46th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130304112 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALTERING THE ARTERIAL PULSE WAVEFORM OF A BODY - An apparatus and method for altering reflected arterial pulse of a body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a belt having a compression member arranged to apply a pressure to the body, the belt being arranged to be positioned such that the compression member applies the pressure to one of at least two pressure points between the xiphis sternum and navel of the body, the belt adjustable to provide at least two pressure levels to each of the at least two pressure points and a blood pressure monitoring device arranged to obtain a beat-to-beat arterial pulse waveform when the pressure is applied at each of the pressure points and at each of the at least two pressure levels; and analyze the waveform to determine the optimum position for the compression device to apply the pressure to the body to alter the pulse waveform. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304113 | DISPOSABLE VENOUS TOURNIQUETS AND METHODS OF USE - A disposable tourniquet and its method of use is disclosed. The tourniquet is in the form of a band formed of a thin flexible, non-stretchable material and has releasable securable means, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive. The tourniquet is arranged to be wrapped around the patient's limb, tightened and locked in place to reduce circulation. The tourniquet has means for controlling the amount of tension applied to the band when it is tightened about the limb of the patient, means for indicating the amount of tension applied. Means for indicating the ambient temperature at the patient's limb on which the tourniquet is used may be included in the tourniquet. The tourniquet may also include means to enable it to be folded into a compact configuration. Plural tourniquets can be provided in the form of a stack. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304114 | Surgical Forceps Including Blade Safety Mechanism - A forceps includes first and second jaw members and at least one handle movable between an open position and a closed position for moving the jaw members between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A ratchet mechanism includes first and second ratchet components configured to engage one another upon movement of the at least one handle to the closed position to retain the jaw members in the approximated position. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween. A safety mechanism is configured to inhibit extension of the knife when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position. Movement of the ratchet components into engagement with one another to retain the jaw members in the approximated position disengages the safety mechanism, thereby permitting extension of the knife. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304115 | TREATMENT TOOL - A treatment tool includes a long shaft member, a pair of grasping members installed at a distal end portion of the long shaft member, a driving force transmission member connected to the pair of grasping member, a driving manipulation member, and a switch unit having a first sliding section and a second sliding section, and configured to switch a ratio of a magnitude of a force for moving the driving force transmission member with respect to a magnitude of a force for moving the driving manipulation member when the driving manipulation member is manipulated to be moved by switching a position at which the driving manipulation member is slid between the first sliding section and the second sliding section. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304116 | PLUG - The fixed valve and the attachable and detachable valve are connected to each other via a connecting band, and both are integrally made of elastomer. A frame body is constituted of a rigid body made of plastic. A flange and a receiving portion are formed on an upper portion of the frame body. A second flange is formed on a lower end of the fixed valve. The fixed valve is installed on the frame body by engaging the second flange with flange. The second flange is prevented from being separated from the flange of the second flange by interposing a part of the second flange between the flange and the receiving portion. The fixed valve is securely installed on the frame body, whereby the fixed valve is prevented from uncoupling when removing a treatment tool. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304117 | MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device is configured to prevent a member attached to the distal end of an operation wire passing through a catheter from dropping out from an operation wire. The medical device includes an operation wire which passes through a catheter and which is advanceable and retractable toward the axial direction with respect to the catheter, a distal member interlocked on the distal side of the operation wire, and a grasping unit which is interlocked on the proximal side of the operation wire. The medical device also includes a safety mechanism for releasing the interlock between the operation wire and the grasping unit by a load lower than the breaking strength between the operation wire and the distal member. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304118 | Devices and Methods for Vascular Closure - Devices and methods for vascular closure are disclosed. The invention may be an apparatus having a first catheter comprising a first balloon lumen and a support balloon in pneumatic communication with the first balloon lumen, a sheath having a hood portion, a second catheter comprising a second balloon lumen and an expander balloon in pneumatic communication with the second balloon lumen, and a pusher assembly having a bandage. A method of using such an apparatus may comprise the steps of inserting the apparatus into the vasculature through the puncture, positioning the sheath outside of the puncture, inflating the support balloon, inserting the second catheter into the sheath, inflating the expander to expand the hood portion of the sheath, deflating the expander balloon, positioning the pusher assembly within the hood portion, deflating the support balloon, removing the first catheter, and affixing the bandage on the puncture. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304119 | Implantable Graft to Close a Fistula - An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. To prevent unintentional displacement of the graft or extrusion of the graft from the fistula of a patient, the graft may be provided with a cap that extends laterally from at least one end of the body of the graft, where the cap may be integral with the body of the graft, attachable to at least one end of the body of the graft, and/or moveable along the body of the graft. The graft may also have a tail that extends from one end of the body of the graft to assist in placement of the graft in a fistula tract. The graft may be an integral unit made of a single material, such as a heterograft material, or may include distinct components made of the same or different materials. Methods for closing a fistula tract are also provided. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304120 | Method And Apparatus For Soft Tissue Attachment - An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy. The anchor assembly includes an anchor body, a flexible connector, and a graft holding member. The anchor body includes a first connector bore defined by the anchor body. The flexible connector extends through the first connector bore. The graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector and is configured to hold the graft. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304121 | Teething Products - Teething products for infants and small children having massaging follicles that contact oral surfaces to soothe and comfort the user. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304122 | SOOTHER-LIKE ARTICLE FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES - A medical article resembling a soother has a teat portion for insertion into a baby's mouth and a mouth shield portion adapted to fit over the baby's face around the mouth and serving in use to limit the extent of insertion of the teat portion into the baby's mouth. The teat portion is of sufficient length and extends from the mouth shield at an angle towards the hard palate in the roof of the mouth when the shield is so fitted whereby a distal end portion of the teat portion is adapted in use to bear against the hard palate in the roof of the mouth. The teat portion is formed without voids with a relatively soft surface layer and a relatively harder inner core. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304123 | ANTERIOR CERVICAL PLATE - An anterior cervical includes a plate portion for stabilizing a human or animal spine by being placed ventrally of the spinal column and affixed to two or more different vertebral bodies, and plurality of fastening portions adapted to be anchored in the different vertebral bodies. At least one of the fastening portions is rigidly connected to the plate portion and includes a sheath element with a longitudinal opening that is accessible from a proximal side and at least one hole that reaches from the longitudinal opening to an outside. The anterior cervical plate further includes a thermoplastic element that may be inserted in the sheath element and that is capable of being liquefied by, for example, mechanical energy acting on the thermoplastic element. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304124 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERTEBRAL BODY PLATING - A spinal plating system for vertebral fixation includes a plate, a compression screw, multiple fixation members and polyaxially adjustable locking rings. The plate is shaped to conform to the curvature of the spine and the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. The compression screw fits through an insert, and together they are guided by the plate as the screw is driven into one of the vertebrae, producing compression between the adjacent vertebrae. A retaining lip on the plate prevents backout of the compression screw. The polyaxial locking rings can be polyaxially pivoted to attain a desired orientation, and are lockable to the plate to maintain the orientation. The fixation members fit through openings in the polyaxial locking rings and the plate to fix the plate to the vertebrae. Locking the polyaxial locking rings fixes the position of the fixation members relative to the plate, and prevents backout of the fixation members. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304125 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE AND METHOD - A system for surgically coupling the spinous processes includes a first plate, a second plate, a pair of semi-rigid guide members, and a coupler. The first plate engages with a first lateral side of the spinous processes. The pair of semi-rigid guide members attaches to the first plate for inserting the first plate between the spinous processes. The second plate includes a pair of apertures that slide over the pair of semi-rigid guide members engage a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The coupler couples the first plate and the second plate together. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304126 | ANCHORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304127 | PEDICLE SCREW ASSEMBLY AND DYNAMIC SPINAL STABILIZATION DEVICES INCORPORATING THE PEDICLE SCREW ASSEMBLY - A dynamic spinal stabilization device for the treatment of high-grade spinal disorders is disclosed herein. The dynamic spinal stabilization device includes two or more screw assemblies, each of which include a pedicle screw and a head socket containing a curved internal track that limits the range of motion and center of rotation of the spinal segments stabilized using the device to the physiological levels of a nondegraded spinal segment. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304128 | ILIAC CONNECTOR, CONNECTOR HEAD, SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STABILIZING A SPINE - An inventive iliac connector comprises a connector head ( | 2013-11-14 |
20130304129 | SURGICAL HOOK INCLUDING FLOW PATH - A hook for attaching a surgical rod to a vertebra includes a rod-receiving portion, a base portion, and a tip portion. The rod-receiving portion includes a pair of side walls that form a channel for receiving the surgical rod. The base portion extends distally from the rod-receiving portion and includes a first flow path extending therethrough. The tip portion extends away from the rod-receiving portion to form a hook portion for attaching to the vertebrae. In other features, the hook includes a second flow path extending through the tip portion. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304130 | TOOL SYSTEM FOR DYNAMIC SPINAL IMPLANTS - A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for independent operable connection of the guide tool to an arm of the bone screw. The bone screw/guide tool attachment includes an undercut and/or recess so as to resist separation of the guide tool member from an attached bone screw. Further tools include a removable stabilizer, a cooperating bone screw driver with an attached stabilizer, a closure starter/reduction tool, a closure driver and a counter torque tool. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304131 | METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY EXTENDING AN EXISTING SPINAL CONSTRUCT - Methods and techniques for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304132 | VARIABLE ANGLE LOCKING SCREW - A method of mounting a base plate to a biologic material comprising inserting and retaining a threaded nut within a first through hole of a base plate, wherein the first hole is at least partially defined by an interior circumferential wall and the threaded nut comprises a cylindrical inner wall at least partially defining a second through hole; inserting a screw through the first and second through holes so that at least a portion of a threaded shaft extends beyond the interior circumferential wall of the base plate; rotating the screw with respect to the base plate and the threaded nut to operatively engage a head of the screw with the threaded nut; inserting the screw into a biologic substrate; and locking an angular orientation of the screw with respect to the base plate. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304133 | CABLE ANCHOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The cable system includes a cable, cable anchors and/or cable crimps. The cable anchors and cable crimps have mounting holes that are used to secure the cable anchors and cable crimps to bones of patients with bone screws. Once the cable anchors and/or cable crimps are attached to the bone, the cable wrapped around the bone and placed through the cable anchors and cable crimps. The cable is tensioned and a locking mechanism is used to lock the cable crimp to the cable. The cable anchors and cable crimps prevent the cable from moving on the bone. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304134 | BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT AND FABRICATION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention can suitably be used even in a site where hydrogen gas is metabolized slowly, such as the osseous tissue. Provided is a biodegradable implant including a biodegradable magnesium member formed of a magnesium alloy and coating layers that coat the biodegradable magnesium member, thereby reducing the degradation rate thereof in a living organism, wherein a depression to be infiltrated by an osteoblast is formed in a surface of the biodegradable magnesium member. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304135 | SYSTEM FOR INSERTING A PIN INTO A SCREW - System for inserting an augmentation pin into an augmentation screw, comprising a pin inserter with an axial through-bore and a lateral opening, a pin-magazine with a pin-retainer for an augmentation pin, wherein the pin-magazine may be placed in the lateral opening of the pin-inserter and an augmentation pin in the pin-retainer may be aligned with the axial through-bore. The augmentation pin may be pushed by means of a pusher from the pin-magazine into an augmentation screw, when the augmentation screw is arranged in front of the pin-inserter. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304136 | FRANGIBLE FIXING SCREW - The invention relates to a screw, particularly for attaching a superstructure to an intra-osseous implant. The extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a head and a thread. The head comprises a bearing surface configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of the superstructure to hold the superstructure in position. The thread is configured to engage with a tapping to tighten the bearing surfaces of the superstructure and the screw. Between the bearing surface and the thread, the screw comprises a safety portion. The safety portion comprises a driving shape and a frangible section at the connection between the safety portion and the head of the screw, so that the driving shape remains attached to the thread if the frangible section breaks. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304137 | Device and a Method for Implanting a Spinous Process Fixation Device - The disclosure provides a device to facilitate the insertion and attachment of an implant that includes a barrel assembly and a plate assembly in an interspinous space. The device comprises a main body, a first arm that is configured to hold the barrel assembly, and a second arm that is configured to hold a locking plate of the plate assembly, wherein the first and second arms are movably attached to the main body. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304138 | INTERNAL JOINT STABILIZER DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A stabilization device is provided including an axle and a portion that can be affixed to a bone. The device is used to stabilize a joint while allowing motion of the joint along its natural trajectory and it is placed internally in order to prevent pin tract problems. Additionally, methods for using the device are provided that include, in various sequences, inserting the axle into a bone of a joint, adjusting the geometry of the device and attaching the fixable portion to another bone of the joint. The device can be provided as part of a system including an axis trajectory guide useful for locating the axis of rotation of the joint prior to insertion, adjustment and attachment of the device. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304139 | IDENTIFYING LEAD INSULATION BREACHES AND EXTERNALIZATION OF LEAD CONDUCTORS - A technique for identifying lead-related conditions, such as insulation breaches and/or externalization of lead conductors, includes analyzing characteristics of electrical signals generated on one or more electrode sensing vectors of the lead by a test signal to determine whether a lead-related condition exists. The characteristics of the electrical signals induced on the lead by the test signal may be significantly different on a lead having an insulation breach or externalized conductor than on a lead not having such lead-related conditions. As such, the implantable medical device may be subject to a known test signal and analyze the signals on the lead to detect lead-related conditions. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304140 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING IMPROVED CONNECTOR CONTACTS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A port for receiving a lead is defined at a first end of a connector housing of a connector assembly for an implantable electrical medical device. A lumen extends from the port along a longitudinal axis of the connector housing. At least one of a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing couples to a terminal of the lead when the lead is received by the connector housing. The connector contacts include spring contact probes spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the connector housing with at least a portion of each of the spring contact probes extending along a first transverse axis into the lumen of the connector housing. The plurality of spring contact probes physically contact the terminals of the lead solely along the first transverse axis when the lead is received by the connector housing. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304141 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a dermatological disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304142 | UTILITY MODULE - A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304143 | MEDICAL DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An external medical device can include a medical data collection port for collecting medical data corresponding to a person using the external medical device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication module, and a processor configured to cause the RFID communication module to provide the medical data to an RFID device that is external to the external medical device. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304144 | VENTRICULAR CAPTURE TESTING BY ANALYSIS OF AN ENDOCARDIAL ACCELERATION SIGNAL IN AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A processor-based method for use with an active implantable medical device for cardiac pacing, resynchronization, and/or defibrillation includes forming a plurality of first and second endocardial acceleration vectors using a plurality of endocardial acceleration signals acquired using stimulation to cause capture and a spontaneous rhythm of the patient in the absence of ventricular pacing, respectively. An at least two dimension space is created using the first and second endocardial acceleration vectors, including two subspaces corresponding to the presence and absence of capture, respectively. Ventricular capture is tested for after acquiring a new endocardial acceleration signal. The testing includes forming a new endocardial acceleration signal based on the new vector. Presence or absence of capture is determined for the new signal based on the position of the new vector relative to the two subspaces. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304145 | UTILITY MODULE SYSTEM - A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304146 | UTILITY MODULE INTERFACE - A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304147 | DEFIBRILLATOR NETWORK SYSTEM - A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304148 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - EMI shields for use in implantable medical devices that include inner and outer metal layers separated by a dielectric layer. When assembled as medical devices, the outer metal layer of an illustrative EMI shield is placed into electrical contact with a conductive inner surface of an associated canister for an implantable medical device. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304149 | METHODS FOR IMPROVING HEART FUNCTION - The invention provides methods related to improving heart function. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304150 | REMOTE FOLLOW-UP AUTOMATICITY WITH INTELLIGENT DATA DOWNLOAD RESTRICTIONS - An implanted device is equipped with a flag that indicates to a remote monitoring unit that an event such as a patient medical emergency or device failure has occurred. The remote monitoring unit is configured in some embodiments to maintain a low power communication link with the implanted device when they are within range. When the flag indicates an event has occurred, the remote monitoring unit quickly downloads sensed data collected by the implanted device and transfers it over a network so that it can be utilized by a medical practitioner. The remote monitoring unit is further configured in some embodiments to query the implanted device at regular intervals. The remote monitoring unit may read a subset of the data stored by the implanted device and, based on that data, determine whether to complete a full or partial download. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304151 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304152 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPED PHASED CURRENT DELIVERY - A method of treating an ailment suffered by a patient using one or more electrodes adjacent spinal column tissue of the patient, comprises delivering electrical modulation energy from the one or more electrodes to the spinal column tissue in accordance with a continuous bi-phasic waveform having a positive phase and a negative phase, thereby modulating the spinal column tissue to treat the ailment. An implantable electrical modulation system, comprises one or more electrical terminals configured for being coupled to one or more modulation leads, output modulation circuitry capable of outputting electrical modulation energy to the electrical terminal(s) in accordance with a continuous bi-phasic waveform, and control circuitry configured for modifying a shape of the continuous bi-phasic waveform, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical modulation energy outputted to the electrode(s). | 2013-11-14 |
20130304153 | Brain-Related Chronic Pain Disorder Treatment Method and Apparatus - A method for treating brain-related chronic pain disorders in human subjects includes assessing the brain function of a subject suffering from chronic pain, diagnosing a chronic pain-related abnormal brain condition, and mitigating the abnormal brain activity by applying an electrical stimulation signal to tissues corresponding to at least one area of abnormal brain activity. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304154 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing an ocular disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304155 | Structure of Artificial Electronic Retina - An improved structure of an artificial electronic retina is disclosed, which includes an array of a plurality of photoelectric units, and each photoelectric unit includes one electronic photosensitive element, one microelectrode, and one electronic circuit, wherein the microelectrode is disposed on and electrically connected to the electronic photosensitive element, and the electronic circuit is disposed on a circumference of the electronic photosensitive element. A layer of a light-permeable conductive material is disposed on and electrically connected to the electronic photosensitive element, wherein the layer of the light-permeable conductive material is also electrically connected to the microelectrode. Therefore, the input and output power of the electronic photosensitive element can be increased without reducing the photosensitive area of the electronic photosensitive element. Even the area of the microelectrode can be reduced in order to increase the photosensitive area. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304156 | Automatic Fitting for a Visual Prosthesis - The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304157 | CONFIGURING AN ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING DEVICE TO STIMULATE USING A SUBSET OF ELECTRODE CONTACTS - A method of configuring a prosthesis having two or more electrode contacts, including configuring the prosthesis to provide stimulation to a first tissue site from a subset of electrode contacts based on data based on a comparison of first data to second data, wherein the first data is based on respective estimated voltages for the first site and one or more of additional respective sites to be applied by the subset of electrode contacts, the respective estimated voltages being based on empirical stimulation data for the first and additional sites, and the second data is based on respective target voltages for the first and additional sites, respectively. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304158 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ENERGY TRANSFER MODULE WITH INTEGRATED CONVERSION CIRCUITY - An implantable transcutaneous energy transfer device secondary coil module includes a housing, a secondary coil, power conditioning circuitry, and a low voltage, high power connector. The transcutaneous energy transfer secondary coil is disposed outside the housing and is configured to receive a time-varying magnetic field provided by a transcutaneous energy transfer primary coil, and to convert the time-varying magnetic field into a high voltage, alternating current electric signal within the coil. The power conditioning circuitry is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the secondary coil. The power conditioning circuitry including electronics for converting the high voltage, alternating current electric signal from the secondary coil into a high power, low voltage direct current electric signal. The low voltage, high power connector electrically coupled to the power conditioning circuitry and extending outside the housing for connecting the secondary coil module to a power bus for delivering power to implanted devices. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304159 | MAGNETIC STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF THERAPY - Devices and systems are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of medical conditions through delivery of energy to target tissue, comprising a source of electrical power, a magnetically permeable toroidal core, and a coil that is wound around the core. The coil and core are embedded in a continuous electrically conducting medium, which is adapted to have a shape that conforms to the contour of an arbitrarily oriented target body surface of a patient. The conducting medium is applied to that surface by any of several disclosed methods, and the source of power supplies a pulse of electric charge to the coil, such that the coil induces an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating tissue and/or one or more nerve fibers within the patient. The invention shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve. In one embodiment, the device comprises two toroidal cores that lie adjacent to one another. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304160 | IDENTIFYING LEAD INSULATION BREACHES AND EXTERNALIZATION OF LEAD CONDUCTORS - A technique for identifying lead-related conditions, such as insulation breaches and/or externalization of lead conductors, includes analyzing characteristics of electrical signals generated on one or more electrode sensing vectors of the lead by a test signal to determine whether a lead-related condition exists. The characteristics of the electrical signals induced on the lead by the test signal may be significantly different on a lead having an insulation breach or externalized conductor than on a lead not having such lead-related conditions. As such, the implantable medical device may be subject to a known test signal and analyze the signals on the lead to detect lead-related conditions. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304161 | NON-REGULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION PATTERNS FOR TREATING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304162 | LIGHTGUIDE PHOTOTHERAPY APPARATUS - An apparatus ( | 2013-11-14 |
20130304163 | OPTICAL TREATMENT DEVICE FOR SCALP AND HAIR - Provided is an optical treatment device for a scalp and a hair. According to the optical treatment device for the scalp and the hair, LEDs are mounted on a device to irradiate an ultraviolet light and visible light to the scalp and the hair, so that the metabolism of cells is activated. Iontophoresis equipment is mounted at the upper portion of the device or the lateral side portion of the device to apply the potential difference to the skin, thereby changing an electric environment of the skin, so that the transmittance of ionized medicine through the skin is increased. The optical treatment device includes a body, an MTS cartridge detachably provided at one side of the body, and an LED lamp interposed between the body and the MTS cartridge. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304164 | Portable Apparatus for Laser Therapy - Provided is a portable laser emitting apparatus to be used in physiotherapy and/or surgery, the portable laser emitting apparatus including a readily portable housing, one or more laser sources of same or different wavelengths provided in the housing, and a flexible waveguide extending from the housing to transmit laser light from the one or more laser sources to a target area. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304165 | COMBINATION TREATMENTS - A method of treating a subject in need thereof, is carried out by (a) administering said subject a therapeutic intervention (e.g., an active agent) in a treatment effective amount; and concurrently (b) administering said subject caloric vestibular stimulation in a treatment effective amount, said caloric vestibular stimulation administered so as to enhance the efficacy of said active agent. In some embodiments, the caloric vestibular stimulation is administered as an actively controlled time varying waveform. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304166 | INHIBITION OF PLATELET ACTIVATION, AGGREGATION AND/OR ADHESION BY HYPOTHERMIA - A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36 degrees C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 degrees C.). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304167 | Heat Patch for Pain - Provided in the present invention are a composition for ameliorating or treating back pain and methods of making and using the same. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304168 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS USING ELECTRICAL MODULATION - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304169 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY APPLYING ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO TISSUE - Systems and devices for selectively applying electrical energy to a target region beneath a skin surface of a patient involve applying an electrical impulse to one or more electrodes on a skin surface of the patient to modulate one or more nerves at the target region, where the impulse is substantially blocked at nerves located between the target region and the skin surface such that only the nerves at the target region are modulated by the electrical impulse. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304170 | MULTIPOLAR CONDUCTOR FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device lead includes a flexible body having a proximal region with a proximal end, and a distal region with a distal end. A connector is coupled to the proximal end of the flexible body of the lead to electrically and mechanically connect the lead to an implantable pulse generator. A composite wire having a proximal end is electrically coupled to the connector. The composite wire includes an inner conductor element and a plurality of outer conductor elements adjacent to and radially spaced from the inner conductor element. A distal end of each of the inner conductor element and the plurality of outer conductor elements is connected to one of a plurality of electrodes in the distal region of the flexible body. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304171 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR BRAIN STIMULATION - A device for brain stimulation that includes a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304172 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304173 | PADDLE LEAD CONFIGURATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A paddle lead includes a paddle body with a plurality of electrodes disposed on the paddle body. The plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed laterally around the circumference of the paddle body. At least one connecting wire is disposed on, or within, the paddle body to electrically couple the first electrode and the second electrode. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304174 | PERIPHERAL NERVE INTERFACE DEVICES FOR TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF NEUROMAS - The present disclosure provides nerve interface devices, such as passive or active nerve caps or regenerative peripheral nerve interface devices (RPNI), for a subject in need thereof. The nerve interface devices include nerve interface cap devices capable of treating, minimizing, or preventing formation of neuromas in severed or damaged nerve endings. Such a nerve interface device includes a housing that may be formed of a scaffold, such as a biotic material or hydrogel, an autograft, and optionally an electrode and/or conducting polymer. The autograft may be free muscle or free skin tissue, which is attached to the nerve ending to permit reinnervation. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating, minimizing, or preventing neuroma formation in a subject having a severed or damaged nerve, especially a peripheral nerve. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304175 | Device and Method for Self-Positioning of a Stimulation Device to Activate Brown Adipose Tissue Depot in a Supraclavicular Fossa Region - Self-positioning of at least a portion of a transdermal electrical stimulation patch within a target area (e.g., supraclavicular fossa region) of a human body to activate a depot of brown adipose tissue therein. An electric field is generated using the electrical stimulation patch to activate the brown adipose tissue within the supraclavicular fossa region of the body. The patch is self-positioned using one or more anatomical points (e.g., anatomical landmarks and/or anatomical features) or markings on the body. Brown adipose tissue may also be activated by applying an electrical signal to a body piercing partially implanted proximate a target area in which the tissue is disposed. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304176 | INTEGRATED BANDAGE AND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NEURON-STIMULATION (TENS) DEVICE - A bandage with an integrated, wireless, transcutaneous electrical neuron-stimulation (TENS) device, and method of using the same. The integrated bandage and TENS device provides electric stimulation to an anatomical site that is covered by the bandage. The bandage includes controls that enable the user to control the intensity levels of the electric stimulation, which is provided through at least one electrode. The electrical circuit in the TENS device provides biphasic or monophasic sequence of pulses to the electrodes, and the sequence of pulses form a plurality of waveforms available for specific clinical needs. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304177 | Drug Eluting Medical Implant - Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304178 | IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body containing metallic material, preferably iron. For controlling the degradation of the implant the method includes the following steps: (a) providing a first part of the implant body; and (b) performing heat treatment which alters the carbon content and/or the boron content and/or the nitrogen content in the structure of a near-surface boundary layer in the first part of the implant body in such a way that strain on the lattice or a lattice transformation, optionally following a subsequent mechanical load, is achieved in the near-surface boundary layer. Such an implant is also described. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304179 | CATHETER HAVING HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR - Catheter for delivery of a medical device such as a stent or filter includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is disposed at the distal end of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member includes a fluid lumen defined therein, the fluid lumen having a fluid flow port directed to the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A pressure chamber is defined by the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, a proximal seal and a distal seal, and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to move the outer tubular member in a proximal direction allowing the medical device constrained by the outer tubular member to be released. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304180 | CATHETER HAVING DUAL BALLOON HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR - Catheter comprising an inner tubular member defining a fluid lumen and inflation lumen therein. An exterior surface of the inner tubular member defines a fluid flow port in fluid communication with the fluid lumen and located along a region of the inner tubular member. Catheter further includes an outer member having a distal section movable relative to the inner tubular member and having an interior surface. A piston balloon is coupled to the inner tubular member distal to the fluid flow port and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port. Fluid introduced through the inflation lumen inflates the piston balloon to seal against the interior surface and fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force to urge at least the distal section of the outer member in a proximal direction. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304181 | CATHETER HAVING HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR WITH TANDEM CHAMBERS - Catheter including an inner tubular member having a fluid lumen defined therein and an exterior surface. The exterior surface defining a first distal flow port and a second distal flow port. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member in a proximal direction and having an interior surface. A first pressure chamber is defined between the exterior surface and the interior surface, and between a first distal seal assembly and a first proximal seal assembly. A second pressure chamber is defined between the exterior surface and the interior surface, and between a second distal seal assembly and a second proximal seal assembly. Fluid introduced through the fluid lumen pressurizes the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to generate a respective force at the first proximal seal assembly and to the second proximal seal assembly to urge the outer tubular member in the proximal direction. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304182 | FLOW REGULATION VALVE FOR CONTROLLING INFLATION RATE OF A BALLOON DEPLOYING A SCAFFOLD - An apparatus and method for controlling inflation pressure, pressurization rate, and volumetric flow rate of a balloon during deployment of a stent or scaffold is disclosed. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304183 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - To provide a stent delivery system that can limit/prevent drop-off or shifting of a stent from the balloon. A stent delivery system that is equipped with a main tube-shaped shaft, a balloon provided on the tip of the main shaft, and a stent fitted so as to encircle the balloon, wherein a layer for preventing stent drop-off containing a compound with multiple thiol groups is formed on at least a portion of the balloon surface, and at least the portion of the stent that contacts the stent drop-off preventing layer is made of metal. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304184 | NICKEL-FREE STAINLESS STEEL STENT - A nickel-free stainless steel stent using a stainless steel which does not substantially contain Ni in the stainless steel, has a metal allergy onset-preventing effect, and is excellent in terms of precision workability, strength, and ductility, is provided. The nickel-free stainless steel stent is characterized by using a stainless steel containing, as a chemical composition, from 15 to 30% by mass of Cr, from 0.97 to 2% by mass of Mo, and from 0.5 to 1% by mass of N, with the remainder being Fe, and optionally containing inevitable impurities. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304185 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LUMINAL STENTING - A stent delivery system, a core assembly, and methods of operating the same are provided. The delivery system can comprise a catheter and the core assembly. The core assembly can comprise a constraining member, sleeve, a core member, and a stent extending along the core member. The tubular constraining member can be spaced apart from the core member and define a capture area. The sleeve can be disposed along the core member at least partially distal of the capture area. The stent can have a first portion disposed within the capture area and a second portion, distal to the first portion, extending across or over an outer surface of the sleeve so that the sleeve and the constraining member cooperate to inhibit expansion of the first portion of the stent. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304186 | STENTS AND CATHETERS HAVING IMPROVED STENT DEPLOYMENT - An implant delivery system and method comprises an implant, for example, a stent, and a delivery catheter. The stent has a scaffold with a coating or a shell that retains the scaffold in a collapsed configuration. The coating or shell is made of a material that dissolves or biodegrades upon exposure to a dissolution or biodegradation media. The stent is used with an implant delivery system which has a catheter with a catheter, wherein the stent is mounted on the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is configured to be withdrawn through the patient's vessel when the scaffold is in its expanded configuration. Advantageously, the implant is thereby prevented from changing length during implant delivery and implant deployment. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304187 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system is configured to include an outer tube and an inner tube, with a space between the inner and outer tubes. In the space between the outer tube and the inner tube, a cylindrical mesh reinforcing spacer is provided at a position that is on the base end side of a stent. The reinforcing spacer is provided to be freely movable in the axial direction and radial direction. Even when the outer tube and the inner tube, which have been advanced into the lumen of a living body, are bent, the reinforcing spacer moves in the axial and radial directions and elastically deforms, thereby maintaining a substantially uniform internal circumference for the outer tube along the axial direction. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304188 | STENT GRAFT - Some embodiments are directed to a deployment system for deploying a stent graft within a passageway, comprising a delivery catheter having an outer sheath, a proximal end, and a distal end, a stent having a first end and a second end, a graft having a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting element extending from the second end of the stent to the first end of the graft so as to connect the stent to the graft. In some embodiments, the stent can be supported within the outer sheath at a first axial position in a collapsed state, and the graft can be supported within the outer sheath at a second axial position different than the first axial position in a collapsed state, such that the stent does not overlap or substantially overlap the graft in the collapsed state within the deployment system. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304189 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system includes a housing that houses a rotary roller, a support body in sliding contact with the outer surface of the rotary roller, and a resilient member composed of a coil spring acting on the support body. If, for any reason, it becomes difficult to axially move a rack member and an operator forcibly rotates the rotary roller, a load of not less than a predetermined value is applied to the rotary roller and the rotary roller moves downward while the support body is being pushed down, and meshing engagement between the rack member and the rotary roller is released. Axial movement of the rack member is thus avoided as there is no transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member. Other embodiments are also disclosed for preventing transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304190 | CLOSURE DEVICE - Described here are devices and methods for closing one or more vascular openings. The devices may include a stent graft comprising a stent framework and a graft material at least partially covering the stent framework. The stent framework may comprise one or more axial segments, and at least one of the axial segments may comprise an access port through which a catheter or treatment device may enter the stent graft. The methods may comprise occluding blood flow upstream of a vascular opening, and delivering a closure device to block, cover, or seal the vascular opening. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304191 | STENT FOR A BIFURCATED VESSEL - A stent for a bifurcated vessel comprises a stent body having two open ends, wherein at least one of the open ends of the stent body is a wedge structure, a second opaque marker is provided on the two ends of the slant long axis of the wedge structure, the stent body is provided with two first opaque markers, and the connecting line between the two first opaque markers is parallel to the slant of the wedge structure. When the two first opaque markers overlap with each other, the slant of the wedge structure of the stent for a bifurcated vessel is precisely positioned during implantation so that the slant of the wedge structure of the stent for a bifurcated vessel fits the slant at the blood vessel bifurcation site. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304192 | Uniformly Expandable Stent - An intraluminal prosthesis includes a stent architecture having a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis. One series of stent elements includes v-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements. One series of stent elements includes R-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and U-shaped stent elements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements. Adjacent series of stent elements can be connected by connectors. Portions of the stent elements may narrow in width along a length thereof. The stent architecture may include radiopaque element receiving members. The stent architecture may be formed by machining a metal or polymer tube. The intraluminal prosthesis may include one or more graft layers. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304193 | TRANSITION MATCHING STENT - The bending flexibility profile of a stent closely matches the flexibilities of the stent delivery system on either side of the stent. In one embodiment, a stent has a longitudinal axis and at least one link attaching each ring to an adjacent ring. The links closest to the stent end rings have the greatest bending flexibility and the links closest to the center of the stent have the least bending flexibility. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304194 | STENT GRAFT - A stent-graft including an inner stent having a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns is described. The wall structure of the inner stent has a predetermined length. An outer stent is coaxially arranged around the inner stent and has a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns. The wall structure of the outer stent has a predetermined length and a flexible stretchable material layer arranged between the inner stent and the outer stent. The wall structure of the inner stent has a design differing from the design of the wall structure of the outer stent and the length of the inner stent is equal to the length of the outer stent. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304195 | ENDOPROSTHESIS HAVING IMPROVED STRAIN DISTRIBUTION - An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be configured to inhibit structural fatigue, crack formation, and elastic recoil while providing improved crimping and expansion uniformity and radial strength. As such, the endoprosthesis can include at least one multi-stage crest element connecting adjacent bar arms. The multi-stage crest element and, optionally, the connection or transition between the multi-stage crest element and the bar arms can form a plurality of undulations or curves to improve the distribution of the strains experienced by the endoprosthesis. The improved strain distribution can improve the structural integrity and prevent failure of the endoprosthesis. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304196 | PROSTHETIC VENOUS VALVE HAVING LEAFLETS FORMING A SCALLOPED COMMISSURE - A prosthetic venous valve includes a self-expanding tubular body defining a fluid passageway and a pair of opposing leaflets biased in a closed configuration in which free edges of the leaflets form a scalloped commissure. The free edges may be pre-formed and/or reinforced in order to ensure sealing with each other in a consistent manner. In response to a pressure differential, the free edges of the leaflets are configured to diverge to form an elliptical outflow opening that allows flow through the tubular body. The valve leaflets may include longitudinal support wires to prevent collapse thereof. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304197 | CARDIAC VALVE MODIFICATION DEVICE - In an aspect, there is a prosthetic valve modification device adapted for endovascular delivery to a cardiac valve. The valve includes first and second support elements each having a collapsed delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. There are at least two bridging members extending from the first support element to the second support element, the bridging members having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The bridging members either extend radially inward from the first and second support elements in the deployed configuration or are entirely straight and devoid of any visible curvature when in said deployed configuration. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304198 | Left Heart Assist Device and Method - A device, a kit and a method is presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The mitral valve plane is assisted in a movement along the left ventricular long axis during each heart cycle. The very close relationship between the coronary sinus and the mitral valve is used by various embodiments of a medical device providing this assisted movement. By means of catheter technique an implant is inserted into the coronary sinus, the device is augmenting the up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling when moving upwards and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving downwards. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304199 | REDUCED PROFILE VALVE WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve comprises an anchor having an outer surface and an inner surface. The anchor is expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to a fully deployed configuration. A first locking element and a second locking element are attached to the inner surface of the anchor. The first locking element is engageable with the second locking element. At least one of the first locking element and the second locking element has a curved outer surface. Methods for attaching the second locking element to the anchor are also provided. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304200 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DEVICES, PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension. The anchoring member and the valve support are configured to move from the low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration in which the first portion of the anchoring member at least partially adapts to the non-circular annulus of the native mitral valve and the first region of the valve support is spaced inwardly from the first portion of the anchoring member relative to the longitudinal dimension of the anchoring member such that a shape of the first region of the valve support is at least partially independent of a shape of the first portion of the anchoring member. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304201 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF A CARDIAC VALVE - An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304202 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS WITH A COMPRESSIBLE INNER STRUCTURE - An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision contains an optic and a haptic. The haptic includes a plurality of arms coupled to a compressible inner structure. The compressible inner structure of the haptic is configured to exert a compressive force on the optic in response to an ocular force to provide accommodation. The compressible inner structure can include a plurality of arcuate segments that join to form a ring in the fully compressed state or a sinusoidal ring having a varying radial dimension. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304203 | Accommodative-Disaccommodative intraocular Lens - Embodiments of the invention relate to an intraocular lens system having a plurality of haptics for use with an optic. In general, the haptics are adapted to move independently in response to forces associated with a ciliary muscle and/or zonules of an eye when implanted. The optic may be releasably secured to the system using, for example, a plurality of optic securing arms. Alternatively, the optic may be fused to the haptics, which may project radially outward from the optic. A restraining arm may be included to limit movement of the haptics during accommodation and/or disaccommodation. Clamping members may be included for securing the system to a capsular bag of the eye. Methods of implanting the intraocular lens system into the eye are also described. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304204 | Accommodating Intraocular Lenses - An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. Certain haptic features improve the accommodative performance of the haptic, such that compressive/tensile forces may be more efficiently transferred from the haptic to optic. Furthermore, certain aspects also provide enhanced bag-sizing capability so that the IOL better fits within the capsular bag. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304205 | Intraocular Lens Cell Migration Inhibition System - Generally, an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. In particular, an intraocular implant which implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304206 | Intraocular Device to Restore Natural Capsular Tension after Cataract Surgery - Provided herein are a devices, ophthalmic lens systems and methods for restoring natural tension and anatomy of a lens capsule post-surgically in an eye of a subject. The device generally comprises an inward tensioning ring-like structure having a shape configured to circumferentially fit within and be anchored to a post-surgical lens capsule of the eye. The device may have one or both of external and internal grooves formed to receive the lens capsule and one or both of an intraoptical lens or a tensioning element. The ophthalmic lens system generally comprises the device and an intraocular lens inserted therein. The anchored device provides tension to an equatorial area of the capsule resulting in a decrease in equatorial diameter. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304207 | SELF-SEALING SHELL FOR INFLATABLE PROSTHESES - A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304208 | ACTIVE AND PASSIVE DEVICES FOR REDISTRIBUTING FORCES FOR THE MEDIAL AND LATERAL KNEE - Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304209 | BIOLOGIC PARTIAL MENISCUS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION - Biologic partial menisci (biologic partial meniscal replacements/constructs) used to replace at least a part of a meniscus, and methods of forming such biologic partial menisci. Meniscal cartilage is employed to form a moldable allograft paste. A sterile mold that replicates a meniscus (for example, the medial or lateral meniscus) is provided in various sizes and is used as a biologic mold to recreate the anatomic shape of the meniscus. The moldable paste is inserted (for example, injected) into the mold and allowed to set into a stable, anatomically shaped meniscus (the biologic partial meniscus). Fibrin glue or other biologic adhesives or strengtheners may be optionally added to provide further biomechanical strength. Once the biologic partial meniscus is removed from the mold, it is provided at the surgical site and attached to the excised meniscus (placed into the correct anatomical shape) to complete the meniscal repair. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304210 | Total Disc Implant - A total disc implant (TDI) is provided for total replacement of a spinal disc or discs in a human patient or other mammal, wherein the TDI is designed to maintain a substantially full range of natural motion (ROM) following implantation. The TDI generally comprises, in one preferred form, upper and lower end plates for affixation to adjacent vertebral bodies, with an intervening insert disposed therebetween. The end plates each include elongated part-cylindrical surfaces oriented generally perpendicular to each other, with one of said surfaces extending in an anterior-posterior direction and the other extending in a medial-lateral direction. The intervening insert defines concave upper and lower part-cylindrical seats oriented for respectively engaging these part-cylindrical surfaces, wherein these part-cylindrical seats are defined by offset radii to include a somewhat flattened central base region merging smoothly with upwardly curving radiused sides. | 2013-11-14 |
20130304211 | INTERVERTEBRAL MEDICAL IMPLANT - The invention relates to a spinal implant composed of a plurality of parallel plates. The deliberate introduction of contours in the plates allows for the creation of biomechanically advantageous functions and adjustment options. The elasticity of the anchoring elements enables the disclosed implant to be adjusted to the osseous endplates, resulting in uniform force distribution and thus prevention of the risk of compaction or endplate compression fracture. The plate structure allows for the use of production methods in which hook-like undercut contours can be created, thus enabling the implant to be superbly anchored in the bone without causing damage thereto. Furthermore, the plates can be interconnected by an actuator in such a way that the height and/or the angular position can be adjusted. The vertical adjustment can vary along the length of the implant such that the segment can also be angularly adjusted. | 2013-11-14 |