45th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 41 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090275909 | SHEET MEMBER, HIGH-DENSITY REGION-CONTAINING SHEET MANUFACTURING METHOD AND DISPOSABLE DIAPER USING SHEET MEMBER - A high-density region-containing sheet having a high-density region and a low-density region, a sheet member produced by joining the high-density region of the high-density region-containing sheet to an elastic member, and a disposable diaper using the sheet member as its chassis are provided. A sheet in a soft state by imparting preheat is pressed between a pair of opposed shaping rolls and having a toothed region and rotatable. Thus, a high-density region-containing sheet where high-density regions and low-density regions are formed is produced. Such two high-density region-containing sheets are joined through an extended elastic member to form a projection/recess pattern. In such a way, a high-density region-containing sheet can be produced. A sheet member in which at least one of two sheets is a high-density region-containing sheet, the high-density regions are joined through an extended elastic member, and a projection/recess pattern can be formed when the elastic member is contracted is produced. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275910 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE DIMENSIONALLY SHAPED ARTICLE COMPRISING HIP/THIGH PANELS AND A HOOP FROM A PLUS-SHAPED BLANK, AND SUCH AN ARTICLE - The present invention relates to a method for the high production speed manufacturing of articles comprising a closed or hoop structure, such as garments like pants, or absorbent articles like diapers, having a waist- and leg hoops. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275911 | PANTS-TYPE DISPOSABLE SANITARY ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED FIT - The disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent hygiene item in the form of a pair of knickers, said item comprising a central absorption part, an outer envelope forming a base structure comprising a waist edge which is closed all the way round in the peripheral direction and forms an opening for the waist, a rear part and a front part comprising longitudinal lateral edge sections, and a connecting region arranged between the front part and the rear part and forming the leg openings. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275912 | Absorbent Article Having Drawstring Members - An absorbent article with a drawstring member that is at least partially inelastic. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275913 | DEVICES, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR BILATERAL APPROACH TO DISC AUGMENTATION - A method of augmenting a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises forming a first opening in an annulus of the intervertebral disc and forming a second opening in the annulus of the intervertebral disc. The method further comprises providing a space creation instrument including an expandable spacing device and introducing the spacing device through the first opening and into the nucleus pulposus. The method further comprises introducing a material delivery instrument through the second opening and into the nucleus pulposus and expanding the spacing device to create a space within the nucleus pulposus. The method also comprises injecting a biocompatible material from the material delivery instrument and into the space within the nucleus pulposus. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275914 | Medication Delivery Device - The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a single- or multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275915 | Medication Delivery Device - The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275916 | Medication Delivery Device - The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in such medication delivery device, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having a dose setting member and a drive device enabling the dose setting and the administration of a medicinal product from a multi-dose medication cartridge, to methods using such device, and to methods of manufacturing and assembly of such device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275917 | SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A skin treatment system is provided for applying liquid medication through a controlled intra-dermal injection. The skin treatment system includes a microinjector unit with a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The proximal end of the microinjector unit may be press fitted or twist fit to a distal end of a tube via a luer lock mechanism. A fluid moving chamber is disposed within the microinjector unit. The fluid moving chamber is configured to receive liquid medication and distribute the liquid medication to a plurality of hypodermic needles. The plurality of hypodermic needles are operative for receiving the liquid medication from the fluid moving chamber and delivering the liquid medication to the skin of the patient. The plurality of hypodermic needles extends from the distal end of the microinjector unit. The distal end of the microinjector unit may encompass a variety of different shapes while the needles are maintained equidistantly spaced apart. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275918 | PANCREATIC DELIVERY CATHETER - Pancreatic delivery catheters which facilitate direct intravascular access to the pancreas are described herein. A catheter which is configured particularly for pancreatic access may generally comprise a distal section which defines three curves each extending in an alternating pattern and a proximal section with an additional curve in an opposing direction. A primary curve defined along the distal section may define an acute angle with respect to a secondary curve and which also curves in an opposite direction. The secondary curve may define an acute angle with respect to both the primary curve and a tertiary curve which is proximal of the secondary curve. Similarly, a tertiary curve may extend in an opposite direction from the secondary curve. A quaternary curve along the proximal section may extend in an opposite direction from the tertiary curve. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275919 | Balloon Deployment Device and Method - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for deploying and/or retrieving a balloon configured to at least partially occlude a vessel, such as the coronary sinus. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a stylet and a balloon catheter configured such that the stylet can be inserted into a lumen in the catheter and used to exert a force against an interior portion of the balloon in order to stretch the balloon and reduce the diameter of the balloon. In one embodiment, the stylet and the balloon both have specialty-configured tips that work together to prevent tearing of the balloon when the stylet is exerting a force against the interior of the balloon's tip. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275920 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A VESSEL USING FOCUSED FORCE - Systems and methods for treating a vessel include devices having a main elongated element with a balloon at its distal end, an auxiliary elongated element wherein a distal end of the auxiliary elongated element is proximal to the balloon, and a core wire having a internal core wire portion and an external core wire portion, wherein the external core wire portion is external to the balloon. In some embodiments, a distal connecting element is attached to the distal end of the balloon. In some embodiments, the distal connecting element is positioned at a rotational distance from the auxiliary elongated element. In some embodiments, the balloon is a fixed wire balloon. Inflation of the balloon causes guidewires positioned within the device and external core wires to be pushed up against the lesion, providing a focused force for cracking the lesion. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275921 | Indexing Cell Delivery Catheter - An insertion device with an insertion axis includes an axial actuator with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is moveable along the insertion axis relative to the second portion. The insertion device further includes a first tube coupled to the first portion of the axial actuator, and the first tube is movable along the insertion axis in response to movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The device further includes a second tube having a radially biased distal end. The distal end is substantially contained within the first tube in a first state, and the second tube is rotatable with respect to the first tube. Also, the second tube is axially movable to a second state, and a portion of a distal end of the second tube is exposed from a distal end of the first tube in the second state. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275922 | MANUALLY-ACTUATED REDUCED PRESSURE TREATMENT SYSTEM HAVING REGULATED PRESSURE CAPABILITIES - A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275923 | ELECTRONIC CAPSULE FOR TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE - The present invention discloses an ingestible capsule containing drug and a method for controlled administration of the drug in a mammal for treatment of a disease of the GI tract. The capsule has electronic control means for dispensing the drug substantially to the diseased tissue sites of the GI tract, according to a pre-determined drug release profile obtained prior to administration from the specific mammal. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275924 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Controlling Internal Pressure of an Eye or Body Part - Systems and methods for automatically monitoring and controlling pressure in a body part are disclosed. The systems include an implantable tube with one open end of the tube implanted in the body part, an implantable valve coupled with the tube having at least one open state and a closed state, an implantable sensor for measuring pressure, and an implantable control device coupled with the sensor and the valve. The control device switches the valve between the at least one open state and the closed state, based on pressure information received from the sensor. When the valve is in the at least one open state, the tube drains fluids from the body part due to a difference of pressure between the open ends of the tube. Methods for using the systems to administer drugs and monitor and control fluid pressures in various biological systems are also disclosed. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275925 | DEVICE FOR THE CONTROLLED RELEASE OF A SUBSTANCE - An implantable drug delivery system is proposed which does not need internal electronics, but can be activated from outside the body. The system comprises a device ( | 2009-11-05 |
20090275926 | Medical suction device - A medical device for fragmenting objects and aspirating remaining debris enables a physician or other medical personnel quickly and easily remove objects, such as kidney stones, from a patient. The medical device can include a dual-lumen elongated member and a handle coupled to the elongated member. A first one of the lumens provides a suction passageway, and a second one of the lumens receives a laser fiber for delivering laser energy to an object, such as a kidney stone, within the patient. The handle can include a positioning mechanism to enable the physician by manual manipulation to move and hold in place the laser fiber longitudinally within the second lumen. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275927 | System and Method for Lasers in Surgical Applications - Disclosed is a surgical laser system. The system includes a laser generator to generate laser radiation to cause water absorption levels that approximate water absorption levels achieved with a CO | 2009-11-05 |
20090275928 | SUTURE-LESS LASER BLEPHAROPLASTY WITH SKIN TIGHTENING - A laser is used to both remove fat and alter the collagen in the skin under the eye. Precisely controlling the heat rise in the dermis is critical to not only the fat removal and alteration of the collagen but also to prevent damage to surrounding tissue. The denatured collagen results in tightening of the skin, further enhancing the benefits of the procedure. The fat is removed by melting or vaporizing the fat deposits, depending on the laser strength. The method is minimally invasive with a short recovery time. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MEASUREMENT IN AN EYE DURING OPHTHALMIC PROCEDURE - Systems and methods are provided for sensing a movement of an eye. The system includes a light source configured to illuminate the eye with a first light having a polarization state, an image capture apparatus configured to generate at least one image of the eye based on a reflected light from the eye, an analyzer optically coupled to the image capture apparatus and configured to filter a second light from the reflected light, and a processor coupled to the image capture apparatus and configured to determine the movement of the eye based on the at least one image of the eye. The reflected light is based on the first light, and the second light has the polarization state. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275930 | Disposable Tip Apparatus for Laser Surgical Device - A multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus for laser surgical devices is provided and features assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device and releasably locking assembly between the tip and device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275931 | Laser Applicator - A laser applicator has a catheter ( | 2009-11-05 |
20090275932 | LASER ENERGY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SOFT TISSUE REMOVAL - A laser energy soft tissue aspiration device comprises a cannula defining an aspiration lumen and having one or more aspiration inlet ports at a distal end. A laser energy transmission guide delivers laser energy from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end which can be inserted to a tissue removal site within a patient. Reciprocating longitudinal motion of the cannula along with suction provided within the lumen can cause soft tissue to be suctioned into the lumen for removal. Laser energy contained within the lumen and directed by an optical delivery system can ablate soft tissue pulled within the lumen. The optical delivery system can further protect the terminal point of the laser energy transmission guide, from which, the laser energy can be delivered. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275933 | LASER ENERGY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SOFT TISSUE REMOVAL - A laser energy soft tissue aspiration device comprises a cannula defining an aspiration lumen and having one or more aspiration inlet ports at a distal end. A laser energy transmission guide delivers laser energy from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end which can be inserted to a tissue removal site within a patient. Reciprocating longitudinal motion of the cannula along with suction provided within the lumen can cause soft tissue to be suctioned into the lumen for removal. Laser energy contained within the lumen and directed by an optical delivery system can ablate soft tissue pulled within the lumen. The optical delivery system can further protect the terminal point of the laser energy transmission guide by isolating it, or removing it from the flow of aspirated tissue. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275934 | ABLATION INSTRUMENT HAVING DEFLECTABLE SHEATH CATHETERS WITH OUT-OF PLANE BENT TIP - The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment, a deflectable sheath catheter includes an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends, a deflectable end section at the distal end of the catheter body, which upon deflection causes the distal end segment to bend into various curved positions within a plane of deflection, and a bent tip oriented in a direction that is out of the plane of deflection. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275935 | CANNULA ENCLOSING RECESSED WAVEGUIDE OUTPUT TIP - A cannula includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a cannula axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A lumen is disposed along at least a portion of the cannula between the proximal end and the distal end, and an energy output is configured to ablate a target surface, the energy output having a longitudinal axis and a tissue-disrupting distal end that is disposed within the lumen near the distal end. The tissue-disrupting distal end is configured to direct ablating energy in a direction toward the distal end of the cannula. The cannula axis and the longitudinal axis are concentric, and a region between the tissue-disrupting distal end and the distal end of the cannula is fixed and further can be transparent to a wavelength of energy emitted from the energy output. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275936 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING THERAPY TO AN EYE USING ENERGY CONDUCTION - Thermokeratoplasty is applied to achieve a customized reshaping of a cornea, especially, for the treatment of astigmatism. Energy is applied to the cornea in a customized pattern using a specific configuration of two conductors. In one embodiment, an outer conductor and an outer conductor are separated by a gap. When a conducting element is applied to the corneal surface the area of the cornea at the periphery of the inner conductor is subject to an energy pattern with substantially the same shape and dimension as the gap between the inner and outer conductors. The inner and outer conductors may be positioned and shaped to form a gap having any desirable size and/or shape, including non-annular and asymmetrical shapes. The gap may be configured by altering the spatial relationships between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, by altering the size, shape, and/or position of the inner and/or outer conductors, or by forming one or more indentations or protrusions in or on the inner conductor and/or the outer conductor. Additionally or alternatively, energy is applied to the cornea in a customized pattern defined by a specific arrangement of one or more dielectric materials providing varying impedance. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275937 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKING A LUMENAL WALL - A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its proximal end. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275938 | HIGH FREQUENCY GENERATOR FOR ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING - The invention concerns a high frequency generator for the connection of an electrosurgical instrument comprising an electrical output terminal for an electrosurgical instrument, a current or voltage source connected at least indirectly to the output terminal, an arc detector, and a power control for controlling the electrical power delivered by way of the output terminal, wherein the power control is adapted firstly to cause the delivery of a high output power for a phase for the initial cutting support and subsequently thereto either if ignition of an arc has occurred during the phase for initial cutting support for a predetermined period of time of a cutting phase to cause the delivery of a power which is reduced in relation to the high power and subsequently for a predetermined period of time of a long pause interval to cause the delivery of no power or a lower power at which no arc occurs, or if no ignition of an arc has occurred during the phase for initial cutting support to cause the delivery of no power or a lower power for a predetermined period of time of a short pause interval. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275939 | Ablation probe with stabilizing member - A surgical ablation probe assembly particularly suitable for ablating tissue on a surface of a patient's heart having an ablation member and a stabilizing member for guiding the probe assembly to an intracorporeal location such as a surface of the patient's heart. The elongated ablation member generally has at least one ablation electrode on a distal shaft section. The stabilizing member has a vacuum lumen which applies a vacuum to the inner chamber of the stabilizing member to aspirate fluid from within the chamber or about the stabilizing member and can aid in holding the stabilizing member to an intracorporeal surface such as the epicardial or endocardial surface of the patient's heart. The probe assembly may also have a removable stylet to help retain the shape of the distal portion. The assembly is suitable for treating a patient for atrial arrhythmia, by forming linear or curvilinear lesions and preferably a continuous lesion on the surface of the patient's heart. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275940 | SURGICAL TOOL SYSTEM INCLUDING A TOOL AND A CONTROL CONSOLE, THE CONSOLE CAPABLE OF READING DATA FROM A MEMORY INTERNAL TO THE TOOL OVER THE CONDUCTORS OVER WHICH POWER IS SOURCED TO THE TOOL - A surgical tool system with a powered tool that includes a memory in which data describing the characteristics of the power signals that are to be sourced to the toll are stored. A control console based on the data in the tool memory sources the power signal to the tool. Both the data signals written out from the tool memory and the power signals from the console are exchanged over common console terminals and common tool terminals. An isolation circuit in the tool prevents the applied power signals from the console from adversely effecting the tool memory. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275941 | Gas-Enhanced Surgical Instrument - A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275942 | BALLOON TISSUE DAMAGE DEVICE - An inflatable medical instrument for tissue damage in gastric reduction surgery includes a main chamber composed of a biocompatible material capable of being selectively inflated. The medical instrument also includes a longitudinally extending tab member secured to an outer surface of the main chamber, a series of suction holes are formed along the tab member and an electrode is mounted on the tab member. The present invention also provides a method for forming a tissue junction used in defining a gastric pouch including damaging opposed tissue layers, apposing the tissue layers and fastening the tissue layers to allow the tissue layers to heal together. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275943 | ENDPLATE PREPARATION INSTRUMENT - An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275944 | External Fixation and foot-supporting Device. - In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external fixation device for the foot and ankle of the human anatomical skeleton includes a yoke, three adjusters, and a base (or foot plate). The foot plate selectively couples to the yoke without the need of any tools, thereby enabling the patient to self attach and remove the foot plate from an existing circular fixation structure. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275945 | SHEATHS FOR EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS - Various embodiments are directed to a sheath for covering one or more components of an extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing system. The sheath is generally an elongated structure having an inner space extending the length thereof. In use, the sheath can exclude the energy absorbing system from surrounding tissue and facilitate creating a capsule for its operation. Materials and dimensions are selected to achieve these purposes. The ends of the sheath include various attachment mechanisms for securing the sheath to one or more components of an extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing system. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275946 | Intramedullary Fixation Device for Small Bone Fractures - A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve. By increasing their bending or flexion to increase the arc of curvature, this allows fixation points for the wire, essentially locking it to bone. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275947 | BONE PLATE SYSTEM FOR BONE RESTORATION AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A bone plate system is provided herein. The system may include a first and a second bone plate, which plates may be affixed to one or more bone portions and each other, so as to align and stabilize the bone and correct a bone fracture. A first bone plate is provided which includes both a bone contacting and a top surface, one of which corresponds to a primary plane. The first bone plate may be configured to engage a bone portion and a secondary plate. A secondary bone plate is provided, which plate is configured to engage the first plate. The secondary plate includes a bone contacting surface, which corresponds to one or more planes or an arc that are provided at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the primary plane. Methods of using such bone plating systems for the reduction, restoration and treatment of bone fractures are provided. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275948 | SURGICAL TECHNIQUE AND INSTRUMENTATION FOR MINIMAL INCISION HIP ARTHROPLASTY SURGERY - Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275949 | ADJUSTABLE LENGTH TAP AND METHOD FOR DRILLING AND TAPPING A BORE IN BONE - The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275950 | FLIP RETROGRADE CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A flip retrograde cutting instrument and method of retrograde drilling using such an instrument. A method of forming a socket includes providing a flip retrograde cutter, inserting the cutter into a joint with a blade of the cutter in a straight position, pivoting the blade to a non-straight flip position, locking the blade in the flip position, and retrograde drilling a socket using the blade in the flip position. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275951 | Percutaneous discectomy and endplate preparation tool - Surgical instruments and surgical methods associated therewith are described. The surgical instruments described herein can be used for scraping or for other purposes such as measuring distances between two points in hard to reach locales. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275952 | DISTRACTOR - An instrument for distracting and/or compressing adjacent vertebrae is described. The instrument includes a yoke, a first blade movably mounted to the yoke, a second blade mounted to the yoke and an adjustment system. The yoke, the first blade and the second blade form a working channel for the instrument. The adjustment system of the instrument is configured to adjust a spacing between the first blade and the second blade by selectively moving the first blade relative to the second blade to distract and/or compress adjacent vertebrae when the first blade and the second blade have been secured to the adjacent vertebrae. The instrument may include a depth stop system that limits an insertion depth of an associated tool inserted into the working channel of the instrument. The adjustable depth stop system includes a releasable catch for securing a stop element of the associated tool. A position of the releasable catch relative to the working channel is adjustable to vary the insertion depth of the associated tool. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275953 | SPOOL INTERVERTEBRAL DISTRACTION DEVICE AND METHOD - An intervertebral disc space distraction system includes a spool core sized to be percutaneously positioned within a portion of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, the spool core having a first diameter. The system further includes an elongate film removably attached to the spool core, wherein the elongate film can be wound around the spool core to increase the first diameter of the spool core. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275954 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes an insertion tool and a guide wire. The insertion tool has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is configured to retain a bone fixation device. The proximal end portion of the insertion tool defines a threaded opening. The guide wire has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. At least a portion of the guide wire is configured to be disposed within the insertion tool such that the distal end portion of the guide wire is disposed outside of and spaced apart from the distal end portion of the insertion tool. The proximal end portion of the guide wire includes a threaded portion configured to be disposed within and engage the threaded opening of the insertion tool. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275955 | Mastoid Antral Ventilation Tube - In its broadest form, this invention enables the ventilation and drainage of the middle ear cleft via mastoid antral route, without disrupting the integrity of the eardrum. For this purpose, this tube is placed between mastoid antrum and the external ear canal after mastoidotomy (antrotomy). The tube has two cannulas, which are placed one within the other. One of these is the external cannula and it comprises a head portion made of a circular tab, a neck portion in a vertical plane to the head portion, the bent section making a right angle of 90 degrees and a longer shaft portion. Other cannula is the internal cannula and it comprises a thin, narrow and syringe-adapted-tipped canal and the canal used for the aspiration and drainage of the rest of the lumen. The external tip of the inner cannula proceeds from the external ear canal and ends pre- or retroauricularly. Through the syringe-adapted-tip of the inner cannula, serum or drugs may be administered. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275956 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING MEDICAL LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275957 | CLIP AND DELIVERY ASSEMBLY USED IN FORMING A TISSUE FOLD - A system for tissue apposition includes a delivery assembly having a tissue clip selectively secured thereto for the deployment and application of the tissue clip. The tissue clip is shaped and dimensioned for engaging spaced locations along a span of tissue and upon rotation thereof drawing the spaced locations together into apposition to thereby create a fold of tissue. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275958 | CLIP AND CLIPPING INSTRUMENT FOR BIOLOGICAL TISSUES - A clipping instrument for biological tissues equipped with an outer tube which can be inserted into a biological cavity, an operating member freely passed through the outer tube, an operating wire freely passed though the operating member, a self-opening holder which can be opened and closed by the action of the operating member attached to the edge of the operating wire, and a self-opening clop having a clipping member for clopping a biological tissue which is attached to the edge of the holder in a detachable manner by opening/closing the holder. Using this clopping instrument, a lesion site can be surely clipped over a long period of time in ligating a breeding site in a biological tissue, stitching a laceration, making in excision of a mucosal tissue and so on with an endoscope. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275959 | MULTIPLE CLIP DEVICE AND MULTIPLE CLIP APPLICATION APPARATUS - A multiple clip device for hemostatic clamping of a lesion of a patient's body includes plural clips fastened to one another in a train, having first and second clips, a proximal end portion of the first clip being engaged with two claws of a distal end portion of the second clip. A dummy clip has claws in a shape of the claws of the clips, and is engaged with a proximal end portion of a final clip among the clips by the claws thereof. An end connector is for retention of the dummy clip, and for fastening in a removable manner to a shaft head at an end of an operating wire inserted in a flexible sheath of a multiple clip application apparatus. Specifically, the multiple clip application apparatus is constituted by the operating wire and the multiple clip device fastened thereto. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275960 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GASTRIC REDUCTION - An apparatus and method for gastric reduction is provided comprising a tissue gathering assembly for applying a force to inner portions of a stomach to collapse the inner portions toward the tissue gathering assembly, and a suture assembly moveably mounted to the tissue gathering assembly for advancing a suture into the inner portions to form a gastric sleeve. The tissue gathering assembly may further comprise a vacuum shaft having sections of apertures, wherein each section transmits a vacuum force through the apertures to gather a part of the inner portions of the stomach to form a channel that connects an upper pouch to a lower pouch of the stomach. The suture assembly may further comprise a rotatable helical suture for fastening the gathered inner portions to secure the gastric sleeve. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275961 | GASTRIC VOLUME REDUCTION USING ANTERIOR TO POSTERIOR WALL JUNCTIONS - A restriction system for joining anterior and posterior walls of a gastric cavity in the performance of the gastric reduction surgery includes a first restriction ring and a second restriction ring shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the first restriction ring for effectively decreasing the volume available within the gastric cavity. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275962 | TISSUE APPOSITION METHOD AND DEVICE INVOLVING SHEETS WITH INTEGRATED TENSIONING SYSTEM - A tensioning system for restricting the available volume of a gastric cavity includes a base material that is shaped and dimensioned for surgical attachment to surfaces on or within the body. Multiple tensioning members are incorporated into the base material, each of the tensioning members including a first end and a second end, wherein pulling upon the tensioning member will cause edges of the base material to be drawn together. The method for restricting the available volume of a gastric cavity includes securing edges of a tensioning system to the gastric cavity and drawing the edges of the tissue together to create a fold in the tissue. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275963 | High-Strength Suture With Absorbable Components - First and second yarns are interconnected to form surgical devices. The first yarns include a plurality of filaments including one or more filaments made from a high strength material and the second yarns include a plurality of filaments including one or more filaments made from an absorbable material. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275964 | METHOD OF ROLLING STOMACH TISSUE SO AS TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTACT SURFACE AREA OF A FOLD - A rolling instrument for rolling the outside surface of the stomach for reducing stomach volume in bariatric surgery includes an elongated tubular body that is sufficiently flexible to allow for access to the outside surface. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is shaped and dimensioned for use by the medical practitioner performing the medical procedure and includes a handle for manipulation of the rolling instrument. The distal end of the tubular body includes a mechanism allowing for gripping of the stomach in a manner permitting rolling thereof. A coiled retainer shaped and dimensioned is provided for application to the rolled portion of the stomach in a manner holding the rolled portion of the stomach in its rolled configuration. The coiled retainer includes a helically coiled body having a first end and a second end, the first end is pointed such that it may puncture tissue as the coiled body is rotated during its application to the stomach. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275965 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical device comprising a head with a cutting edge and a shaft is described for use in treating anal fistulas. The device facilitates the removal of tissue from the walls of the fistula allowing the introduction of collagen that aids the healing of the fistula. In this way a fistula may be closed without serious consequences to the continence of the patient. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275966 | Flexible inner members having flexible regions comprising a plurality of intertwined helical cuts - A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member and formed of a plurality of intertwined helical cuts in a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The helical cuts are congruent but differ by a translation or offset along a central longitudinal or helix axis of the tubular body. The helical cuts result in formation of a plurality of intertwined helical strip members in the cylindrical wall, each having opposed ends unified integrally and unitarily or monolithically with the cylindrical wall. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275967 | SAFE TISSUE PUNCTURE DEVICE - A method for safely penetrating the tissue of a gastric wall includes deploying a tissue puncture assembly including a suction device proximate the gastric wall tissue, applying a vacuum source to the suction device to draw a portion of the gastric wall tissue thereto and extending a needle through the portion of gastric wall tissue drawn into contact with the suction device. A device for safely penetrating the tissue of a gastric wall includes a tissue puncture assembly including a suction device in the form of a cup with suction ports therein and an open end. A needle is surrounded by the cup and extends through the cup toward the open end. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275968 | Lancet Assembly - In a lancet assembly including a lancet | 2009-11-05 |
20090275969 | Lancet Assembly - There is provided a lancet assembly with a possibility of the lancet structure being inadvertently pushed without an intension of pricking. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275970 | Surgical access needle device and method of use - A surgical access needle device, systems and kits comprising the surgical access needle device, and methods of using the surgical access needle device can comprise a first elongate member having a blunt distal end, a second elongate member having a sharp distal end, and an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism can be operably attached to the first elongate member or second elongate member to adjust the positional relationship between the first elongate member or second elongate, thus exposing a distal end of the first elongate member or the second elongate member. Variations of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for providing and creating a surgical access passage for performing minimally invasive surgery or accessing internal organs or tissues. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275971 | Energy activated preloaded detachment mechanisms for implantable devices - Described herein are energy-activated preloaded detachment mechanisms for implantable devices and assemblies comprising these detachment mechanisms. Also provided are methods of using the detachment mechanisms and assemblies. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275972 | MINIMALLY-INVASIVE METHODS FOR IMPLANTING OBESITY TREATMENT DEVICES - Tools, devices and methods for treating a patient. An incision or puncture is made though the patient's skin and a delivery tract is made through an opening formed by the incision or puncture, subcutaneous fat and fascia, far into the patient's abdominal cavity. A guide member is inserted through the delivery tract and a distal end portion of the guide member is positioned at a target location within the abdominal cavity. An implantable device is delivered with the aid of the guide member, and the implantable device is attached to at least one internal body structure. A fillable member of the implantable device is at least partially filled with fluid. The guide member is removed and an adjustment member is attached to a conduit in fluid communication with the fillable member. The attachment member is anchored to an internal body structure and the incision or puncture is closed. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275973 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME CONTROL - A gastric balloon includes a scaffold structure, one or more internal inflatable compartments within the scaffold structure, and one or more inflatable bladders formed over the space-filling compartment. The gastric balloon may be deployed transesophageally using a gastroscope and is inflated in situ, preferably using a combination of liquid and gas inflation media. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275974 | FILAMENTARY DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DEFECTS - Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell configured to occlude blood flow therethrough. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275975 | GASTRIC COIL MANIPULATOR - A gastric coil manipulator includes a longitudinally extending shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a flexible element with a portion thereof extending beyond the distal end of the shaft for the creation of a resilient arc, wherein an actuator cable is secured to the flexible element for manipulation of the portion of the flexible element extending beyond the distal end of the shaft. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275976 | EMBOLIC FILTERING METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention relates generally to a device and method for preventing the undesired passage of emboli from a venous blood pool to an arterial blood pool. The invention relates especially to a device and method for treating certain cardiac defects, especially patent foramen ovales and other septal defects, through the use of an embolic filtering device capable of instantaneously deterring the passage of emboli from the moment of implantation. The device consists of a frame, and a braided mesh of sufficient dimensions to prevent passage of emboli through the mesh. The device is preferably composed of shape memory allow, such as nitinol, which conforms to the shape and dimension of the defect to be treated. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275977 | TISSUE CONVEYOR FOR USE IN GASTRIC REDUCTION SURGERY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR USE - A tissue conveyor includes a conveyor body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a handle allowing for operator control of an end effector located at the distal end. The end effector includes a grasper assembly composed of a first jaw bar and a second jaw bar connected by a support base to define a cavity into which tissue is drawn. A first conveyor member is positioned upon the first jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the first jaw bar and a second conveyor member is positioned upon the second jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the second jaw bar. The method for creating a tissue fold includes positioning a tissue conveyor adjacent tissue, pushing the respective first jaw bar and the second jaw bar into the tissue in the area where a fold is desired, and pulling the first conveyor member and the second conveyor member proximally to draw the first and second conveyor members and tissue into a cavity defined by the first jaw bar and the second jaw bar to create a tissue fold. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275978 | SELF-TENSIONING VASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ITS USE - The present invention advantageously provides self-tensioning occlusion devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, such an expansible member, is disposed on a distal end of the body. The tensioning member, such as a spring or coil, is slidably disposed over the body and proximal the expansion member. Generally, during application, the tensioning member will be positionable against subcutaneous tissue so as to lodge and anchor the expansible member against the puncture site. In particular, the expansible member allows for sealing of the puncture site while the tensioning member applies and maintains tension to the expansible occluder so that it is seated against the puncture site at a vascular surface. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275979 | MONOFILAMENT SUTURE AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a monofilament suture and a preparation method thereof, more specifically, to a novel monofilament suture wherein two polymers having identical inherent properties are spun to have a cross-sectional structure of conjugated filaments, and said cross-section has interfaces between the spun polymers. The interfaces form a discontinuous cross-section along the radial direction and are distributed continuously along the fiber axis direction, thereby offering improved knot security and applicability to a variety of medical materials, and a preparation method thereof. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275980 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE FORMATION OF TISSUE FOLDS - A suture anchoring device includes a fastener body composed of a tube and a spool is mounted within the tube for rotation relative to the tube. Suture material is wrapped about the spool such that pulling of the suture material causes rotation of the spool within the tube. A one-way locking mechanism allows the spool to rotate freely in a first direction and prevents rotation in an opposite direction. A method for creating a tissue fold includes deploying a first suture anchoring device within the tissue with suture material extending proximally from the first suture anchoring device, deploying a second suture anchoring device within the tissue with a distal portion of the suture material extending between the first suture anchoring device and a proximal portion of the suture material extending proximally from the second suture anchoring device, and applying tension to the suture material to draw portions of the tissue together to form a tissue fold. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275981 | Artificial Ligament Assembly - An artificial ligament assembly for spinal stabilization includes an outer hollow elastic longitudinal member, a rigid inner member, a bone anchor mechanism, a bone anchor, and a buffered space. The artificial ligament assembly further includes a clamp that controls a torsional motion of the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member with respect to the bone anchor mechanism. The outer hollow elastic longitudinal member is at least as long as the inner rigid member. The rigid inner member is configured in a substantially same shape as the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor mechanism is coupled to the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. The bone anchor connector may further include an insert end. The bone anchor is coupled to the bone anchor mechanism. The buffered space allows any of a compression and an extension of the bone anchor mechanism inside the outer hollow elastic longitudinal member. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275982 | DEVICE FOR TREATING VERTEBRAE, INCLUDING AN INTERSPINOUS IMPLANT - This device ( | 2009-11-05 |
20090275983 | DYNAMIC STABILIZATION ROD - A spinal stabilization rod includes a first rod portion having a proximal end and a distal end and having a first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion extends from the distal end of the first rod portion and has a second minimum cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion is formed of a first material and a different second material, with the first material being more resistant in shear than the second material. The implant also includes a slider portion disposed about and movable relative to the second rod portion. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275984 | REFORMING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a reforming device. A reforming device according to the present invention includes a main body that is locked to bones of a human body and of which a length is extensible depending on growth of the human body; an external controller that transmits a wireless control signal for a length of the main body to be extended inside of the human body; and an internal controller that is mounted inside of the human body and extends the length of the main body depending on the wireless control signal. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275985 | Dynamic stabilization assembly having pre-compressed spacers with differential displacements - A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core extending through at least two elastic spacers and at least one outer sleeve or trolley. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. The spacers have differing durometers and/or geometries, resulting in greater axial movement of the sleeve in one direction than in an opposite direction. The spacers are compressed prior to attachment to the bone anchors. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275986 | FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT AND SYSTEM - Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275987 | BONE PLATE EXTENDER AND EXTENSION SYSTEM FOR BONE RESTORATION AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The disclosure includes a bone plate extender and extension system. The system includes a first bone plate extender and may additionally include a bone fixation element and/or an additional bone plate. The bone plate extender may be affixed to a bone portion at one end, for instance, a fractured bone portion, via a bone fixation element, and associated with a second bone plate at an opposite end, so as to facilitate alignment and stabilization of the bone and thereby correct and treat a bone fracture. The bone plate extender may include an extended body, which includes a bone plate engagement portion, a bone fixation portion, and an intercalating portion there between. In certain variations, the extended body is planar, and in certain variations the extended body is angled, curved or arced. Methods of using such bone plate extension systems for the reduction, restoration and treatment of bone fractures are also provided. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275988 | Dynamic cervical plate with spacer - Disclosed is a dynamic cervical plate system that may be adjusted to length, locked in place to provide compression, and will automatically shorten its length to maintain compression. The system includes spinal cages coupled to the plate which provide intervertebral spacers for excised discs. The cervical plate system has a flat elongated shaft adapted to span the intervertebral space and has at least two screw receivers spaced along the length of the plate. The screw receivers each have screw holes for accepting the heads of bone screws. The spinal cage is coupled to the plate and interposed between the screw receivers. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275989 | COMPOSITE AND SURFACE MOUNTED BRACE, KIT AND ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A FRACTURED BONE - A brace kit and assembly for supporting an exterior surface of a damaged bone and including any plurality of elongated supports or peripherally extending and loop shaped plastic straps applied to the bone and which is secured in overlaying fashion over the damaged location. Scissor portions are also provided for providing interengaging support in cooperation with the straps. An improved anchor system includes a modified drill for creating a three dimensional undercut pattern within a previously drilled hole, thereby providing improved ability to secure the brace to die bone. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275990 | ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - An anterior cervical plating system is disclosed that includes an anterior cervical plate with a locking mechanism feature, bone screws, and a locking element. The bone screws fasten the anterior cervical plate to the spinal vertebrae and locking elements are inserted into a housing to prevent withdrawal of the bone screws from the vertebrae. The anterior cervical plate has at least one pair of adjacent bone screw holes, with the housing mounted perpendicularly between adjacent bone screw holes. When the bone screws are fully inserted into the vertebrae through the anterior cervical plate, the locking element prevents the retraction of the bone screws from the vertebrae. The elastically-deformable locking element holds the bone screws inside the screw holes. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275991 | CONTOURED BONE PLATE FOR FRACTURE FIXATION HAVING HOOK MEMBERS AND DRILL GUIDE FOR SAME - A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the lateral malleolus. The bone fixation plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. Each hook member curves back upon a bottom surface of the elongated body, back towards a second end of the elongated body, and terminating in a pointed prong region. The elongated body includes a first region, a second region, and an angled region disposed between the first and second region. The prong region has a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the angled region of the elongated body of the bone plate. A double barreled drill guide and associated interchangeable cooperating inner drill guides and gauges are provided to facilitate the drilling of pilot holes in a terminal bone fragment for axial insertion of the pointed prong regions of the hook members. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275992 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a locking mechanism. The first shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the first shaft is configured to engage a nut. The second shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the second shaft is configured to engage a screw. At least a portion of the second shaft is disposed within the first shaft such that the threaded portion of the first shaft is engaged with the threaded portion of the second shaft. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively allow rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275993 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes a bone screw, a nut, and a washer. The bone screw has a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a recessed portion disposed between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The nut is threadedly coupled to the second threaded portion of the bone screw. The nut having a tool engagement portion and a seating portion. The washer is disposed about the bone screw such that a first surface of the washer is disposed about the seating portion of the nut and a retention portion is disposed within the recessed portion of the bone screw. The washer is configured to rotate about an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the bone screw. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275994 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - A method includes inserting a bone fixation device into a patient's body. The bone fixation device includes a first member and a second member movably coupled to the first member. A passageway is defined within a bone tissue after the bone fixation device is inserted and while the bone fixation device is disposed within the patient's body. At least a portion of the first member of the bone fixation device is disposed within the bone tissue along the passageway. The second member of the bone fixation device is moved relative to the first member of the bone fixation device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275995 | BONE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices for treating osteoplasty procedures such as vertebral compression fractures. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to instruments and methods for controllably restoring vertebral body height by controlling the geometry of fill material introduced into cancellous bone. A method of treating bone includes injecting a volume of fill material into a bone and selectively modifying a viscosity of the bone filler to control the direction of flow of the fill material within the bone. A system for treating bone using this method includes an introducer for delivering fill material into the bone and an energy source selectively coupleable to the fill material to alter the viscosity of the fill material via an energy emitter in the introducer. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275996 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING MEDICAL LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275997 | VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION ELECTRODES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are systems, method and devices for modulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The systems described herein may include one or more implantable leads configured to be used to stimulate the inflammatory reflex. These leads typically include a flexible body region, a plurality of electrodes (or contacts) and may be used with a stylet or other inserter. The leads may also include one or more anchors. Exemplary leads may be intra-carotid sheath field-effect leads (“sheath FE” leads), carotid sheath cuff leads (“sheath cuff” leads), intracardiac leads, vagus nerve cuff leads (“vagus cuff” leads), and intravenous leads (“intravascular” leads). Leads (e.g., intravascular leads) may be chronic or acute. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275998 | EXTRA-CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH FUSION PACING CAPABILITY - According to this disclosure, a non-transvenous pacing and, optionally defibrillation, therapy device is implanted subcutaneously and oriented to provide cardiac sensing from electrodes spaced from a heart and deliver pacing and/or defibrillation from one or more non-transvenous electrodes (e.g., an epicardial or pericardial electrode or electrode patch). A subject receiving a device according to this disclosure is monitored to confirm a relatively stable bundle branch block (i.e., delayed activation) of one ventricle. The subcutaneous device has electrodes disposed on the housing and/or having an electrode on a subcutaneous medical lead is oriented so that the pacing (and sensing) vector impinges mainly upon the one ventricle, and/or optionally an epicardial or pericardial lead is deployed to a last-to-depolarize ventricle (e.g., a left ventricle) so that single-ventricular pacing is delivered to achieve fusion depolarization of both ventricles. | 2009-11-05 |
20090275999 | EXTRA-CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH FUSION PACING CAPABILITY - According to this disclosure, a non-transvenous pacing and, optionally defibrillation, therapy device is implanted subcutaneously and oriented to provide cardiac sensing from electrodes spaced from a heart and deliver pacing and/or defibrillation from one or more non-transvenous electrodes (e.g., an epicardial or pericardial electrode or electrode patch). A subject receiving a device according to this disclosure is monitored to confirm a relatively stable bundle branch block (i.e., delayed activation) of one ventricle. The subcutaneous device has electrodes disposed on the housing and/or having an electrode on a subcutaneous medical lead is oriented so that the pacing (and sensing) vector impinges mainly upon the one ventricle, and/or optionally an epicardial or pericardial lead is deployed to a last-to-depolarize ventricle (e.g., a left ventricle) so that single-ventricular pacing is delivered to achieve fusion depolarization of both ventricles. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276000 | PACING METHOD - A method for delivering physiological pacing includes selecting an electrode implant site for sensing cardiac signals, which is in proximity to the heart's intrinsic conduction system, where pacing stimulation results in a rhythm breaking out at an intrinsic location, and selected in response to a ratio of sensed P-wave amplitude to sensed R-wave amplitude. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276001 | METHOD OF CONTINUOUS CAPTURE VERIFICATION IN CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION DEVICES - In bi-ventricular pacing devices (including CRT devices) analysis of myocardial electrogram signals in one ventricle (e.g., a left ventricle, or “LV”) can same ventricle, on a continuous (every pacing cycle), triggered, aperiodic and/or periodic basis. Rather than using an evoked-response principle as has been the basis of capture detection in prior art and other systems, a principle employed via the present invention uses evidence of inter-ventricular conduction (i.e., from the opposite chamber) and/or atrio-ventricular conduction as evidence of LOC, since a non-capturing pacing stimulus provided to a first chamber will allow the myocardial tissue of the first chamber to remain non-refractory and thus inter-ventricular and atrio-ventricular wavefront propagation and conduction can commence and be detected thereby revealing whether LOC has occurred. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276002 | Lead-Implant Coupling Device - A lead coupling device adapted for coupling to a lead and methods for using the coupling devices are provided. The coupling device includes a housing assembly having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The coupling device also has a lead receiving channel that is disposed between the two openings to receive a lead therethrough. Various electronics components may also included in the coupling device that enable operations such as sensing, delivery of electrical energy and wireless communication between the coupling device and an external device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276003 | Remote Lead Implant Testing - A lead coupling device adapted for coupling to a lead and methods for using the coupling devices are provided. The coupling device includes a housing assembly having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The coupling device also has a lead receiving channel that is disposed between the two openings to receive a lead therethrough. Various electronics components may also included in the coupling device that enable operations such as sensing, delivery of electrical energy and wireless communication between the coupling device and an external device. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276004 | Lead Implant System - A lead implant system includes a lead coupling device, which is configured to couple a lead during an implant procedure, in communication with a medical device and an implantable medical device, which is contained within a package that includes an electrical interface for electrical coupling with an electrical contact of the implantable medical device. The electrical interface facilitates coupling of the packaged medical device to an electrical contact of another medical device, which is located outside the package. If the electrical contact of the packaged device is mounted within a bore of the device, then the connector structure allows for passage of a sterilizing gas into the connector bore, and past the connector contact, within the bore. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276005 | Method and Device for the Treatment of Headache - A method is provided for the suppression or prevention of pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, abnormal metabolic states, disorders of the muscular system, and neuropsychiatric disorders in a patient. The method comprises inserting an electrode into a patient. The electrode can be positioned on or proximate to a neural structure, and the electrode can detect an ENG signal. In some embodiments, the neural structure can be the patient's sphenopalatine ganglia (“SPG”), sphenopalatine nerves (“SPN”), or vidian nerves (“VN”). Placement of the electrode can be tested by detecting a characteristic ENG. If the characteristic ENG indicates that the electrode is not positioned on the target neural structure, the electrode can be repositioned. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276006 | EXTERNAL SPEECH PROCESSOR UNIT FOR AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - A cochlear implant system comprising an external component having an external speech processor unit, and an internal component. The speech processor unit monitors one or more parameters, and the speech processor unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the cochlear implant system in the absence of one or more parameters. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276007 | MULTI-STAGE TESTING OF ELECTRODES OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Method, controller and system for an implantable medical device capable of delivering therapeutic stimulation through a plurality of electrodes. A control module is operable to conduct a plurality of measurements of impedance values creating a plurality of measured impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes based on a plurality of active parameters. The control module conducts the plurality of measurements of impedance values in a plurality of stages in which at least one of said plurality of active parameters is varied between individual ones of the plurality of stages. | 2009-11-05 |
20090276008 | NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY USAGE DIAGNOSTICS - An implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set. A parameter set may consist of a number of programs that are delivered substantially simultaneously. When programming the implantable medical device for the patient, a clinician programmer may maintain a session log for the patient that includes a listing of programs delivered to the patient and rating information provided by a clinician and the patient for programs of the list. The listing may be ordered according to the rating information in order to facilitate the selection of programs for a parameter set. A program library that may include particularly effective programs organized according to a directory structure may be stored in a memory. One or both of the implantable medical device and a patient programmer may store usage information that provides an objective assessment of therapy use by the patient, and allows a clinician to later improve the therapy based on the usage information. | 2009-11-05 |