25th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 70 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110152886 | APPLICATOR AND TISSUE FASTENING METHOD THROUGH NATURAL ORIFICE - The applicator related to the present invention is provided with a flexible sheath longer than the overall length of an instrument channel of a flexible endoscope; an operation part used outside the instrument channel; a deployed section that can be made to protrude from the front end of the sheath by operating the operation part and to pierce a tissue; a tissue fastening tool made of a superelastic wire formed in coil shape and housed inside the deployed section in a substantially extended condition; and a pusher that pushes out the tissue fastening tool from the deployed section when the operation part is operated. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152887 | MEDICAL DEVICES WITH DETACHABLE PIVOTABLE JAWS - Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152888 | Medical Instrument for Setting Tissue Clips - A proctological instrument is disclosed comprising an instrument handle to which at its proximal end a bending-resistant tubular shaft is mounted at the distal end of which a cap is fixed or formed to which a tissue clip adapted to be withdrawn from the cap by means of a releasing or withdrawing device is attached in a preferably spring-elastic manner. In accordance with the invention, the tubular shaft is offset at its distal end portion in an area directly ahead of the cap and/or the cap itself is offset at a predetermined fixed angle so that the withdrawing direction for the clip defined by the cap is aligned at the angle with respect to the tubular shaft axis. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152889 | Wound Closure Device - A wound closure device for promoting hemostasis includes a polyhedral body comprising a proximal body end portion and a distal body end portion, including a suture channel horizontally extending through the proximal and distal body end portions, the suture channel containing proximal and distal suture channel openings. An actuator system includes a suture engagement member configured to selectively facilitate axial movement or release of one or more sutures through the channel in an open configuration, and to facilitate securement of suture(s) in the channel in a locked configuration. The proximal body end portion includes a face configured to contact a body surface, anchoring the body to the body surface when suture(s) are secured under tension by the engagement member in the locked position. Once the sutures are secured, the device lends itself to hands-free anchoring until hemostasis is achieved. The device and sutures may then be removed that same day, shortly thereafter. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152890 | Devices, Tools and Methods for Performing Minimally Invasive Abdominal Surgical Procedures - Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152891 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SUTURING TISSUE - Medical devices and methods are disclosed for suturing tissue, that may be employed endoscopically and/or laparoscopically, and that offer simple, reliable and controllable placement of suture around a perforation for complete closure thereof. One embodiment of the medical system generally includes an endcap having first and second arms, a needle, a suture, and first and second control members. The first and second control members are used to pass the needle back-and-forth between the first and second arms. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152892 | SUTURE PASSING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - In one embodiment, a continuous suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws, and a suture shuttle which may be releasably secured to the tissue penetrator and adapted to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator, and the second jaw may have a suture shuttle retainer seat on which the suture shuttle may be releasably secured. The tissue penetrator may be movable towards the second jaw such that the suture shuttle carried by the tissue penetrator may be transferred to the shuttle retainer seat on the second jaw. Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated. Additionally, the tissue penetrator may travel along an arcuate path from a first position, recessed within the first jaw, to a second position where the tissue penetrator extends through the tissue to be positioned in communication with the second jaw. Further, the at least one jaw may be manipulated such that it travels along a path that is substantially the same arcuate path traveled by the tissue penetrator. A method for passing a suture through tissue includes manipulation to transfer a suture shuttle adapted to carry a suture between a tissue penetrator and a second jaw. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152893 | Suture organizer - A suture organizer to maintain a plurality of sutures attached to a patient during a surgical procedure or operation in position relative to each other during the surgical procedure or operation comprising a hemostat retainer including a hemostat retainer member having a plurality of grooves formed in the surface thereof to receive and retain the finger hole or thumb hole of a corresponding hemostat connected to a corresponding suture and a clasp including a pair of clasp members to cooperatively clamp a surgical drape or the like therebetween to hold the suture organizer in position during the surgical procedure or operation. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152894 | Suture organizer - A suture organizer to maintain a plurality of sutures attached to a patient during a surgical procedure or operation in position relative to each other during the surgical procedure or operation comprising a hemostat retainer including a hemostat retainer member to receive and retain the finger hole or thumb hole of a corresponding hemostat connected to a corresponding suture and a clasp including a pair of clasp members to cooperatively clamp a surgical drape or the like therebetween to hold the suture organizer in position during the surgical procedure or operation. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152895 | Apparatus for clamping an organ during surgery - This invention is a surgical clamp for the purpose of occluding the kidney or other organ and thereby obtaining a bloodless surgical field, while allowing the majority of the organ to remain normally perfused. Previous approaches are limited in ability to provide sufficient clamping force without damaging the oran. The invention comprises a first and second jaw, wherein the proximal ends of the two jaws, and the distal ends of the two jaws are connected by a strap, such that applying tension to the strap results in moving the relative positions of the jaws in a substantially parallel motion, which provide a clamping force to the organ. The jaws can be attached with a flexibly joint to a hollow shaft, such that a cable inside the shaft can be used to apply tension to the strap while maintaining the ability to pivot the jaws relative to the shaft. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152896 | Patch Plug for Extended Coverage During and After Hernia Surgery and Method of Anchoring Patch Plug - A system and method for repairing hernias in humans. The system includes a surgical mesh onlay patch to which a conical mesh plug is mounted. The mesh plug is elastic to permit the pre-compressed plug to be inserted into the deep inguinal ring and then expand upon release, which seats the plug's outer surfaces against the sidewall of the deep inguinal ring. The expanded plug holds the system in place while legs formed on the onlay patch are brought around the cord and attached together, and other attachments are made to the soft tissue of the inguinal canal floor. Preferably a growth-encouraging substance is applied to the exterior of the system to enhance attachment to surrounding tissue. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152897 | HERNIA PATCH WITH REMOVABLE RESILIENT ELEMENT - The invention provides, in certain aspects, grafting devices deliverable into the body for repairing defects in bodily structure walls. One such grafting device comprises a compliant sheet-form material, and a removable resilient element that is retained in association with the sheet-form material. In some forms, the resilient element is adapted for delivery in its entirety into the body, and thereafter, can be disassociated from the sheet-form material for removal from the body. The sheet-form material may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. Illustratively, the sheet-form material may be comprised of a remodelable, angiogenic material, for example, a remodelable extracellular matrix (ECM) material. In additional embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses for delivering these and other inventive grafting device into the body. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152898 | TISSUE ENGINEERED CONSTRUCTS - The present invention relates to a field of biocompatible membranes, tubes and conduits which comprising a photosensitizer which is capable of being crosslinked to form a three dimensional structure which can be implanted into a subject to assist in tissue bonding and nerve maintenance and development. Methods of making such membranes, tubes and conduits and kits comprising them are also described. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152899 | OBESITY TREATMENT TOOLS AND METHODS - Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152900 | Surgical String Applicator For Anastomosis Surgery And Method Of Use - A surgical string applicator and the method of use for anastomosis surgery are provided. The surgical string applicator includes an elongate shaft, a string applying assembly including a pair of opposing jaws connected to a distal end of the shaft, one or more jaws including one or more grooves along an inner surface of the jaw, each of the grooves configured to receive therein at least a portion of a surgical string, such as a zip-tie to be applied, and a string fastening mechanism adapted to engage and fasten the surgical string; and a handle portion connected to the proximal end of the shaft; the handle portion including control mechanisms adapted to open and close at least one of the jaws and to actuate the string fastening mechanism. Further provided is an intra-lumenal position guide to be used together with the surgical string applicator. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152901 | Implantable Port with Vibratory Feedback - A system includes an adjustable gastric band coupled with an injection port. The port includes sensors, a plate beneath a septum, and a vibration generator in communication with the sensors. A first sensor detects palpation through a patient's skin when the injection port is implanted in the patient. The vibration generator provides a vibratory response to detected palpation, thereby providing haptic feedback to a physician who is attempting to locate the injection port by palpating the patient. A second sensor detects a needle striking the plate, and the vibration generator provides a vibratory response to a detected needle strike. The vibration generator thereby provides haptic feedback to a physician to confirm that the needle has been successfully inserted through the septum. A pressure sensor may be used to provide vibratory feedback to the patient to indicate that an adjustment to the band is needed. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152902 | Method For Anchoring Occlusion Plug - A method for occluding a body vessel in a patient to block or reduce blood flow therethrough includes puncturing a blood vessel wall at a proximal vessel entry site with a hollow needle and extending the needle through the proximal entry site into the vessel lumen. The needle is extended through the vessel lumen and extended through the vessel wall at a distal vessel exit site into the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site. An expandable biocompatible material, such as expandable extracellular matrix (ECM) material, is then ejected though the distal end of the needle into the extravascular space. Then, while continuing to eject the expandable biocompatible plug material, the distal end of the needle is retracted back through the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen, such that the plug material continuously extends between the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen. When the plug material is delivered into the lumen of the vessel, the plug material expands, anchoring the plug material to the vessel wall, whereby the plug material forms an occluding plug in the vessel lumen blocking or reducing blood flow therethrough. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152903 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A vascular clamp, has an operating mechanism, and an actuating tool. The vascular clamp is grasped using a detachable operating mechanism, wherein an actuating tool that can be slid in and out is able to open and close the jaws of the grasped vascular clamp. The vascular clamp includes a coupling arrangement and a continuously adjustable adjustment mechanism for this purpose. In order to grasp the vascular clamp, the operating mechanism includes a gripping mechanism and is equipped with a locking mechanism, which are used to create a detachable connection between the vascular clamp and the operating mechanism. For stepless opening and closing, the actuating tool engages in the adjustment mechanism of the vascular clamp and opens and closes the jaws of the vascular clamp by corresponding rotation of the actuating tool. The surgical instrument according to the invention is disassemblable and reassemblable, and can advantageously be disassembled into its three constituent parts during an operation, thus keeping the access opening in the chest free from obstructing instruments. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152904 | CUTTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF VESSEL HARVESTING - Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and method of vessel harvesting. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member, a cutting element, and a centering member. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member with a flexible section and a cutting element. The method of vessel harvesting can include spacing a cutting element of the cutting device from the vessel as the cutting element is advanced over the vessel. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152905 | BALLOON WITH SCORING MEMBER - A circumferentially and longitudinally continuous scoring structure having a diameter in an initial unrestrained state that is smaller than a deflated diameter of the balloon is disposed around an outer surface of the balloon in an expanded configuration. The scoring structure continually exerts a radially inward compressive force against the balloon such that when the balloon is expanded from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration, the scoring structure expands in a radially outward direction and remains in continuous compressive contact with at least a portion of the balloon as the balloon unfolds. The scoring structure may be entirely free of attachment to the balloon and catheter, and may extend substantially a length of a working region of the balloon. The scoring structure may include a plurality of circumferentially compressible members connecting longitudinal members. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152906 | Devices, systems, and methods for debulking restenosis of a blood vessel - Devices, systems, and methods are employed to restore patency to arterial lesions, e.g., by debulking restenosis in a blood vessel or within a stent or coil. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152907 | Devices, systems, and methods for performing atherectomy including delivery of a bioactive material - Devices, systems, and methods are employed to perform an atherectomy in an identified region to restore patency to arterial lesions. A bioactive material is introduced into the identified region before, after or during performing the atherectomy. The bioactive material can be introduced, e.g., on a balloon coated with the bioactive material, which is expanded in contact with the identified region to deliver the bioactive material. The bioactive material can be, e.g., at least one of a restenosis-inhibiting agent, a thrombus-inhibiting agent, and an anti-inflammatory agent. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152908 | Catheter Including Composite Guide and Methods for use and manufacturing of the Same - A catheter assembly includes a catheter body having a catheter lumen. A manifold assembly is coupled with a proximal catheter portion. A manifold lumen extends through the manifold assembly, and the manifold lumen includes an assembly cavity extending around the proximal catheter portion. A fluid jet loop is coupled with a high pressure tube at a distal catheter portion. The catheter assembly further includes a composite guide having first and second guide portions. The first guide portion includes a proximal guide insert near the proximal catheter portion, the proximal guide insert is positioned within the assembly cavity, and includes a guide insert surface flush with a catheter body interior wall. The second guide portion includes a distal guide near the distal catheter portion including a tapered loop guide surface and an intermediate guide surface of the catheter lumen flushly engaged with a leading edge of the tapered loop guide surface. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152909 | Oral Care Implement Multiple Soft Tissue Cleaner Components - An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner. The inventive oral care implement comprises different kinds of soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded in-mouth cleaning. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a structural body having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a basin formed into the rear surface of the structural body, the structural body comprising a protuberance extending upward from a recessed floor of the basin, the basin surrounding the protuberance; a first cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue located within the basin, the protuberance of the structural body extending through a central hole of the first cleaner; and a second cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue, the second cleaner located on the protuberance of the structural body. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152910 | VISUAL OBTURATOR WITH TIP OPENINGS - The present disclosure relates to an optical obturator that facilitates the visualization of tissue therethrough during use. The optical obturator disclosed herein includes a housing that is disposed at a proximal end thereof, an elongate member that extends distally from the housing, a distal end formed of a substantially opaque material with one or more openings formed therein, and a shield member. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152911 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SUPPORT COIL AND SUBFRAME - An improved electromagnetic coil tattoo machine offers the operator the opportunity to customize the machine's structural and operating properties. An embodiment of the invention provides a tattoo machine having at least one electromagnetic support coil which may include a coil core which has threaded holes which accommodate fasteners used to structurally secure and support 2 or 3 piece sub-frame members which house the secondary components that a conventional one-piece frame would house—such as the spring/armature bar, the binding posts and the preferred tube vice system. Accordingly in one embodiment, the support coil assemblies themselves act as a primary structural frame member. In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic support coil assembly may also use removable instead of non-removable retaining washers and O-rings to retain magnetic wire windings such as to allow the operator to customize and repair the magnetic wire. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152912 | Catheter Having Internal Mechanisms to Encourage Balloon Re-folding - A balloon catheter that comprises an inner shaft, a balloon and a sleeve that defines a lumen. A portion of the inner shaft is positioned within the lumen and the balloon is engaged to the sleeve at least two engagement points. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152913 | TISSUE EXPANDERS AND METHODS OF USE - Tissue expanders and their methods of use. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152914 | LESS TRAUMATIC METHOD OF DELIVERY OF MESH-BASED DEVICES INTO HUMAN BODY - In some embodiments, a method includes extending a dilator into a body of a patient in a first direction such that a distal end portion of the dilator extends from the body. The dilator defines a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of the dilator is disposed within the body when the distal end portion extends from the body. At least a portion of an implant is passed through the lumen defined by the dilator. The dilator is removed from the body by moving the dilator in the first direction. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152915 | HEMOSTATIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM - A hemostatic stabilization system for hemostatically accessing a bodily organ includes a hemostatic cup and a hemostatic port. The hemostatic cup includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall extending therebetween. The hemostatic cup also includes a tissue attachment edge at the distal end, and a sealing surface at the proximal end. The hemostatic port is configured for insertion through the sealing surface and into the bodily organ. The hemostatic port defines a working channel configured to receive an instrument to be inserted into the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup defines a vacuum chamber configured to adhere the hemostatic cup to the bodily organ when a vacuum source is coupled thereto and when the tissue attachment edge is brought into contact with the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup is configured to maintain a hemostatic environment when the instrument is inserted into the bodily organ through the hemostatic port. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152916 | INTRAVASCULAR FILTER RESTRAINING DEVICE - A filtering device includes a filter that captures embolic material, a plurality of biased support struts that expand outwardly to deploy the filter, and a restraining mechanism. The restraining mechanism applies a restraining force that prevents the plurality of biased support struts from expanding outwardly to deploy the filter. An actuating member cooperates with a portion of the restraining mechanism to release the restraining force and allow the filter to deploy. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152917 | INTRAVASCULAR FILTER RESTRAINING DEVICE - A filtering device includes a filter that captures embolic material, a plurality of biased support struts that expand outwardly to deploy the filter, and a restraining mechanism. The restraining mechanism applies a restraining force that prevents the plurality of biased support struts from expanding outwardly to deploy the filter and includes a sleeve with one or more sleeve support bands biased to expand from a first position to a second position. An actuating member cooperates with a portion of the restraining mechanism to allow the sleeve support band to expand and release the restraining force. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152918 | Reversible Vascular Filter Devices and Methods for Using Same - The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vascular filter device for capturing dislodged blood clots within a vessel. The vascular filter device includes an expandable framework for securing the device within a vessel. The device also a pathway extending through the framework. The device further includes at least one filter in alignment with the pathway for capturing dislodged clots or emboli. In an embodiment, the filter can be given form by a material that can be easily eliminated in situ to permit reestablishment of the pathway. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152919 | Reversible Vascular Filter Devices and Methods for Using Same - The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vascular filter device for capturing dislodged blood clots within a vessel. The vascular filter device includes an expandable framework for securing the device within a vessel. The device also includes a pathway extending through the framework. The device further includes at least one filter in alignment with the pathway for capturing dislodged clots or emboli. In an embodiment, the filter can be given form by a material that can be easily eliminated in situ to permit reestablishment of the pathway. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152920 | EMBOLECTOMY DEVICE - It is one object of the present invention to provide a device for extracting a clot from a blood vessel in a non fragmented manner, comprising: 1. an endless wire coupled to a spring-like helical member having a plurality of loops; said loops are positioned at an angle A relatively to the main longitudinal axis of said blood vessel; and, are adapted to radially encircle at least a portion of the outer circumference of said clot; and, 2. a tubular mesh-like net for both enveloping said helical member and enclosing said clot therein; wherein at least a portion of said clot is contemporaneously confined within said loops and said mesh-like net, such that radial compression forces and longitudinal shearing forces are exerted on said clot and the tendency of said clot to fragment is mitigated. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152921 | Adjustable nasal passage expander - An article to improve nasal passage air flow may be a strip that comprises a flexible resilient material, and has a first end and a second end, and a top surface and a bottom surface, with at least a portion of the bottom surface at the first end of the strip comprising a first adhesive surface, and at least a portion of the bottom surface at the second end of said strip comprising a second adhesive surface. The strip may serve to dilate a user's nasal passage when the first end of the strip is secured using the first adhesive bottom surface to be proximate to an alar facial groove of the user's nose, with the second end of the strip being pulled up at a slight angle and laterally to achieve desired nasal passage expansion and thereafter being secured to the user's face, at roughly a 20-25 degree angle. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152922 | TOOL FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to an easy-to-control tool for minimally invasive surgery and a method for using the same. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for minimally invasive surgery and a method for using the same comprising, a main shaft, a first control shaft and a second control shaft positioned in sequence from one end of the main shaft, a first actuating shaft and a second actuating shaft positioned in sequence from the other end of the main shaft, an adjustment handle positioned around one end of the second control shaft, an end effector positioned around one end of the second actuating shaft, a pitch control part positioned around one position of the positions between the main shaft and the first control shaft, between the first control shaft and the second control shaft, and between the second control shaft and the adjustment handle, for transferring a motion of the adjustment handle in a pitch direction to the end effector, a first yaw control part and a second yaw control part positioned around the other positions of the positions between the main shaft and the first control shaft, between the first control shaft and the second control shaft, and between the second control shaft and the adjustment handle, respectively, for transferring a motion of the adjustment handle in a yaw direction to the end effector, a pitch actuating part positioned around one position of the positions between the main shaft and the first actuating shaft, between the first actuating shaft and the second actuating shaft, and between the second actuating shaft and the end effector, a first yaw actuating part and a second yaw actuating part positioned around the other positions of the positions between the main shaft and the first actuating shaft, between the first actuating shaft and the second actuating shaft, and between the second actuating shaft and the end effector, respectively, and a pitch cable, a first yaw cable, and a second yaw cable for transferring motions from the pitch control part, the first yaw control part, and the second yaw control part to the pitch actuating part, the first yaw actuating part, and the second yaw actuating part. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152923 | INCISION CLOSURE DEVICE - A surgical instrument which can be inserted into an incision in a patient's stomach, wherein tissue-engaging members positioned within a lumen can be deployed therefrom and can engage the stomach wall surrounding the incision. Once engaged with the stomach wall, the tissue-engaging members can be retracted back into the instrument in order to pull at least a portion of the stomach wall into the instrument. In various embodiments, a cinching member can be utilized to cinch the stomach wall tissue and, as a result, seal the incision. The cinching member can comprise a loop and a pull member, wherein the loop can be disposed around a distal end of the surgical instrument such that it can be slid off of the distal end and around the tissue. The pull member can then be pulled proximally in order to decrease the size of the loop and cinch the tissue. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152924 | OXIDIZED REGENERATED CELLULOSE ADHESIVE TAPE - A novel ORC adhesive tape is disclosed. Specifically, the ORC adhesive tape is useful as an alternative to conventional mechanical and non-mechanical wound closure means. The ORC tape has a tape substrate made from neutralized ORC and it contains an adhesive composition such as a bioabsorbable alpha-cyanoacrylate. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152925 | Skin Preparation That Immobilizes Bacteria - Skin sealants are usually applied over skin preps to seal the skin and hold any remaining bacteria in place prior to surgical incisions. This sealant is generally left on the skin after surgery. This two step process is time consuming, as each layer must dry before the next one is applied. A skin preparation is provided that immobilizes at least 95 percent of bacteria on the skin and is essentially free of cyanoacrylate. The skin preparation has a fugitive solvent and may also have antimicrobial compounds like iodophors, biguanides, phenols, quaternary amines, antibiotics and metals. This skin preparation may be used without an additional skin sealant or incise applied over it prior to surgery. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152926 | NEEDLE COATING FORMULATION HAVING LUBRICITY AND DURABILITY - A medical device coated with a novel lubricious coating is disclosed. The coating contains a pre-oxidized hydrophobic polymer, a cross-linking agent, a silicone or siloxane polymer, a slip agent and a catalyst. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152927 | KNOTLESS SUTURE DEVICE - A knotted suture device is disclosed. The device may have a surgical needle attached to one or both ends of the suture. The device has a plurality of loops formed by knots. An anchor member is attached to the device. The device when used in a surgical procedure can be secured without the need to tie a knot. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152928 | REATTACHMENT OF TISSUE TO BASE TISSUE - An anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within base tissue. The anchor body includes a unidirectional mechanism to selectively restrict passage of a flexible member through the anchor. The flexible member includes a loop to enable attachment of candidate tissue to base tissue without the use of knots. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152930 | SUTURE ANCHOR INSERTER - An inserter for inserting a suture anchor into bone. The inserter has external markings that uniquely identify the orientations and the relative longitudinal positions of at least two suture passages through a suture anchor releasably engaged with the inserter. The markings assist a surgeon in determining a preferred placement and orientation of the anchor at an operative site during a surgical procedure. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152931 | Spinal Three-Dimensional Orthopedic Equipment - A spinal three-dimensional orthopedic equipment includes a frame for fixing an operation means and a drive device, a front board member and it's drive device fixed on the frame, a back board member and a middle board member as well as their drive devices fixed on the frame, and a head holding means fixed on the middle board member for holding the patient's head. The head holding means includes a splint connected to said middle board member immovably, two sliding grooves are provided on the splint, and two head holding clips and a mandible tray connected to the sliding pieces mounted in the two sliding grooves respectively, which can slide along the sliding grooves. The spinal orthopedic equipment also includes a front board member fast lifting device, and a drive device for controlling the lifting device. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152932 | Flexible Spine Fixing Structure - A flexible spine fixing structure is provided. The flexible spine fixing structure is used for fixing adjacent two or more vertebras. The flexible spine fixing structure comprises a first flexible part, a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the first flexible part for fixing in the first vertebra. The second flexible part is directly connected to the first flexible part. The third fixing part and the fourth fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the second flexible part for fixing in the second vertebra. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152933 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION - A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152934 | TRANSCONNECTOR FOR COUPLING FIRST AND SECOND SPINAL FIXATION ELEMENTS - Transconnector devices and methods of use are provided. A transconnector device has the capability of connecting to elongate spinal fixation elements having various cross-sectional dimensions. The transconnector device is adjustable in three degrees of freedom and is curved to ensure that it maintains a minimum distance posterior of the dura when it is fixed to elongate spinal fixation elements. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152935 | Device For Dynamic Posterior Stabilisation Matching the Anatomic Lordosis - The invention relates to a device ( | 2011-06-23 |
20110152936 | DIRECTIONAL VERTEBRAL ROD - A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section having a first thinned portion. A second elongated section has a second thinned portion. An intermediate section has a flat, thin configuration, and is connected with and disposed between the first section and the second section. The flat, thin configuration of the intermediate section is disposed in an orientation transverse to at least one of the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152937 | Surgical Implants for Selectively Controlling Spinal Motion Segments - Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defining a first resistance to bending about a first bending axis and a second resistance to bending about a second bending axis that is transverse to the first bending axis. The cross-section also includes intermediate bending axes between the first and second bending axes that provide resistance to bending that is less than that provided about the first bending axis and greater than that provided about the second bending axis. The connecting elements are positioned along one or more spinal motion segments and engaged to vertebrae with anchors with one of the first, second, and intermediate bending axes in the desired orientation relative to the spinal motion segment to provide the desired stiffness and resistance to bending. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152938 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR VERTEBRAE STABILIZATION AND CURVATURE CORRECTION, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the verterbrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152939 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR VERTEBRAE STABILIZATION AND CURVATURE CORRECTION, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the vertebrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152940 | METHODS OF SPINAL FIXATION AND INSTRUMENTATION - A method for performing spinal fixation and instrumentation. A first incision may be made through the skin and a passageway may be created to the spine. A screw may be inserted through the passageway and into a vertebrae. The screw may have a head portion including a channel. An insertion guide may be operable connected to the screw. The insertion guide may have first and second longitudinal slots. Additional screws may each be inserted through separate incisions or through the first incision. Insertion guides may be operably connected to a head portion of each screw. A sleeve may be positioned into one insertion guide in a first position to guide a rod through at least one other insertion guide. The sleeve may be rotated to a second position to allow the rod to move down the slots of the insertion guide(s) and into the head portion of the screw. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152941 | EXTRA-DISCAL ASSEMBLY FOR INTERVERTERBRAL STABILISATION FOR ARTHRODESIS - The invention relates to an assembly that includes: at least two rods ( | 2011-06-23 |
20110152942 | Method and Apparatus for Using a Multi-Hinged Longitudinal Member - A method and apparatus for using a multi-hinged longitudinal member including providing the multi-hinged longitudinal member, including a primary first hinge component pair; and an auxiliary first hinge component pair; providing a primary control device including: a primary control arm pair; and a primary second hinge component pair; providing an auxiliary control device, including an auxiliary second hinge component pair; and an auxiliary control arm pair; creating a primary hinge by connecting each primary first hinge component to a unique primary second hinge component to create a primary hinge; creating a auxiliary hinge by connecting each the auxiliary first hinge component to a unique auxiliary second hinge component to create an auxiliary hinge; rotating the multi-hinged longitudinal member along different axes through manipulation of at least one of the primary control device and the auxiliary control device; and setting the multi-hinged longitudinal member in the desired position. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152943 | BONE PLATE AND TOOL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - A bone plate and tool assembly serves to facilitate realignment of a fractured bone itself, realignment of the fractured bone with respect to a bone or bones adjacent thereto, and placement of the bone plate. The bone plate and tool assembly includes a bone plate and a tool removably attached to one another. The tool includes a handle portion and an extension portion. The bone plate and the handle portion can cooperate as a handle to manipulate the extension portion. Manipulation of the extension portion can serve in realigning the fractured bone itself, and in realigning the fractured bone with respect to the bone or bones adjacent thereto. Once positioned relative to the fractured bone, the bone plate can be securely attached thereto to maintain alignment of the fractured bone. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152944 | BONE SCREW RETAINING SYSTEM - An implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface. The plate includes a split-ring receiving recess open to the outwardly facing surface located intermediate first and second bone screw receiving openings in the plate. The first and second bone screw receiving openings each having a slot spaced from the outwardly facing surface towards the bone contacting surface. The slot is formed in a wall of the first and second bone screw receiving openings. The slot is open to the split ring receiving recess. A resilient split-ring has a thickness less than a height of the slots in the first and second bone screw openings when measured along the bone screw receiving opening axis. The split-ring having a contracted position wherein its maximum dimension is less than a maximum dimension of the split-ring receiving recess and an expanded position wherein an outer circumference of the split-ring extends through the slots and into the first and second bone screw receiving openings. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152945 | BONE FASTENING ASSEMBLY - A bone fastening assembly for use with a screw and including a bone plate and a bushing having a bore adapted for receiving the screw. The bone plate has a substantially planar portion and is provided with a hole in the portion for receiving the bushing. The portion of the bone plate and the bushing are cooperatively configured for providing pivotal movement of the bushing within the hole about a pivot axis and restricting the pivot axis to a plane extending in the portion of the bone plate. A new bone attachment screw for use with the bone fastening assembly is provided. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152946 | FLEXIBLE MAXILLO-MANDIBULAR FIXATION DEVICE - A system for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a bone fixation device including a bone fixation body formed from a plurality of links. The links define corresponding crests and valleys so as to impart flexibility into the bone fixation body. Thus, the bone fixation body can be aligned with the dental arch of the mandible and maxilla as necessary, and subsequently fastened to the underlying bone. Each bone fixation device includes at least one securement location on the fixation body that can attach to a securement device, such that the securement device fixes or stabilizes the mandible and the maxilla with respect to each other. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152947 | SPINAL IMPLANT LOCKING MEMBER WITH IMPROVED GUIDANCE, TACTILE AND VISUAL FEEDBACK - An implant having a receiver that is adapted to receive a polyaxial screw in the bore and either an internal or external cap. The cap can be an external or internal cap and the implant further has at least one locking aid in the form of at least one of a tactile feedback, a visual feedback or an enhanced fixation between the cap and a rod that is received in the receiver. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152948 | TRIPLE LEAD BONE SCREW - A pedicle screw assembly, including: a bone screw having a head portion and a thread portion, wherein the thread portion includes an axial shaft and a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft; and a rod retention member selectively coupled to the head portion of the bone screw. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that originate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that terminate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a first tapering portion proximate a tip of the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a second tapering portion proximate the tip of the axial shaft. Preferably, the second tapering portion tapers more steeply than the first tapering portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a reduced diameter portion proximate the head portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes one or more tapering portions proximate the head portion. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152949 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element including a shaft and a head; a receiving part including a first end and a second end, and having a channel for receiving a rod near the first end, and an accommodation space for accommodating the head near the second end; and a pressure element configured to be located at least partially in the accommodation space and including a flexible portion to clamp the head, wherein the anchoring element is pivotable, and the pressure element is movable inside the accommodation space to lock the head within the pressure element, and wherein a first securing portion on the pressure element and a second securing portion on the receiving part are configured to engage and form a rigid coupling therebetween to prevent removal of the pressure element from the first end of the receiving part. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152950 | SPINAL IMPLANT - This disclosure relates to a spinal implant that can provisionally retain a rod in an assembly head without having to first lock the rod relative to the assembly head. The spinal implant has a clip insert structured to retain the rod in the assembly head. The clip insert has a top portion with a cylindrical opening and extending over the cylindrical opening to cover the connection rod in part when the connection rod is engaged in the clip insert. The top portion is deformable by application of force on the connection rod to engage the connection rod with the clip insert. The clip insert and the assembly head are mechanically decoupled and can be fully received within the assembly head. The mechanical forces to which the assembly head is subjected are not transmitted to the clip insert. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152951 | ARCH BARS FOR USE IN MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY AND ORTHODONTICS - A dental arch bar system includes upper and lower dental arch bars having movable transverse arms and ligature connectors. Fasteners secure the transverse arms to a subject's maxilla and mandible. Ligatures are secured around upper and lower ligature connectors to achieve intermaxillary fixation. A method is also disclosed for using the arch bar system to achieve intermaxillary fixation by securing the arch bars against opposing dental arches with ligature connectors of the upper and lower arch bar generally aligned. In some embodiments, a single dental arch bar is utilized and one or more ligature connectors (such as screws) are fixed directly in the bone of the opposite jaw. Ligatures then are secured to arch bar ligature connectors and the opposing ligature connectors. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152952 | Surgical Implant Insertion Apparatus and Method - A surgical implant insertion device including an inner shaft; shaft threading coupled to the inner shaft; a rotating knob including a channel bored therethrough and internal threading lining the channel, where the internal threading configured to mate with the shaft threading; an actuator including an actuator body and a translation cavity cut through the actuator body and an inner shaft cavity cut through the actuator body, where the inner shaft cavity wraps around the inner shaft; an outer sleeve covering the inner shaft and coupled to the rotating knob; and a base connector wrapping around the outer sleeve, the base connector comprising a pair of connecting arms configured to loosely mate with the translation cavity of the actuator and pivoting and translating the actuator in response to a linear force. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152953 | SURGICAL GUIDE INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR WORKING THE ARTICULAR PROCESSES OF VERTEBRAL BODIES - A surgical guide instrument for use on the articular processes of vertebral bodies. At the distal end of the guide instrument, there are two plier heads, which are designed for a plier movement relative to each other. A guide rail is provided, which defines a guide axis for a reamer. The guide rail is pivotable about a first pivot axis, such that the guide axis, with the pivoting movement about the first pivot axis, spans a work sector, and such that the work sector intersects an imaginary connecting line between the plier heads. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152954 | BROACH HANDLE WITH FLEXURE SPRING - An instrument for holding a surgical tool or bone implant includes a handle with a bearing surface formed in one end for engaging the surgical tool. An elastically deformable plate is mounted on the handle body the plate having a catch element formed on a leading end thereof adapted to engage a coupling element formed on the surgical tool. The elastically deformable plate includes a cam follower formed in a recess thereon and includes a deformable spring section intermediate the can elements and the plate end with the catch element. An elongated pivotable loading member is rotatably mounted on the handle body. The loading member includes a cam surface for engaging the cam follower surface on the deformable plate. The cam surface on the loading member is shaped to elastically deform the elastically deformable plate section in a direction away from the plate catch element to thereby load and maintain a connecting force between the plate and the surgical tool or bone implant. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152955 | Bone Separator - A bone spreader includes two tubular pin holders which are connected to one another by a parallel guide system, and two pins that are configured to be connected to the bone parts that are to be spread apart. In order to give the bone parts that are to be spread apart a more secure position in relation to one another, at least one of the pin holders is provided with a locking device for a pin located in the pin holder. This locking device includes a locking finger which is movable tangentially with respect to the pin holder and which, in the locking position, engages in a transverse groove of the associated pin and can be formed by a pivotably mounted hook. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152956 | ELECTRICAL INIBITION OF THE PHRENIC NERVE DURING CARDIAC PACING - According to various method embodiments for pacing a heart and avoiding unwanted stimulation of a phrenic nerve during cardiac pacing, a desired pacing time for delivering a cardiac pace is determined, and a desired nerve traffic inhibition time to inhibit nerve traffic in the phrenic nerve is determined using the desired pace time. The cardiac pace is delivered at the desired pacing time and nerve traffic in the phrenic nerve is inhibited at the desired nerve traffic inhibition time. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152957 | CHAOS-BASED DETECTION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) based on variations in ventricular intervals detected by a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). In one example, ventricular beats are detected and intervals between the ventricular beats are measured, such as RR intervals. Irregular ventricular beats are identified, including ectopic beats, bigeminal beats, and the like. The degree of variability within the ventricular intervals is then determined while excluding any intervals associated with irregular beats. AF is then detected based on the degree of variability. That is, AF is detected based on variability occurring within ventricular intervals after ectopic beats and other irregular beats have been eliminated, thus mitigating detection problems that might arise if the variability were instead calculated based on all ventricular beat intervals. Techniques are also described herein for distinguishing AF from sinus tachycardia, which can also cause a high degree of variability in RR intervals. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152958 | SINTERED ELECTRODES TO STORE ENERGY IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An example includes a capacitor case sealed to retain electrolyte, at least one anode disposed in the capacitor case, the at least one anode comprising a sintered portion disposed on a substrate, an anode conductor coupled to the substrate in electrical communication with the sintered portion, the anode conductor sealingly extending through the capacitor case to an anode terminal disposed on the exterior of the capacitor case with the anode terminal in electrical communication with the sintered portion, a cathode disposed in the capacitor case, a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode and a cathode terminal disposed on an exterior of the capacitor case and in electrical communication with the cathode, with the anode terminal and the cathode terminal electrically isolated from one another. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152959 | IMPLANTABLE ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE INCLUDING A CONNECTION POST TO CONNECT MULTIPLE ELECTRODES - An example includes a capacitor case sealed to retain electrolyte, at least one anode disposed in the capacitor case, the at least one anode comprising a sintered portion disposed on a substrate, an anode conductor coupled to the substrate in electrical communication with the sintered portion, the anode conductor sealingly extending through the capacitor case to an anode terminal disposed on the exterior of the capacitor case with the anode terminal in electrical communication with the sintered portion, a second electrode disposed in the capacitor case, a separator disposed between the second electrode and the anode and a second electrode terminal disposed on an exterior of the capacitor case and in electrical communication with the second electrode, with the anode terminal and the second electrode terminal electrically isolated from one another. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152960 | SINTERED CAPACITOR ELECTRODE INCLUDING MULTIPLE THICKNESSES - An example includes a capacitor case sealed to retain electrolyte, at least one anode disposed in the capacitor case, the at least one anode comprising a sintered portion disposed on a substrate, an anode conductor coupled to the substrate in electrical communication with the sintered portion, the anode conductor sealingly extending through the capacitor case to an anode terminal disposed on the exterior of the capacitor case with the anode terminal in electrical communication with the sintered portion, a cathode disposed in the capacitor case, a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode and a cathode terminal disposed on an exterior of the capacitor case and in electrical communication with the cathode, with the anode terminal and the cathode terminal electrically isolated from one another. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152961 | ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE ELECTRODE INCLUDING AN OVERCURRENT PROTECTOR - One embodiment includes a capacitor case sealed to retain electrolyte, at least one electrode disposed in the capacitor case, the at least one electrode comprising an overcurrent protector, a conductor coupled to the overcurrent protector and in electrical communication with a remainder of the electrode, the conductor sealingly extending through the capacitor case to a terminal disposed on an exterior of the capacitor case, a second electrode disposed in the capacitor case, a separator disposed between the electrode and the second electrode and a second terminal disposed on the exterior of the capacitor case and in electrical communication with the second electrode, with the terminal and the second terminal electrically isolated from one another, wherein the overcurrent protector is to interrupt electrical communication between the terminal and the remainder of the electrode at a selected current level. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152962 | Cable Detection System - An embodiment of a cable detection system described in this application comprises at least one cable connector adapted to connect with a cable, a field generator adapted to induce an electrical signal across the at least one cable connector, the electrical signal having an amplitude and a frequency, and a detector for detecting a change in the amplitude or the frequency of the electrical signal across the at least one cable connector. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152963 | AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMING OF RATE-ADAPTIVE THERAPY VIA ACTIVITY MONITORING - A rate-adaptive pacemaker and a method for its operation in which the response factor for a minute ventilation sensor or other type of exertion level sensor is automatically set during a parameter adjustment mode that utilizes an activity level measurement to determine when the patient is at a target activity level with which is associated an appropriate target pacing rate. In a preferred embodiment, the target activity level corresponds to casual walking (e.g., 2 mph at a 4% grade) with a target pacing rate selected as appropriate for that level of activity in the individual patient. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152964 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AV INTERVAL SELECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device provides ventricular pacing capabilities and optimizes AV intervals for multiple purposes. In general, intrinsic conduction is promoted by determining when electromechanical systole (EMS) ends and setting an AV interval accordingly. EMS is determined utilizing various data including QT interval, sensor input, and algorithmic calculations. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152965 | Diagnosis and Prediction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - A tongue location monitoring system, including, one or more position circuits that respond to transmissions from a transceiver, a transceiver that transmits to the one or more position circuits, a control circuit coupled to the transceiver: wherein the control circuit determines the location of a person's tongue based on the responses of the position circuits; and wherein either the transceiver or the position circuits are implanted in the muscle of the person's tongue or placed on the tongue, and the latter is placed outside the person's head. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152966 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152967 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES - Methods and devices are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through delivery of energy to target nervous tissue, particularly the vagus nerve. The devices include a magnetic stimulator having coils with toroidal windings, which are in contact with an electrically conducting medium that is adapted to conform to the contour of a target body surface of a patient. The coils induce an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating nerve fibers within the patient. The stimulation brings about reduction of neuroinflammation in patients suffering from conditions comprising Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium. Reduction in inflammation is effected by enhancing the anti-inflammatory competence of cytokines such as TGF-beta, wherein a retinoid or components of the retinoic acid signaling system provide an anti-inflammatory bias, by enhancing anti-inflammatory activity of a neurotrophic factor such as NGF, GDNF, BDNF, or MANF, and/or by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152968 | ORTHOSIS FOR A GAIT MODULATION SYSTEM - A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis around the limb segment, the limb segment applies a counter-pressure from within the frame, against the opposing retaining elements, such that the orthosis is firmly and fixedly self-retained in a pre-determined position on the surface. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152969 | EXTRAOCULAR EPIRETINAL IMPLANT - The object of providing a visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved according to the present invention by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. The visual prosthesis according to the invention therefore offers the advantage that virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. The present invention furthermore discloses a bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, comprising the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which an current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152970 | LOCATION-BASED RANKING AND SWITCHING OF WIRELESS CHANNELS IN A BODY AREA NETWORK OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Operating techniques and methodologies for a body area network of medical devices are provided. One technique relates to an intelligent channel hopping scheme that detects loss of wireless synchronization on an initial wireless channel, thereafter obtains a measure of quality for the initial wireless channel, and then selects a new wireless channel when the obtained measure of quality fails to satisfy a threshold criteria. Another operating technique dynamically adapts an ordered list of available wireless channels in accordance with a quality measure of the available wireless channels. Thus, when quality degradation associated with a first wireless channel is detected, the ordered list can be updated to indicate a lower preference for the first wireless channel and to indicate a higher preference for a second wireless channel that does not suffer from quality degradation. Another channel hopping or switching technique selects wireless channels in a manner that is influenced by the current geographic position of the medical device. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152971 | ANTENNA ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLANTABLE THERAPY DEVICE - Embodiments of an implantable medical device includes a loop antenna wound about an inner housing. The loop antenna may form a partial winding, a complete winding, or multiple windings about the inner housing. One or more additional antennae may be capacitively coupled to the loop antenna external to the inner housing to increase efficiency and decrease Return Loss Response of the implantable device. The additional antenna may be balanced or unbalanced antennae. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152972 | SWITCHED PROTECTIVE DEVICE AGAINST ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE - A device and a method for working in the presence of electromagnetic fields, in particular fields occurring in magnetic resonance tomography (referred to below as “MRT” or “MRI”) imaging devices. More precisely, the invention relates to a medical device (MD) in which an electrode is in contact with bodily tissue, and for detection of electromagnetic interference fields the input characteristic of the MD is automatically modified by a switching device in such a way that the influences of the electromagnetic interference fields are minimized. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152973 | EXTENDED NOISE MODE - A device and a method for working in the presence of electromagnetic fields, in particular fields occurring in cautery applications. Also relates to a partially implanted medical device (IMD), having a unit for detecting electromagnetic interference fields, at least one control unit, a timer, and a detection unit for electrical measured variables and/or a stimulation unit, at least one electrode line having an electrode at one end which is brought into contact with bodily tissue, and which either extends inside the body and/or is situated on the surface of an implant, wherein when nonphysiological signals and/or electromagnetic interference fields are detected and the unit for electromagnetic interference fields evaluates the detected signals as nonphysiological signals for a first specifiable time period, and/or for a second specified time period the stimulation unit is placed in an asynchronous operating state in which the wearer of the IMD is asynchronously stimulated. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152974 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY NEUROMODULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for treating respiratory or pulmonary medical conditions by neuromodulation of a target site of the sympathetic nervous system and preferably a target site in communication with a sympathetic nerve chain. A system for treating a respiratory or pulmonary medical condition incorporating a closed-loop feedback system is also provided. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152975 | Plurality of Electrons for Use in the Restoration of a Patient's Health - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-invasive stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair-system using a plurality of electrons. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health in a number of medical conditions. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treatment using a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair system using a plurality of electrons. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152976 | Optical Cochlear Stimulation Devices and Methods - An output assembly is sized for placement in the middle and inner ear, such that removal of bone can be decreased. The output assembly may comprise at least one photo detector, a demultiplexer and an optical array sized to pass through an incision in the eardrum. An input transducer assembly is configured to transmit a multiplexed optical signal to the output assembly. The input assembly can be configured to transmit the multiplexed optical signal through the eardrum, such that tissue removal can be decreased and the device can be placed without removal of bone, for example. The multiplexed optical signal may comprise a pulse width modulated signal so as to decrease the effect of non-linearities of the light source and light detector and provide quality sound to the user. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152977 | Light-irradiating beauty care device - A light-irradiating beauty care device includes a hand-held main body and a light irradiation unit provided at one end of the main body for irradiating light on a living body surface. The light irradiation unit includes a light source for emitting the light and a lens through which to pass the light. The light-irradiating beauty care device further includes a light distribution control unit having a discharge portion provided between the lens of the light irradiation unit and the living body surface and an opaque portion for covering the peripheries of the discharge portion and the light irradiation unit. The discharge portion includes optical members through which to transmit the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit while maintaining the quantity of light. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152978 | Systems, devices, and methods including catheters configured to monitor biofilm formation having biofilm spectral information configured as a data structure - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152979 | Microbe Reduction with Light Radiation - Present invention discloses methods and devices for treating skin and nail infections such as onychomycosis and dermatophytosis, caused by pathogenic microbes such as fungi. in a preferred embodiment, a method for treating skin and nail infections comprises irradiating the treatment site with a light radiation source operating at one or more near infrared wavelengths which are absorbed by the pathogenic microbes, specifically operating at 980±30 nm, 1470±40 nm and/or 1900±60 nm. In another preferred embodiment, a method for treating skin and nail fungus comprises irradiating the treatment site with a device emitting laser radiation of 980±30 nm wavelength. In another embodiment, a device for treating toenail fungus comprises a laser radiation source which emits a combination of radiation wavelengths at about 980±30 nm and 1470±40 nm; or 980±30 nm and 1900±60 nm; or 1470±40 nm and 1900±60 nm; or 980±30 nm, 1470±40 nm and 1900±60 nm. In another embodiment, devices for treating skin and nail infections include a laser radiation source and delivery apparatuses such as brush or toothed comb for nail and scalp infections respectively. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152980 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVATING PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS - With a method and an apparatus for activating physiological functions, a thermal stimulus at 31° C. to 34° C. and a cold stimulus at 18° C. to 22° C. are alternately given to the human body to activate the human physiological functions, in particular, the motor functions of peripheral blood vessels. As a result, the blood pressure regulatory functions, the blood circulation regulatory functions, and the thermoregulatory functions are enhanced thereby to achieve the effects of preventing hypertension, preventing reduction in metabolism and repair functions, accelerating recovery from fatigue, and preventing heat strokes. The apparatus for activating physiological functions includes, for example, a heat pump type air conditioner that selectively generates hot air and cool air. The hot air blown out from the air conditioner into a room interior is utilized as the thermal stimulus, and the cool air also blown out from the air conditioner is utilized as the cold stimulus. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152981 | Living-tissue normalization method - A living-tissue normalization method and therapeutic device. The method includes intermittently flowing a slight direct current through a living body or living tissue at predetermined regular intervals to thereby activate a normalization mechanism of said living body or living tissue through the intermediary of protein. The therapeutic device includes a resistance provided between a pair of electrodes and current control arranged so that electrically conductive layers of a pair of pad elements are intermittently supplied with a slight direct current at predetermined regular intervals, and so that the pair of electrodes are supplied with a direct current. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152982 | SYSTEM FOR ALTERING AND MAINTAINING TEMPERATURES OF OBJECTS - The present invention relates to a system for altering or maintaining the temperature of an object. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152983 | MODULAR APPARATUS FOR THERAPY OF AN ANIMATE BODY - A modular therapy system for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first modular member and a second modular member. The first modular member comprises a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the portion of the animate body. The second modular member includes a pouch adapted to receive the first modular member. The second modular member can be wrapped around the animate body portion with the first modular member positioned therein. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a third modular member having a pouch adapted to receive the first modular member. The third modular member is configured for wrapping to a different sized animate body or different portion of the body than the second modular member. The third modular member may have a different shape or size than the second modular member. In various embodiments, the second and third modular members are sleeves selected from among a plurality of differently configured sleeves. Methods of making and using the system are also disclosed. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152984 | Pediatric underbody blanket - An underbody convective warming blanket that may be used by a pediatric or neonate patient includes a head portion configured with multiple substantially U-shaped channels each having a plurality of adjacent rows of apertures that circumscribe the head of the patient positioned on the blanket. The adjacent rows of apertures are configured on the upper layer of the blanket so as to be positioned at an orientation or angle relative to the base plane of the blanket or the head of the patient such that those apertures would substantially face the head of the patient when the blanket is inflated, so that the heated air output from the apertures is directed substantially towards the head of the patient to thereby effect an invisible dome of heated air that envelopes the head of the patient. | 2011-06-23 |
20110152985 | INSTRUMENT FOR PREVENTING OR TREATING HEMORRHOIDS, AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING OR TREATING HEMORRHOIDS - The present invention provides an instrument for preventing and treating hemorrhoids, which enables easy attachment to the body, ensures comfort in use, and effectively prevents and treats hemorrhoids. | 2011-06-23 |