| 05th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120029443 | Medicament Delivery Device - The present invention relates to a medical delivery device comprising a tubular distal housing; a tubular proximal housing; a medicament container arranged inside said tubular proximal housing; a threaded hollow plunger rod; a spring force means pre-tensioned arranged within said plunger rod; activation means arranged to be movable between a non-medicament delivery state and a medicament delivery state; dose setting means being threadedly arranged to said threaded hollow plunger rod and arranged to be rotationally moved between a stop position and a set dose position, whereby upon activation of said activation means from the non-medicament delivery state to the medicament delivery state, said threaded hollow plunger rod is linearly displaced due to the force of the pre-tensioned spring means such that the dose setting means is also linearly displaced from the set dose position to the stop position. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029444 | Irrigation Catheter and a Method of Fabricating - A catheter sheath for an irrigation catheter comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one electrode is arranged on the elongate member. A plurality of elongate elements are contained in the elongate member, the elongate elements comprising at least one electrical conductor and at least one element of a non-conductive material arranged adjacent the at least one conductor to form at least one non-conductive region associated with the elongate member. At least one passage extends through a wall of the elongate member to intersect the non-conductive region and to be in communication with the lumen of the elongate member. The at least one passage has an outlet opening in, or adjacent, the at least one electrode. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029445 | POSTERIOR SEGMENT DRUG DELIVERY - A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029446 | TRANSDERMAL PREPARATION - By providing a non-liquid drug reservoir layer | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029447 | TRANSDERMAL PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF TIROFIBAN - The present invention provides a titratable transdermal drug delivery system comprising an effective dose of an antithrombotic agent, such as tirofiban, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The dosage of the drug delivered is proportional to the size of the patch applied and achieves 60-85% platelet inhibition. The system enables and individualized treatment for patients. Also provided are methods for the treatment of various disorders where platelet inhibition is desired. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029448 | SUCTION PUMP SYSTEM - A suction pump system for aspirating body fluids from a patient is disclosed. The suction pump system includes a housing, at least one pump unit, and a one fluid collection container, which is connected to the pump unit via a vacuum line. The at least one pump unit is arranged in the housing, and the housing has more than one fixture for releasably and simultaneously holding the fluid collection container. The suction pump system allows a patient's body fluids to be aspirated from different sites simultaneously. The suction pump system is easy to operate, affords the user great flexibility in terms of the choice of drainage, and permits a good overview of the chosen applications. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029449 | TRANSMISSIVE DRESSING FOR NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY - An apparatus and method for treating a wound can include a flexible sheet for sealingly engaging a patient's skin around a wound bed, a drain to be located in the wound bed, a vacuum source connected to the drain, and a flow restriction device to control the flow of fluid through an aperture of the flexible sheet. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029450 | Ostomy Appliance and an Adhesive Wafer for Such Appliance - The present invention concerns adhesive wafer for an ostomy appliance, said adhesive wafer being adapted for directly or indirectly securing an ostomy pouch to a person's skin, wherein the wafer comprises a starter hole surrounded by a plurality of cutting guidelines for enabling the person to cut the hole into a desired aperture size, wherein the cutting guidelines substantially converge with the starter hole at an upper region of the hole. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029452 | URINE COLLECTION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a urine collection system for a male user, said collection system comprising a primary urine collection device, wherein the primary urine collection device is adapted to accommodate at least a glans-comprising portion of a penis, said primary urine collection device comprising sealing means adapted to provide an essentially fluid-tight connection between the primary urine collection device and the penis, and wherein said essentially fluid-tight connection comprises a sealing membrane provided with an opening comprising a lip-seal structure sealing against the skin of the penis. According to an embodiment of the invention, a secondary urine collection device is provided, said secondary urine collection device comprising a bladder-like structure adapted to collect body fluids such as urine, and securing means adapted to secure said secondary urine collection device to a leg of the user. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029453 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE - In an absorbent article | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029454 | Absorbent Articles with Printed Graphics Thereon Providing A Three-Dimensional Appearance - Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface. Additional aspects of the present disclosure involve printing graphics including a repeating pattern on a substrate in order to provide the graphic with a perceived three-dimensional pattern. The three-dimensional pattern may resemble protrusions and indentations indicative of threads in embroidered designs and/or associated stitching used to affix sewn graphic patches to substrates. As such, the graphic exhibits an embroidered appearance. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029455 | WOUND DRESSING, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF, AND USE THEREOF FOR DRESSING WOUNDS - The present application relates to a wound dressing, method of producing a wound dressing of this type and its use. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029456 | WATER-ABSORBENT SHEET - A water-absorbent sheet comprising a structure comprising at least an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin, sandwiched between two or more sheets of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, wherein the water-absorbent sheet is subjected to wavy embossing | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029457 | Absorbent Articles Bearing Graphics Visually Coordinated To Clothing - In one aspect, the invention relates generally to absorbent articles having graphics disposed upon them. The graphics are visually coordinated to clothing. The clothing may be an article of clothing and/or a line of clothing. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029458 | Bag - A bag has a first, water resistant configuration and a second, water permeable configuration. The bag may contain liquid and/or solid soils in the first configuration, and be permeable to wash liquor in the second configuration. The bag may be adapted to hold a clean article against the exterior of the bag. The bag may be rolled for storage. A method for using the bag to store and launder one or more articles and a kit comprising the bag and one or more reusable absorbent article components are described. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029459 | STRUCTURE WITH A REUSABLE ABSORBENT LAYER AND ASSOCIATED SLEEVE - A reusable absorbent diaper type structure having a longitudinal axis XX and including an outer support element which can be adjusted to the body of a user, a flat absorbent element and an intermediate impervious element for supporting the absorbent element, the intermediate element being connected by connectors to the outer element. The intermediate element exhibits on each of the lengths thereof an elastic border, which, in the stretched and flattened state, makes it possible to cover the absorbent element according to at least a longitudinal area, and when the structure is positioned on the user, is liable to remain in permanent contact with the skin of the user. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029460 | DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE - A disposable wearing article includes, in an elastic region in a periphery of at least a waist- or leg-opening, an elastic band formed of a fibrous non-woven fabric which is elastically contractible and has a plurality of first gathers extending in a length direction so as to undulate in a width direction thereof. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029461 | Fastening Members with Indicium - A fastening member, a process of making a fastening member and an absorbent article that includes a fastening, member are disclosed. The fastening member includes a tape, an actual fastener and an indicium in the form of a macro-mechanical fastener. The macro-mechanical fastener indicium helps a care giver attach the fastening member to a complementary surface. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029462 | Absorbent Article Having Fastening Members With Indicium - A fastening member, a process of making a fastening member and an absorbent article that includes a fastening member are disclosed. The fastening member includes a tape, an actual fastener and an indicium in the form of a macro-mechanical fastener. The macro-mechanical fastener indicium helps a care giver attach the fastening member to a complementary surface. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029463 | MEDICAL IV BAG HAVING IMPROVED SHELF LIFE AND VERSATILITY - An IV bag including a bladder containing a first substance and a storage cap containing a second substance operable to release the second substance into the bladder to mix with the first substance without exposing the first substance to outside contamination, the storage cap for use with an IV bag including an inner storage chamber for storing a first substance, a first annular opening having a first annular convex surface facing toward the storage chamber, and a plunger element located within the storage chamber having a domed-end with a convex surface facing to the annular opening, wherein the domed end is moveable to make and break contact with the annular opening, and wherein when the domed end is in contact with the first annular convex surface, a seal is formed between two convex surfaces along an annular path to seal the storage chamber. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029464 | SYSTEM FOR RECONSTITUTION OF A POWDERED DRUG - A mixing system ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029465 | Blunt Needle Safety Drug Delivery System - Drug delivery devices having non-luer connections and adapters and adaption connectors for providing non-luer connections to drug delivery devices are provided. An exemplary drug delivery device for use with a catheter connection includes a blunt needle component with a non-luer connection and a filter component with a non-luer connection, wherein the non-luer connections of the blunt needle component and filter component are incompatible with standard luer fitting and intravenous route-accessing devices. In one or more embodiments, an adapter having a non-luer connection at one end and a luer connector is provided for use with blunt needle components and filter components wherein one of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a luer connection and the other of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a non-luer connection. Methods of delivering liquid medication to a catheter are also provided. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029466 | DRAINAGE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE - Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029467 | METHOD OF IMPLANTING A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR LEAD FOR NEUROSTIMULATION HAVING A FLUID-DELIVERY LUMEN AND/OR A DISTENSIBLE BALLOON - A method of implanting a spinal cord stimulator lead in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The method includes expanding a distensible balloon, which is positioned around a distal end of the shaft and in fluid communication with a lumen, to clear a tissue obstruction during the implantation. Preferably, the balloon expands radially outwardly from at least a portion of the shaft's distal end. The method can also include discharging a pressurized fluid, axially through a lumen in the spinal cord stimulator lead, directly to a tissue obstruction during the implantation. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029468 | INFUSION PUMP SYSTEM WITH DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE HAVING PRESSURE VENTING AND PRESSURE FEEDBACK - Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029469 | Lubricated pen needle - A pen needle ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029470 | POSTERIOR SEGMENT DRUG DELIVERY - A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029471 | TWO CHAMBER SYRINGE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - A syringe includes a cartridge and a second chamber. The cartridge includes a first chamber, a second end, and a locking mechanism. The second end is movable within the first chamber between a first position and a second position. The locking mechanism has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration and prevents movement of the second end within the first chamber while in the locked configuration. The locking mechanism includes: a flexible arm having a first end coupled to the second end of the cartridge and a second free end; a tab coupled to the second free end; and a groove in the inner surface of the chamber configured to receive the tab. The cartridge is moveable within the second chamber. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029472 | TNFR25 AGONISTS TO ENHANCE IMMUNE RESPONSES TO VACCINES - TNFR25 compositions enhance the immune response against antigens. Administration of TNFR25 agonists was found to enhance tumor rejection, responses against viral diseases and other infectious organisms. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029473 | USE OF 5C8 MAB AND DIRECT INDUCTION OF REGULATORY CD8+ T CELLS TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT AND SPECIFIC TRANSPLANTATION TOLERANCE - A method is provided for preventing rejection by an immune system of a recipient subject of a tissue transplanted from a donor subject into the recipient subject without the need for long-term administration of non-specific immunosuppressive drugs. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029474 | SEALING FOR MEDICAL DEVICES/INSTRUMENTS - A seal member for assembly within, or a seal zone portion of, a lumen of a medical instrument/device includes a slit segment and a bore, wherein the slit segment intersects with a funnel-like segment of the bore. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029475 | Drug Combinations Useful for Prevention of Restenosis - The current invention comprises an approach to solving the clinical problem of restenosis, which involves the administration of combinations of drugs to patients undergoing PTCA or stent implantation. In one embodiment of the invention, an antiproliferative agent such as rapamycin, vincristine or taxol is administered in combination with the anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone, to patients systemically, either subcutaneously or intravenously. In another embodiment of the invention, the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory agents are bound in a single formulation to the surface of a stent by means of incorporation within either a biodegradeable or biostable polymeric coating. Alternatively, such drug combinations could be incorporated into a stent constructed with a grooved reservoir. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029476 | GUIDEWIRE - A guidewire includes a core shaft and a coil body wound around an outer periphery of the core shaft. A distal end portion of the core shaft and a distal end portion of the coil body are fixed to each other with a most distal end portion. The coil outer diameter of the coil body in the most distal end portion is nonuniform. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029477 | MODULAR CATHETER - A modular catheter includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a closed, distal end. A lumen extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of electrodes are arranged at, or adjacent, the distal end, conductors for the electrodes being contained within a wall of the tubular member. An elongate shape-imparting mechanism is removably received within the lumen of the tubular member such that a distal end of the shape-imparting mechanism is substantially in register with the distal end of the tubular member. A control device has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tubular member and a proximal end of the shape-imparting mechanism being releasably connectable to the distal end of the control device. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029478 | GUIDE WIRE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT - A guide wire for medical treatment includes a straight-line shaped proximal section and a distal section which is continuous with the distal side of the proximal section and whose most distal portion faces toward the proximal direction. The distal section includes a curved portion continuous with the proximal section and a distal portion continuous with the distal side of the curved portion, the proximal section and at least a portion on the proximal side of the curved portion continuous with the proximal section are positioned on an identical plane, and the distal portion is extended toward a direction backing away from the plane and includes the most distal portion in a section of a direction to which the curved portion is curved with respect to an plane n an axis core of the proximal section orthogonal to the plane. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029479 | MULTIPLE-LINE CONNECTIVE DEVICES FOR INFUSING MEDICATION - A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029480 | CATHETER APPARATUS - A proximal terminal end of a proximal section of a catheter, preferably tapered, defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter and includes an exposed sealing area. A sealing assembly, that may be removed from the catheter, includes a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, wherein the exposed sealing area is formed by the soft part, and the relatively rigid part may include an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the catheter. The lumen of the catheter, within the proximal section, may include a seal zone portion, which preferably includes a slit segment intersecting a funnel-like segment of a bore. The catheter proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029481 | CONNECTION PIECE FOR THE TUBE OF AN ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE AND ASSEMBLY OF AN ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE AND AN ENTERAL TRANSFER SYSTEM - The invention relates to a connection piece ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029482 | TOOLS AND METHODS RELATED TO CATHETER DELIVERY - A syringe adapter tool facilitates inline connection of a syringe with a catheter lumen, as well as torque transfer between the syringe and catheter. The adapter tool may further facilitate passage of an instrument through a seal zone portion of the catheter lumen, which seal zone portion is located in a proximal section of the catheter. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029483 | Enteral Feeding Extension Set Connector - A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling catheter or tube device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly that includes a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may optionally include a head. The connector may also include a conduit defining a fluid pathway for transferring fluids through the connector. Each release button has a first portion including a finger contact zone and a second portion including a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess defined in the side surface of the circular hub. The connector is coupled to the circular hub by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess defined in the side surface of the circular hub such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029484 | DEVICE FOR FASTENING METALLIC GUIDES AND BALLOON CATHETERS FOR CARRYING OUT MEDICAL PROCEDURES INVOLVING PERCUTANEOUS VASCULAR SURGERY - A device for fastening metallic guides and balloon catheters for carrying out medical procedures involving percutaneous vascular surgery is described. The device may include a flat base with a proximal end and a distal end. Fastening means may be mounted on the tapered proximal end to hold and position a Y connector. At least one pair of aligned fasteners may be mounted on the distal end. Each pair of fasteners may also be aligned with the respective inlets for the main vessel and for the secondary or lateral vessels. Each fastener may have a shape of a truncated pyramid made of a rigid material, may project from the base, and may be provided at the top end with an insert made of a flexible material with a longitudinal groove that defines a receptacle for housing and retaining a metallic guide, a balloon catheter or a balloon catheter with a stent. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029485 | ANIMAL FECES SUCTION APPARATUS - An animal feces suction apparatus includes a tubular body having a stretching portion and a connection portion, a feces suction channel formed in the tubular body, a plurality of liquid channels disposed in a tube wall of the tubular body and formed with a plurality of liquid outlets in the stretching portion, an aspirator connected to the connection portion and communicated with the feces suction channel so as to generate a suction force within the feces suction channel, and a liquid supplying device connected to the connection portion and communicated with the liquid channels so as to provide a liquid to a large intestine of an animal via the liquid outlets. The stretching portion is stretched into the large intestine of the animal and transmits the liquid so as to soften the feces, and the feces is then sucked out from the large intestine through the feces suction channel by the suction force. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029486 | NASAL ASPIRATOR - A nasal aspirator comprising a resilient bulb and a stem for suction of liquids by vacuum created by compressing the bulb and thereafter gradually releasing the compression of the bulb, where the stem is removable connected to the bulb part, wherein the bulb part comprises a neck portion adopted to interact with a cap portion of the stem part to create a substantially airtight connection there between. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029487 | REDUCED-PRESSURE, COMPRESSION SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR USE ON A CURVED BODY PART - A system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029488 | ADJUSTABLE DEVICE FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF DELIVERING IMPLANTS - A medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The elongate member is configured to be associated with a bodily implant. The distal end portion of the elongate member is configured to move from a first position to a second position such that distal end potion of the elongate member may be inserted into the body of the patient in its second position and is moved to its first position while disposed within the body of the patient. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029489 | Presbyopic vision correction with controlled 3-D patterned mechanical weakening of scleral tissue - Treatments to improve ocular conditions such as presbyopia are provided. Structural (mechanical) weakening of the sclera is accomplished through the formation of a 3-D pattern of laser foci in the sclera resulting in an increase in the range of ocular accommodation. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029490 | DOSE DETERMINATION FOR INDUCING MICROCAVITATION IN RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM (RPE) - Methods and systems for controlling selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells within a treatment region of the RPE. The methods include (a) depositing a selected amount of energy on a test region of the RPE; (b) determining an extent to which microcavitation has occurred in the test region; and (c) on the basis of the determination, either depositing the selected amount of energy on the treatment region, or depositing an increased amount of energy on the test region, and repeating steps (b) and (c). | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029491 | DEVICE FOR PROCESSING EYE TISSUE BY A MEANS OF FEMTOSECOND LASER PULSES - For processing eye tissue ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029492 | DEVICE FOR PROCESSING EYE TISSUE BY MEANS OF FEMTOSECOND LASER PULSES - For processing eye tissue ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029493 | DUAL INJECTION TUBE CRYOCATHETER AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A medical device includes a catheter body having a first injection lumen, a second injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen, where the first injection lumen provides a fluid flow rate greater than a fluid flow rate provided by the second injection lumen; an expandable element coupled to the catheter body in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a cryogenic fluid source in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a valve in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens to selectively allow fluid flow to at least one of the first and second injection lumens; a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior defined by the expandable element; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor programmed to regulate fluid flow through the first injection lumen based at least in part on a signal from the pressure sensor. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029494 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION - An intravascular catheter is provided, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a substantially linear thermal segment located distally of the expandable element; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with the expandable element; and a second fluid flow path in fluid communication with the substantially linear thermal segment. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029495 | ENDOLUMINAL ABLATION CRYOBALLOON AND METHOD - A method of ablating tissue is provided, including positioning an expandable element of a catheter in a blood vessel; inflating the expandable element with a volume of refrigerant to substantially occlude the blood vessel; measuring the volume of refrigerant used to inflate the expandable element; correlating the measured volume to an inflated dimension of the expandable element; defining at least one of a target pressure within the expandable element and a target flow rate for refrigerant delivery to the expandable element based at least in part on the inflated dimension; regulating refrigerant delivery to the expandable element to attain the at least one defined target pressure within the expandable element or defined target flow rate for fluid delivery to the expandable element; and ablating at least a portion of the blood vessel with the expandable element. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029496 | RENAL NERVE ABLATION USING MILD FREEZING AND MICROWAVE ENERGY - A catheter arrangement includes a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery relative to a percutaneous access location. A cooling arrangement is provided at a distal end of the shaft and dimensioned for deployment within a renal artery. The cooling arrangement is configured to freeze tissue of a wall of the renal artery while target tissue adjacent the renal artery wall including perivascular renal nerve tissue remains unfrozen. A microwave emitter is configured to propagate microwave energy through the frozen renal artery wall to heat the unfrozen target tissue to a temperature sufficient to ablate perivascular renal nerve tissue included within the target tissue with no or negligible thermal damage to at least an inner wall of the renal artery. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029497 | Method and System for Monitoring Ablation of Tissues - A method of monitoring heat damage to a tissue during a heat ablation procedure is disclosed. The method comprising: providing images of the tissue, extracting at least one parameter being indicative of a biological response to heat, and using the parameter(s) for determining the heat damage to the tissue. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029498 | Bipolar Radio Frequency Ablation Instrument - An electrocautery instrument is disclosed comprising: a handle having a handle axis; a first electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly having a first handle electrode section retained in the handle, a first oblique electrode section extending from the handle, and a first ablation electrode section disposed at an offset distance from the handle axis; and a second electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly having a second handle electrode section retained in the handle, a second oblique electrode section extending from the handle, and a second ablation electrode section disposed at the offset distance from the handle axis, the second electrode assembly being generally congruent to the first electrode assembly, the handle being configured to retain the first ablation electrode section in generally parallel relationship to the second ablation electrode section. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029499 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLASMA SKIN RESURFACING - An apparatus for treating a skin surface of a patient includes a probe having an opening to be in contact with the skin surface. The probe includes an electrode disposed within the probe and connected to a coaxial cable, the electrode configured to receive radio frequency power and to provide a glow discharge when a vacuum is provided to the probe. A shield is provided between the skin surface and the probe, whereby the shield includes a plurality of holes, and whereby ions of a plasma discharge pass through the holes of the shield and impact the skin surface. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029500 | Sequential Activation RF Electrode Set for Renal Nerve Ablation - A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery. A treatment element at the distal end of the shaft is dimensioned for deployment within the renal artery. The treatment element comprises a radially expandable structure configured to maintain positioning within the renal artery. A multiplicity of electrodes are spaced apart on the treatment element and configured for switchable activation and deactivation in a predetermined sequence to generate overlapping zones of heating directed at perivascular nerves of the renal artery. The overlapping heating zones comprise a distal zone associated with relatively high current densities at a distance from the treatment element sufficient to ablate the perivascular renal nerves and a proximal zone associated with current densities lower than those of the distal zone and insufficient to cause thermal injury to tissue of the renal artery adjacent the treatment element. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029501 | High-Strength Microwave Antenna Assemblies - Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029502 | Coolant Line Clip Assemblies For Use With Fluid Delivery Systems - The present disclosure provides a fluid clip for use with a coolant system for electrosurgical procedures. The fluid clip includes a clip housing having proximal and distal ends and a channel defined therethrough. The channel is dimensioned to receive tubing for carrying a cooling fluid from a cooling source. The fluid clip includes a luer that includes a passageway defined therethrough. The passageway is dimensioned to securely receive the tubing such that the tubing extends through the luer for reception within the channel defined in the clip housing. The luer includes one or more interface on a surface thereof that matingly engages a corresponding interface on the clip housing. The interface on the luer cooperates with the interface on the clip housing to limit rotation of the tubing. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029503 | Slidable Choke Microwave Antenna - A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna coupled to the feedline and a trocar coupled to the dipole antenna at a distal end thereof. The antenna assembly also includes a slidable outer jacket disposed about the radiating portion and the feedline. The slidable outer jacket being configured to slide about at least one of the radiating portion and the feedline from a closed configuration, in which the slidable outer jacket is mated with the trocar and a retracted configuration, in which the slidable outer jacket is retracted in a proximally exposing at least a portion the radiating portion. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029504 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF LESION FORMATION IN TISSUE DURING AN ABLATION PROCEDURE - A method and system for presenting information representative of lesion formation is provided. The system comprises an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire a value for an ablation description parameter and/or a position signal metric, wherein the value corresponds to a location in the tissue. The ECU is further configured to evaluate the value, assign it a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generate a marker comprising the visual indicator such that the marker is indicative of the acquired value. The method comprises acquiring a value for the parameter/metric, and evaluating the value. The method further includes assigning a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generating a marker comprising the visual indicator. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029505 | Self-Leveling Electrode Sets for Renal Nerve Ablation - A catheter comprises a flexible shaft having a length for accessing the renal artery and a multiplicity of electrode sets each supported a support member. Each electrode set extends beyond the catheter's distal end and includes several elongated resilient members comprising a pre-formed curve and supporting an electrode. The resilient members are constrained to a low profile when encompassed by a wall of a removable sheath or a lumen wall of the catheter's shaft, and expand outwardly to assume a shape of their pre-formed curve when removed from the removable sheath or shaft lumen. The resilient members have a stiffness sufficient to maintain contact between the electrodes and an inner wall of the renal artery including irregularities of the inner wall of the renal artery. One or more temperature sensors can be situated at or proximate the plurality of electrode sets. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029506 | System and Method for Removing Medical Implants - A method for removing a medical implant is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes the steps of guiding a plasma device to an implantation site. The plasma device includes a catheter having a catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a flexible distal portion and a lumen defined therein terminating in an opening proximate a distal end thereof. The lumen is in fluid communication with an ionizable media source. The plasma device also include one or more electrodes proximate the opening and adapted to couple to a power source. The method also includes the steps of positioning the opening proximate a medical implant, supplying ionizable media to the opening, energizing the electrode to ignite the ionizable media to form a plasma plume emanating from the opening and manipulating the plasma plume relative to the medical implant to remove tissue surrounding the medical implant. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029507 | ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT TOOL - Provided is an endoscope treatment tool including: a pair of clamp members that is supported by a clamp rotary shaft to be relatively rotatable; an operation section that is used to open and close the pair of clamp members; an operation wire that connects the pair of clamp members to the operation section; a connection member that is provided at the front end of the operation wire and includes at least one link rotary shaft; a pair of link members of which a first end is rotatably connected to each end of the pair of clamp members and a second end is rotatably connected to the link rotary shaft; and a regulation portion that regulates the connection member and the operation wire in a relative movement direction with respect to the clamp rotary shaft, wherein the connection member includes a groove formed to be parallel to the axis of the operation wire, and wherein the regulation portion engages with the groove to regulate the connection member and the operation wire in the relative movement direction. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029508 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE GENERATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS - An apparatus for treating tumors utilizing an electric field in which a voltage generator generates brief voltage pulses applied to electrodes connected to a measurement unit. The electrodes are secured at a restricted region of a human or an animal and form electric fields in the tissue between the electrodes. The measurement unit determines the impedance between the electrodes which is substantially determined by the electric properties of the tissue between the electrodes. A registration and calculator device forms a control unit which, based on the impedance determined by the measurement unit, controls the output voltage of the voltage generator such that the electric field which is formed in the tissue has a constant predetermined value and realizes a peroration of cell membranes in the tissue which permits passage of treatment substances fed to the patient. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029509 | Spiral Balloon Catheter for Renal Nerve Ablation - A catheter comprises a flexible shaft having a length for accessing the renal artery. A balloon arrangement, dimensioned for deployment within the renal artery, is provided at the shaft's distal end and fluidly coupled to a lumen arrangement. A balloon body is configured to complete at least one revolution of the shaft's distal end to form a spiral configuration thereabout, and is secured to the shaft by one or more movable mounting arrangements. The balloon body supports an electrode arrangement for ablating perivascular renal nerves in a substantially spiral pattern. A cooling arrangement cools at least the electrode contact regions during ablation. The distal end of the shaft has a stiffness sufficient to oppose a force produced by the balloon body when inflated that tends to contort the shaft's distal end and to maintain a substantially constant apposition force between the electrodes and an inner wall of the renal artery. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029510 | RF Electrodes on Multiple Flexible Wires for Renal Nerve Ablation - A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a distal end dimensioned for deployment within a patient's renal artery. A number of elongated resilient members are mounted along a longitudinal length of the distal end of the shaft, and are extensible radially from the shaft at regions defined between longitudinally spaced-apart engagement locations. One or more electrodes are mounted on each of the resilient members at the radially extensible regions. A number of conductors are electrically coupled to the electrodes and extend along the shaft of the catheter. The elongated resilient members are collapsible when encompassed within a lumen of an outer sheath and extensible radially outward from the shaft at the regions defined between the longitudinally spaced-apart engagement locations when the catheter and the resilient members are axially extended beyond the distal tip of the sheath. RF energy is delivered to the electrodes for ablating perivascular renal nerves. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029511 | Cooled Conductive Balloon RF Catheter for Renal Nerve Ablation - A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a lumen arrangement and a length sufficient to access a target vessel of a patient. A balloon at the distal end of the shaft is fluidly coupled to the lumen arrangement. The balloon body comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material. The second material comprises a hydrophilic polymer that becomes electrically conductive in response to absorption of the conductive fluid. The fluid conductive regions facilitate perfusion of the conductive fluid through the balloon body to an inner wall of the target vessel during ablation of perivascular tissues. A cooling arrangement is configured for one of receiving a thermal transfer fluid from the lumen arrangement or facilitating perfusion of blood passing through the target vessel to cool the balloon body during ablation of the perivascular tissues. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029512 | BALLOON WITH SURFACE ELECTRODES AND INTEGRAL COOLING FOR RENAL NERVE ABLATION - A catheter arrangement includes a flexible shaft and a balloon disposed at a distal end of the shaft and configurable for deployment within a target vessel of the body, such as a renal artery. Ablation electrodes, supported by a balloon wall, are arranged in a predefined pattern. The electrodes deliver electrical energy sufficient to ablate target tissue, such as perivascular renal nerves, proximate the target vessel wall when the balloon is in a deployed configuration. A cooling arrangement is encompassed at least in part by the balloon and provides cooling to at least the electrodes during ablation such that a location at which steady-state ablative heating begins is translated from an electrode-tissue interface at the target vessel wall to a location a predetermined distance away from the electrode-tissue interface. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029513 | PRECISION ELECTRODE MOVEMENT CONTROL FOR RENAL NERVE ABLATION - A catheter is configured to access a renal artery. A lumen of the catheter's shaft is dimensioned to receive a flexible actuation member which extends between the shaft's proximal and distal ends. The actuation member is moveable within the lumen and subject to elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip along its length. A flexible support member is coupled to a distal end of the actuation member and extendible beyond a distal tip of the shaft. An RF ablation electrode at a distal end of the support member is configured to ablated perivascular renal nerve tissue. A position converter at the distal end of the shaft is configured to convert movement of the actuation member into one or both of controlled rotational and axial movement of the support member and electrode to one of a multiplicity of stable circumferential positions substantially free of elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip impacting actuation member movement. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029514 | SILANE COATING FOR MEDICAL DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029515 | Local Optimization of Electrode Current Densities - An end effector assembly for use with a bipolar forceps includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members at least one of which being movable relative to the other to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes an insulator disposed between each pair of electrically conductive sealing surfaces and an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within each insulator and defining a geometrical configuration including a plurality of peaks having a period that is a multiple of an operating frequency of the electrosurgical energy. The cutting elements are adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue cut. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029516 | Accessory Device for an Orthopedic Fixator - An accessory device for an external orthopedic fixator where the fixator has an external frame made up of frame components which surround the lower leg and ankle of a patient with one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto. The accessory device includes a walking plate which connects to one of the fixator frame components for supporting the sole of a patient's foot. The accessory device also includes a companion shroud which is wrapped about the fixator with the fixator being received within the interior of the shroud. The shroud has a width and height which are sufficient to conceal the fixator within the shroud interior. The shroud has fasteners which allow it to be easily installed and removed from about the fixator. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029517 | Orthopedic external fixator and method of use - An orthopedic apparatus is provided for bridging a first bone unit to a second bone unit. The apparatus is demonstrated on a finger joint, wherein one of the bones and/or ligaments and/or tendons of the joint is/are injured. A method for implanting and using the apparatus also is presented. The apparatus includes a reformably deformable span portion which is generally circular and preferably rhombic. By deforming or reforming the span portion, it can be repositioned laterally, and/or it can be rotated to allow range of rotary motion so as to promote healing. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029518 | LUMBO-SACRAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for treating a lumbo-sacral junction includes at least one dilator configured to create a passageway from a direct lateral trajectory in a body defining a longitudinal axis. A cutting instrument is configured to create a bore, oriented at an angle from the longitudinal axis, in a L5 vertebrae of the body extending to a central portion of a L5-S1 intervertebral disc space of the body. A delivery instrument is configured to deliver an implant through the bore to the central portion of the L5-S1 disc space. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029519 | ABRASIVE CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A high pressure fluid jet system is provided, which is useful for cutting hard material during a surgical procedure. The cutting of hard material is more efficient as the system delivers abrasive solid particles with the high pressure fluid. A method of effecting cutting during a surgical procedure is also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical tool that is effective to deliver a pressurized stream of fluid through a nozzle is provided, and the pressurized stream of fluid is delivered through the surgical tool and out of the nozzle to hard material within a patient to effect cutting of the hard material within the patient in a desired pattern. The fluid that cuts the hard material can include a delivery liquid having a plurality of abrasive solid particles that are formed from an organic material. The abrasive solid particles can be entrained in the pressurized fluid stream or the pressurized fluid stream can erode a solid or suspension form of the abrasive particles. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029520 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029521 | Method and apparatus for delivering bone cement - The present teachings provide one or more surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a vertebral compression fracture. The present teachings can provide a bone cement system. The system can include a housing, which can define at least a throughbore that can extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the housing. The system can also include a dispenser housing received in the throughbore of the housing that is adapted to receive a bone cement. The system can include a plunger, which can be releasably coupled to the proximal end of the housing and received into the dispenser housing so that movement of the plunger can dispense the bone cement. The system can also include a pressure release system, which can be coupled to the housing and can be movable to release pressure within the dispenser housing without moving the plunger. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029522 | OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT AND DEVICE - A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029523 | Guide pin positioner - A guide for a pin for proper placement for guiding a reamer to make a bone tunnel for femoral ACL/PCL reconstruction features a base ring with spaced struts to allow visual access to the native ligament stump. Alternatively the base ring can be supported by a see-through structure. The ring can be circular where it contacts the bone or elliptical depending on the relation of the plane in which the distal surface of the ring is disposed and the axis of the cannulated tool body. The dimensional differences between and inner and outer surface of the base ring allows visualization of two different dimensions for a proposed tunnel location. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029524 | INSTRUMENT FOR HANDLING A JOINT COMPONENT BY WAY OF A VACUUM - Setting instrument ( | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029525 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VASCULAR ACCESS - A medical device comprising a rod which includes an elongate rod body and a rod handle. The rod body is composed of a biocompatible semi-rigid material and is curved from between 75 to 105 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod body. The distal end of the rod body is beveled to a point so that it is capable of puncturing through human skin. The medical device also comprises a sheath which includes a hollow sheath body and a sheath handle. The sheath body is straight. The rod body is capable of being inserted into the sheath body and is able to slide along the sheath body's longitudinal axis. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029526 | SHAPEABLE RETRIEVAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING - A retrieval device with a shapeable snare shaft for use in minimally invasive medical procedures. The retrieval device may further comprise a delivery conduit configured to receive both a snare shaft and a guidewire in one or more lumens. The retrieval device may also include a snare loop at both ends of the snare shaft. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029528 | SPINAL CORD STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A method for optimizing the stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord is disclosed. The method includes providing a stimulating electrode array and a frame element. The frame element is configured to couple to the stimulating electrode array and guide the stimulating electrode array to a desired position proximate the dorsal column of the spinal cord of a subject. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029529 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A medical robotic system and method for controlling the system are provided to precisely measure contact force during the minimally invasive surgery. In one embodiment, a medical robotic system includes an input device, a robotic arm assembly, a surgical instrument operably coupled to the robotic arm assembly, the surgical instrument including a contact detection unit configured to detect a contact of the surgical instrument with tissue of a patient, a current measurement unit configured to measure a joint current in the robotic arm assembly, a position/velocity measurement unit configured to measure a joint position and a joint velocity in the robotic arm assembly, an external force calculation unit configured to calculate size and direction of a contact force caused by the contact of the surgical instrument to the tissue based on the joint currents, positions and velocities measured when the contact is occurred and measured when the contact is not occurred. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029530 | AED Chest Hair Removal Pads - A depilatory adhesive pad for removal of chest and torso hair from a patient in an emergency medical situation, whereafter AED electrodes may be placed. The pads comprise a first side of adhesive film and a second side exhibiting illustrative instructions for a user. The instructions provide a user with a brief explanation of how to use the pads and a visual representation of where the pads are placed on the patient's body. The pads are supplied in sealed packages of two for preparing a pair of clean surfaces for each AED lead. Within the package, both pads attach to a common sheet of nonstick material from which the adhesive pads may easily be separated. Once placed on the patient's torso, a removal tab is provided for pulling the adhered pad in a direction parallel to the skin surface, creating a tearing motion that removes the pad and hair attached thereto. Emergency responders may utilize the present invention to ensure AED leads obtain necessary electrical contact with the patient, particularly in emergency response situations wherein proper surface preparation is not provided. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029531 | SUTURE CUT-OFF STRUCTURE FOR SUBCUTANEOUS STITCHING OPERATION - A suture cut-off structure for subcutaneous stitching operation includes a forceps and a cutter blade arranged at one end of the forceps. The cutter blade has an end forming two rims, which correspond to each other and have the same length. Each rim has a contour forming a curve section. The rims define therebetween a cutting trough in which a cutting edge is formed. The suture is receivable into the cutting trough to allow the suture to be cut off through a forward movement of the cutting edge. With the rims being positionable on and depressing down patient's skin, cutting of the suture and at the same time depressing down the patient's skin can be simultaneously done with a single hand The cutting edge is located inside the cutting trough of the rims and is thus isolated so that undesirably hurting the patient's skin can be avoided. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029532 | Wound Closure Device Including Mesh Barrier - A suturing device includes an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a trajectory guide translatably mounted on the elongate shaft and an introducer guard member operatively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft. The introducer guard member includes at least one arm member which is movable between a first position in which the arm member is retracted, substantially in alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position in which the at least one arm member is deployed. The introducer guard member includes an attaching member for releasably retaining a suture. The trajectory guide defines at least one bore therethrough. The bore obliquely extends through the trajectory guide and defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The bore aligns with the attaching member when the introducer guard member is in the second position. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029533 | ARTICULATING CLIP APPLIER CARTRIDGE - An end effector is provided and includes a distal housing portion and a proximal housing portion interconnected to one another by a knuckle portion, wherein the knuckle portion permits rotation of the distal housing portion relative thereto and articulation of the distal housing portion relative to the proximal housing portion; a jaw assembly supported in the distal end of the distal housing portion, the jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw movable between a spaced apart and an approximated position; and a plurality of fasteners loaded within the distal housing portion, each of the plurality of fasteners defining a fastener axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a pair of legs thereof, each of the plurality of fasteners being arranged within the base portion such that the fastener axis is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal housing portion. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029534 | ARTICULATING CLIP APPLIER - A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029535 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSMURAL ANCHOR DELIVERY VIA A TUBULAR BODY - Disclosed is a transmural tissue anchor deployment system and method, for attachment to a tissue wall. The method can include the steps of advancing the tubular body through a single, non-plicated tissue wall of the gastrointestinal tract; ejecting the tissue attachment structure out of the tubular body such that the retention surface rests against a serosal surface of the tissue wall; and withdrawing the tubular body proximally across the tissue wall, wherein the tension element spans the single non-plicated tissue wall after withdrawal of the tubular body. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029536 | ENDOSCOPIC SUTURING DEVICE - An endoscopic suturing device that can be employed to suture tissue using endoscopic techniques to place one or more stitches in tissue during a single intubation of an endoscope. The suturing device may include a suturing capsule with a suction chamber that is configured to capture tissue that is to be sutured. A needle is movable along a pathway across the suction chamber to penetrate and place stitches in the captured tissue. A catch is located distal to the suction chamber to receive and retain the suture during a stitching sequence. The catch may be movable along the needle pathway and configured to release the suture when the catch moves a predetermined distance along the pathway. The catch may be configured so that a predetermined amount of force is required to move the catch the predetermined distance required to release the suture. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029537 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A biocompatible surgical silk mesh prosthetic device employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh device, especially when the mesh device is cut. An example prosthetic device employs a knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes. The at least two yarns include a first yarn and a second yarn extending between and forming loops about two nodes. The second yarn has a higher tension at the two nodes than the first yarn. the second yarn substantially prevents the first yarn from moving at the two nodes and substantially prevents the knitted mesh from unraveling at the nodes. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029538 | Surgical Tack and Tack Drive Apparatus - A fastener is provided for attaching body tissue to body tissue or another material to body tissue. The fastener includes a head portion, a body portion, and an anchoring element. The anchoring element is on the distal end of the fastener, and has one or more barbs or similar anchoring devices that are configured to prevent removal of the fastener once it is attached to the body tissue. The head is located on the proximal end of the fastener, and anchors the body tissue or other material when the fastener is attached to the body tissue. The disclosure also provides a driver apparatus for inserting the fasteners. The applicator device includes an indexer for sequentially indexing one or more fasteners, and a driver for applying an insertion force to a fastener that is sufficient to insert the fastener and attach it to body tissue. The disclosure also provides a method of using the fastener and applicator device. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029539 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICALLY CLOSING AN OPEN ABDOMEN - An open abdomen wound as a result of injury or surgery is closed using fastener sheets, such as hook and loop fastener sheets, that are attached at opposing edges of the wound using bolsters through which surgical suture thread is passed to secure the abdominal wall between the fastener sheets and the bolsters. Tension forces are exerted on the fastener sheets and the sheets secured to one another in one or more steps drawing the wound edges toward one another. The tension forces are distributed by the bolsters to avoid loss of tissue at the wound edges. Successful closure of the wound is possible. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029540 | INFLATABLE HERNIA PATCH - A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029541 | METHOD OF SECURING A GRAFT - Disclosed is an anastomosis catheter, for achieving a tissue to tissue or synthetic graft to tissue attachment. The catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may be used to achieve end to end or end to side anastomoses. Methods are also disclosed. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029542 | MICRO-SCALPEL USED TO TREAT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - A micro-scalpel used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome has an elongated columnar blade, one end of the blade obliquely cut to form a tip, the obliquely-cut surface of the tip sufficiently sharp to pierce and cut skin of a patient. The other end of the blade is connected to a hollow sleeve connector, and the hollow sleeve connector is combined with a handle. The micro-scalpel is oriented perpendicular to a transverse carpal ligament, and swings from its proximal end toward its distal end to cut the transverse carpal ligament, thereby reducing the number of cuts of the blade and saving time for completing the carpal tunnel surgery. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029543 | TISSUE STRUCTURE PERFORATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A surgical treatment can involve creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue structure to allow lengthening of that tissue structure. For example, a pattern of perforations can be created in the transverse carpal ligament of a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that allows the carpal ligament to lengthen slightly. This lengthening can relieve pressure on the median nerve, thereby reducing the symptoms of CTS while maintaining the structural integrity of the wrist. A surgical instrument for use in perforating a tissue structure (such as the transverse ligament) can be an elongate structure with one or more retractable blades. Such a tool can be used in either an open or minimally invasive procedure to create a desired pattern of perforations in the tissue structure. | 2012-02-02 |
| 20120029544 | CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SECONDARY CUTTING ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Surgical instruments are disclosed. Various non-limiting embodiments may include an elongated shaft that has a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be rotatably supported within said elongated shaft and have a distal portion that protrudes distally beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that the tissue acquisition members are selectively pivotable from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. A rotatable cutting member may be operably supported adjacent to the tissue acquisition member and being selectively rotatable about the central axis upon application of a cutting actuation motion thereto. | 2012-02-02 |
