05th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090030423 | Inter-Body Implantation System and Method - A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an interbody device having a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a longitudinal rib, and having a relaxed shape approximating the shape of the disc being replaced. An insertion guide is provided having a bore therein from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to accept said interbody device in an unrelaxed shape, wherein said distal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space. The insertion rod may be positioned within said bore of said insertion guide whereby said interbody device is positioned within said intervertebral space by advancing said insertion rod into said insertion guide. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030424 | Surgical device for folding objects and methods of using the same - Disclosed are new and useful three-prong forceps devices for grasping and folding objects such as implanted surgical devices, and methods of use thereof. Certain embodiments of the devices are configured for folding and explanting an intraocular lens from the anterior chamber of the eye of a patient through a small incision in the cornea, reducing trauma to the eye. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030425 | Lens Delivery System - Delivery devices for delivering an ophthalmic device into an eye. In some embodiments the delivery devices are adapted to deliver an intraocular lens into an eye. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030426 | Catheter Tunneler and Method of Using Same - A tunneler/casing assembly ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030427 | HANDLE FOR INTERCHANGEABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses a handle fixed to an outer rigid cannula, and an inner cannula to control an extraction device that may be removable from the inner cannula. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may be used with a removable extraction device such as a basket, a grasper a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030428 | OPERATING MECHANISM, MEDICAL MANIPULATOR, AND SURGICAL ROBOT SYSTEM - A medical manipulator includes an operation command unit having motors and a working unit detachably mounted on the operation command unit. The operation command unit includes a grip handle for being gripped by a human hand, and a trigger lever movable toward and away from the grip handle. The trigger lever comprises a pulling member which can be pulled toward the grip handle by a finger held against the pulling member, and a pushing member which can be pushed away from the grip handle by the finger held against the pushing member, the pushing member being disposed in facing relation to the pulling member. The pushing member has a hemispherical cavity defined in a surface thereof which faces the pulling member. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030429 | ROBOTIC APPARATUS - A robotic apparatus has eight actuators (M | 2009-01-29 |
20090030430 | Hair Plucking Apparatus - An apparatus for plucking out hairs of a subject using a thread knots method. The apparatus may comprise at least one pair of pincer-parts rotatably connected through connecting means; and at least one thread. The pair of rotatably connected pincer-parts creates a structure that is capable of opening and closing when rotated by a user around said rotation mechanism, where the thread is held by the pincer-parts in such a manner that the thread is wrapped around itself creating at least one knot having intersection points. Upon rotating the pincer-parts around the rotation mechanism back and forth in opposite rotation directions, the knots respectively move along a movement-path, where the knots enable capturing the hairs of the subject by tightening around the subject's hairs and plucking them by moving along the movement path, when tightened. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030431 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CUTTING AND SUTURING BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - Medical devices for cutting and suturing biological tissue generally include a shaft and first and second guide members each including a first portion coupled to the shaft at a first location and a second portion coupled to the shaft at a second location. The first portions are movable along the shaft relative to the second portions, and the first and second guide members define an arcuate profile and are configured to flex in response to such movement. When used to cut tissue, the medical device may further include a blade positioned between the first and second guide members. When used to suture tissue, one or more suture guides may be provided on the first guide member for directing a suture needle through tissue proximate the first guide member. Methods of repairing and replacing a meniscus using the medical devices are also provided. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030432 | Surgical Stapling Instruments including a Cartridge Having Multiple Staple Sizes - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030433 | Devices and Methods for Positioning Sutures - A device that facilitates the placement of one or more needles and their attached sutures in the body of a surgical patient is disclosed. The device contains one or more needle guide channels in which one or more needles may be backloaded. The device also contains one or more lumens extending though the body of the device. One or more sutures may be coupled to the one or more needles, and threaded through the lumen. The one or more needles may then be advanced out of their respective needle guide channels by pulling on one end of one or more sutures. When one end of a suture is pulled, the attached needle is advanced out of the device and will pierce and be positioned in the tissue that is located adjacent to the device. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030434 | Surgical Fasteners and Devices for Surgical Fasteners - The invention provides fasteners for surgical fastening. The surgical fastener of the invention has a crown from which extend two or more prongs. The prongs are parallel to the axis of the crown and each prong is provided with one or more barbs. The invention also provides a system for surgical fastening device configured to deploy one or more surgical fasteners of the invention and one or more surgical fasteners of the invention. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030435 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANCHORING CARDIOVASCULAR IMPLANTS - Methods, devices and systems facilitate retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. Devices generally include an anchoring element, which has been designed to promote fibrotic ingrowth, and an anchored device, which has been designed to firmly engage the complementary region of the anchoring element. The anchoring element may be placed in a minimally invasive procedure temporally separated from the deployment of the anchored device. Once enough time has passed to ensure appropriate fixation of the anchoring element by tissue and cellular ingrowth at the site of placement, the anchored device may then be deployed during which it firmly engages the complementary region of the anchoring element. In this manner, a firm attachment to the implantation site may be made with a minimum of required hardware. Some embodiments are delivered through a delivery tube or catheter and while some embodiments may require laparoscopy or open surgery for one or more of the placement procedures. Some embodiments anchor devices within the cardiovascular tree while others may anchor devices within the gastrointestinal, peritoneal, pleural, pulmonary, urogynecologic, nasopharyngeal or dermatologic regions of the body. An alternative embodiment provides for the placement of the anchoring element and anchored device simultaneously, but allows for their removal separately. This embodiment allows the device, which may be placed only temporarily and be designed to be removed, to experience significant fibrotic ingrowth, but then to be easily detached from the ingrowth-anchored region to allow for simple and quick device removal. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030436 | Hydraulic acuation for microsurgical instruments - A microsurgical system capable of hydraulic actuation of microsurgical instruments. Such a system will provide greater force/mass and force/volume ratios, allow for better open loop control, and provide force to overcome tissue resistance. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030437 | Surgical instruments - A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030438 | Ultrasonic surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. The transducer is configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. The ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The body includes a treatment region that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The body includes a tapered concave surface which extends inwardly into the body defining a variety of shapes including a conical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or a partial spheroid. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030439 | Ultrasonic surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. The transducer is configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. The ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The body includes a treatment region that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The body includes surface coatings to prevent the formation of a thin layer of fluid on the body which may be atomized thus creating a mist. The body may also include a bore configured to emit a spray which will also prevent the formation of thin layer of fluid on the body. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030440 | ULTRASONIC CURVED BLADE - An ultrasonic dissection and coagulation system for surgical use is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic instrument, a control module, and a remote actuator. The ultrasonic instrument has a housing and an elongated body portion extending from the housing. An ultrasonic transducer supported within the housing is operatively connected to a cutting jaw by a vibration coupler. The vibration coupler conducts high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic transducer to the cutting jaw. The cutting jaw has a blade surface which is curved downwardly and outwardly in the distal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion along its length such that an angle defined by a line drawn tangent to the blade surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion varies between 5 degrees and 75 degrees. A clamp member having a tissue contact surface is positioned adjacent to the cutting jaw and is movable from an open position in which the tissue contact surface is spaced form the blade surface to a clamped position in which the tissue contact surface is in close juxtaposed alignment with the blade surface to clamp tissue therebetween. The clamp member and the curved cutting jaw combine to enhance contact between tissue and the blade surface of the cutting jaw during cutting. Further, the continuously varying angle of the blade surface with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion facilitates selective user control over the application of force on tissue during a cutting or dissecting procedure. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030441 | LANCET DEVICE AND METHOD - A lancet device ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030442 | Disposable assembly containing a skin piercing element - The invention relates to devices used in the fields of drag delivery or sampling. More particularly, it relates to a disposable assembly which is fitted to an actuator device which causes the skin piercing element to enter the skin to deliver a drug (or other substance) or take a sample. Preferably the assembly is “made safe” after actuation, such that the disposable assembly can't be reused and more preferably still the skin piercing element is safely housed in the assembly such that it does not constitute a “sharps” risk. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030443 | SAFETY-STOP TROCHAR DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A safety-stop trochar device and system for use with a trochar and surgical accessory devices. The device and system has a base into which an insert seats over which a cap secures to the base and also secures a previously inserted trochar or drainage device or smoke evacuator or surgical accessory such as an obturator and illumination device. Flexible extension wings on the base have distal suture apertures or an adhesive on the bottom of the base, or both, for securing the base to a patient. U-shaped extensions on the cap facilitate cap placement or removal onto or from the base. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030444 | Surgical tool - A tunneling device for creating a pathway in subcutaneous tissue of a person's body. The tunneling device includes a member having two ends, where each of the ends defines an insertion surface that facilitates the insertion of the ends into the subcutaneous tissue of the person's body. The tunneling device includes an interchangeable handle connectable to each of the ends. The handle defines a grasping surface and an opening. The opening is configured to receive either of the ends. The grasping surface enables a user to securely hold the handle with one hand to forcibly move the member through the subcutaneous tissue of the person's body to create the pathway in the subcutaneous tissue, and pull a cable of an implant device through the created pathway. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030445 | DELIVERY SYSEMS FOR EMBOLIC FILTER DEVICES - A delivery system for an expandable filter device includes a dual lumen delivery sheath which has a lumen for receiving the expandable filter device and a lumen for receiving a primary guide wire. The primary guide wire is utilized to place the delivery sheath and expandable filter into the desired region of the patient's vasculature via an over-the-wire or rapid-exchange arrangement. The delivery sheath can be protracted over the expandable filter device to allow the filter to be deployed within the patient's vasculature at the desired location. The delivery system can be embodied in an alternative design in which the primary guide wire extends through a guide wire lumen located in an obturator which forms part of the expandable filter device. Again, the primary guide wire is utilized to maneuver the filter device into the desired area via an over-the-wire arrangement. A slit extending longitudinally along the length of the sheath facilitates the removal of the guide wire and delivery sheath from the patient's vasculature. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030446 | Tissue Manipulator - A needle for use in tissue manipulation is described. The needle can have first and second piercing arms joined by a resilient biasing member, such as a spring. The needle can be formed of a super elastic material, and can be deformed from a stored, unstressed configuration to a stressed, deployed configuration. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030447 | Method of Tissue Manipulation - A needle for use in tissue manipulation, and an associated method, are described. The needle can have first and second piercing arms joined by a resilient biasing member, such as a spring. The needle can be formed of a super elastic material, and can be deformed from a stored, unstressed configuration to a stressed, deployed configuration. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030448 | SURGICAL FORCEPS, IN PARTICULAR AN OPHTHALMOLOGIC MICROSURGICAL FORCEPS - The invention relates to a surgical forceps, in particular an opthalmologic microsurgical forceps. The invention includes a gripping part moulded in one piece from a plastic material. The gripping part has two arms connected to one another at one end thereof. There is a clamping part formed by metal tips inserted into the distal ends of the arms during the moulding of the gripping part. The distal part of the forceps is equipped with centering devices having a cylindrical finger solidly connected to one of the branches of the forceps and oriented towards the other branch. The centering devices also have a transfixing hole provided in the other branch opposite the finger. According to the invention, the centering devices are provided in the end portions of the plastic arms, in which the proximal portions of the metal tips are inserted. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030449 | MEDICAL MANIPULATOR AND CLEANING METHOD FOR MEDICAL MANIPULATOR - A medical manipulator and a cleaning method therefor are provided. The medical manipulator includes an operation command unit equipped with a motor, and a working unit, which is detachable with respect to the operation command unit. A connector of the working unit is connected to the operation command unit, and includes pulleys that engage with the motor, the connector serving to rotatably retain the pulleys therein. The connector has an elongate shape extending in the longitudinal direction of a connecting shaft, and a first cleaning hole is arranged in an end portion of the connector that is opposite to a side on which the connecting shaft is connected. A second cleaning hole opens into an interior cavity, in the vicinity of an end portion on the side where the connecting shaft is connected. The end portions are shaped substantially hemispherically. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030450 | CLOSURE DEVICE - A medical closure device ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030451 | Synthetic Sealants - A biocompatible synthetic macromer composition is provided which includes a first polymer having stiffening linkages and at least one amine group, and a second component having at least one amine-reactive group. The biocompatible synthetic macromer composition can be used as an adhesive or sealant in human and/or animal medical applications. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030452 | Circular Stapler Buttress - A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler anvil. Because of relief features built into the buttress, the stapler anvil may be pulled through the buttress material without causing permanent alteration to the buttress. These relief features may be provided regardless of whether the buttress is made of inelastic or elastic materials. The buttress is generally circular in shape with an outer diameter sized to coincide with the outer diameter of the stapler body staple compression surface and the outer diameter of the anvil compression surface of a circular stapler with which it is used. Prior to surgical use, the buttress is attached to the stapler with disruptable portions extending from outer perimetal areas of the buttress. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030453 | Surgical Device - A surgical needle ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030454 | RESORBABLE IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A resorbable implantable device, such as a suture or prosthesis, comprising one or more silk elements made at least partially (poly)alanine Wild silk proteins of a saturnid moth or analogues thereof. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030455 | Toy For Retaining Multiple Size Pacifiers - A toy for retaining multiple size pacifiers includes a toy structured to retain at least one button handle pacifier. The toy further includes a retention ring. The retention ring is secured to an outer surface of the toy. Each button handle pacifier includes a nipple portion, a lip shield and a retention knob. The nipple portion extends from one side of the lip shield and the retention knob extends from the other side thereof. A ring groove is formed between the lip shield and one end of the retention knob. The other end of the retention knob is preferably rounded to facilitate insertion into the a knob opening in the retention ring. The size of the nipple portion and lip shield are increased in size to accommodate larger oral cavities of older children. A retention ring may also extend from an outer surface of the toy. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030456 | Leather furniture - A leather furniture includes: a frame; a leather sheet wrapped around the frame; and a connecting unit including a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element has a first secured part secured to the frame, and a first engaging part extending from the first secured part. The second connecting element has a second secured part secured to the leather sheet, and a second engaging part extending from the second secured part. The first engaging part releasably engages the second engaging part in a snap engaging manner. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030457 | Spinal Fixation Systems - A spinal fixation system is provided that includes a coupling member and a locking device that is operable to fix an elongate member relative to the coupling member. In one form, locking device includes opposing lock arms operable to retain the locking device relative to the coupling member in an initial position prior to the locking device fixing the elongate member relative to the coupling member. In another form, the coupling member and locking device include cooperating structure therebetween in the form of a protrusion and a guide track, the cooperating structure arranged and configured to retain the locking device within an internal space of the coupling member. There is also provided a retainer operable to minimize pivoting of the coupling member relative to an anchor member and to substantially retain an anchor member depressed within an internal space of the coupling member to minimize play therebetween. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030458 | METHOD FOR STABILIZING SPINE - A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine includes pivoting first and second members of an expandable spinal implant relative to one another to a closed configuration in which the spinal implant has a compact profile, inserting the spinal implant in the closed configuration into the spine between first and second vertebral bodies, and pivoting the first and second members crosswise to an expanded configuration while the spinal implant is within the spine. The first and second members are separate from and coupled to one another. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030459 | SPINAL FACET IMPLANT WITH SPHERICAL IMPLANT APPOSITION SURFACE AND BONE BED AND METHODS OF USE - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030460 | LINKED BILATERAL SPINAL FACET IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030461 | Spinal Facet Joint Implant - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030462 | Segmental Orthopaedic device for spinal elongation and for treatment of Scoliosis - An orthopaedic device to realign bone segments comprises first and second attachment members and a spacer member. The first attachment member is attached to a first rib bone or first transverse process of a vertebra. The second attachment member is attached to a second rib bone or second transverse process of a vertebra adjacent to the first rib bone or the first transverse process. The spacer member is positioned between the first and second attachment members. The spacer member provides distraction between the first and second rib bones or transverse processes to realign the rib bones. The spacer member is releasably connected to the first and second attachment members. The attachment members comprise a clamp and screw combination. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030463 | Occipital fixation screw - A surgical implant assembly and a method for securing a fixation rod, where the assembly is capable of being secured to a bone structure are disclosed. The assembly includes at least two rigid structures configured to be secured to the bone structure. The structures include a distal portion for receiving a portion of the fixation rod therebetween, a tab positioned at a distal point of the distal portion, a screw compression nut and a distal expansion member coupled to the screw compression nut that are driven down the rigid structures, and a rod compression nut and a proximal expansion member coupled to the rod compression nut that engage the rigid structures so that the fixation rod is disposed between the combination the screw compression nut and the distal expansion member and the combination of the rod compression nut and the proximal expansion member. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030464 | SPINE STIFFENING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - In various embodiments, a spinal stabilization system has a first and a second vertebral anchor each adapted to be coupled to one of a first and a second vertebrae. The system also includes a flexible connecting element coupled to each of the first and second vertebral anchors and extending between the vertebral anchors. The connecting element has a central member and a brace positioned about the central member and the central member is stiffer than the brace to provide the needed combination of support and stiffness to the construct while offering flexibility. These and other various embodiments of this invention offer an improvement over known systems by providing stabilization of the vertebral column while allowing for flexibility and axial dampening. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030465 | Dynamic rod - A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies dynamically providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion connected to a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The rod includes at least a one bias element configured to bias a deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The first engaging portion includes at least one side or integral spring formed in the first engaging portion to bias a deflection of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion. The rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subject to. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030466 | Anterior vertebral plate with suture lock - Provided is a novel system that includes an anterior vertebral body plate, suture lock bone screws, and an elongated suture lock to provide an interconnection for said bone screws, such that said system can be used for the fixation and stabilization of the cervical spine, the suture lock bone screws being connected one to the other by the elongated suture lock are prevented from unintentionally backing out of said plate. Also provided is a method of stabilizing cervical vertebrae using the disclosed system. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030467 | BONE PLATE - A bone plate having a rear face and opposing front face, adapted to be abutted on a bone, and a through hole extending between the front and rear faces, and attached to a bone to be set by applying the bone plate to the bone, and by screwing a screw into the bone through the through hole. The bone plate has a blind first dimple provided in at least one of the faces thereof other than the rear face. One acute gripping tip of a pair of bone forceps may be abutted on the bone, with the other acute griping tip of the bone forceps being engaged in the first dimple. The first dimple is configured so as to converge from an opening portion thereof on the dimple-provided face toward a bottom portion thereof, whereby the other acute gripping tip of the bone forceps can slide toward the bottom portion. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030468 | CEMENT-DIRECTING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS - A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030469 | Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for cardiac resynchronization therapy include a right side component and a left side component, wherein the right side component includes at least one ventricular lead and the left side component includes at least one epicardial electrode. Epicardial electrodes are insertable via a minimally invasive procedure, and are positionable via imaging techniques. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030470 | IMPLANTABLE HEART STIMULATION DEVICE WITH REMEDIAL RESPONSE TO ANODAL CAPTURE - An implantable heart stimulating device has a left ventricular coronary sinus electrode lead provided with a tip electrode, a right ventricular electrode lead provided with a ring electrode, and a pulse generator connected to the leads that applies stimulation pulses between the tip electrode and the ring electrode, with the tip electrode serving as the anode. A monitoring unit monitors for and detects anodal capture at the right ventricular ring electrode subsequent to a stimulation. If anodal capture is detected, either a threshold search is performed by varying the pulse width and/or pulse amplitude of stimulation pulses in order to identify stimulation pulse characteristics that avoid anodal capture at the ring electrode, or at least one further electrode is activated to function as an indifferent electrode together with the ring electrode, also in order to avoid anodal capture at the ring electrode. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030471 | Assessing Cardiac Activity - A method of assessing contractility of a cardiac muscle which has an activation parameter, the method comprising: (a) utilizing time correlated data pertaining to an activation parameter to produce a profile of said parameter; and (b) analyzing changes in said profile to generate an indication of contractility. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030472 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE REMOTE PROGRAMMING OF A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE - The invention comprises a system for the secure remote programming of an implant. A TAN server is provided for this purpose, in which a user is first accredited and which then generates a TAN upon a request and provides it to the user on one hand and to a patient intermediate device assigned to the implant to be reprogrammed on the other hand. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030473 | GASTROINTESTINAL DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY AND DIABETES - Apparatus is provided, including an ingestible capsule, one or more electrodes coupled to the capsule, and a control unit configured to maintain the capsule in a vicinity of a designated site of a subject by driving at least a subset of the electrodes to apply a current that induces reverse intestinal peristalsis in the subject. Other embodiments are also described. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030474 | Sensor Driven Gastric Stimulation for Patient Management - Gastric stimulation systems and methods are provided for treating a patient, particularly by modifying behavior of the patient leading to excess weight loss. In some embodiments, such weight loss is achieved with a combination approach which includes two or more of the following: acute screening of the potential patients, gastric stimulation, induction of symptoms or specific behaviors and integration of patient management data into the treatment plan. Gastric stimulation is provided to portions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach, with the use of at least one electrode. A variety of gastric stimulation systems may be used, including stimulators that are endoscopically placed, laparoscopically placed or placed by modified or combination methods. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030475 | Gastric Stimulation Systems and Methods Utilizing a Transgastric Probe - Gastric stimulation devices, systems and methods are provided, particularly for stimulating a gastric organ having an internal cavity. Such devices and systems are typically implanted outside of the gastric organ while the environment of the internal cavity is probed and monitored by one or more sensors. The sensor information may be used to affect the stimulation signals provided to the gastric organ by the devices and systems. Such feedback integration assists in providing treatments and stimulation programs that are tailored to the needs of the individual patient. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030476 | Methods and Apparatus for Electrical Stimulation of Tissues Using Signals that Minimize the Effects of Tissue Impedance - A tissue stimulation system that generates an electrical tissue stimulation signal configured to reduce tissue impedance and increase depth of signal penetration. The use of leads is dynamically controlled and altered between conducting biopotential voltages, conducting electrical tissue stimulation signals, and grounding, in response to a computational analysis of biopotential data acquired from a region of tissue to be stimulated. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030477 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER BASED ON IMPEDANCE DETECTION, SUCH AS CONTROLLING POWER TO TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICES - A system and method of controlling the application of energy to tissue using measurements of impedance are described. The impedance, correlated to the temperature, may be set at a desired level, such as a percentage of initial impedance. The set impedance may be a function of the initial impedance, the size and spacing of the electrodes, the size of a targeted passageway, and so on. The set impedance may then be entered into a PID algorithm or other control loop algorithm in order to extract a power to be applied to a treatment device. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030478 | Baroreflex Activation Therapy With Incrementally Changing Intensity - The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for using the same for activating (stimulating) the baroreflex system of a patient using a baroreflex activation system with incrementally changing therapy intensity by sensing/monitoring/interpreting sensed data. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030479 | Percutaneous Access for Neuromodulation Procedures - A neuromodulation system, comprises an implantable electrode which is implanted within a body adjacent to a target nerve structure to which electric energy is to be applied via the electrode and a connection port which is implanted in the body with a proximal surface thereof substantially flush with an outer surface of a skin of the body, the connection port including a device interface for electrically connecting to an external device which remains external to the body in combination with an electric line extending from the device interface to the electrode for carrying electric energy from the external device to the electrode and a cover selectively closing an opening of the external surface of the implanted connection port. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030480 | Controlling seizure activity with electrical stimulation - Apparatus and methods associated with controlling seizure activity with electrical stimulation that either suppress axonal conduction between brain structures and/or that generate a desired response in a targeted neuronal pool are described. One example apparatus includes an implantable stimulating electrode that provides an electrical stimulus to fiber tracts of the hippocampal commissure of the brain of a subject. The stimulus may be a high frequency structure that prevents communication of signals associated with an epileptic episode and/or prevents seizure activity in a target nucleus. The example apparatus may also include a detection logic that detects specific electrical activity in the central nervous system that identifies that an epileptic episode is imminent. The example apparatus includes a pacing system to selectively configure and apply the electrical stimulus to fiber tracts of the hippocampal commissure of the brain. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030481 | Implantable Microphone for Treatment of Neurological Disorders - A system and method is described for adjunct electrical neuromodulation therapy of neurological disorders. In response to a detected event sensed by an implantable microphone, a targeted component is selectively stimulated by electrical stimulation pulses, or a therapeutically effective amount of a selected drug may be delivered to a targeted physiological function location. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030482 | INTERFACE TO FES CONTROL SYSTEM - A functional electrical stimulation system for controlling the movement of a portion of a body of a subject, such as the subject's legs. The system comprises a sensor that in one arrangement is mountable to a portion of the subjects' body other than the legs, for example the torso. In another arrangement, the sensor can be mountable to a walking aid, such as a crutch. The sensor outputs signals representative of the position and/or movement of the torso or walking aid. The system also comprises a control means that receives and processes the signals output by the sensor and outputs control signals to a stimulator adapted to provide electrical stimulation to the legs via electrodes in response to the position and/or movement of the torso or walking aid as determined by the sensor. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030483 | ELONGATE IMPLANTABLE CARRIER MEMBER HAVING AN EMBEDDED STIFFENER - A cochlear implant comprising: a speech processor for processing received sounds to generate coded stimulation control signals; a stimulator unit configured to generate stimulation signals in response to the control signals; and an electrode assembly ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030484 | BILATERAL PROSTHESIS SYNCHRONIZATION - An arrangement for improving the effectiveness of a bilateral hearing prosthesis system is disclosed. The timing of the prostheses is synchronized allowing the stimulation and other processes to be coordinated so as to minimize interference between the hearing prostheses. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030485 | Estimating Flap Thickness For Cochlear Implants - A flap thickness measurement system includes a reference cochlear stimulation system. The reference cochlear stimulation system includes a sound processor, a transmitter that transmits a telemetric signal, and a cochlear stimulator having a receiver that receives the telemetric signal and transmits a signal back to the transmitter. The system further includes one or more flap simulators having one or more known thicknesses that is positioned between the transmitter and receiver. Also included is a microprocessor that receives and processes data representative of tank voltage from the reference cochlear stimulation system. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030486 | METHOD, DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR GENERATING A CONTROL SIGNAL FOR A COCHLEAR IMPLANT, BASED ON AN AUDIO SIGNAL - A method of generating a control signal for a cochlear implant based on an audio signal includes calculating first information on an activity pattern over time at a plurality of inner hair cells of an auditory model, which results based on the audio signal, and filtering out activity events described by the first information, based on a recognition of a characteristic pattern in the activity pattern, whereby cleared information is obtained. The cleared information is further used as a control signal for the cochlear implant, or the control signal for the cochlear implant is derived from the cleared information. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030487 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An implantable device system comprising an implantable medical device, an external transceiver device and a service center. The implantable medical device comprises a battery and an electronic module including a stimulation pulse generator, a sensing stage, a control unit adapted to collect data representing values of operational parameters (e.g. peak or average current consumption, high/low/average voltage level) of the battery and the electronics. The external transceiver device comprises an external transceiver unit and a data communication interface and the service center comprises another data communication interface adapted to allow data communication with the external transceiver device. Service center includes a central database adapted to store data received from the external transceiver per implantable medical device over time, a data evaluation module adapted to evaluate including trending of data stored in the database and a user interface adapted to display trended data and to receive user inputs. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030488 | IMPLANTED ANTENNA AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS LINK - A medical implant comprising a housing and an antenna member carried by the housing. The antenna member is configured to be capacitively coupled to body tissue in which the housing is implanted. This forms, together with the impedance of the body tissue, part of a resonant circuit. A reference electrode carried by the housing as a return for the antenna member also forms a further part of the resonant circuit. Transceiver circuitry is also provided and is operable as at least one of a source and a load for the antenna member and forms yet a further part of the series resonant circuit | 2009-01-29 |
20090030489 | BODY COVER, GLASSES AND/OR AT LEAST PARTIAL HEAD COVER, METHOD FOR RADIATING AT LEAST PART OF A HUMAN BODY AND USE OF A BODY COVER - Body cover, comprising a substrate, for covering at least part of a human body, and at least one electroluminescent source coupled to the substrate, for illuminating at least a part of the body, wherein the cover is configured to at least partly surround at least a part of the body and/or a body support. Method for radiating at least part of a human body, especially in the treatment of jaundice and/or crigler najjar, comprising covering at least part of the body and/or a body support with a cover with at least one electroluminescent source and emitting light from the electroluminescent source to at least part of the body. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030490 | Infant Phototherapy Device - An infant phototherapy device comprises a housing assembly, a light source carried by the housing assembly, and a panel mode assembly including a panel mode adaptor arranged to be detachably connected with the housing assembly. The panel mode assembly further comprises an elongated flexible light pipe and a light emitting panel, the light pipe providing light communication between the light source and the light emitting panel, so that when the panel mode adaptor is connected with the housing assembly, light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the light pipe to the light emitting panel. A suspension structure is arranged to suspend the housing assembly, wherein when the panel mode adaptor is disconnected from the housing assembly and the housing assembly is suspended from the suspension structure, light emitted from the housing can be projected onto a patient. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030491 | Personal cooling device - A personal cooling device includes a housing member manufactured from a first predetermined material. Such housing member has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A second predetermined material is housed within such housing member. Such second predetermined material is freezable. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030492 | NERVE LEAD TIE DOWN WITH BEARING - A lead tie-down for limiting movement of an electrical lead from an implantable medical device is disclosed. Some system embodiments include a lead assembly having an electrical lead and a stimulating electrode and a lead tie-down coupled to the electrical lead and configured for coupling to surrounding tissue. The lead tie-down permits rotational movement of the electrical lead relative to the lead tie-down. In some embodiments, the lead tie-down includes a clamping member having a bore therethrough. The bore is configured to receive an electrical lead extending from an implantable medical device and to permit rotation of the lead within the clamping member. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030493 | Ribbon Electrode - We disclose an electrode assembly comprising a ribbon electrode having a first surface and a second surface; a plurality of bosses disposed on the second surface of the ribbon electrode, wherein each boss has a third surface substantially not in contact with the second surface of the ribbon electrode and at least one boss is electrically conducting; and an insulator contacting substantially the entire second surface of the ribbon electrode and substantially the entire third surface of each boss; wherein the insulator is substantially not in contact with the first surface of the ribbon electrode. We also disclose an implantable medical device system comprising an implantable medical device for generating an electrical signal; an electrode assembly as described; and a lead wire electrically coupled to both the implantable medical device and at least one electrically conducting boss of the electrode assembly. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030494 | Method and devices for treatment of vulnerable (unstable) and/or stable atherosclerotic plaque by disrupting pathologic vasa vasorum of the atherosclerotic plaque - A drug-eluting stent is disclosed; together with various methods for treating atherosclerotic plaques and other cardiovascular diseases via intervention on vasa vasorum. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030495 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED PROSTHESIS DEPLOYMENT - A system for controlled deployment of a prosthesis, in which a sheath is retracted from a prosthesis in a body vessel or duct. The system includes a handle for deploying the prosthesis, the handle comprises a base member fixed to a catheter, and a slide member for sliding past the base member, the slide member being attached to an end of a retraction member. The base member includes an opening having the general shape of a rectangular wave for interacting with the slide member, whereby, repeated manipulation of the slide member causes the sheath to be retracted. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030496 | INSERTION SYSTEM FOR STENTS, COMPRISING TENSION-COMPRESSION KINEMATICS - The present invention relates to a device for inserting a self-expanding stent into a body vessel. The device comprises a tube, a pushing element and a grip having a housing via which the pushing element is secured on the grip. Further, the device comprises a stent carrier and a moveable element, the latter of which is guided in the housing of the grip and is coupled to the pushing element. Moving the movable element in the proximal direction effects a movement of the pushing element in the distal direction and a movement of the tube in the proximal direction. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030497 | Retention Wire For Self-Expanding Stent - A delivery system for self-expanding stents is provided. The delivery system includes a wire releasably attached to a portion of the self-expanding stent. The wire restrains movement of the stent when the stent is released from the delivery system. Thus, more accurate placement of the stent may be possible. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030498 | Arteriovenous Access Valve System and Process - An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030499 | FLEXIBLE STRETCH STENT-GRAFT - A stent device ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030500 | Iron Ion Releasing Endoprostheses - An endoprosthesis that includes a base portion and a source of Fe(II) ions that is compositionally distinct from the base portion and releasable from the endoprosthesis under physiological conditions. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030501 | AXIALLY NESTED SLIDE AND LOCK EXPANDABLE DEVICE - The inventions relate generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030502 | Socket For Fenestrated Tubular Prosthesis - A stent graft adapted to telescopically receive a secondary stent graft characterized in that the stent graft comprises at least one socket communicating with at least one opening in the stent graft. The at least one socket comprises an elastic wall that forms a lumen with a stent at least partially encased within the wall. The socket can be adapted for use with stent grafts for implantantation in an aneurysm. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030503 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT - A method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and a temporary aortic valve used to facilitate the same. The temporary valve is comprised of a reversibly expandable occluding means, such as balloons, surrounding a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluding means is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of an ablation stent. The ablation stent displaces the native valve tissues and remains within the aortic annulus to receive and retain the PAV. The PAV can then be positioned and deployed within the ablation stent with precision and ease. Ablation of the native aortic valve removes the structural obstacles to precise PAV placement. The temporary aortic valve mediates the hemodynamic forces encountered by the surgeon following native valve ablation. The temporary valve also promotes patient stability through continuous coronary perfusion and a moderated transvavlular pressure gradient. Mathematical considerations for determining the optimum cross-sectional area for the temporary valve blood perfusion gaps are also described. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030504 | Medical devices comprising porous inorganic fibers for the release of therapeutic agents - In accordance with an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which comprise a substrate and a therapeutic-agent-loaded porous inorganic fiber. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030505 | Drug eluting implantable medical device with hemocompatible and/or prohealing topcoat - The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with polymer having hemocompatible and/or prohealing moieties appended thereto and to their use in the treatment of vascular diseases. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030506 | ENDOPROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - A stent with a basic mesh comprising an at least largely biodegradable material and a coating ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030507 | DEGRADABLE METAL STENT HAVING AGENT-CONTAINING COATING - A stent comprising a degradable metal stent main body; a partition layer which is applied to the surface of the stent main body so that at least parts of the surface of the luminal side are not covered; and an agent-containing layer which is applied to the surface of the partition layer at least partially on the abluminal side of the stent main body and comprises one or more agents and possibly one or more polymers. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030508 | Stent Mandrel Fixture And Method For Reducing Coating Defects - A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030509 | Stent Mandrel Fixture And Method For Reducing Coating Defects - A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030510 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT - A delivery system and method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and apparatus used therein. A temporary aortic valve comprised of a reversibly expandable occluding means, such as balloons, surrounds a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluding means is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The temporary valve with occluding means substitutes for the function of the native aortic valve during its replacement. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of low profile, elongated, sequentially delivered stents. The ablation stent(s) displace the native valve tissues and remain within the aortic annulus to receive and provide a structure for retaining the PAV. The PAV is delivered, positioned and deployed within the ablation stent(s) at the aortic annulus with precision and relative ease. Ablation of the native aortic valve removes the structural obstacles to precise PAV placement. The temporary aortic valve mediates the hemodynamic forces upon the devices as encountered by the surgeon following native valve ablation. The temporary valve also promotes patient stability through continuous coronary perfusion and a moderated transvalvular pressure gradient and regurgitation. Sequential delivery of low profile PAV components minimize the risk of trauma and injury to vascular tissues. Mathematical considerations for determining the optimum cross-sectional area for the temporary valve blood perfusion gaps are also described. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030511 | Percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve device and method of making same - A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of gluteraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030512 | Circulatory valve, system and method - Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use in a vascular system. The apparatus include a circulatory valve having a valve frame in which frame members define frame cells. Frame cells include joints in opposing relationship, where the joints transition from a first stable equilibrium state through an unstable equilibrium state to a second stable equilibrium state as the joints are drawn towards each other. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030513 | Multifocal Phakic Intraocular Lens - The invention relates to a multifocal phakic intraocular lens having three focal regions having varying radii of curvature. When properly structured and placed, the lenses of the invention provide near, far and intermediate vision. The lens may also comprise a fenestration which permits flow of aqueous through the fenestration to provide nutrition to the anterior lens epithelium as well as the corneal endothelium. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030514 | INTRAOCULAR LENS - An intraocularlens of novel structure by which the outer circumferential part of an optical portion can be pressed stably against a posterior capsule under worn state and crisis of secondary cataract can be suppressed more advantageously. A pair of coupling portions ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030515 | ALL-BARRIER ELASTOMERIC GEL-FILLED BREAST PROSTHESIS - An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding. The exterior may be smooth or textured. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030516 | Surgical Implant With Extracortical Support for a Ligament Transplant - A surgical implant ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030517 | BONE XENOGRAFTS - The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic bone xenograft (X) for implantation into a defect (D) located in a bone portion ( | 2009-01-29 |
20090030518 | Fusionless Vertebral Physeal Device and Method - An intravertebral device for modulating vertebral growth without changing spinal mobility or compressing the intervertebral disc. By implanting the device around the vertebral growth plate, on the convex side of the curvature, a compression is induced on one side of the growth plate during the vertebral growth. This local growth modulation decreases significantly the vertebral wedging and corrects the global deformity of the spine. The device provides a minimally invasive and fusionless way of correcting spinal curvatures while preserving the intervertebral disc. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030519 | INTERVERTEBRAL CAGE DESIGNS - Cage systems that improve upon the prior art in various ways. In the preferred embodiments, devices are radiolucent, with markers, thereby allowing visualization of placement without excessive obscuration. Devices according to the invention eliminate multiple steps, instruments and trays, while being capable of a custom fit. The devices according to the invention permit easier and greater access to end plate surface area, and can be used with autografts, allografts, and biologics. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030520 | FIXATION DEVICE FOR BONES - A fixation device for bones includes a member which is to be fixed to one or more bones and has at least one bore for receiving a bone screw, wherein the at least one bore comprises a first internal thread portion. The bone screw has a first shaft section provided with a first external thread portion arranged to cooperate with the internal thread portion of the at least one bore, and a head section having a diameter larger than that of the shaft section to provide a catch arranged to engage with a stop formed in the bore. The bone screw further has a second shaft section which includes a clearance groove extending between the catch of the head section and the external thread of the first shaft section. The clearance groove allows disengagement of the two thread portions, such that the bone screw is prevented from being unscrewed off the bore when it is loosened within the adjacent bone. The member can also include a side wall of a cage used in an intervertebral implant device, or can represent a plate of a bone plate assembly. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030521 | ELASTOMERIC INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS - An intervertebral disc prosthesis includes upper and lower rigid endplates and an elastomeric core structure located between the endplates and attached thereto, wherein the elastomeric core structure has a centroid positioned posterior to a centroid of at least one of the endplates. | 2009-01-29 |
20090030522 | Method and Apparatus for the Treatment of the Intervertebral Disc Annulus - The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place. | 2009-01-29 |