first and second jaw members, the jaws extending distally from the closing mechanism; and a member for applying a separating force to the first and second jaw members proximally of the closing mechanism, whereby the first and second jaw members can be maintained substantially parallel during closing. The clamp has a very strong clamping force. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069936 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE FOR RELEASING SOFT TISSUE - A surgical instrument for use in releasing soft tissue within the human body. The surgical instrument has a handle with proximal and distal ends with a tube connected to the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes a blade member that slidingly engages the tube moving along the length of the tube to cut soft tissue. Further included in the surgical instrument is a guard member that is attached to the blade member. The guard member has a hood portion and a capture portion. The hood portion is connected to the blade member with the distally positioned capture portion acting to displace surrounding tissue while capturing certain soft tissue structures resulting in the blade member being in operative position to cut and release the soft tissue. A surgical instrument kit including a plurality of modular surgical instruments and method for releasing soft tissue using the surgical instrument are also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069937 | FLUID JET DEVICE, DRIVE DEVICE OF FLUID JET DEVICE, SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, AND METHOD OF DRIVING FLUID JET DEVICE - A fluid jet device including a fluid chamber with variable capacity and a capacity varying section adapted to vary the capacity of the fluid chamber in response to supply of a drive signal. A drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate so as to compress the capacity of the fluid chamber and a restoring drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate to restore the capacity of the fluid chamber before compressing the capacity in a signal waveform. The drive signal supply section controls supply content of the drive signal to provide a restoring period adapted to restore a steady state of the fluid flowing toward an inside of the fluid chamber in a period from when the compressing drive waveform section in the drive signal is supplied to when a subsequent compressing drive waveform section is supplied. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069938 | GLAUCOMA SURGERY - Eye diseases such as glaucoma can be treated using a composition containing cross-linked hyaluronic acid or a cross-linked salt of hyaluronic acid such as sodium hyalurate. The composition can be a monophasic gel. The composition can include a cross-linking agent such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidylether. The composition can contains about 2.25% (w/w) of the salt of hyaluronic acid. The composition can have a cross-linking rate of about 0.5 to 50%. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069939 | OPERATION SYSTEM - A surgery system includes: an ultrasonic output device for outputting to an ultrasonic transducer provided in a treatment instrument for performing surgery an ultrasonic drive signal to ultrasonically vibrate the ultrasonic transducer; a high-frequency output device for outputting a high-frequency signal for high-frequency ablation to the treatment instrument; and a connector section including a first connector and a second connector provided to the ultrasonic output device and the high-frequency output device, respectively, the connector section transmitting an output of the ultrasonic drive signal or the high-frequency signal from one of the devices to the other of the devices by connecting both of the connectors. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069940 | Ultrasonic Device for Fingertip Control - An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069941 | Systems and Methods For Sensing Hand Motion By Measuring Remote Displacement - Systems and methods for sensing hand motion by measuring remote displacement are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a first surface configured to engage a first distal member of a surgical tool and a second surface configured to engage a second distal member of the surgical tool, the second surface coupled to the first surface at a pivot point. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to detect a relative movement of the first surface and the second surface about the pivot point and to generate a signal based at least in part on the relative movement. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069942 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ELAPSED TIME BETWEEN ACTIONS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes a handle assembly and a drive system that is at least partially supported by the handle assembly. A surgical implement may be operably coupled to the handle assembly for receiving at least two independent drive motions from the drive system to cause the surgical implement to perform at least two surgical activities. The instrument may further include a timing indicator on at east one of the handle assembly and the surgical implement to provide an indication of an amount of time that has elapsed from an application of one of the control motions while maintaining an ability to selectively apply a second control motion after the first control motion has been applied. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069943 | MAGNETIC POWERED LANCING DRIVE - A self-powered lancing drive system and lancing technique uses permanent magnets to initially store the potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy for extending a lancet during lancing. This self-powered lancing drive system is a pure permanent magnet drive that is highly reliable under numerous operating conditions. Permanent magnets can produce stronger magnetic fields at smaller sizes as compared to electromagnets. In one form, the lancing system has a drive permanent magnet that is kept fixed or stationary while the lancet magnet travels along the firing path. With the drive magnet being stationary, the lancet experiences fewer fluctuations in the magnetic field. The lancet vibrates less and is driven straighter into the tissue. In another form, a retraction magnet is positioned at the end of the firing path of the lancet, near the tissue, to enhance retraction of the lancet. In another form, a mechanical structure keeps the magnets in close proximity so that the strength of the magnetic propulsion force is maintained. The mechanical structure in one example is a crank mechanism that confines magnet movement to a circular path. The crank mechanism provides a smooth lancing profile as well as facilitates adjustments to the lancing profile. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069944 | SURGICAL APPLIANCE FOR USE IN TAKING OUT TRANSPLANT-USE TENDON AND IN REGENERATING OPERATION OF TENDON AT LOCATION WHERE TRANSPLANT TENDON WAS TAKEN OUT - A surgical appliance for taking out a transplant-use tendon in surgery and assisting reconstruction of the tendon after take out. The surgical appliance has a tendon cutter, guide tube, a grip portion and a guide needle. The guide tube is a hollow thin tube having open opposing ends, wherein a distal end opening constitutes a discharger port of the guide needle. A through hole is formed in the grip portion in the direction of a central axis, and the proximal end side outlet of the through hole constitutes an insertion port. The guide needle is provided with a sharp conical tip on a distal end side and a threading hole on a proximal end. The guide needle is inserted into the guide tube, such that the opposite ends may be exposed from the discharge port and the insertion port when it is inserted into the guide tube. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069945 | Endovascular device with a tissue piercing distal probe and associated methods - Devices, systems and methods for treating diseases and disorders effecting the cardiovascular system of the human body are disclosed. An exemplary blood vessel in accordance with this disclosure comprises a shaft, tip member fixed to the shaft, and a probe extending beyond a distal surface of the tip member. In some useful embodiments, the tip member is relatively atraumatic and the probe is shaped so as to be more likely to produce trauma than the tip member. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069946 | METHOD OF SECURING A MEDICAL DEVICE ONTO A BALLOON AND SYSTEM THEREOF - A method for securing an implantable medical device onto a balloon which includes applying a coating, which includes a film-forming polymer and at least one solvent, to the outer surface of the balloon. The solvents can include alcohol, water, ether and combinations thereof The film-forming polymer can include a zwitterionic polymer, such as, for example a phosphorylcholine polymer. The coating can be applied to the entire balloon surface or a portion of the surface. The implantable medical device is then positioned on the outer surface of the balloon and secured. The film-forming polymer is then allowed to cure in order to define an adhesive layer between an inner surface of the implantable medical device and the outer surface of the balloon. This method prevents or reduces the leaching or redistribution of any therapeutic agents dispersed within or on the surface of the implantable medical device. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069947 | DEVICE ESPECIALLY USEFUL FOR HERNIA REPAIR SURGERIES AND METHODS THEREOF - An elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to deploy a mesh comprising (a) at least one inflatable contour-balloon; (b) at least one inflatable dissection balloon. The inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon are adjustable and located at the distal portion; and, (c) at least one actuating means located at the proximal portion. The actuating means is in communication with the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon. The actuating means is adapted to provide the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon with independent activation and/or de-activation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069948 | SELF-EXPANDABLE ANEURYSM FILLING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PLACEMENT - The self-expandable aneurysm filling device, system and method provide for placement of the stent into an aneurysm to at least partially fill and stabilize the aneurysm. The self-expandable aneurysm filling device has a compressed undeployed configuration and an expanded three-dimensional deployed configuration, and a severable deployment junction releasably connects the self-expandable aneurysm filling device to a pusher wire. The severable deployment junction can be mechanically, electrolytically, or thermally severed to separate the self-expandable aneurysm filling device from the pusher wire. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069949 | DILATION BALLOON HAVING A VALVED OPENING AND RELATED CATHETERS AND METHODS - Dilation catheters including a mechanism used in, for example, removing gas or air from the catheters are disclosed. A dilation catheter may include an elongated tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a proximal handle proximate the proximal end of the tubular member, and an inflatable balloon proximate the distal end of the tubular member with inflatable balloon being in fluid communication with a fluid port to supply inflation liquid to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include an opening for permitting gas to exit the inflatable balloon. In the proximate location of the opening, an expandable material or a barrier material that permits gas to exit through the opening, while retaining inflation liquid in the inflatable balloon. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069950 | METHOD FOR REDUCING EMBOLI FORMATION - Methods and devices for reducing emboli formation during medical procedures. In accordance with the present invention a first medical device is passed through a stenosed area and activated to block fluid flow through the lumen, a second medical device including a filter is passed through the stenosed area and deployed. The first medical device is then deactivated to restore fluid flow through the lumen. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069951 | SLIDEABLE VASCULAR FILTER - A collapsible medical device for use, e.g., as a vascular filter. The device includes a mandrel having a distal end and a stop spaced proximally of the distal end. A proximal length of the mandrel extends proximally of the stop and a distal length of the mandrel extends distally of the stop. A functional element (e.g., a vascular filter) has a radially expandable body and includes a proximal slider and a distal slider. The proximal and distal sliders are slidable along the mandrel independently of one another such that the distance between the proximal slider and distal slider can be varied to effect different configurations of the functional element. In one method of using such a device, the functional element is urged distally to a treatment site by urging the mandrel distally. This causes the stop to exert a distal biasing force on the distal slider, which acts against a restorative force of the functional element to axially elongate the functional element and reduce friction between the functional element and a wall of the vessel. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069952 | CLAMP FOR PROSTATECTOMY - The clamp comprises a body at the rear part extending axially and in a single plane via a fixed long line centring axis to penetrate into the duct of the urethra. The body is provided with a notch for pivoting a prong of longitudinal curvilinear configuration orientated towards said centring axis and in transverse cross-section having the form of a splint over the whole length of the prong. The curvilinear prong being able to grip the outer half-volume of the prostate in order to retain and hold the prostate. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069953 | Method of Transferring Force Using Flexible Fluid-Filled Tubing in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An endoscopic surgical instrument for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft defining a proximal shaft axis and a distal shaft axis. The shaft axes may be misaligned to appropriately position and orient an end effector coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The instrument is configured such that the shaft may resist a tendency to realign itself as the end effector moves from an open configuration for receiving tissue to a closed configuration for maintaining a closure pressure on the tissue ranging from about 3 kg/cm | 2010-03-18 |
20100069954 | CLOSURE DEVICES, RELATED DELIVERY METHODS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor preferably also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, passing through the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069955 | METHODS FOR FACILITATING CLOSURE OF A BODILY OPENING USING ONE OR MORE TACKING DEVICES - The present embodiments provide methods for facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one exemplary method, at least a portion of a first tacking device is disposed through at least a portion of tissue at a first location in a vicinity of an opening in the tissue. Then, at least a portion of a second tacking device is disposed through at least a portion of tissue at a second location in the vicinity of an opening in the tissue. A closure member having at least one loop portion is advanced towards the first and second tacking devices, and the loop portion is positioned around at least a portion of the first tacking device and at least a portion of the second tacking device. The closure member then is actuated to urge the first tacking device towards the second tacking device to provide a compressive force upon the opening. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069956 | Bending Method Of Medical Suture Needle And Medical Suture Needle - When a biotissue is sutured using a curved medical suture needle, the penetration resistance becomes uniform. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069957 | Coated Filaments - The present disclosure describes a coating for a surgical suture including a vinyl lactam polymer and a lactone polymer. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069958 | Tenodesis Implant - The present disclosure relates to a two-piece implant. The implant includes a first piece having at least two prongs and a protrusion located between the prongs and a second piece coupled to the first piece, wherein the second piece is configured to rotate relative to the first piece. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069959 | Pacifier Weaning Method and Device - The technology disclosed herein provides a device, system, and method for weaning a child off a sucking device, such as a pacifier, by introducing a series of sucking devices with successively smaller nubs. A child is given a first sucking device having a nub of a certain size, and, after a time period, the child is given a second sucking device having a nub smaller than that of the first sucking device. This method may be repeated in multiple iterations, until the child is weaned off sucking devices. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069960 | Spinous Process Based Laminoplasty - In one embodiment of the invention, a cervical implant may include a spinous process base coupled to a lateral mass base. During an open door laminoplasty, a surgeon may connect the lateral mass base to the right lateral mass and connect the spinous process base to the spinous process to fixedly retract the left lamina from the left lateral mass. As a result, no implant is needed to bridge or span the open door. Instead, the implant may span the hinged lamina. Consequently, no holes must be drilled in left lamina (open door side). If no holes must be drilled in left lamina, the surgeon lessens the risk of drilling a drill bit through left lamina and into spinal cord. Furthermore, no implant base or portion, screw, bolt, or fastener of any form needs to be affixed to inferior side of the left lamina, thereby avoiding irritation of the spinal cord by the implant. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069961 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING ADJACENT LEVEL DISC DISEASE - A spacer device is provided for use with a primary spinal fixation device to treat, reduce, or delay adjacent level degenerative disc disease. The spacer device comprises a compressible spacer, a transverse member, and a connecting member. The compressible spacer is sized to fit between the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae and is configured to reduce the range of motion of at least one vertebra. The transverse member is configured to extend from one side of the midline of the spine, extending through the interspinous process space. The transverse member is coupled with the spacer. The connecting member is attachable to the transverse member and to a primary spinal fixation device. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069962 | ROD-LIKE ELEMENT FOR APPLICATION IN SPINAL OR TRAUMA SURGERY, AND STABILIZATION DEVICE WITH SUCH A ROD-LIKE ELEMENT - A rod-shaped element for use in spinal or trauma surgery, having a first section for connecting to a first bone anchoring element and a second section for connecting to a second bone anchoring element is described. The rod-shaped element also includes a first elastic flexible element that is capable of elastic deformation when a force acts on it transverse to the rod axis. The first section and the second section are capable of shifting relative to each other in the direction of the rod axis. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069963 | INTERNAL FIXATION SYSTEM FOR SPINE SURGERY - Provided is a spinal fixation system that includes a pedicle screw having a bone engagement thread at a first end of the pedicle screw and an intermediate shaft portion located between the bone engagement thread and a second end of the pedicle screw and having a substantially conical shaped flange. The system also includes a clamp that fits over the second end of the pedicle screw, a fixation rod that can be secured between the clamp and an external side of the pedicle screw, and a fastener that can be coupled to the second end of the pedicle screw. Coupling of the fastener to the second end of the pedicle screw provides a clamping force that presses the fixation rod against the intermediate shaft portion of the pedicle screw. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069964 | DYNAMIC FIXATION SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a dynamic fixation system for engaging, via bone fixation elements, one or more parts of a patient's body. Preferably, the dynamic fixation system is used to engage one or more vertebrae for stabilizing the attached vertebrae with respect to one another while still permitting the vertebrae to move with respect to one another. The dynamic fixation system may include a first rod having first and second ends, a second rod having first and second ends, and a damping component and/or a damping mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rods. In one embodiment, the damping component is injection molded in-between the one of the ends of the first rod and one of the ends of the second rod so that the first and second rods are prevented from separating with respect to one another but are still permitted to move with respect to one another. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069965 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE PREVENTION OF MULTI-LEVEL VERTEBRAL EXTENSION - Methods and devices are adapted to limit the extent of vertebral extension between an upper-most vertebral bone and a lower-most vertebral bone wherein a least one additional vertebral bone resides between them. In an embodiment, the limitation of extension occurs while flexion is at least partially maintained within at least one FSU. In other embodiments, flexion may be abolished. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069966 | Bone Plate System for Hand Fractures and Other Small Bones - A bone plate system for the internal fixation of metacarpal and phalanx fractures of the hand is provided. The plates are structured to permit independent reconfiguration of holes of the plates relative to a longitudinal axis and are configured to orient fasteners to interdigitate with holes displaced along the longitudinal axis. The plates are very thin, and a locking screw with a low profile head design is provided for use therewith. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069967 | Instruments and Methods For Holding A Bone Plate - An instrument for insertion and placement of dynamic spinal fixation plates is provided. In general, the instrument is a clip that holds the plate at its maximum extension for implantation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069968 | ANTERIOR IMPLANT FOR THE SPINE - Implant for the cervical spine comprising an anterior plate ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069969 | Low Profile Screw and Washer System for Bone Plating - A low profile bone screw system includes a retainable washer and a low profile bone screw having a smooth conical head for insertion into the washer. The washer has an axial bore with a conical portion for fully seating the screw head and a smooth outer surface shaped like the head of a conventional compression bone screw head. Washer dispensing units are also provided. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069970 | Orthopedic compression screw - A cannulated compression screw is used as an orthopedic implant and has a threaded distal end with an insertion tip that includes at least one and preferably two, three or four flutes to allow the screw to be self-tapping. Optionally, the screw also includes one or more reverse cutting flutes proximal to the insertion tip. The distal threads are cancellous threads having a generally constant minor diameter and a generally constant major diameter and a generally constant thread pitch. An intermediate portion of the screw is non-threaded and the proximal end includes a compression wedge or taper that has at least one, and preferably two to five flutes that terminate before the top of the screw. The proximal end further includes a radiused bevel to the terminal surface that includes a hexagonal torque driving recess. The diameter of the non-threaded shaft section is constant distal from the compression wedge to the distal tip where it defines the minor diameter of the threaded portion. The screw optionally includes a tapered insertion tip. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069971 | PEDICLE SCREW SURFACE TREATMENT FOR IMPROVING BONE-IMPLANT INTERFACE - A method for surface treatment of a pedicle screw including roughening a surface of a pedicle screw by blasting the surface with a Resorbable Blast Media (RBM). | 2010-03-18 |
20100069972 | INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING SEPARATION DISTANCE OF VERTEBRAL BODIES WITH A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL STABILIZATION PROCEDURE - A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069973 | Bending Tools for Bone Plates and Methods of Using Bending Tools - Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069974 | ARTHROSCOPIC BONE TRANSPLANTING PROCEDURE, AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS USEFUL THEREIN - Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069975 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR FUSING BONE DURING ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURES - A method of and compositions for fusing or welding bones in vivo and in a fluid medium wherein an implant bone is provided, the implant bone and/or a receiving bone is treated to expose organic component and to de-fat, an interfacing agent is added between receiving bone segments to be fused or welded, and the implant and receiving bone are fused or welded in vivo, in a fluid medium, utilizing electromagnetic energy. The interfacing agent may include collagen, a hydrophilic polymer and a therapeutic agent. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069976 | Intervertebral Prosthesis Placement Instrument - The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument ( | 2010-03-18 |
20100069977 | CARDIAC FUNCTION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATING CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION - An implantable cardiac rhythm/function management system integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and one or more other therapies, such as to preserve device safety, improve efficacy, enhance sensing and detection, or enhance therapy effectiveness and delivery. Examples of the one or more other therapies can include pacing, defibrillation/cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or neurostimulation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069978 | DUAL SENSING FOR BRADY-TACHY PACEMAKER/ICD - A system detects events related to cardiac activity. The system comprises a primary cardiac signal sensing circuit, at least one secondary cardiac signal sensing circuit having a higher sensitivity than the primary sensing circuit, and a controller circuit coupled to the primary and secondary cardiac signal sensing circuits. The controller circuit determines a rate of depolarization using the primary sensing circuit and detects tachyarrhythmia using the rate. The controller circuit also detects tachyarrhythmia using the secondary sensing circuit and also deems the tachyarrhythmia valid if the controller circuit detects the tachyarrhythmia using both the primary and secondary sensing circuit. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069979 | Methods for Determining a Vulnerable Window for the Induction of Fibrillation - Aspects of the invention include methods for determining a vulnerable window for the induction of fibrillation. The method includes obtaining an intracardiac waveform from a subject's heart; measuring an interval between a plurality of time points on the intracardiac waveform; and evaluating the morphology of the waveform so as to determine the optimal vulnerable window for the induction of fibrillation. Also provided are methods for delivering a stimulus to the heart of a subject during the determined vulnerable window. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069980 | CARDIAC FUNCTION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATING CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION - An implantable cardiac rhythm/function management system integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and one or more other therapies, such as to preserve device safety, improve efficacy, enhance sensing and detection, or enhance therapy effectiveness and delivery. Examples of the one or more other therapies can include pacing, defibrillation/cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or neurostimulation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069981 | System and Method for Presenting Defibrillator Status Information While in Standby Mode - A video display coupled to an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and capable of full-motion video can support added functionality of the AED. One advantage of the video display is that it can be used to present standby status information of the AED quickly to an AED operator while the AED is in a low power standby mode or non-operative state. The video display may present status information in response to touching the display or activating a button while the AED is in a non-operative state. When the AED is in an operative state, such as during a rescue, the display may comprise a graphical user interface that may be navigated using touch-screen technology or buttons built into the AED. During a rescue, the video display may present live or stored electrocardiograms (ECGs) and instructions for operating the AED. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069982 | TIME BASED ARRHYTHMIA THERAPY EFFICACY CRITERIA - An implantable medical device and associated method classify therapy outcomes and heart rhythms in association with therapy outcome. A therapy success time interval is started in response to delivering an arrhythmia therapy. If normal sinus rhythm is detected after the therapy success time interval expires, the delivered therapy is classified as unsuccessful and the detected arrhythmia is classified as a self-terminating rhythm. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069983 | TRANSMUSCULAR LEFT VENTRICULAR CARDIAC STIMULATION LEADS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A cardiac stimulation system and method delivers a left ventricle stimulator from a right ventricle lead system in the right ventricle chamber, into a right side of an interventricular septum at a first location, and transmuscularly from the first location to a second location along the left side of the septum. The left ventricle stimulator is affixed at the second location for transmuscular stimulation of the left ventricle conduction system. A biventricular stimulation system further includes a right ventricle stimulator also delivered by the right ventricle lead system to the first location along the right side of the septum for right ventricular stimulation. An energy source is coupled to the transmuscular stimulation system, i.e., a pacemaker, and/or defibrillator, or to enhance contractility, and may be coupled directly or via “leadless” system(s). Various highly beneficial particular arrangements of stimulators and leads are further described. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069984 | CARDIAC FUNCTION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATING CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION - An implantable cardiac rhythm/function management system integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and one or more other therapies, such as to preserve device safety, improve efficacy, enhance sensing and detection, or enhance therapy effectiveness and delivery. Examples of the one or more other therapies can include pacing, defibrillation/cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or neurostimulation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069985 | CARDIAC FUNCTION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATING CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION - An implantable cardiac rhythm/function management system integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and one or more other therapies, such as to preserve device safety, improve efficacy, enhance sensing and detection, or enhance therapy effectiveness and delivery. Examples of the one or more other therapies can include pacing, defibrillation/cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or neurostimulation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069986 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING PACING OUTPUT AFTER EXTERNAL HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRICAL SHOCK - Embodiments of the invention are related to implantable medical devices and methods for increasing pacing output after an external electrical shock, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device including a shock detection circuit; and a pacing output circuit in communication with the shock detection circuit. The pacing output circuit can be configured to generate pacing pulses. The pacing output circuit can be configured to increase the amplitude of the pacing pulses and/or increase the pulse width of the pacing pulses in response to the shock detection circuit detecting a defibrillation or cardioversion shock delivered by an external device. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069987 | MONITORING HF EXACERBATION AND CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY PERFORMANCE - An exemplary method includes delivering a cardiac resynchronization therapy using an atrio-ventricular delay parameter and an interventricular delay parameter, measuring an atrio-ventricular conduction delay, measuring an interventricular conduction delay, assessing heart failure and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy performance based at least in part on the measured atrio-ventricular conduction delay and the measured interventricular conduction delay and determining at least one of an atrio-ventricular delay parameter value and an interventricular delay parameter value based at least in part on the measured atrio-ventricular conduction delay and the measured interventricular conduction delay. Other exemplary technologies are also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069988 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY WITH VARIABLE ATRIO-VENTRICULAR DELAY - A pacing system computes optimal cardiac resynchronization pacing parameters using intrinsic conduction intervals. In various embodiments, values for atrio-ventricular delay intervals are each computed as a function of an intrinsic atrio-ventricular interval and a parameter reflective of an interventricular conduction delay. Examples of the parameter reflective of the interventricular conduction delay include QRS width and interval between right and left ventricular senses. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069989 | PRESSURE-DRIVEN INTERMITTENT PACING THERAPY - Cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing may be applied to stress or de-stress a particular myocardial region delivering of pacing pulses in a manner that causes a dyssynchronous contraction. Such dyssynchronous contractions are responsible for the desired cardioprotective effects of pre-excitation pacing but may also be hazardous. Described herein is a method and system that uses measures of a patient's physiological response to ventricular dyssynchrony to control the duty cycles of intermittent pre-excitation pacing. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069990 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ATRIOVENTRICULAR PACING DELAY BASED ON ATRIAL REPOLARIZATION - Techniques are provided for estimating optimal atrioventricular pacing delay values for use in pacing the ventricles based on features of an intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signal. Briefly, atrioventricular pacing delay pacing values are set based upon the location of atrial repolarization events within the IEGM. In one example, the end of an atrial repolarization is identified, then the interval from the atrial depolarization to the end of the atrial repolarization is measured. The atrioventricular pacing delay is then set by subtracting an offset value from that interval so as to time delivery of V-pulses prior the end of atrial repolarization. In this manner, atrioventricular pacing delay values are set based only IEGM signals and hence can be set to optimal/preferred values by the device itself without requiring surface electrocardiogram (EKG) signals and Doppler echocardiography or other cardiac performance monitoring techniques. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069991 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGHLY SAFE ADJUSTMENT OF DEVICE PARAMETERS - A system and method of programming a cardiac rhythm management device (CRM device) using an external programming device are described, where the user is presented with a list of highly-safe parameter adjustments. Input is received from the user selecting one or more of the highly-safe parameter adjustments. A programming session is initiated wherein the programming device establishes communication with the CRM device, and transmits the selected one or more highly-safe parameter adjustment to the CRM device. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069992 | Implantable Medical Device with Single Coil for Charging and Communicating - A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069993 | OCCIPITAL NEUROMODULATION - A method of treating chronic pain in a subject by positioning a lead containing electrodes subcutaneously in the occipital region of a subject's skull at the height of an imaginary line connecting the tops of the ears; and energizing the lead with an electrical signal effective to suppress pain, and below the level where the subject can feel the lead being energized. Typically the procedure involves a trial phase and a permanent implant phase. The procedure is known as occipital neuromodulation. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069994 | METHODS OF INDUCING PARESTHESIA USING WIRELESS NEUROSTIMULATION - A grooved electrode adapted for interfacing cellular matter is provided. The grooved electrode includes grooves adapted for electrically interfacing the grooved electrode with cellular matter growing along the body of the grooved electrode. Further, the grooved electrode includes a wireless transponder adapted to electrically interface with cellular matter and to relay such interactions via RF signals. The RF signals received by the wireless transponder are modulated in response to electrical signals generated by the cellular matter, which are detected by the transponder. The grooved electrode may be implanted within peripheral nerves for treating various neurological conditions, which may include nerve rehabilitation and prosthetic actuation, severe pain, obstructive sleep apnea and so forth. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069995 | Method for Improving Functional Recovery After Stroke by Electrical Stimulation of a Cranial Nerve - According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after cerebro-vascular accidents, such as strokes, in humans and animals comprises stimulating a cranial nerve with electrical current. According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after stroke in a human or animal in need thereof comprises applying to the cranial nerve of the human or animal a stimulating electrical signal that causes neurophysiological, morphological, chemical, or neuronal connective alteration in the brain, where the alteration changes neural function in the brain so as to change functional recovery and functional dynamics in the human or animal. According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after stroke in a human or animal in need thereof comprises applying to a first cranial nerve a first stimulating electrical signal optimized so as to promote stroke recovery. The method may further comprise applying to one or more of the first cranial nerve and a second cranial nerve a second stimulating electrical signal optimized so as to control a concomitant dysfunction. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069996 | Stimulus Artifact Removal for Neuronal Recordings - A method is described for processing a waveform signal containing a stimulus artifact and one or more neuronal action potentials. An electrical stimulation signal is derived based on satisfying a cost function comparison with a plurality of known neuronal action potential waveforms. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069997 | NEUROSTIMULATION APPARATUS - An output stage for an auditory neurostimulation electrode and related system arrangements and methods are provided. The output stage is operable to effect a plurality of stimulation and discharge intervals, and includes a stimulation channel and a discharge channel coupled to the electrode, wherein a stimulation current and a discharge current may flow therethrough during the corresponding stimulation intervals and discharge intervals. The output stage also includes a controller that is operable to selectively control the flow of current through the stimulation channel and the discharge channel during the stimulation and discharge intervals. Further, one of the stimulation channel and the discharge channel couples the electrode to a single voltage supply, and the other of the stimulation channel and the discharge channel couples the electrode to a reference potential node. The output stage is intrinsically capable of maintaining an equilibrium of charges and does not require any complex control means to equilibrate the charges on the electrode. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069998 | SPECTRAL TILT OPTIMIZATION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT PATIENTS - Methods and systems of spectral tilt optimization for a cochlear implant patient include applying electrical stimulation representative of an audio signal to a patient in accordance with a spectral tilt value and optimizing the spectral tilt value in response to a measured ability of the patient to recognize at least one attribute of the audio signal. | 2010-03-18 |
20100069999 | Double Branch Cochlear Implant Electrode - A stimulation electrode is described for a hearing impaired patient. An intra-fluid electrode branch is immersed in cochlear fluid within an interior volume of a patient cochlea and has electrode contacts for delivering a cochlear stimulation signal to adjacent neural tissue. An intra-modiolus electrode branch penetrates through the cochlea and has one or more electrode contacts for delivering a modiolus stimulation signal to cochlear nerve tissue within the modiolus of the patient. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070000 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF CONVEYING FINE STRUCTURE INFORMATION TO A COCHLEAR IMPLANT PATIENT - An exemplary method of conveying fine structure information to a cochlear implant patient includes dividing an audio signal into a plurality of analysis channels, generating electrical stimulation in accordance with the information contained within each of the analysis channels, applying the electrical stimulation to at least one stimulation site within a patient via a plurality of stimulation channels, and at least partially isolating one of the stimulation channels from a rest of the stimulation channels, wherein fine structure information is conveyed to the patient via the isolated stimulation channel. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070001 | SELECTION OF NEUROSTIMULATOR PARAMETER CONFIGURATIONS USING DECISION TREES - A selection of parameter configurations for a neurostimulator using decision trees may be employed by a programming device to allow a clinician or other user to select parameter configurations, and then program an implantable neurostimulator to deliver therapy using the selected parameter configurations. The programming device executes a parameter configuration search algorithm to guide the clinician in selection of parameter configurations. The search algorithm relies on a decision tree to identify optimum parameter configurations. A decision tree is useful in classifying observations in a data set based upon one or more attributes or fields within the data. The data set includes parameter configurations matched with observed ratings of efficacy on patients of a similar indication. The learned attribute, on which classification occurs, will be the optimum parameter configuration for a set of rated configurations used to produce the classification. The decision trees may be especially useful in identifying electrode configurations. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070002 | Systems configured to locate a photonic device disposed in a living subject, and related apparatuses and methods - In an embodiment, a system includes a biocompatible photonic device configured for disposal within a living subject and a location-indicating aid associated with the photonic device. The location-indicating aid is configured to facilitate locating the biocompatible photonic device within the living subject. Related apparatuses and methods of use are also disclosed. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070003 | Systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, and related apparatuses and methods - Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, apparatuses configured to be disposed in a living subject and export power stored in an energy-storage device, and related methods of powering at least one device disposed in the living subject. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070004 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DYSPNEA, INCLUDING VIA ELECTRICAL AFFERENT SIGNAL BLOCKING - Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070005 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTRIC CHARGE ON STIMULATING ELECTRODES - A device for stimulating living tissue or nerves by individual or repeated stimulating pulses via stimulating electrodes which stimulate living tissue or nerves by stimulating pulses includes an electrical circuit which regulates the electric voltage or charge on the stimulating electrodes as a function of the electric voltage between the stimulating electrodes and reduces or equalises imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes. This device is capable of equalizing the electric charge on the stimulating electrodes of a stimulation system. The device and the process for using the device have the advantage that imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes, and the associated disadvantageous effects on the tissue and on the nerves, are avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, the device has a small space requirement. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070006 | INTERFACE APPARATUS FOR STIMULATION OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - An apparatus for interfacing between tissues being stimulated is provided. The apparatus includes an electric source capable of generating an applied electric field across a region of tissue and/or a means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue relative to the applied electric field and an interface component, such interface component creating an interface between the region of tissue and the applied electric field or the means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070007 | KNITTED ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND INTEGRATED CONNECTOR FOR AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises: a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament having a first end intertwined with a first row of the at least one non-conductive filament, and a second end intertwined with a second row of the at least one non-conductive filament, wherein the first and second rows are spaced from one another. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070008 | KNITTED ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises an electronics module; and a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament intertwined with the at least one non-conductive filament, and configured to be electrically connected to the electronics module. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070009 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead assembly includes a lead with a distal end and a proximal end. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end and a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end. The lead also defines at least one central lumen and a plurality of outer lumens. The central and outer lumens extend from the proximal end to the distal end such that the plurality of outer lumens extend laterally from the at least one central lumen. The lead further includes a plurality of conductive wires. Each conductive wire couples at least one of the plurality of electrodes electrically to at least one of the plurality of terminals. At least two conductive wires are disposed in each of the plurality of outer lumens. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070010 | Electrostimulation Device - An electrostimulation device (e.g., | 2010-03-18 |
20100070011 | DISPOSABLE ELECTRODE AND AUTOMATIC INFORMATION RECOGNITION APPARATUS - A disposable electrode includes: an electrode pad; and a connector, connecting the electrode pad to a defibrillator, and including an information holder that can be provided with a transmissive opening or a light reflective member, the information holder holding information about at least an expiration date, depending on presence or absence of the transmissive opening or the light reflective member, the information holder allowing the information to be notified from the defibrillator when the connector is connected to the defibrillator. | 2010-03-18 |
20100070012 | LEAD CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SYSTEMS - A lead connection system includes a connector housing. A plurality of lead retainers disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged to removably attach to a proximal end of one of a received plurality of leads. The plurality of lead retainers include at least one of a slidable drawer and at least one pivotable hinged panel. A plurality of connector contacts are configured and arranged for making electrical contact with one or more of the terminals of one or more of the plurality of received leads. A single connector cable has a distal end that is electrically coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and a proximal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a trial stimulator. A cable connector is electrically coupled, via the connector contacts, to at least one terminal of each of the received plurality of leads. | 2010-03-18 |