Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090038623 | INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR PALATAL IMPLANT - An inductive power transfer system associated with an airway implant device is disclosed. A non-implanted portion of the system comprises a mouthpiece or retainer. The mouthpiece includes a power transfer circuit and a power source. The power transfer circuit includes a receive circuit configured to receive a first inductive power transfer from a charging device and to deliver a charging current to the power source. The power transfer circuit also includes a transmit circuit coupled to the power source. The transmit circuit is configured to provide a second inductive power transfer from the mouthpiece to the airway implant. Some embodiments of the non-implanted portion include a charge controller and a lithium polymer battery. Some embodiments of the charging device include a microcontroller for controlling operation of the charging device based on a proximity of the mouthpiece. | 02-12-2009 |
20090069866 | IMPLANT TESTER - An implant testing device and a method of detecting an airway implant are disclosed. The testing device detects the presence of the implant within a patient's body and can be used to determine its location. The testing device also provides an indication of proper function of the implant electronics. A detector circuit of the testing device generates an output signal representative of proximity of the airway implant. A processing circuit receives the output signal and determines proximity of the implant based on one or more detection thresholds. The processing circuit also provides a visual and/or audible alert. In some embodiments, the processing circuit varies the flash rate of one or more light emitting diodes and/or the pitch of an alert tone based on proximity of the implant. Various embodiments of the testing device are adapted for handheld use and can include a handle, elongated portion, and detector element. | 03-12-2009 |
20090084388 | Methods and Devices for Removal of a Tongue Stabilization Device - An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods and devices for removing, the device are also disclosed. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein. | 04-02-2009 |
20090173351 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TONGUE STABILIZATION DEVICE - A tongue implant control system and methods for stabilizing the tongue are disclosed. The tongue implant control system includes an implant device and a non-implanted control device in wireless communication. The control device provides an inductive power transfer for operating the implant device. The control device also sends commands for changing a state of the implant device. The implant device includes a flexible portion for attachment to the tongue and to one or more actuators. The one or more actuators may include shape memory material. The implant device detects a command from the control device and powers an actuator based on the command. Optionally, the implant device communicates its operating state to the control device and the control device displays information about the implant device at a user interface. | 07-09-2009 |
20100319710 | IMPLANT SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AIRWAY PASSAGE - Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body. | 12-23-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110099153 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A POLYMORPHIC NOTE - An approach is provided for generating a polymorphic note. A polymorphic note manager receives a request, from a device, to generate a polymorphic note, wherein the polymorphic note includes information of a plurality of application types that is developed over a period of time. The polymorphic note manager then generates the polymorphic note in response to the request and stores the polymorphic note for access by the device. | 04-28-2011 |
20110099490 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING POLYMORPHIC NOTES IN A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - An approach is provided for presenting polymorphic notes in a graphical user interface. A polymorphic note manager receives a request to display a plurality of polymorphic notes on a graphical user interface of a device. In response to the request, the polymorphic note manager determines an order of the plurality of polymorphic notes according to either an associated date or, if there is no associated date, a creation date corresponding to each of the plurality of polymorphic notes. The polymorphic note manager then causes, at least in part, actions that result in display of the plurality of polymorphic notes in the graphical user interface according to the determined order | 04-28-2011 |
20110239158 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SOFT REMINDERS - An approach is provided for presenting soft reminders (e.g., reminders for notes with no triggering criteria). A reminder manager receives an input, from a user, for specifying a note. The note is not associated with triggering criteria. In response to the request, the reminder manager retrieves contextual information from a device associated with the user, and causes, at least in part, presentation of a reminder of the note based, at least in part, on the contextual information. | 09-29-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100036312 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING OBSTRUCTIVE MATERIAL FROM BODY LUMENS - An apparatus is provided for removing material within a body lumen that includes a catheter including a proximal end, a distal end for introduction into a body lumen, and an aspiration lumen extending therebetween; a guide member extending from the distal end and terminating in a distal tip, the guide member comprising a track adjacent a track lumen extending from the distal tip into the aspiration lumen; and an obstruction clearing device deployable from the guide member and retractable along the track. In addition or alternatively, the apparatus includes a cutting head reciprocable within the aspiration lumen adjacent the distal end for macerating material being aspirated into the aspiration lumen. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036410 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end having an interior communicating with the lumen. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The apparatus also includes an actuator for axially compressing the balloon, and a helical member extends between ends of the balloon interior that expands the balloon from a contracted condition to an expanded helical shape when the actuator is activated. | 02-11-2010 |
20100137892 | FLOW RESTORATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE - Apparatus and methods are provided for removing obstructive material within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a macerator device deployable from a sheath that includes an expandable cage carried by a shaft and within a constraint tube. The shaft is movable relative to the constraint tube for deploying and expanding the cage within a body lumen such that an open end of the cage is oriented towards obstructive material. The cage is advanced to capture the material or the material is directed into the cage using an expandable member expanded beyond the material and retracted to direct the material into the cage. The cage is withdrawn into the constraint tube to compress the cage radially inwardly. Material extending through apertures in the cage are sheared off by a sharpened edge of the constraint tube. The smaller, sheared off particles are then aspirated from the body lumen through the sheath. | 06-03-2010 |
20110125132 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The valve may be biased to be closed, e.g., by a spring element disposed within the balloon. Optionally, the apparatus also includes an actuator for expanding a helical member within the balloon interior, e.g., either before or after expanding the balloon, such that the helical member and balloon may adopt an expanded helical shape for removing material within a body lumen. | 05-26-2011 |
20120078096 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element. | 03-29-2012 |
20120109057 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end having an interior communicating with the lumen. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The apparatus also includes an actuator for axially compressing the balloon, and a helical member extends between ends of the balloon interior that expands the balloon from a contracted condition to an expanded helical shape when the actuator is activated. | 05-03-2012 |
20120197193 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element. | 08-02-2012 |
20130289589 | FLOW RESTORATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE - Apparatus and methods are provided for removing obstructive material within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a macerator device deployable from a sheath that includes an expandable cage carried by a shaft and within a constraint tube. The shaft is movable relative to the constraint tube for deploying and expanding the cage within a body lumen such that an open end of the cage is oriented towards obstructive material. The cage is advanced to capture the material or the material is directed into the cage using an expandable member expanded beyond the material and retracted to direct the material into the cage. The cage is withdrawn into the constraint tube to compress the cage radially inwardly. Materials extending through apertures in the cage are sheared off by a sharpened edge of the constraint tube. The smaller, sheared off particles are then aspirated from the body lumen through the sheath. | 10-31-2013 |
20140303554 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN BODY LUMENS - An apparatus is provided that operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end having an interior communicating with the lumen. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The -apparatus also includes an actuator for axially compressing the balloon, and a helical member extends between ends of the balloon interior that expands the balloon from a contracted condition to an expanded helical shape when the actuator is activated. | 10-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090088793 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture through tissue includes an introducer sheath sized for introduction into a puncture, cartridge sized for insertion into the introducer carrying a sealant, and a locking element for coupling the introducer sheath to the cartridge. When the cartridge is advanced into the introducer sheath, the locking element couples the introducer sheath to the cartridge such that subsequent retraction of the cartridge causes the introducer sheath to retract, thereby deploying the sealant from the cartridge within the puncture beyond the introducer sheath. | 04-02-2009 |
20100168789 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - An apparatus for sealing a puncture includes a cartridge, a pusher member, a sealant, and a tamping device on a proximal end of the cartridge. During use, the cartridge, sealant, and pusher member are advanced over a positioning member and into the puncture by advancing a cartridge hub carrying the tamping device. When further distal advancement of the cartridge is limited, the cartridge hub is further advanced, activating the tamping device, and causing the pusher member to advance relative to the sealant to compress the sealant within the puncture. | 07-01-2010 |
20110301640 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEALING A PUNCTURE IN TISSUE - An occlusion device for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a tubular wire member having a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into the puncture, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, a port adjacent the proximal end communicating with the lumen, and a balloon on the distal end. A source of fluid is connectable to the wire member for delivering fluid via the port into the lumen for expanding the balloon. A piston is movable axially within the wire member to allow fluid to be delivered into the lumen, to isolate the lumen, and to deliver fluid within the lumen into the balloon to expand the balloon. | 12-08-2011 |
20120310276 | METHODS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - A method for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall using a sealing device including an elongate tubular body, a balloon carried by the body, an outer tubular member carried over the elongate tubular body, and a sealant carried by the elongate tubular body adjacent the balloon. Retracting the outer tubular member exposes the sealant. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310277 | APPARATUS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including an elongate tubular body, a balloon carried by the body, an outer tubular member carried over the tubular body, and a sealant carried by the tubular body adjacent the balloon. Retracting the outer tubular member exposes the sealant. | 12-06-2012 |
20130165968 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - An apparatus for sealing a puncture includes a cartridge, a pusher member, a sealant, and a tamping device on a proximal end of the cartridge. During use, the cartridge, sealant, and pusher member are advanced over a positioning member and into the puncture by advancing a cartridge hub carrying the tamping device. When further distal advancement of the cartridge is limited, the cartridge hub is further advanced, activating the tamping device, and causing the pusher member to advance relative to the sealant to compress the sealant within the puncture. | 06-27-2013 |
20140214075 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEALING A VASCULAR PUNCTURE - An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue to a vessel includes an elongate occlusion member including an expandable member, a cartridge carried on the occlusion member, and a sealant carried within the cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer member and a pusher member within the outer member. The sealant is disposed within the outer member adjacent the expandable member distal to the pusher member. During use, the occlusion member is introduced into a puncture until the expandable member and the sealant extend from the puncture into the vessel. The expandable member is expanded, and withdrawn until the expanded expandable member contacts the vessel wall, thereby withdrawing the sealant back into the puncture. The outer member is withdrawn to expose the sealant within the puncture, while the pusher member prevents removal of the sealant, and then the cartridge, occlusion member, and pusher member are successively removed. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090259316 | Spacer Devices and Systems for the Treatment of Spinal Stenosis and Methods for Using the Same - Spacer devices for treating spinal stenosis are provided herein. In some example embodiments, these devices are configured for attachment on the interspinous ligaments with minimal injury thereto. Also provided are systems for the delivery of the spacer devices, tools for measuring and assessing the interspinous space and methods for using the same. | 10-15-2009 |
20100152850 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MATERIAL FIXATION - Devices, systems and methods for fixation of tendon to bone are described. An exemplary surgical implant is a modified bone anchor that is able to grasp the tendon and hold it firmly in a bone tunnel. Once deployed, the anchor delivers lateral compression to the tendon, providing direct tendon to bone compression to facilitate healing. The anchor has different versions which allow it to be attached to the tendon prior to insertion into the bone tunnel, or be inserted between tendon arms when the surgical procedure dictates. The resulting tendon to bone compression allows for the firm fixation in a manner markedly simpler than traditional techniques. A modification of this anchor can also allow the anchor to grasp and hold suture. This variation facilitates the technique for knotless rotator cuff repair. | 06-17-2010 |
20110071568 | Spacer Devices Having Retainers And Systems For The Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis And Methods For Using The Same - Spacer devices for treating spinal stenosis are provided herein, as are methods for using the same. In some example embodiments, these devices are configured for attachment over or through the interspinous ligaments. These devices generally include a spacer portion and an attachable retainer. Also provided are systems for the delivery of the spacer devices and methods for using the same. | 03-24-2011 |
20110213410 | METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213411 | METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213412 | APPARATUS FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213449 | APPARATUS FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 09-01-2011 |
20110288580 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295316 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 12-01-2011 |
20120065668 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 03-15-2012 |
20120083829 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VESSEL ACCESS CLOSURE - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 04-05-2012 |
20130218215 | METHOD FOR SACRO-ILIAC STABILIZATION - Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect. | 08-22-2013 |
20130231746 | SYSTEM FOR SACRO-ILIAC STABILIZATION - Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect. | 09-05-2013 |
20140277462 | IMPLANTS FOR FACET FUSION - Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, translaminar lumbar fusion and lumbar facet fusion involving a curved implant structure. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100106169 | MENISCAL REPAIR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site. | 04-29-2010 |
20100305583 | MENISCAL REPAIR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site. | 12-02-2010 |
20120035625 | MENISCAL REPAIR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site. | 02-09-2012 |
20130310854 | MENISCAL REPAIR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site. | 11-21-2013 |
20150051622 | ARTHROSCOPIC MENISCAL REPAIR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An arthroscopic meniscal tear repair device comprises a catch needle and a transfer needle. which are pierced into a torn meniscus and advanced past the tear. Suture is transferred by a suture needle from the transfer needle through the meniscus and into the catch needle. The catch needle has an internal mechanism that retains the suture. The suture needle is then retracted back to its home position inside the transfer needle, leaving the free end of the suture across the meniscus and in the catch needle. The device is then retracted out of the meniscus, leaving behind a stitch across the meniscal tear inside the meniscus. A pre-tied knot of suture is then slid down the device and cinched up using a knot pusher having a dilation tip, thus completing the repair. | 02-19-2015 |