39th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 53 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080234681 | Dynamic cervical plate - A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with grooves on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral bar is attached on one end of the shaft. The bar has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral bar is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the grooves on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to prevent screws from backing out of the holes. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234682 | Augmentation device for osteoporotic bone - A bone augmentation device for anchoring an orthopaedic implant to bone tissue. An annular proximal section is rotatably joined to a distal section formed of a plurality of arcuate lower segments by flexures (integral embodiments) or a hinge (discrete embodiments). The interior of the annular proximal section is coaxial with the plurality of lower segments in the closed configuration of the distal section. When a surgical implant penetrates the device the lower segments, whose free ends are barbed, are rotated outwardly to either contact the endosteal side of the cortical bone or to present a pull-out resistive configuration within the cancellous bone. The device thereby provides a stable point of attachment for the implant in otherwise-unstable osteoporotic bone. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234683 | SINGLE PLANE ANATOMIC REFERENCING TISSUE PREPARATION - A system for preparing a surface of an anatomical structure, such as a bone or cartilage, for example, to receive an orthopaedic implant. The system includes a surgical instrument for preparing the surface and a guide engageable with a follower of the surgical instrument. The guide includes a track or path configured to guide the follower and prepare a desired surface on the anatomical structure. The guide facilitates guidance of the surgical instrument in two dimensions. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234684 | Instruments and techniques for guiding instruments to a spinal column - Systems and methods of shaping surfaces of vertebral bodies include a reference guide instrument that can be positioned relative to a disc space between vertebral bodies and referenced to the caudally located endplate of the disc space. The reference guide instrument can then be employed to guide preparation instruments to the vertebral bodies in an orientation and spacing referenced to the caudal endplate of the subject disc space to shape vertebral surfaces to receive an implant. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234685 | Patient-Adapted Osteotomy Template for Precise Resection of the Neck of the Femur in a Total Hip Prosthesis Operation - A patient-adapted osteotomy template for precise resection of the femur in a total hip prosthesis operation with the use of a reamer comprises an upper abutment surface for abutment with the femur, a connecting surface fixed to the upper abutment surface and a guide surface, a guide slot provided in the connecting surface and an orientation indicator fixed to or provided in the osteotomy template. The guide surface and slot define the desired cutting plane and provide guidance of the resection instrument for the resection operation when the upper abutment surface is in abutment against the femur and when the osteotomy template is rotated about the drilling axis of the reamer so that the orientation indicator is in a specific position. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234686 | Intervertebral disc prosthesis, surgical methods, and fitting tools - An intervertebral disc prosthesis designed to be substituted for fibrocartilaginous discs ensures a connection between the vertebra of the vertebra column or the end of the latter. The prosthesis includes a pair of plates spaced from each other by a nucleus. The prosthesis has increased stability by providing the nucleus with a translation or rotation stop, or by inducing an angular correction between its plates contacting vertebra, or a combination of these characteristics. The stop includes pales external to the nucleus and contact surfaces perpendicular to their contact directions. Surgical methods and instrumentation for implanting the prosthesis are also described. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234687 | DEVICES FOR TREATING THE SPINE - Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234688 | Apparatus and Method for Placing an Implant In Vivo - A system and method for placing an implant into or onto supporting bone, or between adjacent bones, without impaction is disclosed. The system includes an implant, a distracter, and a sleeve. Optionally, the invention includes an alignment guide, a surgical navigational tracker, and a bone displacer. The sleeve is structured to interpose the implant and supporting bone and provide a differential engagement force between the sleeve-implant interface and the sleeve-bone interface to preferentially move the implant into, onto or between supporting bone structures. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234689 | Vertebral Plate Measuring Device and Method of Use - The present application is directed to a surgical devices and methods to measure vertebral members for a vertebral plate. The device may include a handle with a first arm and a second arm. A trial plate may be attached to the handle. The trial plate may include a first trial plate section operatively connected to the first arm and a second trial plate section operatively connected to the second arm. Each of the first and second trial plate sections may include a distal side to contact against an outer side of the vertebral members. A scale may be operatively connected to the first and second trial plate sections and may include measurement indicia. The first and second arms may be movable to adjust a distance between the first and second sections and expose the measurement indicia to determine a size of the vertebral plate. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234690 | Volume measuring intervertebral tool system and method - The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a device for use in an intervertebral tissue removal procedure includes a cannula having a first end portion for insertion into tissue, a feed passage within the cannula, a return passage within the cannula, and a loosening member movable within the feed passage and the return passage and at least partially deployable away from the first end portion of the cannula. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234691 | Flex-Rod, Curvature-Adaptable - The design of a rod is disclosed that can serve in general structural applications or as an orthopedic spinal implant to retain formation or stimulate the reduction of deformity as occurring in scoliosis and kyphosis. Different from common solid rod implants, the here-disclosed rod is curvature-adaptable in three dimensions to the actual or desired curvature or shape of the spine and can be provided with elasticity in order to serve as support or agent for curvature correction. The curvature adaptation of the proposed rod can be done with minimal force before or after implantation by means of the simple rotation of always only one in a pair of wedge shaped washers inserted between rod segments while leaving full mechanical strength or elasticity to the rod after curvature adaptation. The rotation of the washers can be done by various means, either once before implant or subsequently in the implanted state. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234692 | Orthopedic jig, pin, and method - An orthopedic jig and pins therefore are disclosed that allow the pins to be pre-loaded into apertures through the jig before the jig is positioned at a desired location with respect to a bone during an orthopedic surgical procedure. At least one of the pin and/or jig includes a retention mechanism whereby the pin can be inserted into the bore and releasably restrained therein until the jig is place in the selected position and the pins driven into the bone. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234693 | Endoscopic Tissue Resection Device - Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. The disclosed devices and methods can be useful, for example, for orbiting the distal end of one tool around the distal end of another tool, such as in an endoscopic resection procedure, and/or for rotating a tool or an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, an endoscopic device is provided and can include an elongate shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen formed therein, each of the first and the second lumens adapted to receive a tool therethrough. A rotatable element can be disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the rotatable element having a lumen formed therein that is associated with the first lumen of the elongate shaft and also having a tool guide that is adapted to receive a tool and that is associated with the second lumen of the elongate shaft. The rotatable element can be configured to rotate on a longitudinal axis thereof such that the tool guide orbits the longitudinal axis of the rotatable element. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234694 | Tool and a Method for Attaching a Cardiac Stimulator Lead at a Desired Position Inside a Heart - For attaching a cardiac stimulator lead at a desired position inside a heart, the stimulator lead having a flexible tube from which a helix is extendible at a distal end thereof by a screw rotating motion and having a proximal end interconnected with an operating member, a tool has a flexible portion wire with an engagement formation at a distal end thereof that mates with a complimentary engagement formation at a proximal end of the operating member. The tool has a handle containing an internal cavity, with a proximal portion of the torsion wire being rotationally rotated by the handle in the internal cavity, and a resilient yoke is formed in the internal cavity, with at least a part of the yoke engaging grooves and ridges in a circumferential boundary surface of the internal cavity. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234695 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLED ENDOSCOPIC PENETRATION OF INJECTION NEEDLE - An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234696 | Surgical tissue retrieval instrument - A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient's abdomen through a cannula. The instrument includes a two-jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a toggle means. The two jaws and the toggle means are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled. An especially advantageous embodiment features two jaws of unequal length. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234697 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING AND IMPLANTING FOLLICULAR UNITS - Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234698 | HARVESTING TOOLS FOR BIOLOGICAL UNITS - Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234699 | BIOLOGICAL UNIT REMOVAL TOOLS WITH CONCENTRIC TUBES - Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234700 | 3D Tool Path Planning, Simulation and Control System - A system, apparatus, and method are provided for control of a catheter (including an ablation catheter), bronchoscope/endoscope and beveled needle. Control of a bronchoscope ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234701 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - Methods and devices provide constriction of a heart valve annulus to treat cardiac valve regurgitation and other conditions. Embodiments typically include a device for attaching a cinching or tightening apparatus to a heart valve annulus to reduce the circumference of the annulus, thus reducing valve regurgitation. Tightening devices may include multiple tethered clips, multiple untethered crimping clips, stabilizing devices, visualization devices, and the like. In one embodiment, a plurality of tethered clips is secured circumferentially to a valve annulus, and the tether coupling the clips is cinched to reduce the circumference of at least a portion of the annulus. Methods and devices may be used in open heart surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures, catheter-based procedures, and/or procedures on beating hearts or stopped hearts. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234702 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - Methods and devices provide constriction of a heart valve annulus to treat cardiac valve regurgitation and other conditions. Embodiments typically include a device for attaching a cinching or tightening apparatus to a heart valve annulus to reduce the circumference of the annulus, thus reducing valve regurgitation. Tightening devices may include multiple tethered clips, multiple untethered crimping clips, stabilizing devices, visualization devices, and the like. In one embodiment, a plurality of tethered clips is secured circumferentially to a valve annulus, and the tether coupling the clips is cinched to reduce the circumference of at least a portion of the annulus. Methods and devices may be used in open heart surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures, catheter-based procedures, and/or procedures on beating hearts or stopped hearts. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234703 | TISSUE APPROXIMATION SYSTEM - Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234704 | DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234705 | TISSUE APPROXIMATION METHODS - Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234706 | Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel - Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234707 | Contact Glass for Ophthalmic Surgery - In a contact glass for ophthalmic surgery, which comprises a lens body ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234708 | Surgical instruments - A surgical instrument that may include a housing, a transducer engaged with the housing which can produce vibrations, and an end-effector engaged with the transducer. The surgical instrument can further include an adjustable sheath extending from the housing where the sheath is movable relative to the distal tip of the end-effector and where the distance between the distal tip of the sheath and the distal tip of the end-effector can be set such that the sheath can act as a depth stop. The sheath can be adjusted such that, when the distal tip of the sheath contacts the tissue or bone being incised, the surgeon can determine that the appropriate depth of the incision has been reached. In other embodiments, the end-effector can be moved with respect to the sheath in order to adjust the distance between the distal tip of the end-effector and the distal tip of the sheath. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234709 | Ultrasonic surgical instrument and cartilage and bone shaping blades therefor - An ultrasonic surgical blade that includes a blade body that has a treatment region. At least one indentation can be formed in the treatment region of the blade body wherein each indentation forms a tissue cutting edge with an outer surface of the blade body. The indentation may comprise one or more holes, lumens, grooves or dimples or a combination of such structures. In various embodiments, one or more aspiration lumens are provided in the surgical blade which may ultimately communicate with an aspiration lumen or passage in an ultrasonic surgical instrument. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234710 | Ultrasonic surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. The transducer is configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. The ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The body includes a treatment region that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The body includes a substantially flat broad top surface, a bottom surface, and a neck portion protruding from the proximal end adapted to couple to the transducer. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234711 | Surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes an elongated transmission waveguide defining a longitudinal axis. The transmission waveguide has a distal end and a proximal end. The at least one strike surface is formed on the proximal end and is configured to receive vibratory energy. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234712 | ULTRASONIC OPERATION APPARATUS FOR DETECTING INITIAL RESONANCE FREQUENCY AND FOR SHIFTING TO PLL OPERATION - In an ultrasonic operation apparatus according to the present invention, in order to detect the initial resonance frequency (Fro) promptly once a foot switch is pressed, under the control of a sweeping speed control circuit, the D/A converter D/A converts 8-bits of signals (phase difference amount signal Δθ) representing the amount of the phase difference detected by the phase comparator, and the output of the D/A converter is output to a VCO so as to become a clock for a sweep circuit. When a phase difference amount between θi and θv is large and a drive frequency setting signal (Fs) is far from Fro, the sweeping speed for Fro detection is increased. When a phase difference amount between θi and θv is small and Fs is close to Fro, the sweeping speed for Pro detection is decreased. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234713 | SHAVER BLADE WITH DEPTH MARKINGS - A surgical cutting instrument with a tubular member provided with a plurality of markings (for example, depth markings) to aid a surgeon in assessing the dimensions (for example, the depth) of the tissue or structure that is cut or shaped. The tubular member may be an outer tubular member of a cutting instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. An inner tubular member having cutting means may be rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member. The cutting means or cutter may be rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member adjacent to an outer cutting aperture and adjacent the plurality of markings. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234714 | Cutting Tool Having A Magnetically Controlled Pre-Load Force - The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool that includes an outer tubular member having a first magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive force, is created between the first magnet and the second magnet. The attractive force creates a preload force between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. A method of creating a force between an inner and outer tubular member is also disclosed. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234715 | Tissue Extraction and Collection Device - Methods and device for extracting and collecting tissue, which can be used for example in tissue engineering and grafting applications, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device can include an outer tube. A rotatable shaft can be disposed within the outer tube can have a tissue harvesting tip formed on its distal end, the tissue harvesting tip being effective to excise tissue upon rotation thereof A tissue collection device can be included to receive and collected excised tissue, and the tissue collection device can indicate the amount of tissue collected therein. For example, the tissue collection device can include a straining element which collects excised tissue and an indicator by which to assess the amount of collected tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue collection device can translate to indicate the amount of collected tissue. In many cases, devices disclosed herein can include driving mechanisms that are adapted to drive a tissue harvesting tip such that the tip excises soft tissue, but stops when contacting bone (or soon after contacting bone). In some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tip can be effective to excise viable tissue samples, such that the samples can exhibit desirable proportions of viable cells. Further, in some embodiments, the tissue harvesting tips can excise a tissue sample with tissue particles falling in certain size ranges. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234716 | Apparatus And Method For A High Speed Rotation-To-Rotation Oscillation Converter For Surgical Use - A converter for use in a high speed rotationally oscillating surgical burring device comprises an output shaft, and a rotationally oscillating secondary drive rotor coupled to the output shaft. The secondary drive rotor is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its angular momentum. A unidirectionally rotating primary drive rotor is provided. A linearly reciprocating transmission converts unidirectional rotation to bidirectional rotational oscillation coupling the primary and secondary drive rotors. The transmission is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its linear momentum. An input shaft is coupled to the rotating primary drive rotor to which a unidirectional rotational force is applied. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234717 | Helical Screw Puncture Tip - A helical screw dilator system and method including a helical screw dilator having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial length, the helical screw dilator including a piercing tip at the distal end; a threaded dilation portion operably connected to the piercing tip along the axial length, the threaded dilation portion having an outer surface increasing in circumference with distance from the distal end and having threads disposed about the outer surface; and a shaft between the threaded dilation portion and the proximal end and a guidewire lumen through the center to guide the system to its destination. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234718 | Ballasted Intragastric Balloon, Use Of An Absorbing Body And/Or Heavy Solid Bodies To Form A Ballast Inside Such A Balloon - Please cancel the previous Abstract and insert the following new Abstract. The invention relates to an expandable intragastric balloon, for implantation into the stomach of a patient, to reduce the volume thereof for the treatment of obesity. Said balloon is provided with at least one first flexible pouch, capable of shifting from a folded position to an expanded position by introducing an inflation fluid into the first pouch, said expanded position giving a functional form to the balloon. Said balloon is characterized in that it comprises a ballasting means, for making said balloon substantially heavy to improve the positioning thereof in the stomach. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234719 | Vaginal dilator for use in vaginal rehabilitation and methods therefor - These stents aid in the rehabilitation of transgender patients, vaginismus patients and vaginal reconstruction patients and similar maladies. The glass stent is made from select medical grade borosilicate glass that is non-porous, hypoallergenic, incredibly durable, and incredibly smooth, can be easily sterilized, is lightweight, and greatly reduces friction during removal. By being hollow, the typical suction effect that is created during removal is eliminated as air can enter the vaginal cavity. There is a tapered hour glass area and an open and lipped end so insertion and removal is more easily facilitated. There are also three indentions in the glass as depth guides for the patient that can be both seen and felt but are very smooth. Finally, this stent can be tailored to individual patients if their bodies require different measurements. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234720 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat - Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234721 | Venous Filters - Venous filters having at least two struts (110) each having a connected end and a non-connected end, wherein each of the struts includes a strut portion and an anchor portion ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234722 | Inferior vena cava filter on guidewire - A temporary inferior vena cava filter including a guidewire and a doublet cage filter distally located on the guidewire. The doublet cage filter has a proximal cage filter and a distal cage filter, both of resilient and biased toward their expanded or deployed state. The proximal and distal cage filters may be collapsed by actuation, preferably with a sheath. A method of protecting from pulmonary embolism during treatment of a deep vein thrombosis is disclosed. The doublet cage provides stability when deployed in the inferior vena cava, is readily retrieved and readily manufactured. A method of manufacturing the doublet cage filter assembly is also disclosed and involves a nitinol tube with plural cuts to form struts which are heat treated in an expanded state. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234723 | MICROCATHETER INTRODUCER SHEATH - The present invention includes an introducer sheath. The sheath may comprise a first proximal elongated section having a first outer diameter and a first inner diameter, and a main body elongated section having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter. The sheath may further include a distal section having an outer wall that tapers from the second outer diameter of the main body elongated section to a smaller distal outer diameter. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234724 | Forceps for double eyelid operation - A forceps for a double eyelid. The forceps includes an upper support plate and a lower support plate. The upper support plate is attached to the front side of the handle and has one or more needles arranged in a front region of the inner surface of the upper support plate. The lower support plate corresponds to the upper support plate and is attached to the front side of the handle and having accommodation recesses corresponding to the needles and being formed in a front region of the inner surface of the lower support plate. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234725 | END EFFECTOR MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234726 | Low profile chest seal - A chest seal for treating an open pneumothorax that is low profile and thus unobtrusive so that the chest seal can be effectively maintained in position to seal a chest wound while allowing the pleural cavity to vent. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234727 | Novel Carriers For Coating Growth Factors Onto Sutures - A suture coated with a composition comprising:
| 2008-09-25 |
20080234728 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - Devices and methods provide enhanced treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve contacting an anchor delivery device with the valve annulus and releasing a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus. Anchors, which in some embodiments are super-elastic or shape memory self-securing anchors, are then drawn together to tighten the annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having a housing at or near the distal end for releasably housing a plurality of coupled anchors. The housing may be flexible, may conform to a valve annulus, and in some embodiments may be coupled with an expandable member to enhance contact of the housing with annular tissue. In one embodiment, self-securing anchors lie approximately flat within the delivery device housing, allowing anchors with relatively large deployed shapes to be housed in and deployed from a relatively narrow delivery device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234729 | Suture lock fastening device - A suture lock fastening device to cinch a suture in a suture lock, cut the suture end, and deploy the suture lock in response to a single movement of a user. The fastening device includes a fastening head with a retainer that is configured to hold a suture lock in the fastening head. To release the suture lock from the fastening head, the retainer is irreversibly deformed. The fastening device may include an axially movable cutter with a cutting edge to sever the ends of the suture close to the suture lock. A threading device may be preloaded into the fastening device to facilitate threading the suture through the fastening device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234730 | Fixation Devices and Method of Repair - In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a surgical device including an anchor body having an opening, the anchor body having a copolymer composition including polylactide-co-glycolide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate comprises more than 30% but less than 40% of the weight of the composition; and a flexible member passing through the opening, wherein deformation of the device occurs at body temperature. The present disclosure also relates to an oriented polymer material having a copolymer composition including a polylactide-co-glycolide and calcium carbonate, the calcium carbonate comprising more than 30% but less than 40% of the weight of the composition, wherein the material changes shape upon introduction to an environment having a temperature that is lower than a relaxation temperature of the material. A method of repairing soft tissue and other surgical devices are also disclosed. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234731 | SUTURE ANCHOR AND METHOD - A suture anchor is provided for approximating tissue to bone or other tissue. The suture anchor comprises an anchor member to fixedly engage the bone for securing the anchor member relative to the bone. A plurality of sutures are mounted to the proximal end of the anchor member so that the sutures extend outwardly from the anchor member. Each suture has a sharp pointed distal end for penetrating the tissue and a plurality of barbs extending from the periphery and disposed along the length of the body of the suture. The barbs permit movement of the sutures through the tissue in a direction of movement of the pointed end and prevent movement of the sutures relative to the tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the pointed end. At least one pointed distal end of at least one suture comprises a needle. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234732 | Dynamic interbody devices - A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. A first portion of a dynamic interbody device may contact a lower vertebra. A second portion of the dynamic interbody device may contact an upper vertebra. The first portion may be wider than the second portion to facilitate a large contact area against the lower vertebra and to facilitate insertion of the dynamic interbody device in the available space. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234733 | VERTEBRAL STABILIZATION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SURGICAL METHODS - A vertebral stabilization device operable for stabilizing and/or decompressing a portion of the spine, including: a first frame member; a second frame member; a first connector member engaged to the first frame member for securing the first frame member to a first structure of the spine; and a second connector member engaged to the second frame member for securing the second frame member to a second structure of the spine; wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are in a telescoping relationship with each other. The first and second structures of the spine may include spinous processes, laminae, sacral structures, or any other suitable structures. Preferably, the first connector member and the second connector member are substantially arcuate in shape, and may face towards each other, away from each other, or in the same direction. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234734 | PEDICLE SCREW FOR INTERVERTEBRAL SUPPORT ELEMENTS - The pedicle screw ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234735 | SPINAL IMPLANT FOR FACET JOINT - An apparatus ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234736 | Vertebral Stabilizer - A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234737 | DYNAMIC SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSERTION OF FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT - Insertion of a spinal stabilization element into a patient generally includes positioning a cord within a sheath and inserting the sheath and cord through the patient's body along a path generally toward an anchor member. An advancement member may be mounted on the leading end of the cord to further facilitate this insertion. The sheath is then retracted to expose a first portion of the cord within the patient's body, and the first portion of the cord is moved into a desired position relative to the anchor member. After advancing a spacer over the sheath and cord, the sheath is retracted to expose a second portion of the cord. The second portion of the cord is then moved into a desired position relative to another anchor member such that the spacer is positioned between the two anchor members. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234739 | DYNAMIC SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A spinal stabilization system includes a pair of vertebral anchors and a flexible construct extending between the anchors to provide dynamic stabilization of the spine. The flexible construct includes first and second spring arms coupled to the anchors at first ends thereof and second ends coupled at a joint. The spring arms are capable of flexing toward and away from each other during movement of the spine. The system may include a biasing member for biasing movement of the spring arms toward and/or away from each other. The system may further include an adjustment feature that allows the distraction to be adjusted in situ. The stiffness characteristic of each of the spring arms may be selectively adjusted to meet the specific application. A method of stabilizing a spine includes securing anchors to selected vertebrae and coupling the flexible construct to the anchors through a top loading procedure. The flexible construct may be coupled so that a rotational axis of the flexible construct is anterior of a head portion of the anchors. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234740 | Artificial functional spinal unit system and method for use - A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234741 | Artificial functional spinal unit system and method for use - A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234742 | Head Fixation Device - An inner fixation system for implanting into the body of a patient and for providing the necessary support for the head of the patient afflicted by spine disorders, the system comprising a stem at each side of the head of the patient, wherein each stem is connected to the cranium and to the sternum of the patient. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234743 | Flexible coupling members for spinal stabilization members - A spinal stabilization system includes a first stabilization member and a second stabilization member engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A flexible coupling member allows the spinal stabilization members to be assembled and attached to the spinal column to dynamically support of the stabilized levels of the spinal column. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234744 | SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM WITH RIGID AND FLEXIBLE ELEMENTS - A spinal stabilization system generally comprises first and second anchor members configured to be secured to first and second vertebrae within a patient's body, a flexible element secured to the first anchor member, and a rigid element secured to the second anchor member. An end portion of the rigid element is coupled to an end portion of the flexible so that the system is able to provide both rigid and dynamic stabilization. The coupling is maintained even if the flexible element relaxes after a period of time within the patient's body. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234745 | Self-Aligning Attachment Devices and Methods for Attaching an Elongated Member to a Vertebral Member - The present application is directed to a device for connecting an elongated member within a patient. The device includes a body with a receiving section to receive the elongated member, and an engagement section to engage a support structure, such as a vertebral member. The receiving section is sized to receive the elongated member in a first orientation. The process of securing the elongated member within the receiving section causes the device to pivot about the elongated member to a second orientation. This pivoting motion causes the engagement section to more securely attach to the support structure. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234746 | Spinal stabilization device - A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, including: a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engagable by a section of a first bone securing member; a flexible member located between the first and second ends, the flexible member permitting motion of the first end relative to the second end; and a transition area located between the first end and the flexible member, the transition area tapering in diameter from a first section of the transition area proximate to the first end toward a second section of the transition area proximate to the flexible member. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234747 | Resorbable Release Mechanism for a Surgical Tether and Methods of Use - The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use. The tether is attached with anchors to bony members within the patient. The tether applies a tensile force to the bony members to reduce and/or eliminate the abnormality of the bony members. The tether includes a release mechanism with a resorbable material that initially maintains the tether in a shortened orientation. The release mechanism is eventually releases the tether to a lengthened orientation. The release mechanism may prevent the need for a subsequent surgery to release tension from the tether as the patient grows. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234748 | Anterior vertebral plate with quick lock screw - Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and quick lock screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the quick lock screw having an integral novel screw locking mechanism of a locking thread disposed on at least a portion of the side of the screw head, which engages an inwardly directed screw hole flange and thus attaches to the plate so as to lock the screw into the plate Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234749 | BONE PLATE PROVIDING THREADED LOCKING HEAD SCREW CAPTURE - The present invention relates to orthopedic bone plates, and, more particularly, to orthopedic bone plates having screw receiving apertures formed therein. In one embodiment, the bone plate includes an aperture defined by an interior wall having a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the threaded portion and the non-threaded portion are configured to engage the head of a bone screw. In another exemplary embodiment, the non-threaded portion of the interior wall is cylindrical and the threaded portion of the interior wall is conical. In another exemplary embodiment, both the non-threaded portion and the threaded portion of the interior wall are conical. In each of these embodiments, a bone screw having a threaded head may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the head of the bone screw is self-tapping. In another exemplary embodiment, the head of the bone screw is conical. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234750 | Anterior vertebral plate with taper lock screw - Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and taper lock screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the anterior vertebral plate having a novel screw locking mechanism attached to the screw during the manufacturing thereof and providing a taper lock fit with the anterior vertebral plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234751 | Anterior vertebral plate with closed thread screw - Provided is a novel system that includes a low profile anterior vertebral body plate and closed thread screws for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the closed thread screw having an integral novel screw locking mechanism of an uppermost closed thread having a flat pitch, which engages and attaches the plate so as to lock the screw into the plate until an intentional, simultaneous combination of outward pulling force and counter-clockwise torque is applied to release the closed thread screw from the plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234752 | Surgical plate puller devices and methods for use with surgical bone screw/plate systems - A plate puller device can include a head portion and extension rod portion. The device enables the fastener receiving member to be pulled against a bone surface before a head section of the fastener is advanced within the fastener receiving member into a locked position. The head portion can be positioned between the head section of the fastener and a surface of the fastener receiving member not adjacent to the bone surface. Also, a plate puller device can include a screwdriver, a grasper portion and a grasper sleeve. The grasper portion and grasper sleeve can be threadingly mated wherein rotation of the grasper sleeve forces a head portion of the grasper portion to grip the head section of the fastener to prevent the head section from advancing within the fastener receiving member. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234753 | Spinal Stabilization Systems - A stabilizing system for stabilizing a patient's spinal column comprises a flexible implant configured for attachment to a vertebral member, an anchor plate for attaching the flexible implant to the vertebral member, and at least one fastener to secure the anchor plate to the vertebral member. The anchoring plate has a bottom surface with one or more projections configured to penetrate the top surface of the flexible implant when a clamping force is applied. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234754 | Novel biodegradable bone plates and bonding systems - The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234755 | CRANIOSPINAL FUSION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234756 | Pedicle Screw - The invention relates to a pedicle screw for implants for the correction and stabilization of the spinal column, having a head part ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234757 | Modular pedicle screw system - There is provided a modular pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area. The insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; additionally the side walls of the insert can bear against the chamber walls. The pedicle screw is positioned so that the screw shaft passes through the screw hold of the rod holding element and the screw cap rests within the receiving area of the insert. The rod is disposed so as to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and the set screw, joined to the threading area of the rod holding element, secures the rod to the upper surface of the insert. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234758 | INTRA-FACET FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A implantable interference device configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint is provided. The device includes a shank capable of engaging opposing faces of the facet joint. The shank can further include a head extending from a proximal end of the shank wherein the head is configured to engage and/or buttress opposing faces of the joint, and also configured for preventing over-insertion of the device. Optionally, at least a portion of the shank can include or be formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material. Further, a method for providing fixation of a facet joint by intra-facet placement of an interference device within the facet joint is provided. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234759 | Mono-Planar Pedicle Screw Method, System and Kit - A pedicle screw assembly ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080234760 | Bone screw apparatus and related methods of use - Bone screws and related methods, as can optionally be used to affect the density of bone used therewith. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234761 | Polyaxial bone screw with shank-retainer insert capture - A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body member having an upper portion with an internal drive and, alternatively, a laterally extending alignment rib or fin. The bone screw assembly also includes a lockable receiver coupling member, an open retainer ring member having a slit or gap and a compression insert member. An inset conical or cylindrical surface on the shank upper portion frictionally engages a similarly shaped inner surface of the retainer ring. The receiver includes a restrictive lower opening that allows for uploading the shank upper portion and compressed retainer ring into the receiver cavity, but prevents passage of the retainer ring out of the receiver once the ring inner surface engages the conical surface of the shank upper portion. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234762 | SELF-TAPPING SCREW WITH RESORBABLE TIP - A fixation device for use in bone, such as a bone screw, includes a first end and a second end. The first portion may be manufactured from a short-term resorbable material, and the second portion may be manufactured from a non-resorbable or long term resorbable material. The first portion may comprise a tip capable of self-tapping a bone. The second portion may include at least one thread formed on the outer surface thereof and a head portion formed to mate with a driver. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234763 | SURGICAL COMPRESSION BONE SCREW - A screw implant for stabilizing a bone material having a two separated regions has improved features that generates better compression of the two regions than conventional compression screws. The screw implant has a shaft including a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion, and a distal portion, the proximal and distal portions having proximal and distal threads thereon respectively. The minor diameter of the proximal thread is substantially equal to the major diameter of the distal thread and the proximal and distal threads have substantially the same thread profiles and same thread pitch. The proximal thread is continuous without any breaks, such as self-tapping flutes, and when the screw implant is inserted by rotation into the bone material, the proximal and distal portions threadably engage the first and second regions, respectively, to provide compression therebetween. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234764 | Artificial functional spinal unit system and method for use - Insertion methods for placing dynamic interbody devices between a first vertebra and a second vertebra using a posterior approach are provided. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the first vertebra. A bridge assembly may be attached to tap shafts positioned in the first vertebra. The bridge assembly may establish an insertion angle of implants into a disc space between the vertebrae. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the position of expandable trials positioned between the vertebrae. The trials may be positioned and a bridge assembly may be coupled to the expandable trials and taps positioned in the first vertebra. One or more posterior stabilization systems may be coupled to the vertebrae after insertion of the dynamic interbody devices between the vertebrae. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234765 | ROD REDUCTION METHODS AND DEVICES - The present invention provides methods and devices for reducing a rod disposed within or adjacent to a rod-receiving head of a spinal implant. In general, a rod reduction device is provided that can removably mate to the rod-receiving head of a spinal implant and be effective to reduce a rod disposed within or adjacent to the rod-receiving head. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod reduction device can include a clamping member that is adapted to removably mate to a rod-receiving head of a spinal implant and a rod-reducing arm that is rotatably matable to the clamping member. The rod-reducing arm can be configured such that rotation of the arm with respect to the clamping member is effective to reduce a rod into the rod-receiving head of the spinal implant that is mated to the clamping member. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234766 | CRANIOSPINAL FUSION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234767 | Adjustment Mechanism for Electrical Medical Appliances, and Methods of Use - Electrical medical equipment that includes a user operable primary adjustment mechanism containing two or fewer user-adjustable elements, and a controller adapted to control and alter at least one output parameter of the equipment, the controller connected and responding to input from said primary adjustment mechanism to alter said output parameter, the primary adjustment mechanism having at least four conditions; a first condition which the mechanism returns to without user input, a second condition, following manipulation of one of the elements from a first condition, a third condition, following manipulation of one of the elements from a first condition, and a fourth condition following manipulation of the same element manipulated to achieve the third condition to another position, wherein in each condition, the mechanism provides a distinct output as input to the controller, which responds to the input by: maintaining the output parameter at a previous level while the input indicates the mechanism is in the first condition, incrementing or gradually increasing the prevailing level of the output parameter while the input indicates the mechanism is in the second condition, decrementing or gradually decreasing the prevailing level of the output parameter while the input indicates the mechanism is in the third condition, and setting the level of the output parameter to zero when the input indicates the mechanism is in the fourth condition. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234768 | Systems for monitoring and applying electrical currents in an organ perfusion system - Electrode systems have been developed for use in perfusion systems to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulating oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure and flow rate. These systems include a pair of electrodes that are placed epicardially on the right atrium and left ventricle of the explanted heart, as well as an electrode placed in the aortic blood path. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234769 | SUBCUTANEOUS CARDIAC STIMULATION DEVICE PROVIDING ANTI-TACHYCARDIA PACING THERAPY AND METHOD - An implantable subcutaneous cardiac device includes at least two subcutaneous electrodes adapted for placement external to a heart beneath the skin of a patient. The device further includes an arrhythmia detector that detects a sustained tachyarrhythmia of the heart and a pulse generator that delivers anti-tachycardia pacing pulses to the subcutaneous electrodes in response to detection of a sustained tachyarrhythmia. The pacing pulses preferably have waveforms devoid of any exponential voltage decay and include rounded or substantially constant portions to minimize pain. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234770 | Cardiac rhythm template generation system and method - A method and system provides for generating a snapshot representative of one beat of a patient's normal cardiac rhythm. Cardiac rate channel signals and shock channel signals are sensed. A fiducial point is determined for a predefined number of the cardiac rate channel signals. A predefined number of the shock channel signals are aligned using the fiducial point. A template is generated using the aligned shock channel signals, whereby the template is representative of one of the patient's normal supra-ventricular conducted cardiac beats. The template is updated on a periodic basis. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234771 | MECHANICAL VENTRICULAR PACING CAPTURE DETECTION FOR A POST EXTRASYSTOLIC POTENTIATION (PESP) PACING THERAPY USING AT LEAST ONE LEAD-BASED ACCELEROMETER - A system and method for monitoring at least one chamber of a heart (e.g., a left ventricular chamber) during delivery of extrasystolic stimulation to determine if the desired extra-systole (i.e., ventricular mechanical capture following refractory period expiration) occurs. The system includes an implantable or external cardiac stimulation device in association with a set of leads such as epicardial, endocardial, and/or coronary sinus leads equipped with motion sensor(s). The device receives and processes acceleration sensor signals to determine a signal characteristic indicative of chamber capture resulting from one or more pacing stimulus delivered closely following expiration of the refractory period. A threshold optimization method optionally evaluates capture and at least one of: runs an iterative routine to establish or re-establish chamber capture for the PESP therapy, sets a logical flag relating to chamber capture status and stores parameter(s) relating to successful chamber capture for one or more subsequent cardiac cycles. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234772 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MYOCARDIAL STRESS REDISTRIBUTION - Methods and devices are described for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner that advantageously redistributes myocardial stress during systole for therapeutic purposes in the treatment of, for example, post-MI and HF patients. Pre-excitation pacing may be applied to deliberately de-stress a particular myocardial region that may be expected to undergo deleterious remodeling, such an the area around a myocardial infarct or a hypertrophying region or to deliberately stress a region remote from the pre-excitation pacing site in order to exert a cardioprotective conditioning effect, similar to the beneficial effects of exercise. Pre-excitation pacing may be advantageously combined with inotropic electrical stimulation applied to the stressed region. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234773 | CLOSED-LOOP RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY FOR MECHANICAL DYSSYNCHRONY - An apparatus comprises a first impedance sensing circuit, a second sensing circuit, and an impedance-based cardiac dyssynchrony detector. The impedance sensing circuit senses an intracardiac local impedance signal that is indicative of a cardiac local wall motion of a first cardiac region from an implantable first bipolar pair of impedance sensing electrodes. The second sensing circuit is configured to produce a second sensor signal indicative of cardiovascular activity. The impedance-based cardiac dyssynchrony detector is configured for detecting cardiac dyssynchrony using a relationship between the first intracardiac local impedance signal and the second sensor signal. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234774 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF CARDIOPROTECTIVE PRE-EXCITATION PACING - Cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing may be applied to stress or de-stress a particular myocardial region delivering of pacing pulses in a manner that causes a dyssynchronous contraction. Such dyssynchronous contractions are responsible for the desired cardioprotective effects of pre-excitation pacing but may also be hazardous. Described herein is a method and system that uses measures of ventricular dyssynchrony or a patient's physiological response to ventricular dyssynchrony to control the delivery of cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing in closed-loop fashion. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234775 | Implantable Heart Stimulator for Enabling Normal Atrio-Ventricular Stimulation Sequence in the Presence of Av-Nodal Interference - A heart stimulator for enhancing cardiac performance of a patient suffering from ventricular rhythms that tend to overdrive the patient's atrial rhythm, has sensing circuitry that detects atrial events and ventricular events, and an atrial stimulator that generates and supplies stimulation pulses to the atrium. A timer generates a detection window having a predetermined duration for the ventricular sensing, the detection window starting upon detection of an intrinsic or stimulated atrial event. If an R-wave is sensed from the ventricle during the detection window, a control unit determines that a focus, that pre-depolarizes the ventricles, exists, and the control unit operates the atrial stimulator to increase the atrial stimulation rate for a predetermined number of consecutive heart cycles. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234776 | Demand-based cardiac function therapy - A method and device for delivering cardiac function therapy on a demand basis. An implantable device for delivering cardiac function therapy is programmed to suspend such therapy at periodic intervals or upon command from an external programmer. Measurements related to hemodynamic performance are then taken using one or more sensing modalities incorporated into the device. Based upon these measurements, the device uses a decision algorithm to determine whether further delivery of the cardiac function therapy is warranted. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234777 | MULTI-CHAMBER VENTRICULAR AUTOMATIC CAPTURE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING TRUE AND BLANKING PERIOD INDUCED VENTRICULAR UNDERSENSING - An implantable cardiac stimulation device and associated method perform a true or blanking period ventricular undersensing detection algorithm in response to ventricular loss of capture not associated with fusion or a change in capture threshold. The test identifies an originating cause of loss of capture, which may be ventricular undersensing of intrinsic R-waves or premature ventricular contractions occurring during a ventricular blanking period or atrial undersensing of P-waves resulting in blanking period ventricular undersensing. A corrective action is taken to reduce the likelihood of blanking period ventricular undersensing by automatically adjusting device operating parameters. The corrective action may include automatic adjustment of atrial sensitivity, shortening of the ventricular blanking period, or adjustment of the base stimulation rate. Minimizing the blanking period ventricular undersensing improves device performance by avoiding back-up stimulation and minimizing the risk of pacemaker competition-induced arrhythmias. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234778 | SEAL ELEMENT AND CONTACT SOCKET FOR MEDICAL IMPLANT - A contact socket for connecting an electrode line to an implantable medical device has a socket housing which has a plug receptacle having an elongate receiving chamber having a longitudinal axis for receiving a plug along the longitudinal axis, the plug receptacle being formed by a one-piece cast part, extending over the entire length of the plug receptacle, made of a permanently-elastic compound, in which electrical contact elements made of electrically conductive material are inserted. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234779 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE INTRAOPERATIVE MODULATION OF PATIENT PARAMETERS USING BAROREFLEX ACTIVATION - A baroreflex therapy system for providing intraoperative patient treatment. The system comprises an internal activation device adapted to be inserted into the throat area of a patient, an external activation device adapted to be located on the outside of a body of a patient such that an anatomical structure within the patient capable of creating a baroreflex response is located between the internal activation device and the external activation device, and an external controller, including a pulse generator operably connected to the internal activation device and the external activation device to deliver baroreflex therapy between the internal activation device and the external activation device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080234780 | SELECTIVE NERVE STIMULATION WITH OPTIONALLY CLOSED-LOOP CAPABILITIES - Systems and methods for steering one or more stimulation fields to a selected nerve target, thereby optimizing one or a combination of low stimulation thresholds, desired therapy outcomes, or a minimization of adverse stimulation side-effects. An array of electrodes disposed, at least in part, on two or more neural stimulation leads are used for steering the stimulation fields to the selected nerve target and are positioned adjacent the selected target. The stimulation may be titrated based on, among other things, a detected physiologic response to the applied stimulation. | 2008-09-25 |