16th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120095475 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING AN IMPLANTED CATHETER FROM A PATIENT - A method comprising removing a port from a patient through an incision and coupling a rod disposed in a sheath to the end of a catheter. The method also includes sliding the sheath along the rod and catheter into tissue surrounding the catheter in a rotating manner to separate the tissue from the catheter until the catheter is able to freely be removed from the patient, and removing the catheter from the patient. The method may also include making a shorter second incision on the patient and exposing a portion of the catheter through the patient's skin to facilitate coupling of the rod with the catheter and retrieval of the catheter. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095476 | OBSTETRICAL VACUUM EXTRACTOR WITH OVER-TRACTION RELEASE - A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup. Another extractor comprises an elongated stem and a traction limiter having one or more apertures, a vacuum source connected to a cup supported on the stem, and a handle member in arrangement with the traction limiter operative to open and close the apertures. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095477 | MEDICAL RETRIEVAL DEVICE WITH INDEPENDENT ROTATIONAL MEANS - A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion with a handle base and a rotating means and a thumb slide actuation means located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095478 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE AND TISSUE ANCHOR - Embodiments of the invention are directed to an implantable device that includes a tissue anchor for securing a portion of the device to tissue of the patient. Embodiments of the implantable device include an electrode lead and a pelvic treatment apparatus. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095479 | Endocardial Lead Removing Apparatus - The invention provides an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving an endocardial lead implanted within a patient's body. Disposed generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. An adjustment mechanism moves the blade between retracted and extended positions to engage the cutting surface with the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead remains within an inner channel of the tubular member and the apparatus and cut portion of the lead are removed from within the patient. Various embodiments include the blade pivotally connected to the distal end of the tubular member and activated by a wire adjustment mechanism. Others include a metallic wire for slicing through the lead. Still others include a pneumatically actuated adjustment mechanism that inflates to move the blade and engage the cutting surface with the lead. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095480 | Apparatus and Method for Compressing Body Tissue - A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed. The surgical clip can be a deformable clip that is deployed in a non deformed configuration, and is then deformed so as to apply compression on selected tissue. The surgical clip can be a multi legged clip, having a plurality of legs that can be locked in a closed position to apply compression to body tissue. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095481 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GUIDING A SUTURE THREAD - A suture device is configured to guide a suture thread. The device includes a sleeve that defines an opening, and a plunger to which a suture thread can be attached. The plunger can be inserted into the opening of the sleeve, and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. When the plunger is in the retracted position, a distal portion of the suture thread is located proximal with respect to the distal end of the suture device. When the plunger is in the advanced position, the distal portion of the suture thread is driven out the distal end of the suture device. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095482 | ENDOPROSTHETIC TEXTILE SCAFFOLD - The endoprosthetic textile scaffold ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095483 | ANCHORED NON-PIERCING DUODENAL SLEEVE AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS - An intragastric implant for obesity treatment is disclosed. The device delays digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve, and may also slows gastric emptying by limiting flow through the pyloric sphincter. The implant includes an elongated axially-compressible duodenal sleeve having a non-tissue-piercing anchor on a proximal end sized to lodge within the duodenal bulb. The anchor may have oppositely-directed anchoring flanges to resists migration in both directions. The sleeve may also have barbed ribs to resist proximal movement back up into the stomach. A method of implant includes collapsing/compressing the device and transorally advancing it through the esophagus to be deployed within the duodenum. A dissolvable jacket may constrain the implant for delivery and naturally dissolve upon implant. Removal of the implant may occur in the reverse. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095484 | ARTICULATED GASTRIC IMPLANT CLIP - Intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. The device is passive and does not autonomously change shape, but instead reacts to movement of the stomach to induce satiety. The device includes a series of connected, articulated clips that plicate the stomach wall nondestructively (no puncturing through the gastric wall) such that the overall volume of the stomach is reduced. Cam-shaped clamping surfaces prevent slippage of the stomach tissue from within the clips. Methods of implant are disclosed including delivering the device through a transoral delivery tube and advancing the device through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the device occurs in the reverse. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095485 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS OCCLUSION CROSSING - The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for crossing or bypassing total or near total occlusions of vessels through the use of elongate members and specialized catheters that include a piercing catheter, a reentry catheter, a multi-lumen, reentry catheter, and combinations thereof. A piercing catheter comprises a distal tip used to pierce an occlusion in a crossing procedure and can be configured to microdissect the occlusion or provide support for an elongate member. A reentry catheter comprises a distal side port and ramp to facilitate the reentry or perforation of a vessel wall. A multi-lumen, reentry catheter comprises a tearable lumen divider and a distal side port and ramp. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095486 | TONGUE CLEANER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A tongue cleaner in which a gap between a concavely curved surface formed in a cleaner head and a sheet for covering the same is minimized or eliminated, decreasing the likeliness of tongue coating to accumulate therebetween. A head is provided with a first sheet on a face of the head formed with a concavely curved surface. The sheet is fixed to a lateral side of the head, enabling the sheet opposed to the concavely curved surface to be slidable thereon. After arranging a sheet material on the concavely curved surface with the head being in a single-piece state as a component of the tongue cleaner, the sheet material is pressed against the concavely curved surface by means of a lower mold and an upper mold. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095487 | Pricking Aid Comprising A Lancet Ejection Means - The invention relates to a blood lancet apparatus with a base member for the arrangement of a plurality of apparatus components. The base member comprises for example a lancet-receiving device for coupling the blood lancet apparatus to a lancet element, at least one spring element for acting upon the lancet-receiving device with spring force and an actuating element for initiating a movement of the lancet-receiving device. The coupling between the lancet-receiving device and the lancet element is capable of being altered by means of a fixing and/or dispensing device. According to the invention the lancet-receiving device is capable of being deformed by means of a movement of the fixing and/or dispensing device in the longitudinal direction of the lancet-receiving device and by means of an engagement of the fixing and/or dispensing device in at least one recess in the lancet-receiving device. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095488 | LANCET PRICKING DEVICE - There is provided a lancet pricking device which is prevented from being re-used, and also the pricking pathway of the needle thereof is improved. The lancet pricking device comprising a lancet equipped with a pricking needle and a trigger for launching the pricking needle. The trigger comprises a first trigger part and a second trigger part disposed such as to cover the first trigger part. The lancet is in engagement with the first trigger part before the pricking needle is launched. When the second trigger part is pushed from the outside for the launching of the pricking needle, the displacement of the first trigger part is caused by the second trigger part, and thereby ceasing the engagement between the lancet and the first trigger part to launch the pricking needle. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095489 | EXPANDABLE DEVICE DELIVERY - A device for delivering an expandable member to a luminal structure in a patient is described. In some embodiments, the device has a carrier member, with a carrier lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The device can have an elongate member that extends through the carrier lumen across a first notch in the carrier member. The device can have an expandable member that expands within and engages the luminal structure, can be carried by the carrier member, and has a first portion that fits within the first notch. When the elongate member extends through the carrier lumen and across the first notch, the elongate member secures the first portion to the carrier member. The elongate member is configured to move axially through the carrier lumen such that the elongate member permits release of the first portion from the carrier member and expansion of at least part of the expandable member. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095490 | ENDOVASCULAR FLEXIBLE STAPLING DEVICE - The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095491 | Variably Flexible Insertion Device and Method for Variably Flexing an Insertion Device - A variably flexible insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. Tendons within the hollow body maintain the hollow body in the relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions. A method for variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument, includes providing a hollow body having inner and outer sleeves defining a space therebetween in which tendons are disposed. Suction is applied to create a vacuum in the space for frictionally locking the tendons in place between the sleeves in a relatively stiff condition of the hollow body. The vacuum is relieved to release the tendons in a relatively flexible condition of the hollow body. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095492 | VARIABLE SIZE INTRAGASTRIC IMPLANT DEVICES - Transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods for operation thereof are described which occupy space within a stomach and/or stimulate the stomach wall. The transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight. Features of the devices include insertion transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. The devices have the capacity to vary in size and are desirably self-actuating in that they change shape and/or volume using internal motors or actuators. The changing character of the devices helps prevent the person's stomach from compensating for the implant, such as sometimes happens with static intragastric devices. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095493 | ELEVATING STOMACH STIMULATION DEVICE - The medical systems, apparatuses and uses thereof for treating obesity and/or obesity-related diseases are provided which relate to devices designed to stimulate an internal surface of the stomach such as the cardia. Features of the obesity treatment devices include insertion of said devices transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The devices include flotation portions and cardia-stimulating portions, so that as the level of stomach contents rise, the devices will contact and stimulate the nerves in the cardia region of the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may have non-inflatable balls, be made of skinned foam, have ballast members such as a weighted ball or quantity of saline for orientation, and various combinations thereof. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095494 | INTRAGASTRIC IMPLANTS WITH COLLAPSIBLE FRAMES - Transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods for operation thereof are described which occupy space within a stomach and/or stimulate the stomach wall. The transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight. Features of the devices include insertion transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. The devices have the capacity to vary in size and are desirably self-actuating in that they change shape and/or volume using internal motors or actuators. The changing character of the devices helps prevent the person's stomach from compensating for the implant, such as sometimes happens with static intragastric devices. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095495 | SPACE-FILLING INTRAGASTRIC IMPLANTS WITH FLUID FLOW - A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, certain devices slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. A number of devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095496 | REACTIVE INTRAGASTRIC IMPLANT DEVICES - Transoral three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring systems, devices, methods of operation and manufacture are provided. A transoral three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring system and/or device (and related methods of manufacture and operation) may reduce obesity or weight by stimulating the stomach walls of the patient. The three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring device may be a purely mechanical device comprising a flexible body which in response to an input force in one direction, may deform and cause a resultant displacement in an orthogonal direction, thereby exerting a pressure on the inner stomach walls of the patient. Alternatively, a three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring device may include a variable size balloon configured to occupy volume in the patient's stomach, thereby reducing the amount of space in the patient's stomach. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095497 | NON-INFLATABLE GASTRIC IMPLANTS AND SYSTEMS - A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, or the greater and lesser curvatures in the middle of the stomach, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices may combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095498 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MECHANICAL SPACE CREATION AT A SURGICAL SITE - 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 |
20120095499 | UPPER STOMACH GASTRIC IMPLANTS - A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. The implants are formed of materials that permit the implant to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that will resist degradation over a period of at least six months within the stomach | 2012-04-19 |
20120095500 | CONCENTRIC WIRE EMBOLISM PROTECTION DEVICE - An embolism protection system is disclosed that provides a first wire having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer diameter; a second wire having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen, and an outer diameter, the inner lumen sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the first wire; a third having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen, the inner lumen sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the second wire; and a substantially conical filter device formed substantially from porous metal mesh and having a central apex, a collapsed state, and an expanded state, wherein the substantially conical filter device is adapted to couple to the second wire at or near the distal end of the second wire, the second wire passing through the central apex, and wherein the substantially conical filter device is adapted to assume the expanded state when the third wire is retracted from the distal end of the second wire, and is adapted to assume the collapsed state when the third wire is advanced over the substantially conical filter device and towards the distal end of the second wire. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095501 | Coil Anchor Systems and Methods of Use - Vessel occlusion method including the steps of positioning a coil anchor in a large diameter blood vessel, wherein the coil anchor includes a radially expandable sidewall, a proximal opening dimensioned to receive an embolic coil, a distal opening, and the coil anchor further comprising at least one coil retaining element configured to retain an embolic coil within the blood vessel. The vessel occlusion method further including the steps of expanding the coil anchor within the blood vessel; and delivering at least one embolic coil into the blood vessel, wherein the retaining element prevents the at least one embolic coil from migrating downstream of the coil anchor. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095502 | WOUND CLOSURE DEVICE - An adjustable wound closure device includes at least one band or strip retaining element provided for attachment in the region of at least one edge of a wound. The retaining element has a multiplicity of hook elements on at least part of at least one of its two faces. The wound closure device further includes at least one gauze cover element which substantially completely covers the wound and the edge regions provided with the retaining element. The hook-like elements of the retaining element and the meshes of the cover element are designed and arranged such that the wound can be reversibly closed by a positive engagement of at least some of the hook-like elements in the meshes. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095503 | Surgical Fasteners Coated With Wound Treatment Materials - The present disclosure relates to surgical fasteners and more particularly to surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical fastener for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus is provided. The surgical fastener includes a pair of legs; a crown interconnecting the pair of legs; and a wound treatment material coating at least a portion of the legs and crown. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095504 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a method for providing surgical access across a wall of a tissue structure, comprising: measuring a thickness of the wall of the tissue structure at a targeted entry location; and providing a helical needle having a helical needle pitch selected to pull an intercoupled suture member across the wall with a distal portion of the needle such that a deployed suture pattern is formed, the deployed suture pattern being characterized in that it is substantially helical and represents a number of helical loops substantially encapsulated by the wall of the tissue structure that is greater than about one helical loop, and is less than about three helical loops. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095505 | METHOD FOR TENSIONING A SURGICAL CLOSURE - One embodiment is directed to a method for tensioning a suture member that crosses a portion of a wall of a tissue structure, comprising: advancing a distal portion of the suture member across at least a portion of a wall of the tissue structure; advancing a tensioning assembly, through which the suture member is threaded, toward the wall of the tissue structure, the tensioning assembly comprising: a tensioning member base having a tissue interface surface configured to engage a portion of the tissue structure when coupled to a suture member that may be threaded through the tensioning member base and into the tissue structure; a suture clamping member configured to be switched from a first mode, wherein a suture may be tensioned back and forth through a space defined at least in part by the clamping member, to a second mode, wherein a suture may only be tensioned in one direction relative to the suture clamping member; and a mode switching member movably coupled to the suture clamping member and configured to be operable to switch the suture clamping member from the first mode to the second mode; adjusting the physical relationship between the tensioning assembly, suture member, and tissue structure wall by modulating the position of the tensioning member base relative to the suture member and tissue structure wall with the tensioning mode switching member in the first mode; and controllably switching the tensioning mode switching member to the second mode. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095506 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FIXATING A SUTURE ANCHOR IN HARD TISSUE - A tool for fixating a suture anchor in a hard tissue opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted to the suture anchor for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, includes a distal face, an axial channel and a substantially tube-shaped interface piece fitting into the axial channel of the tool, wherein the axial channel and a proximal end of the interface piece are equipped with catch elements cooperating for catching the interface piece in the axial channel when the interface piece is moved in a proximal direction in the axial channel. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095507 | INDEPENDENT SUTURE TENSIONING AND SNARING APPARATUS - In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095508 | Portable and hand-held device for pulling thoracic vertebrates of a user upwardly and forwardly into vertical alignment - A portable and hand-held device that generally fits like a vest, and which pulls thoracic vertebrates of a user upwardly and forwardly into vertical alignment. The device includes a continuous loop. The continuous loop is flexible, and has memory so as to allow the continuous loop to stay bent in any desired position to pull the thoracic vertebrates of the user upwardly and forwardly into the vertical alignment. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095509 | Lamina implant set - An implant set for insertion into the lamina of a vertebra includes several reinforcing implants, each of which includes a main body with bearing surfaces on the vertebra and a fastening device. The main body has a front surface, a rear surface, and lateral and medial side surfaces, the medial side surface being offset rearwardly in relation to the lateral side surface. The side surfaces bear on sectioned surfaces of the lamina, and a rearwardly protruding extension with a lateral bearing surface on a spinous process of the vertebra is arranged on the rear surface. In this way, the resection opening can be easily and safely closed. Sleeves can be provided for the fastening by means of screws that are oriented such that the screws are guided through the adjoining facets and fuse the latter. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095510 | CROSS CONNECTORS - The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. For another example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-O cross connectors, which may have a protection ring for protecting the patient's spinous process. Because of its protection ring, the implantation of one of the Real-O cross connectors may eliminate the need of spinous process removal. Furthermore, a Real-O cross connector may be combined with a Real-X cross connector to form a Real-XO cross connector, which may inherit the functional benefits of both the Real-X and Real-O cross connectors. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095511 | CROSS CONNECTORS - The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. For another example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-O cross connectors, which may have a protection ring for protecting the patient's spinous process. Because of its protection ring, the implantation of one of the Real-O cross connectors may eliminate the need of spinous process removal. Furthermore, a Real-O cross connector may be combined with a Real-X cross connector to form a Real-XO cross connector, which may inherit the functional benefits of both the Real-X and Real-O cross connectors. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095512 | CROSS CONNECTORS - The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. Moreover, the Real-X cross connectors may incorporate a complementary pivot joint configuration for smoothening the stress distribution and reducing the stress concentration around the center of the arch shape X-bridge. Advantageously, the complementary pivot joint configuration may enhance the rigidity and stability of the Real-X cross connectors. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095513 | RETAINING MECHANISM - A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The retaining mechanism comprises a stratum, a shoulder element and a retaining element. The stratum comprises a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to engage at least a portion of the bone. The shoulder element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to at least partially overlap the at least one hole. The retaining element is configured to engage the stratum and configured to at least partially overlap the shoulder element such that the shoulder element helps prevent inadvertent backing out of a fastener after the fastener has been fully inserted into the at least one hole. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095514 | BONE PLATE ASSEMBLY PROVIDED WITH SCREW LOCKING MECHANISMS - One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095515 | Cannulated Screw and Core Assembly - A cannulated screw and core assembly includes a cannulated screw having an elongate shaft with a central bore including internal threads and a recess at a proximal end for receiving a tool for applying torque to the screw; and a complementary core shaped to be threaded into the central bore and having a frangible portion. Rotation of the core causes the core to separate at the frangible portion, resulting in a screw having a reinforcing core extending substantially along the internal bore of the screw. The disclosure includes a tool for attaching the disclosed cannulated locking screw to a bone fragment or plate. The tool may include a barrel shaped to receive the core assembly and includes a handle attached to a proximal portion of the barrel and a shank that extends through the barrel to engage an end of the core. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095516 | DISTAL LOADING RECEIVER FOR A POLYAXIAL BONE SCREW AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION THEREOF - A distal loading receiver for a polyaxial bone screw includes a body member having a circumferential wall defining a bore disposed longitudinally through the body member. A skirt depends from a distal end of the body member. The skirt defines one or more distally opening slots and an abluminal surface of the skirt includes one or more transverse ribs proximate to a distal end of the skirt. A retaining ring includes a luminal surface having one or more transverse recesses proximate to a distal end of the luminal surface and one or more walls extending inwardly from the luminal surface. The slots accommodate the walls and the recesses accommodate the ribs to attach the body member to the retaining ring when the distal end of the skirt is inserted into a proximal end of the retaining ring. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095517 | DOUBLE THREADED GUIDANCE OR STIFFENING WIRE FOR MULTIPLE USE VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION (VA) BALLOON - A catheter device that includes a double-threaded guidance wire that allows multiple use of a compliant cavity creation device (i.e., treatment of more than one level). The double-threaded guidance wire may be connected with the luer part of the device and a distal part of the balloon using a threaded engagement to avoid lengthening of the inner tube, avoid lengthening of the balloon, and to limit the plastic deformation of the system in axial direction. In other implementations, the double-threaded guidance wire may be reconnected to the distal part of the balloon with a distal thread of the double-threaded guidance wire in order to restore the nominal length. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095518 | BONE CEMENT FORMULA AND BIORESORBABLE HARDENED BONE CEMENT COMPOSITES PREPARED WITH THE SAME - The present invention provides a bone cement formula having a powder component and a setting liquid component, wherein the powder component includes a calcium sulfate source and a calcium phosphate source with a weight ratio of the calcium sulfate source less than 65%, based on the total weight of the calcium sulfate source and the calcium phosphate source, and the setting liquid component comprises ammonium ion (NH | 2012-04-19 |
20120095519 | Monitoring Electrode Voltages in an Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits - Electrode voltage monitoring circuitry for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. Electrodes voltages on the slave IC are routed to the master IC, and thus the master IC can monitor both electrode voltages on the slave as well as electrode voltages on the master. Such voltages can be monitored for a variety of purposes, and in particular use of such voltage is disclosed for determining the resistance between electrodes and to set a compliance voltage for stimulation. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095520 | SEQUENTIAL DISCRIMINATION APPROACH FOR DETECTING TREATABLE CARDIAC RHYTHMS - A system and method for use in a medical device for discriminating cardiac events establishes population-based thresholds corresponding to cardiac signal morphology metrics for discriminating between a first cardiac event and a second cardiac event. A population-based threshold criterion for discriminating cardiac events is established. The population-based threshold criterion is applied to a cardiac signal segment and the segment is classified if the criterion is satisfied. A patient-specific threshold is established in response to the sensed cardiac signal segment not being classified after applying the population-based threshold criterion. The sensed signal segment is classified in response to the patient-specific threshold comparison. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095521 | DETECTION OF HEART RHYTHM USING AN ACCELEROMETER - Various techniques for using an accelerometer to detect cardiac contractions are described. One example method described includes filtering a signal received by an electrical sensing channel of an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to detect electrical depolarizations of a heart of a patient, identifying a failure of the electrical sensing channel of the IMD based on the filtered signal and, in response to identifying the failure, initiating a mechanical sensing channel of the implantable medical device to identify mechanical cardiac contractions. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095522 | METHOD FOR TREATING DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE USING NONINVASIVE CAPACITIVELY COUPLED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE - A method for treatment of degenerative disc disease using capacitively coupled electrical stimulation. In one embodiment, a subject diagnosed as having degenerative disc disease is treated by placing first and second electrodes on the subject's body at the site of an identified disc in a state of degenerative disc disease, and applying an electric field to the identified disc via the first and second electrodes with the intent to treat the degenerative disc disease. The electric field is created with an electrical signal having a frequency within a range of 20 to 100 kHz and having a symmetrical waveform with an amplitude within a range of 0.1 to 20 volts peak-to-peak, preferably a frequency of approximately 60 kHz and an amplitude of approximately 5 volts peak-to-peak. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095523 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - Devices and methods of use identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode, providing a control system coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and the implantable measurement device, the control system programmed to automatically determine an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, determine arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based on the impedance, determine blood pressure and heart rate, and activate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095524 | METHOD OF COUNTERACTING SEIZURES - The present invention provides a method for counteracting seizure events in a mammalian brain, the method comprising applying an electrical stimulus to the brain, the electrical stimulus being pulsatile and comprising pulses forming a pulse train. In order to effectively “desynchronize” the neural activity patterns in the brain, the pulse train can be at a frequency greater than substantially 300 Hz and at a duty cycle greater than substantially 20%, the pulse train can have an inconstant inter pulse interval such that the pulse rate is not constant throughout the pulse train, and the pulses can have a pulse width greater than substantially 300 μsec. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095525 | Apparatus and method using near infrared reflectometry to reduce the effect of positional changes during spinal cord stimulation - A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array and an SCS controller for controlling electrode stimulation parameters is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095526 | Post-Operative Pain Inhibitor For Hip Joint Replacement and Method Thereof - A post-operative pain inhibitor system comprises a controller and leads. Neuro-stimulator circuitry may be included within the patient controller or within one or more prosthetic components for generating a signal. In one example, a hip implant includes a prosthetic component having at least one electrode where the at least one electrode is configured to deliver energy pulses. Topical leads, percutaneous leads, subcutaneous leads, intraosseous leads, or leads can be placed in proximity to the operative field corresponding to the prosthetic component installation. The lead or electrodes can be coupled to neuro-stimulation circuitry to stimulate peripheral nerve fibers to affect body generated action potentials. A transmitter or power source can be housed in a prosthetic hip component. Controller can modify the pulse width, pulse shape, pulse repetition rate, and pulse amplitude of the signal thereby allowing the patient to adapt the signal to minimize their perceived pain. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095527 | SELF EXPANDABLE MIDDLE EAR IMPLANT FOR TREATING HEARING RELATED DISORDERS - The invention provides an electrode, and a minimally-invasive auditory implant system employing the electrode, for treating hearing disorders by electrically stimulating tissues in the middle ear. The electrode employs a structure which switches between narrow and spread shapes, facilitating the electrode insertion into the site, securing the electrode against vibration or permanent movement, and optimizing the current density. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095528 | RELAY INTERFACE FOR CONNECTING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE TO AN EXTERNAL ELECTRONICS DEVICE - An interface relay system for use with a fully implantable medical devices that permits transcutaneous coupling of the implanted medical device to a consumer electronics device. In one embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device provides a back-up source of power for operating the implanted medical device. In another embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device allows for providing unidirectional and/or bidirectional data transfer between the devices. In one arrangement, the consumer electronics device may be connectable to a communications/data network to allow for network communication between the implantable medical device and a remote processing platform/server. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095529 | Architectures for an Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits - Architectures for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. A parallel bus operating in accordance with a communication protocol couples the ICs, and certain functional blocks not needed in the slave are disabled. Stimulation parameters are loaded via the bus into each IC, and a stimulation enable command is issued on the bus to ensure simultaneous stimulation from the electrodes on both ICs. Clocking strategies are also disclosed to allow clocking of the master and slave ICs to be independently controlled, and to ensure that relevant internal and bus clocks used in the system are synchronized. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095530 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL STATE - A neurostimulation system senses a signal indicative of a patient's physical state such as posture and/or activity level. In various embodiments, a stored value for each of stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation is selected according to the patient's physical state. In various embodiments, values of the stimulation parameters are approximately optimized for each of a number of different physical states, and are stored for later selection. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095531 | System and Method for Wireless Power Transfer in Implantable Medical Devices - A system and method for energy transfer between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, the transmitting unit having a transmitting antenna circuit having a first resonant frequency and a high quality factor. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095532 | Device For Irradiating An Internal Body Surface - The present invention provides an apparatus and method for the internal treatment of body cavities and damaged internal vessels using irradiation. A device and method according to the invention may be used to irradiate an internal tissue surface, for example, for the treatment of an aneurysm, tissue welding, or the removal of a stenosis in a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for illuminating a body surface including a shaft having a light guide, a control unit, and a light scatterer. The control unit includes a light source optically coupled to the light guide; and the light scatterer is optically coupled to the light guide. The light scatterer includes a first, rear surface and a second, forward illuminating surface, and the light scatterer has a first undeployed, collapsed configuration and a second deployed configuration in which the illuminating surface has a larger caliber than in the first undeployed, collapsed configuration. In another embodiment, the invention provides an implantable device for irradiating a body surface comprising a shaft having a light source consisting of fiber optics or light emitting diodes embedded thereon. Activation and control of the energy emitted by the light source may be controlled by direct connection of wires, or remotely controlled by an external wireless remote control set. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095533 | Apparatus and Methods for Deep Tissue Laser Therapy - An improved apparatus and method for deep tissue laser therapy, in which the phase of the laser light is spatially modulated to produce a modulated laser beam. The modulated laser beam is able to restore its intensity profile even after being scattered by the skin or the superficial layer of the tissue, allowing it to penetrate deep into the tissue to provide efficient therapeutic treatment. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095534 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING SLEEP INERTIA OR CONTROLLING ALERTNESS - The invention relates to a method and an illumination device arranged for reducing sleep inertia and/or for controlling alertness of a human being. The illumination device is arranged for reducing sleep inertia and/or controlling alertness by light radiation. The illumination device comprises one or more light sources for generating a first illumination output and a second illumination output. The first illumination output comprises light with a dominant wavelength in the range of 590-770 nm. The second illumination output comprises light with a dominant wavelength in the range of 400-560 nm Thus, colored light is used. Alternatively, the first illumination output comprises white light with a color temperature below 4100 K, i.e. warm white light. The second color temperature then comprises white light with a color temperature above 4900 K. The illumination device comprises a controller configured for controlling the one or more light sources to expose said eye of said human being to the first illumination output during a first time interval and to the second illumination output during a second time interval. The second time interval terminates at a later point in time than the first time interval. The time intervals are selected such that at least one of the first and second time interval is less than 60 seconds. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095535 | THERMAL STIMULATION PROBE AND METHOD - A physiological thermal stimulation probe, comprising:
| 2012-04-19 |
20120095536 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF A PATIENT'S BODY TEMPERATURE BY WAY OF A TRANSLUMINALLY INSERTABLE HEAT EXCHANGE CATHETER - Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15″ cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette so that, for example, a large capacity control unit can be used initially, and a smaller, battery-powered unit can be substituted once the patient reaches the desired target temperature. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095537 | Method and Apparatus for Inducing Therapeutic Hypothermia - Methods and apparatus for delivering therapeutic hypothermia to a patient are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a hypothermia system comprising a fluid source, a heat exchanger assembly, a catheter in fluid communication with the fluid source, and a pump system configured to infuse hypothermic fluid into a patient cavity and extract hypothermic fluid from the patient cavity. The hypothermia system can infuse and extract fluid automatically from the patient cavity. In one embodiment, the patient cavity is a peritoneal cavity. A safe access device to gain access to the patient cavity is also provided. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095538 | THERMAL WRAP ARRANGEMENT FOR APPLYING HEAT/COLD TO THE MANDIBULAR REGION OF THE HEAD - A thermal wrap having identical side portions, each having a pocket formed therein for receiving thermal material such as gel packs. The side portions are connected at the top by at least two independently attached straps, and at the bottom by a relatively wide chin strap to ensure that the pockets allow for even application of thermal energy to the mandibular region of the face. The pockets are sized to receive standard sized gel packs. In one embodiment the independently attached straps overlap a substantial portion of one of the side pockets to more precisely position and stabilize a gel pack over a treatment area. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095539 | Delivery Catheter Systems and Methods - A leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises a housing, a plurality of electrodes coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and a pulse delivery system hermetically contained within the housing and electrically coupled to the electrode plurality, the pulse delivery system configured for sourcing energy internal to the housing, generating and delivering electrical pulses to the electrode plurality. Systems and methods for delivering the leadless cardiac pacemaker with delivery catheters are also provided. In some embodiments, the delivery catheters include first and second coaxial shafts configured to apply rotational torque to the pacemaker. In other embodiments, the pacemaker is held in place on the catheter with a tether. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095540 | ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEDICAL LEAD - An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis and an arcuate distal body portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The arcuate distal body portion has a concave surface. The lead includes a plurality of elongate electrodes disposed at the arcuate distal end portion of the lead body along the concave surface. The electrodes extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lead body. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095541 | Stent for Temporary Fitting in a Body Cavity - A stent for positioning in a body lumen having a cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis surrounded by a stent wall which defines a diameter of an axial passage communicating with openings on two opposite ends of the stent. The wall is configured so as to be elastic under tension whereupon an exertion of a tensile force acting on one of the ends of the stent in the longitudinal direction, decreases the diameter of the | 2012-04-19 |
20120095542 | INTRALUMINAL MEDICAL DEVICE - A multi-sided intraluminal medical device having a self-expanding frame and a pair of guide bars located on opposite ends of the frame and adapted to enable the frame to be retracted for delivery or retrieval from either end is provided. The intraluminal device may further include a partial or full covering that is circumferentially attached to the frame. Such a medical device may be used as a stent to maintain an open lumen in a vessel (e.g., a vein, artery, or duct), as a valve, or as an occlusion device. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095543 | RETRIEVABLE DEVICE HAVING A RETICULATION PORTION WITH STAGGERED STRUTS - A retrievable device for treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a reticulation portion including a plurality of struts connected together in a singly staggered configuration distally along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of struts of the reticulation portion is configured to fold along the longitudinal axis defining a collapsed state of the device for retrieval. The device further includes an expandable body distally extending from the reticulation portion along an outer diameter for treatment of the stenotic lesion. The expandable body is configured to expand in the open state and collapsed in the collapsed state of the reticulation portion for retrieval. The device further comprises a retrieval stem extending proximally from the reticulation portion for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095544 | STENT MOVEMENT PREVENTING DEVICE - A device for preventing stent movement during delivery including a securement connector arranged to engage a catheter, at least one flexible connecting member, the flexible connecting member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion coupled to the securement connector, and a locking member located at the flexible connecting member second end portion arranged to engage a portion of a stent including struts defining gaps therebetween wherein the locking member takes the form of a clasp section by snapping into one gap of the gaps between the struts. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095545 | MEDICAL STENT - A medical stent comprising a coil formed by winding a wire around an axis, an outer layer formed substantially tubular made from a first resin material, provided on an outer peripheral side of said coil and coaxial to said coil, and an inner layer formed substantially tubular made from a second resin material, provided on an inner peripheral side of said coil and coaxial to said coil. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095546 | MARKER AND STENT - A marker formed on a stent which is to be mounted within a human body, the marker being formed without applying gold plating or gold foil onto the stent and allowing the position of the stent in the human body to be confirmed by a recognition means. A marker (A, B) used to confirm the position in a human body of a stent (C) consisting of wires is formed by fitting pipes ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095547 | MODULAR GRAFTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for treating and repairing complex anatomy characterized by a plurality of vessel portions oriented at various angles relative to each other. The system including a graft device that is capable of being assembled in situ and has associated therewith a method that avoids the cessation of blood flow to vital organs. A delivery catheter system and various graft supporting, mating and anchoring structures are additionally included. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095548 | MEDICAL IMPLANT INCLUDING A MAGNESIUM-BASED TIE LAYER - A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095549 | Prosethetic Haert Valves, Scaffolding Structures, and Systems and Methods for Implantation of Same - Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095550 | Reinforced Commissural Support Structure - A device and method for controlling commissural tip deflection of a prosthetic valve, thereby both preventing failure due to repeated movement and/or uneven loading of the commissural points and also improving coaptation of the valve leaflets, including connecting reinforcing material between the commissural points so a spring-like span is created across the points. The spanning material may be in the form of a ring that is lashed, sewn or otherwise connected to the commissural points. The reinforcing material may form curved segments between the commissural points that extend outwardly to form sinuses behind the leaflets of the prosthetic valve. The reinforcing material may also extend in an upstream direction to avoid interfering with blood flowing out of the prosthetic valve. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095551 | METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A CARDIOVASCULAR VALVE - A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. Next, the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to the expandable support member so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member. The expandable support member is then crimped into a compressed configuration and placed at a desired location within the cardiovascular system of the subject. Either before or after placement at the desired location, fluid or blood re-hydrates the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095552 | HEART VALVE REPAIR APPARATUS AND METHODS - Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095553 | CORNEA IMPLANT - Annular cornea implant for inserting into a cornea pocket of the human eye via a narrow, tunnel-shaped access, with the end shape of the cornea implant depending on the shortsightedness or astigmatism to be corrected. To enable the cornea implant to be implanted in the cornea pocket in a simple manner and in an optimum position, the implant has a shape memory which is impressed on the basis of the geometry and/or material of the implant, and is designed in such a way that the deformability from a starting shape enables the insertion of the cornea implant into the cornea pocket via the narrow access, and the cornea implant has an adjustment force in the end shape thereof, which enables an essentially independent unfolding of the cornea implant in the cornea pocket. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095554 | COMPRESSED HAPTICS - An injectable intraocular implant including an optics portion and a resilient, flexible haptics portion mounted coaxially with the optics portion and a method for inserting the implant into the eye. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095555 | MEDICAL IMPLANT, THIN FILM THEREON, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A thin film of a medical implant includes a surface, a plurality of walls and a plurality of paths. The walls are disposed on the surface, and formed to shapes of arc. The paths are disposed on the surface, wherein each of the paths is located among the walls. The walls and paths have a plurality of holes. According to the thin film of the present disclosure, the walls are formed to shapes of arc, and have no acute anger, whereby the biological cells can helpfully grow and attach on the thin film quickly. Furthermore, the thin film has the holes, which provide cell tissue, such as pseudopod, tentacle, etc. of the biological cells to grow and attach therein, whereby the biological cyto-affinity of the thin film can be increased so as to increase the biological cyto-compatibility of the medical implant. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095556 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING A LIGAMENT - A system for use in reconstructing a ligament is provided. The system includes a graft ligament support block for supporting a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. The support block includes a body, a graft hole extending through the body transverse to a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a graft ligament therein, and a transverse fixation pin hole extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal axis and configured to receive a transverse fixation pin therein. The system further includes a stepped transverse fixation pin having a first portion at a distal end, a second portion at a proximal end, and an annular shoulder configured between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion, the second portion and the annular shoulder form a given profile in a cross-section of a given plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fixation pin. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095557 | DERMAL MICRO-ORGANS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PRODUCING AND USING THE SAME - Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO to may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095558 | SYNTHETIC BONE GRAFTS CONSTRUCTED FROM CARBON FOAM MATERIALS - A porous, self-sustaining body useful as a scaffold for bone grafting is provided. The scaffold comprises a carbonaceous matrix comprising a continuous phase having a surface and defining a plurality of open spaces throughout the matrix. The internal and external surfaces of the matrix are coated with a layer or film selected from the group consisting of osteogenic materials, therapeutic agents, and combinations thereof. The porous body comprises organic materials and is substantially free of metals. Methods of making and using the porous self-sustaining body are also provided, along with kits for facilitating the same. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095559 | INTERVERTEBRAL SPINAL IMPLANT, INSTALLATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Improved interbody spinal implant devices and related instrumentation used for surgical installation of such implant devices for use in spinal fusion surgeries. The spinal implant devices are configured with apertures preferably used in conjunction with the instrumentation of the invention to improve the retention of bone graft material within the implant during installation. The invention also includes improved implants with deployable spike mechanisms. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095560 | SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF FUSING A SACROILIAC JOINT - One implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of a sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, an anchor element and a delivery tool. The join implant includes a distal end, a proximal end, a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a first bore extending non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. The anchor element includes a distal end and a proximal end and is configured to be received in the first bore. The delivery tool includes an implant arm and an anchor arm. The implant arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the implant arm is configured to releasably couple to the proximal end of the joint implant such that a longitudinal axis of the implant arm is substantially at least one of coaxial or parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body of the joint implant. The anchor arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the anchor arm is configured to engage the proximal end of the anchor element. The anchor arm is operably coupled to the implant arm in an arrangement such that the longitudinal axis of the anchor element is generally coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first bore when the distal end of the implant arm is releasably coupled with the proximal end of the joint implant and the distal end of the anchor arm is engaged with the proximal end of the anchor element. The arrangement is fixed and nonadjustable. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095561 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT - A method for fixation of an intervertebral implant includes the steps of: a) applying a spreading force to a first and second adjacent vertebral bodies; b) removing the intervertebral disc between the adjacent first and second vertebral bodies; c) inserting a shaft of the bone anchors into the vertebral bodies, and fixing a head of the bone anchors to an intervertebral implant. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095562 | ARTIFICIAL DISC - An artificial intervertebral disc includes an upper joint ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095563 | ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SUBSTITUTING KNEE IMPLANTS - The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient's femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to rotate relative to the tibial component. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095564 | KNEE PROSTHESIS - A knee prosthesis having a femoral component with two condyles, an opening disposed between the two condyles, and a tibial component having bearing surfaces to engage and support each of the femoral component condyles. Moving the femoral and tibial components in flexion from about 0° to about 165° causes medial pivot rotation of the femoral component upon the tibial component. Rotation may be caused by interaction between an asymmetrical cam extending between the femoral condyles and a post disposed between the bearing surfaces and extending superior from the tibial component. Rotation may alternatively be caused by asymmetrical medial and lateral condyles which translate posteriorly upon respective medial and lateral bearing surfaces at disparate rates, without a femoral cam, a tibial post, or a post/cam contact surface. Embodiments of the knee prosthesis may be used in cruciate-substituting or cruciate-retaining procedures. Embodiments of the knee prosthesis may also prevent roll forward. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095565 | Method And Apparatus For Wrist Arthroplasty - A method of implanting a prosthesis relative to a carpal complex of a wrist is provided. The method can include providing a carpal implant having a body including an ulnar flange and a radial flange, and locating a bone abutment surface of the ulnar flange against a triquetrum of the carpal complex. The method can also include locating a bone abutment surface of the radial flange against a scaphoid of the carpal complex, and locating a first dorsal flange extending from the ulnar flange against a posterior surface of the triquetrum. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095566 | FLEXIBLE URETERAL STENT - In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongated member having a sidewall defining a lumen. The lumen extends through the member and defines a center line which extends through a center of the lumen in a direction longitudinal to the member. The sidewall defines a plurality of slots. Each successive slot is circumferentially offset about the sidewall. In another embodiment, a medical device includes a member defining a lumen extending through the member. Locations of an outer surface of the member are defined by a distance d from a proximal end of the member and an angle θ from a first point of a cross-section of the member. A sidewall of the member includes slots extending through the sidewall along planes extending from a line extending through a center of the lumen. Successive slots have their respective distances d successively farther from the proximal end of the member and their respective angles θ successively increasing. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095567 | OUTER TUBE FOR STENT REPOSITIONING AND DEPLOYMENT - A drainage stent delivery system including a stent, a guide catheter, a push catheter, and an outer sheath. The guide catheter extends through the lumen of the stent and the push catheter is disposed over a portion of the guide catheter proximal of the distal end of the stent. The outer sheath is slidably disposed over the push catheter and surrounding at least a portion of the stent. The outer sheath may be actuated from a first position in which a distal portion of the outer sheath surrounds the stent to a second position in which the distal portion of the outer sheath is proximal of the stent. The stent delivery system may also include a retention mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the outer sheath which may selectively decouple the stent from the outer sheath through rotational and/or translational motion of the outer sheath relative to the stent. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095568 | HIP PROSTHESIS - The present invention relates to a hip prosthesis ( | 2012-04-19 |
20120095569 | PROSTHETIC JOINT ASSEMBLY AND JOINT MEMBER THEREFOR - A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095570 | Skin-Like Prosthesis Cover Having Substantially Permanently Attached and Releasably Attached Portions - A prosthesis cover for protecting and cosmetically enhancing a prosthetic device. The prosthesis cover includes a flexible stocking portion overlapping with a flexible tubular portion. The flexible tubular portion is configured to be substantially permanently attached to the prosthetic device and to at least partially cover an outer surface of the prosthetic device. The flexible stocking portion is configured to be releasably attached to the flexible tubular portion, to at least partially overlap the flexible tubular portion, and to cover the remainder of the outer surface of the prosthetic device. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095571 | SUSPENSION LINER SYSTEM WITH DISTENSIBLE SEAL - A suspension liner is adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The liner includes an elongate, generally conical body portion, and a volume control pad located along the body portion. The volume control pad is arranged to distend outwardly from the body portion. A resilient seal element is connected to the body portion and protrudes radially from the body portion, and is located in correspondence with the volume control pad. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095572 | Adaptive sports ankle joint prosthesis - An ankle joint prosthesis comprised of a central core element capable of attachment to an artificial leg, coupled to two side elements capable for attachment to an artificial foot. The medial and lateral side elements envelop the central core lower region along a common central axis, and are coupled together by means of mechanical fastening and can be rotated relative to the central core and positively constrained to align in various orientations dependent of a specific grooved profile within each side element pair. The ankle joint orientation is affected by engaging an anterior and/or posterior located mechanical linkage enacting an upward linear movement on the guide pin plunger, thus allowing the side elements to rotate by means of a torque load until reaching an orientation held in place along a grooved profile. The load bearing elements shall be precision machined from Grade 5 Titanium. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095573 | SAFETY-RELATED CONTROL UNIT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATED INSTALLATION - A safety-related control unit for controlling an automated installation in accordance with an application program containing control instructions. The safety-related control unit has first and second processors for executing at least some of the control instructions by processing a plurality of first and second program variables, respectively. The first processor also determines a first test value for at least one of the first program variables in accordance with an instantaneous value present for this first program variable at a first defined instance of time. The second processor determines a second test value for the at least one of the first program variables. The second test value corresponds to the first test value. The safety-related control unit also has a data memory for storing the instantaneous value, the first test value and the second test value in order to facilitate a quick restart of the control unit after an unexpected interrupt. | 2012-04-19 |
20120095574 | EQUIPMENT CONDITION AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING USING COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS MODEL BASED UPON MASS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION - A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations. | 2012-04-19 |