16th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120095375 | MASSAGE APPARATUS - There is provided a massage apparatus capable of providing optimum massage effects even with variations in thickness of to-be-treated area such as a lower leg from user to user. The massage apparatus | 2012-04-19 |
20120095376 | MASSAGE DEVICE - There is provided a massage device capable of producing innovative and comfortable massage effect by massaging a target body part over a wide area in its lengthwise direction with substantially rectilinear motion of a pressure-applying point. The massage device | 2012-04-19 |
20120095377 | MULTI-FIT ORTHOTIC AND MOBILITY ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A multi-fit orthotic structure including an attachment system for coupling the orthotic structure to a wide variety of subjects without requiring a custom fit. In one embodiment, active mobility assistance is provided via an orthotic system capable of integrating a linear actuator and linkage system to deliver torque to the lower leg of a subject to facilitate flexion and/or extension motion of the subject's leg. The orthotic structure is attached to the subject using a textile suspension system which does not require the orthotic structure to interface directly in the knee region or at the lateral areas of the thigh and calf of the subject, thus providing an ideal fit for the widest possible range of subjects with the minimum number of required sizes. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095378 | METHOD AND DEVICES FOR PREVENTING OR MINIMIZING RECURRENT ELBOW TENDINOSIS - Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095379 | PELVIC BELT - A pelvic belt | 2012-04-19 |
20120095380 | WOUND DRESSING WITH HIGH LIQUID HANDLING CAPACITY - A wound dressing with a wound pad and a layer of vapour-permeable material arranged on top of the wound pad and extending peripherally outside the wound pad is described, wherein at least that part of the vapour-permeable layer extending peripherally outside the wound pad is coated with adhesive, and wherein the wound pad includes a liquid-retaining and liquid-transporting layer, and an upper distributing layer and lower distributing layer which bear against the top and underside, respectively, of the liquid-retaining and liquid-transporting layer. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095381 | MACHINE FOR EXTRACORPOREAL TREATMENT OF BLOOD - A machine ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095382 | GAMMA ACCUMULATOR - A device (FIGS. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095383 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ADVANCED MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention relates to a biologically active medical device, which includes a matrix seeded with progenitor cells, and then covered by ciliated tissue. The matrix is capable of enabling cellular migration. The ciliated tissue is ependymal cells that express at least one of tight junctional complexes, zonula adherens, and gap junctions. The progenitor cells include subpendymal progenitor cells. In some cases the progenitor cells include stem cells, and the ciliated tissue includes at least one of Choroid cells, tanacytes, and circumventricular organs. In some embodiments, the medical device is oriented into a tubular structure in order to form a cerebrospinal shunt. Additional cells and structures may be imbedded within the matrix, such as glia, endothelial cells, stem cells, and blood vessels. The medical device may also be incorporated into a bioreactor including a flexible inner tube defining an anthropomorphically shaped lumen. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095384 | STOMACH-SPANNING GASTRIC IMPLANTS - A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive implants do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The implants may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the digestive capacity. Additionally, the implants may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, a number of implants slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. Other implants delay digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve. A number of implants combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the implants within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the implants through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the implants occurs in the reverse. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095385 | INTRAGASTRIC IMPLANTS WITH DUODENAL ANCHORS - Intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The intragastric fluid transfer devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight by stimulating the inner stomach walls and/or the inner duodenum walls. Features of the intragastric fluid transfer device include insertion of the devices transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these intragastric fluid transfer devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095386 | COMPOSITION AND DEVICE STRUCTURE FOR IONTOPHORESIS - Device structure | 2012-04-19 |
20120095387 | METHODS FOR DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND SELECTIVE ERADICATION OF NEOPLASMS IN VIVO USING MULTIDOMAIN BIOTAGS - A method for treating cancer in a subject is provided, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a multidomain biotag that targets one or more cancer cells; and exposing the subject to one or more rounds of radiation. The one or more rounds of radiation kills the one or more cancer cells targeted by the biotag, but, in general, do not kill healthy cells or kills a negligible number of healthy cells. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095388 | MATERIAL FOR FACILITATING THERMAL TREATMENTS OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUES AND METHOD OF ENERGY TARGETING LEADING TO THERMAL TREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUES - A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095389 | ULTRASOUND CATHETER FOR PROVIDING A THERAPEUTIC EFFECT TO A VESSEL OF A BODY - The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095390 | Generation of Therapeutic Microfoam - Improved therapeutic sclerosing microfoams and methods and devices for making them are provided that have advantage in producing a consistent profile injectable foam with minimal input by the physician yet using high volume percentages of blood dispersible gases, thus avoiding use of potentially hazardous amounts of nitrogen. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095391 | CONNECTOR COMPRISING BACKFLOW VALVE FOR A TUBE SET - A connector is provided that is configured to pass a liquid from a bottle and a gas between a tube set assembly and a medical instrument, the tube set assembly comprising a first tube for gas flow and a second tube for liquid flow, the first and second tube contacting the connector, and a valve disposed within a flow path of the second tube and configured to prevent flow of the liquid back from the medical instrument to the bottle. The connector can be connected to a combined tube set for a disposable water bottle. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that also includes air and water tubes. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095392 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (PD) SOLUTIONS WITH INTEGRATED INTER-CHAMBER DIFFUSER - The invention provides, in some aspects, a container system for medical solutions such as peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. The invention particularly features a system which includes a first compartment that contains a first medical solution, e.g., a PD osmotic agent, and a second compartment that contains a second medical solution, e.g., a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. To that end, a container system can include a diffuser that is disposed in a fluid pathway between the first and second compartments, e.g., to facilitate homogeneous mixing of the first and second PD agents. That diffuser is disposed within and moves relative to a structure, such as a port that defines the fluid pathway between those compartment. Thus, for example, the diffuser can comprise a body that “floats” within that pathway-defining structure and that moves from one end to the other (and/or to from points there between), depending on a direction of solution flow through the structure. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095393 | USE OF A HANDHELD MEDICAL DEVICE AS A COMMUNICATIONS MEDIATOR BETWEEN A PERSONAL COMPUTER-BASED CONFIGURATOR AND ANOTHER NETWORKED MEDICAL DEVICE - A handheld diabetes managing device that provides a secure and efficient communication link between an insulin pump and an external computing device. The handheld diabetes managing device can include a blood glucose meter, a processor and first and second communication modules. The handheld diabetes managing device can be configured to deliver data between an insulin pump and an external computing device over a secure communication path without a direct communication link between the insulin pump and the external computing device. The secure communication path can include a first secure bidirectional communication link between the handheld diabetes managing device and the insulin pump and a second secure bidirectional communication link between the handheld diabetes managing device and the external computing device. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095394 | DUAL CHAMBER COMBINED CONTAINER-SYRINGE - A dual chamber combined container-syringe includes: an outer casing having a bypass portion; a hub lure lock; a front stopper; a middle stopper that seals a pharmaceutical preparation together with the front stopper; an end stopper that seals a liquid medicine together with the middle stopper; a finger grip; and a plunger rod that is connected to the end stopper from the rear end side, wherein a female screw portion twisted around an axis is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the finger grip, and a first male screw portion, a tip of which comes into contact with a rear end of the female screw portion and can be screwed into the female portion, and a first guide plate are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the plunger rod when a part of the middle stopper enters the bypass portion. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095395 | APPARATUS AND PROCESSES FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES WITHIN MAMMALIAN TISSUE - An apparatus for applying a substance to internal mammalian tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a member having a flexible, absorbent, porous portion connected to a non-porous portion. The apparatus may be used to treat atrial fibrillation or other non-atrial fibrillation issues with internal mammalian tissue. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095396 | Drug Eluting Medical Device Utilizing Bioadhesives - A medical balloon having an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a first coating composition comprising at least one therapeutic agent, the first coating composition disposed on the balloon outer surface and forming an interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition and a second coating composition comprising a bioadhesive, the second coating composition disposed on the first coating composition so as to not affect the interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition, the bioadhesive selected so as to adhere to body tissue, and methods of making the same. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095397 | BALLOON CATHETER WITH IMPROVED COLUMN STRENGTH AND TORQUE TRANSMISSION - A balloon catheter capable of delivering torque and pushing through obstructions includes a relatively weak balloon segment of a catheter and rotatable asymmetric tip. A reinforcement sleeve increases column strength and torque transmission to push the balloon and rotate the tip to facilitate passage through said obstructions. The tip is preferably asymmetric around its axis, usually being beveled, and the reinforcement slide includes a slide lock mechanism which increases shaft flexibility after balloon deployment. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095398 | BATTERY SHOCK ABSORBER FOR A PORTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095399 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED ASSEMBLY HAVING AN OFFSET ELEMENT FOR A PIEZOELECTRIC SPEAKER - A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095400 | CONNECTION AND ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A medical device system may include a set of housing portions, which includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and a third housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Each of one or more fluid conduits may provide a fluid path between a user and one or more reservoirs, for containing fluidic media, supported by at least one of the third housing portion and a selected one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. A drive device supported by the third housing portion may be configured to transfer fluidic media between one of the one or more reservoirs and the user via the fluid conduit in a case where the third housing portion is operatively engaged with one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095401 | LIQUID SUPPLY PUMP AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A liquid supply pump includes: three chambers of a first liquid chamber, a second liquid chamber, and a third liquid chamber disposed in series and produced by dividing a space between an inlet channel into which liquid is supplied and an outlet channel from which liquid is delivered; a first movable partition and a second movable partition which section the respective chambers and change the volumes of the chambers; channels each of which penetrates the corresponding one of the first and second movable partitions so that the two adjoining chambers can communicated with each other; and non-return valves each of which opens and closes the corresponding one of the channels. Each of the non-return valves closes when the corresponding movable partition shifts from the inlet channel side toward the outlet channel side, and opens when the corresponding movable partition shifts from the outlet channel side toward the inlet channel side. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095402 | Chronic Access System for Extracorporeal Treatment of Blood Including a Continuously Wearable Hemodialyzer - A patient wearable, continuously operating extracorporeal pump apparatus which accesses the patient's arterial venous pressure differential by applying external pressure to a subcutaneous graft that has been cannualized to modulate blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit and to drive the pump for delivering a medicament, such as an anticoagulant, to the site of an intravenous cannula to prevent clogging thereof and also to move a dialysate through a circuit, including a dialyzer and a dialysate rejuvenating cartridge, whereby kidney failure can be treated without recourse to prior art hemodialysis machines found in most treatment facilities. With slight modification, the present invention can be used to remove excess fluids from CHF patients, to remove toxins from the blood in those suffering from liver failure and to facilitate administration of insulin to diabetics and/or glucose to those having hypoglycemia. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095403 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a system for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: an elongate needle member having a tapered distal tip; an insertion member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being coupled to the elongate needle member, and the proximal end being configured to be manipulated by an operator; and a tissue interface indentor member coupled to the insertion member and operatively coupled to the elongate needle member, the tissue interface indentor member comprising a distally protruding shape feature configured to contact one or more portions of the tissue structure adjacent to the distal tip of the elongate needle member and change an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member as the distal tip is inserted into tissue structure. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095404 | Echogenic Nerve Block Apparatus and System - An apparatus for performing a nerve block procedure, the apparatus being composed of an echogenic needle or an echogenic soft tissue tunneling device and an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a medication. The apparatus may further include a sheath such that at least one of the needle or tunneling device and sheath is echogenic. The present invention also encompasses a system for performing a nerve block procedure, the system includes introducing an echogenic needle in the general area of a nerve bundle, positioning the echogenic needle adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, introducing an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a fluid through the echogenic needle, withdrawing the echogenic needle, positioning the echogenic catheter adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, and delivering fluid to the nerve bundle through the echogenic catheter. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095405 | METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY/JEJUNOSTOMY TUBE IN A PATIENT AND ACCESS NEEDLE FOR USE IN SAID METHOD - Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095406 | Inserter Device - The present application relates to an inserter device for inserting a medical device subcutaneous Iy which inserter device comprises a housing ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095407 | Cap Assembly For Use With A Prefilled Lock Solution Syringe - A cap assembly is disclosed for use with a lock solution delivery device. The cap assembly includes a housing defining a receptacle and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plunger is movable axially within the receptacle from a retracted position to an advanced position and is rotatably supported within the receptacle from a first position to a second position. The plunger includes an axial extension configured to non-rotatably engage a syringe connected to the inlet end of the housing. The plunger is positioned to move from the first position to the second position in response to rotatable detachment of a syringe from the inlet end of the housing. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095408 | INJECTION DEVICES - An injection device includes a multi-use drive assembly | 2012-04-19 |
20120095409 | SEAL MEMBER - A seal member is configured to seal a chamber of a drug delivery device which is suitable to contain a drug, wherein the seal member comprises a diaphragm. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095410 | Dial-Down Mechanism for Wind-Up Pen - The present invention relates to a dial-down mechanism for an injection device comprising a torsion spring for assisting injection of a dose of medicament from the injection device, the dial-down mechanism comprising a ratchet arm ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095411 | DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE - A drug delivery device comprises an outer housing rollable around a rotation axis and at least one stop member. The stop member protrudes radially from the outer housing of the drug delivery device and is configured to prevent rolling movement of the drug delivery device along a predetermined surface. The outer housing comprises a main housing and a dose member. The dose member is movable with respect to the main housing when setting and/or delivering a dose of a drug. The stop member comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is arranged on the main housing and the second part is arranged on the dose member. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095412 | INJECTION DEVICE WITH HOLDING MEANS TO PREVENT UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS OF PISTON ROD - The invention relates to a injection device, comprising a housing being adapted to receive in its proximal housing portion a container with an injection fluid and to receive in its distal housing portion a dose setting and injection mechanism, wherein the mechanism includes a piston rod being axially displaceable with respect to the housing for dispensing injection fluid from the container, wherein the piston rod has an outer thread and is arranged torque proof with respect to the housing, dose setting means comprising a threaded element, which threaded element has an inner thread being in engagement with the outer thread of the piston rod, is designed so that its axial position relative to the housing is changeable and is rotatable relative to the piston rod and relative to the housing during setting of an injection dose, wherein the dose setting means are designed such that the threaded element is held in torque proof manner relative to the piston rod and to the housing during the injection of the beforehand set injection dose in such a manner that the threaded element and the piston rod are axially displaceable together with respect to the housing, wherein the mechanism further comprises holding means being in contact with the piston rod and being designed such that the axial displacement of the piston rod can be substantially immobilized during use of the device except for the dispensing of the injection dose. It is proposed according to the invention that the holding means are axially fixed with respect to the housing. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095413 | Drive Mechanism for a Medication Delivery Device and Medication Delivery Device - A drive mechanism for a medication delivery device ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095414 | DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE - Drug delivery device, comprising a body unit having a first opening and a second opening, a plunger arranged such that its distal end is positioned inside the body unit, wherein the plunger is moveable in the distal direction with respect to the body unit, a needle assembly, with a proximal end and a distal end comprising a needle, wherein the proximal end of the needle assembly and the distal end of the plunger are configured such that they can get into an adhesion connection. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095415 | DRUG PORT VERIFICATION VALVE - A drug port smart valve and a method of its use, for preventing medical errors when injecting IV fluids and medication into humans and animals, and, in particular to ensure authentication of medication infused in IV bags and syringes. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095416 | HEMODIALYSIS CATHETER WITH THROMBUS BLOCKER - A hemodialysis catheter with a plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film which works as a thrombus blocker and can easily and effectively remove the thrombus is disclosed. The hemodialysis catheter has a proximal lumen, the arterial lumen, and a distal lumen, the venous lumen. An elongate member is longitudinally put in either the proximal lumen or the distal lumen, or two elongate members in both lumens. A plurality of umbrella-like wire members are connected to the end of the elongate member. When the hemodialysis catheter is put in the vessel but not in use, the end of the lumen is capped off by the plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film. When it is ready to use, the doctor can pull the elongate member which connects to the plurality of umbrella-like wire members out off the lumen inverting the plurality of umbrella-like wire members and clearing away any thrombus that has formed. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095417 | Surgical Delivery Instrument and Method - A surgical instrument includes a needle extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The needle defines a longitudinal axis. The needle includes an elongated cavity that defines an opening disposed proximal to the distal end. A wire extends between a proximal end and a distal end configured for fixation with tissue. The wire is configured for movable disposal within the cavity. The distal end of the wire includes a retainer configured to prevent advancement of the retainer within the tissue. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095418 | Self-Supporting Films For Delivery Of Therapeutic Agents - The present disclosure relates to self-supporting films for delivery of a therapeutic agent containing at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one therapeutic agent. Methods of forming the self-supporting films are also disclosed. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095419 | WOUND CARE ARTICLE HAVING AN ABSORBENT SHELL - The invention relates to a wound care article ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095420 | NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND TREATMENT DEVICE, AND METHODS - A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum or suction) wound healing device and system incorporating the device. The device of the present disclosure is smaller, lighter, portable, and overall more manageable by both the user and the medical personnel than the conventional systems. The device could be readily worn by the user. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095421 | BIOCOMPATIBLE WOUND DRESSING - A biocompatible wound dressing comprised of a pad for insertion substantially into a wound site and wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The pad, comprised of a foam or other like material having relatively few open cells in contact with the areas upon which cell growth is to be encouraged so as to avoid unwanted adhesions, but having sufficiently numerous open cells so that drainage and negative pressure therapy may continue unimpaired, is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage, as known in the art. The pad is further comprised of an ultra-low density fused-fibrous ceramic, or a bioabsorbable branched polymer, or cell growth enhancing matrix or scaffolding. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095422 | Automatic Surgical Sponge Counter and Blood Loss Determination System - A surgical sponge detection system includes a device for automatically counting soiled surgical sponges which includes a reader which scans each sponge entered and determines sponge type from a tag affixed to each sponge and a control unit which processes data received from reader contained within sponges entered. The reader includes a non-optical scanner means which can read an indicating means on the sponges even when the indicating means is covered with blood or other body fluids. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095423 | Brassiere liner - A disposable bra liner has three layers which before use are flat, and in use become cup-shaped. The first layer is an outermost layer, the second layer is a middle layer, and the third layer is an innermost layer. The outermost layer and the innermost layer have circular peripheries and are disk-shaped. The middle layer has a central body portion and a plurality of arms extending outwardly in a generally spiral pattern. At least the outermost layer and the innermost layer are attached together, securing the middle layer between them. Regions of the first and third layers located between the spiral arms, when in use, become folded so as to allow contouring of the liner to the body of the user. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095424 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE - An absorbent article includes cooling material including refreshing agent, provided between a topsheet and a backsheet. An amount of the cooling material disposed per unit area is larger in a contact portion where the excretion area of a wearer comes into contact than in a portion outside the contact portion. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095425 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE - An absorbent article includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion formed on the surface of a topsheet along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The first curved portion is arranged in one pair to be symmetrical to a centerline of the absorbent article in a region in which the contact region is included, the region being an inside region more than each side part in a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, and is formed along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The second curved portion is arranged in one pair in a region in which the contact region is included, the region being an inside region in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article more than the first curved portion, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The first curved portion and the second curved portion has a convex shape outward in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article, in the region in which the contact region is included. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095426 | Absorbent Article Having Surface Visual Texture - An absorbent article comprising an apertured topsheet having a body-facing side and a garment-facing side, a backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a colored area viewable through a topsheet by a user viewing the body-facing side is provided. The absorbent article comprises a visual texture composed of less than about 65 objects per cm2 having an average mean areas greater than about 0.35 mm | 2012-04-19 |
20120095427 | EVACUATION DIAPER - An evacuation diaper comprising a front panel to cover a pelvis of a wearer, a back panel to fit against a lower back of the wearer, a set of sides between the front panel and the back panel to fit between a pair of legs of a wearer, and an expelling hole located between the front panel and the back panel on a central portion of the evacuation diaper wherein the expelling hole enables the wearer to defecate into a toilet without removing the evacuation diaper. The evacuation diaper encourages children and adults who may suffer from trauma, a developmental or neurological disorder, or another mental condition that hinders them from feeling comfortable with using a restroom, to relieve themselves independently and without the assistance of another person. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095428 | MULTIPAGE BOOK WITH ABSORBENT PAGES - Articles that each comprise a binding of a plurality (i.e., at least two) of absorbent, reusable, washable sheets that can be independently accessed by a user when needed to absorb a liquid-containing substance are described, as are methods of such articles, or sheets therefrom, to perform various methods, including absorbing liquids. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095429 | PULL-ON ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A pull-on absorbent article including a front outer cover to be worn around a wearer's front side, a rear outer cover to be worn around the wearer's rear side, and an absorbent assembly fixed to the front and the rear outer cover so as to bridge them and having a pair of side seals. The length of each of the front and the outer cover in the longitudinal direction of the article is uniform in the lateral direction and larger than that of the side seals so that the front and the outer cover have extension portions that extend downward from the side seals. The extension portions of the front and/or the rear outer cover have an elasticized region extensible in the lateral direction in a region located laterally outward of each side edge of the absorbent assembly. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095430 | PANTS-TYPE DISPOSABLE DIAPER - A pants-type disposable diaper | 2012-04-19 |
20120095431 | DIAPER WITH IMPROVED CONJUGATION STRUCTURE - A diaper having an improved conjugated structure that is convenient, low-cost and easy for mass production is disclosed. The diaper includes a side wing having a magic hook located thereon and a rear thin sheet having an anti-leaking layer and a non-textile fabrics layer conjugated entirely or partially. The conjugation strength between the magic hook and the rear thin sheet is about 100 to 700 g/inch at 180 degrees, and the shear stress at 180 degrees is over 1000 g/inch. With the conjugation between the magic hook and the rear thin sheet, the user can randomly attach the magic hook to the surface of the non-textile fabrics layer to adjust the tightness of the diaper. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095432 | CATHETER AND METHOD OF INSERTION - A balloon catheter system includes a tube and a dilator detachable from the tube after the tube is inserted into a cavity in the patient. The cavity may be filled with gas or liquid to expand the viscera surrounding the cavity and the guidewire may be inserted using a trochar, for example. The tube includes one or more lumen to expandable balloons that are inflatable by fluid inserted through the lumen and into the balloon or balloons, which are formed by elastic film sealed on opposite ends to the external diameter of the tube. The dilator is held in place during insertion, such as by a stainless steel shaft and a sheath portion of the dilator extending over the end of the tube being inserted into the cavity. A portion of the sheath may extend over and protect the balloon. A retractor net may be used to capture and remove the dilator or the dilator may be designed as a bioabsorbable or digestible material or of a material that passes safely through the digestive tract of a patient. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095433 | INFUSION SYSTEM USING OPTICAL IMAGER FOR CONTROLLING FLOW AND METHOD THEREOF - An infusion pump, including: a microprocessor; a drip chamber; a drip tube with an end in the drip chamber; and an illumination system: with a light source for transmitting light through the drip chamber to a drop of fluid suspended from the drip tube; and for controlling illumination properties of the light transmitted to the drop. The pump includes an optical system for: receiving light transmitted through the drop; and transmitting, to the microprocessor, data regarding the received light. The microprocessor: generates, using the data, an image of the drop; locates, using the image, an outer edge of the drop to define a boundary of the drop; integrates an area enclosed by the boundary; and calculates a volume of revolution for the drop with respect to an axis for the drop that intersects the end of the drip tube, assuming symmetry of the drop with respect to the axis. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095434 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PERICARDIAL ACCESS - Devices and methods for accessing the pericardial space of a heart are described here. Access devices may generally comprise a tissue-engaging member, a tissue-piercing member, and a guide element. The access device may be introduced to the surface of a pericardium, where the tissue-engaging member may be deployed to engage a portion of the pericardium without engaging the epicardial surface of the heart. Once the access device has engaged the pericardium, the device may manipulate the pericardium to increase the distance between a portion of the pericardium and the epicardial surface of the heart. Once a sufficient space has been created, the tissue-piercing member may be advanced to pierce the pericardium and enter the pericardial space. The guide element may then be introduced into the pericardial space to provide an access pathway to the heart for other devices. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095435 | DELIVERY OF A SOLID BODY AND/OR A FLUID USING A LINEAR LORENTZ-FORCE ACTUATED NEEDLE-FREE JET INJECTION SYSTEM - A method for transferring a solid body across a surface of a biological body includes (i) applying an electrical input to a controllable electromagnetic actuator; (ii) producing with the electromagnetic actuator a mechanical force corresponding to the electrical input; and (iii) applying the mechanical force to a reservoir coupled at one end to a nozzle, the mechanical force producing a pressure within the reservoir, a magnitude of the pressure varying with the mechanical force and causing ejection of a fluid from the reservoir to drive the solid body into the biological body. A method for delivering a substance to a target body includes (i) positioning a needle-free injector proximate to a surface of the target body; (ii) injecting the substance into the target body; and (iii) while injecting, moving the needle-free injector along the surface, thereby sweeping the surface. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095436 | Methods and Apparatus for Translating a Continuous-Delivery Delivery Profile Into a Plurality of Periodic Bolus Deliveries - Methods and apparatus for translating a continuous-delivery delivery profile into a plurality of periodic bolus deliveries. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095437 | AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE CONTROL OF ANESTHESIA - The present invention relates to an automatic anesthesia control system and method for the detection of the degree of each component of general anesthesia, automatic detection of drugs administered and automatic drug delivery via intravenous route. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095438 | MEDICATION DELIVERY DEVICE WITH FOLDABLE FINGER PAD - A medication delivery device is configured to deliver medication when a button element is moved, the medication delivery device having a folding finger pad. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095439 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. The length of the channels extending from the first side to the second side may comprise an effective length greater than a distance across the porous structure from the first side to the second side. The therapeutic device may comprise a penetrable barrier to inject therapeutic agent into the device when implanted in the patient. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095440 | INJECTION PORT SYSTEM FOR INTRA-MARROW INJECTION/INFUSION - An injection port system for placement in or on an individual includes a first port ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095441 | STEM CELL DELIVERY DEVICE FOR ORTHOBIOLOGICS APPLICATIONS - A method and apparatus for thawing and delivery of cryogenically frozen biological material, such as stem cells includes a housing for receiving a pouch of frozen cells, a heating element against which the pouch is placed for applying defrosting heat to the pouch, and a squeezing apparatus for applying a squeezing force to the pouch after or upon thawing of the cells. The squeezing force may be applied by a roller pressing the pouch against the heating element, which forces the thawed cells from a needle or tube connected to the housing and/or to the pouch. A rechargeable battery in the housing supplies power to the heating element and the squeezing apparatus. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095442 | MAGNETICALLY-TARGETED TREATMENT FOR CARDIAC DISORDERS - The present disclosure describes a method for targeted delivery of permanently-acting or temporarily-acting neurotoxins, neurosuppressants, or other compounds having a neurologic effect to specific locations of the heart, including for example, but not limited to, nodes of the cardiac autonomic nervous system such as the atrial ganglionated plexi (GP). Chemical ablation of the atrial GP as described herein via magnetically-targeted magnetically-susceptible nanoparticles can effectively suppress GP activity and atrial fibrillation related, thereto without permanent damage to either myocardium or intrinsic CANS. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095443 | NANOCHANNELED DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a thereapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095444 | POLYNUCLEOTIDES ENCODING A HUMAN TRIM-CYP FUSION POLYPEPTIDE, COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A nucleic acid is provided which encodes a human TRIM-cyclophilin A fusion sequence encoding a human TRIM-CypA fusion protein which is active as an anti-viral agent, and in particular, as an anti-HIV-1 agent. Also provided is a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having both TRIM activity and cyclophilin activity. Also provided is an isolated polynucleotide encoding a human TRIM-CypA fusion protein, or variants thereof retaining the TRIM and cyclophilin A activities. Also provided are compositions thereof, antibodies that specifically bind thereto, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid or polypeptide. In addition, methods are provided for treating or preventing viral infection, or reducing viral load in a subject comprising administering the nucleic acid, polypeptide, vector, or composition to the subject in an amount effective to treat or prevent the viral infection. In some embodiments, the viral infection is HIV-I infection, hepatitis C infection, pox virus infection, vaccinia virus infection, or HTLV infection. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095445 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INCREASING TRICHOGENIC POTENCY OF DERMAL CELLS - Methods and compositions for increasing trichogenicity of cells in culture are provided. One embodiment provides culturing dissociated mammalian dermal cells in vitro in the presence of an effective amount of one or more sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway agonists to increase the trichogenicity of the dissociated mammalian dermal cells compared to untreated dissociated mammalian dermal cells. The cell culture optionally includes epidermal cells. Preferred Shh agonists include, but are not limited to CUR-0236715 and CUR-0201365 available from Curis, Inc. Trichogenicity is measured using the Aderans Hair Patch Assay™. The cultured dermal cells can be maintained in culture in the presence of the one or more Shh agonists for at least 1 to 7 or more days prior to harvest. The treated, cultured dermal cells can be used to treat hair loss in a mammalian subject, preferably a human, by implanting them in an effective amount to induce hair follicle formation. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095446 | CANNULAR DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A cannula comprising a polymeric material which is phthalate-free, yet retains flexibility, workability and elongation properties so as to avoid kinking when bent. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cannular device comprising extruding a flexible, biocompatible, phthalate-free polymeric composition through a round die into a tube, pulling the tube through a water bath at a rate established according to a predetermined function, and cutting the tube to for a cannular device, wherein the predetermined function periodically modulates a pulling rate. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095447 | APPARATUS FOR ROTATING MEDICAL DEVICES, SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE APPARATUS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A rooter includes a rotatable element, an actuator for causing the rotatable element to rotate, and a coupling feature for rotatably coupling an elongate medical instrument to the rotatable element. The rotatable element may be at least partially contained within the interior of a housing or another element that remains substantially stationary as the actuator causes the rotatable element to rotate. The rooter may be used with a variety of elongate medical instruments, such as needles, drill bits, trocars, wires, catheters, tubes, and other elongate instruments that are used to enable or effect medical procedures within the body of a subject. The rooter may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, the introduction of an elongate medical instrument into the body of a subject or its removal from the subject's body; removing, breaking up, or eliminating obstructions (e.g., blood clots, plaques, etc.) from the body of a subject; and obtaining samples from a subject's body. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095448 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A catheter assembly includes a catheter and a dilator. The catheter has a first curved portion at a front end portion thereof. The dilator includes a protruding portion, a low stiffness portion, and a high stiffness portion. The protruding portion is arranged on a front end portion of the dilator. At least part of the protruding portion protrudes from a front end of the catheter when the dilator is inserted into the catheter. The low stiffness portion is arranged on a rear side of the protruding portion and at a position corresponding to the first curved portion of the catheter, and has a lower flexural stiffness than the protruding portion. The high stiffness portion is arranged on a rear side of the low stiffness portion and has a higher flexural stiffness than the low stiffness portion. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095449 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GUIDING AND SUPPORTING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Methods and devices are provided for allowing a surgical instrument to be supported by a surgical support system configured to controllably guide the instrument to a desired position at surgical site. A surgical support system is provided that includes a guide port defining a pivot point about which a surgical instrument advance therethrough can pivot. The guide port, and hence the pivot point, can be located a distance above a tissue surface through which the instrument is advanced. Methods and devices are also provided for allowing insufflation of a body cavity without introduction of an insufflation fluid therein. A mechanical insufflation device is provided that includes an expandable distal member configured to selectively expand and unexpand to mechanically insufflate a body cavity. The mechanical insufflation device can optionally be used with the surgical support system. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095450 | Elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus - An elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated marker operating assembly a top portion of which is connected to the handle assembly, and a sterile marker assembly which is connected to a bottom portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, the sterile marker assembly includes a felt marker tip. The elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus is particularly useful in pain management procedures to mark needle locations. Preferably, the handle assembly includes a pair of finger-reception members which are connected to an outside portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. A thumb-reception member is received in the elongated marker operating assembly for operating the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, a return spring is provided to return the tip of the sterile marker portion into a marker unit housing when the tip is no longer being used for marking. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095451 | TOOL WITH ARTICULATION LOCK - The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095452 | INTERSTITIAL ENERGY TREATMENT PROBE HOLDERS - An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having co-acting movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and thermal probe in different positions relative to a tissue mass such as the tumor to be treated and relative to each other to facilitate treating tissue masses based on the exact position, size and shape of the tissue mass. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095453 | ELECTROSURGICAL WAND AND RELATED METHOD AND SYSTEM - An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed within the first fluid conduit, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095454 | ELECTROSURGICAL WAND AND RELATED METHOD AND SYSTEM - Electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiment are electrosurgical wands including: an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end; an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing the aspiration aperture fluidly coupled to a first fluid conduit, the first fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, the discharge aperture fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit, and the second fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a first active electrode of conductive material on the distal end of the elongate housing, the first active electrode between the discharge aperture and the aspiration aperture; and a conductive plate that abuts the discharge aperture, at least a portion of the conductive plate disposed over the discharge aperture. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095455 | PHOTOCHEMICAL TISSUE BONDING - Photochemical tissue bonding methods include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue, e.g., cornea, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for wound repair, or other tissue repair. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095456 | Articulating Bipolar Electrosurgical Instrument - A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095457 | CONNECTION OF A BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL HAND PIECE TO A MONOPOLAR OUTPUT OF AN ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATOR - A method and apparatus for operatively connecting a bipolar electrosurgical hand piece to a monopolar output of an electrosurgical unit wherein active components simulate expected impedance characteristics of monopolar return electrodes connected to a patient. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095458 | Tissue Modification Devices and Methods of Using The Same - Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095459 | System and Method for Electrically Ablating Tissue of a Patient - System for electrically ablating tissue of a patient through a plurality of electrodes includes a memory, a processor and a treatment control module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The treatment control module generates an estimated treatment region based on the number of electrical pulses to be applied. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095460 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095461 | Power generating and control apparatus for the treatment of tissue - Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095462 | External Fixation Surgical Clamp with Swivel - A clamping device for an external fixation system includes a first clamp having an opening for receiving an external fixation element, the first clamp having an axle seat. A first base component includes a concave first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The concave first surface is in selective engagement with the clamp. A swivel element comprises an axle component and a post component. The axle component is disposed on the axle seat of the first clamp. The post component extends from the axle component and has a length sized to extend from the axle component through a second external fixation clamp. The post component is arranged to swivel relative to the axle seat. Methods are also disclosed. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095463 | FRACTURE FIXATION SYSTEMS - Systems for bone fracture repair are disclosed. One system includes a biocompatible putty that may be packed about a bone fracture to provide full loadbearing capabilities within days. The disclosed putties create an osteoconductive scaffold for bone regeneration and degrade over time to harmless resorbable byproducts. Fixation devices for contacting an endosteal wall of an intramedullary (IM) canal of a fractured bone are also disclosed. One such fixation device includes a woven elongated structure fabricated from resorbable polymer filaments. The woven elongated structure has resilient properties that allow the woven structure to be radially compressed and delivered to the IM canal using an insertion tube. When the insertion tube is removed, the woven structure expands towards its relaxed cross-sectional width to engage the endosteal wall. The woven elongated structure is impregnated with a resorbable polymer resin that cures in situ, or in the IM canal. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095464 | Implant plate, method and facility for the manufacture thereof - An implant plate according to the invention serves to stabilize a fracture of an upper-arm head and/or a fracture of a proximal upper arm. It is therefore fitted with at least one raised receiving member ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095465 | Implant for correcting skeletal mechanics - Deformities present on the end of a bone, for example the end of the metatarsal bone making up part of the metatarsocuneiform joint, can lead to deformities such as bunions. These deformities are treatable with an implant that comprises a plate with a wedge extending perpendicular from the plate. Following removal of cartilage from the joint, deformed portions at the end of the bone are removed and the wedge is inserted in the joint and held in place when the plate is attached to the bones flanking the joint. This effectively fuses the two bones together. The wedge can be shaped in various ways depending on the particular deformity present. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095466 | Orthopedic Plate Assembly for a Distal Radius Having Re-Contouring Features and Method for Using Same - An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095467 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR CUTTING ELONGATED ELEMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - A surgical instrument for cutting an elongated element. The surgical instrument may have a compact size for use in-situ during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument is also configured to provide the necessary mechanical advantage to cut the elongated element. The surgical instrument may include first and second arms that are pivotally connected together at a pivot. The arms include blades positioned at or towards distal ends of the arms that act together to cut the elongated element. A force mechanism is positioned between the arms to pivot the arms between an open orientation and a closed cutting orientation. The force mechanism may be positioned directly between the arms to reduce the overall size of the instrument. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095468 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described herein are devices and methods for cutting tissue in a patient. In some embodiments, a bimanually controlled device may include a tissue modification region; at least two flexible elongate lengths of cable that extend substantially adjacent to each other proximally to distally; a plurality of rungs extending between the lengths of cable; and a pair of flexible elongate cutting members extending along the length of the tissue modification region of the device. Each elongate cutting member has a thickness cuts a discrete trough into tissue to a depth that is greater than the thickness of the cutting member. The device may further include a substrate sized and configured to releasably hold the cutting members a distance from one another and a pair of couplers positioned toward an outer edge region of the substrate and configured to releasably secure a cutting member to the outer edge region of the substrate. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095469 | Method and Apparatus for Harvesting Cartilage for Treatment of a Cartilage Defect - A method for treating a cartilage defect can include identifying an area of excessive boney growth on at least one of a femoral head and a femoral neck of a patient where the excessive boney growth area is covered with articular cartilage. A portion of the articular cartilage can be harvested from the identified area of excessive boney growth and an area of cartilage damage in an acetabulum of the patient can be identified. The harvested portion of the articular cartilage can be implanted into the identified area of cartilage damage in the acetabulum. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095470 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095471 | KIT FOR RECONDITONING FEMUR AND ILIUM BONES IN PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION OF A JOINT IMPLANT - A hip implant assembly including a ball and stem. An annular rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts over an exterior reconditioned surface of the femur upon inserting the stem within an interior femur passageway. A cup shaped support seats the ball in articulating fashion via a ligament which extends from the ball and is received within a recess passageway of the cup. The cup includes a mounting surface with a central projecting portion which in turn resistively fits within an undercut recess formed in the ilium bone in communication with a base surface of the reconditioned acetabulum socket. An installation kit assists the preparation of the femur and ilium bones, as well as the installation of the implant body into the conditioned femur end and the cup outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095472 | BONE RESECTOR - A bone resector tool ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095473 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING PATELLA CUTTING GUIDE - A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping end of each arm is movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping end of the first arm comprises a clamping surface opposed to a clamping surface on the clamping end of the second arm. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first surface to the second surface on each arm clamping end. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095474 | Spinal Surgery Distraction with an Integrated Retractor - A spinal surgery retractor with a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. This retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site. The retractor has convex curved surfaces that interface with a majority of retracted soft tissues during progression of the retraction process, which enhance retractor safety. In addition, the retractor portion of the tool has a proximally located section that is laterally flexible, which provides further progression in the retraction process while increasing relative access to the operating site. | 2012-04-19 |