Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080249626 | Arthrodesis of Vertebral Bodies - Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates. The effect of the pressing action is to secure the spacer tightly in place within the graft bed such that migration of the spacer is prevented. | 10-09-2008 |
20080312559 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Gastric Bypass Surgery - A specially configured esophageal-gastric tube can be inserted into a patient's esophagus with the tip of the tube in the region of an end-to-end anaotomosis connection. The joined members are occluded upstream and downstream of the anastomosis connection. Fluid is pumped into the occluded section through the esophageal-gastric tube until a desired pressure level is attained. The anastomosis connection then is checked for leaks. The invention also includes a bougie having an end portion made of a material suitable for resisting electro-cauterization temperatures. | 12-18-2008 |
20130220340 | Sleep Apnea Prevention - A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces. | 08-29-2013 |
20140243606 | Retraction of the Left Atrial Appendage - A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired. | 08-28-2014 |
20140303446 | Single-Arm Stabilizer Having Suction Capability - A single-arm stabilizer having suction capability includes a single, small leg through which suction can be applied. The leg has an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber. The lower surface includes a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A support arm is connected to the leg in order to position the leg as desired. A suction line is in fluid communication with the chamber in order to create a vacuum within the chamber. The stabilizer can be used to stabilize any desired portion of a patient's body, but is particularly effective at stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart. Such stabilization can be accomplished by inserting the leg into the patient's heart through the aorta. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303604 | Left Heart Vent Catheter - A left heart vent catheter that includes an elongate tube having a hollow passageway is provided with a plurality of openings and a balloon near the distal end. The balloon can be inflated after the catheter is in place so as to engage a desired part of the heart such as the aortic valve or tricuspid valve and thereby prevent undesired withdrawal of the catheter. The openings near the distal end permit fluid to be withdrawn from the heart through the hollow passageway. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the balloon can be collapsed and the catheter can be withdrawn. | 10-09-2014 |
20140317887 | Napkin/Purse Holder - A napkin/purse holder includes an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis. A first hook is connected to and extends from the first end of the center portion. A finger having first and second ends is provided. The first end of the finger is connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger is movable and is adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion. Preferably the force applied by the second end can be adjusted. If desired, a second hook can be connected to and extend from the second end of the center portion. Optional decorative ornamentation can be provided for the center portion. | 10-30-2014 |
20160058607 | Sleep Apnea Prevention - A method and apparatus for sleep apnea prevention includes a clamp that has an upper clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being is adapted to engage the patient's upper lip adjacent the nose and a lower clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being adapted to engage the patient's lower jaw behind the mandibular symphysis. A hinge connects the upper and lower segments at the hinge ends. The upper and lower segments apply force to the patient's face and jaw such that the lower jaw is moved upwardly and forwardly. Adjustable force can be applied by elastic members connected to the upper and loser segments. Alternatively, the hinge can be held in a desired position by a hand-adjustable nut and bolt. The distal end of the upper clamp segment can include portions that project laterally and upwardly in order to apply compressive force to a patient's face on either side of the patient's nose. | 03-03-2016 |