11th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090069799 | Electrosurgical medical system and method - A medical device system and method provide an RF electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrosurgical electrode via a patient box disposed in close proximity to the patient. An RF signal is delivered from the generator to the patient box where signal power is increased and the RF signal delivered to the electrosurgical electrode. The patient box is coupled to the electrosurgical electrode by a short cable capable of carrying an HV, high frequency 5 MHz signal without leakage. An electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode is monitored and a desired RF power output and duty cycle maintained by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an RF amplifier, responsive to the monitoring. The system determines when the electrosurgical cutting electrode has started cutting and switches from a start mode to a run mode having a different RF duty cycle and a reduced RF power output controlled by a servo system. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069800 | SURFACE ELECTRODE MULTIPLE MODE OPERATION - A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069801 | System and method for transmission of combined data stream - An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument configured to generate a first and second data streams and a transmission circuit configured to convert the first and second data streams into a pulsed transmission signal. The first signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the first data stream and the second signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the second data stream. The transmission circuit is further configured to process the transmission signal to decode the first signal property into the first data stream and the second signal property into the second data stream. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069802 | ELECTROSURGICAL ELECTRODE AND METHOD FOR USE - An electrosurgical electrode for use in a surgical procedure includes an elongated body in the shape of a Freer elevator having a working end portion in the shape of a spoon at a distal end thereof. The working end portion is an active electrosurgical end capable of supplying electrosurgical currents when the electrode is operatively connected to an electrosurgical apparatus and the later is activated. An opposite proximal end of the body includes a means, such as a connector, for operatively connecting the electrode to the electrosurgical apparatus for supplying the electrosurgical currents to the working end portion. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069803 | SELECTIVE DEPTH ELECTRODE DEPLOYMENT FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - The invention is directed toward stimulation of a selected tissue layer. A device is attached to a target tissue by applying vacuum pressure to a vacuum cavity of the device and advancing a needle into tissue within the vacuum cavity. The depth on the vacuum cavity is selected to permit deployment at the selected tissue layer. In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward an implantable medical device comprising a device housing defining a vacuum cavity, and a vacuum port for application of vacuum pressure to draw tissue into the vacuum cavity, an electrode that is movable into the vacuum cavity of the device housing to contact at least a portion of the tissue drawn into the vacuum cavity, and a lead comprising at least one conductor coupled to the electrode. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069804 | Apparatus for efficient power delivery - A delivery apparatus for supporting an electrosurgical instrument and for connecting the electrosurgical instrument to an electrosurgical energy source is provided. The delivery apparatus includes a selectively positionable housing including a plurality of rigid segments and a joint member interposed between each adjacent rigid member; and a transmission medium extending through at least one of the segments of the housing. The transmission medium is configured to transmit electrosurgical energy between the electrosurgical energy source and the electrosurgical instrument. In use, the housing is movable between a first position wherein an electrosurgical instrument supported on an end of the housing is remote from an operative site and a second position wherein the electrosurgical instrument supported on the end of the housing is proximate to the operative site. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069805 | Endoscopic Surgical Instrument - The application relates to an endoscopic surgical instrument, and in particular to an instrument for endoscopic mucosa resection. The instrument includes a device for feeding in at least one liquid (for injection and/or dissection) and a device for high frequency surgery. These devices are combined within a single surgical instrument, in the interest of uniform handling. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069806 | Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures - Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND ABLATION - An electrosurgical probe ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069808 | METHOD FOR ABLATING WITH NEEDLE ELECTRODE - A method for ablating tissue in or around the heart to create an enhanced lesion is provided. The distal end of a catheter including a needle electrode at its distal end is introduced into the heart. The distal end of the needle electrode is introduced into the tissue. An electrically-conductive fluid is infused through the needle electrode and into the tissue. The tissue is ablated after and/or during introduction of the fluid into the tissue. The fluid conducts ablation energy within the tissue to create a larger lesion than would be created without the introduction of the fluid. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069809 | PFO CLOSING DEVICE - A PFO closing device includes: a clamper including a stick portion provided at a distal portion of a catheter for sticking to a foramen ovale valve and a sandwich member for sandwiching a biological tissue composed of the foramen ovale valve and an atrial septum secundum in cooperation with the stick portion; a cautery device including at least one electrode portion to be inserted into the foramen ovale between the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum; and an electric energy supply unit for supplying electric energy to the electrode portion, wherein the electrode portion is inserted into the foramen ovale and at the same time, the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are sandwiched by the clamper, electric energy is supplied from the electric energy supply unit to the electrode portion and the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are mutually fused. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069810 | BIOLOGICAL TISSUE CLOSING DEVICE - A biological tissue closing device includes a clamper comprising a stick portion provided at a distal portion of a catheter for sticking to a biological tissue, and a sandwich member for sandwiching the biological tissue in cooperation with the stick portion, and an electric energy supply unit for supplying electric energy to the clamper. The biological tissue is fused by making the stick portion and the sandwich member of the clamper be electrode members, by sandwiching the biological tissue with the damper and by supplying electric energy from the electric energy supply unit, wherein the damper is configured so that each of the stick portion and the sandwich member are movable independently with respect to the catheter. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069811 | Device and method for fixation of equipment to the head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery - A device is provided for fixation of equipment to the head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, comprising a ring-shaped frame having at least three fixation pins which are attachable against the skull of the patient with a contact force for fixation of the device thereto. At least one connecting means is positioned at a location where the frame has a minimum of displacement due to deformation of the frame when the fixation pins are tightened towards the skull, in order to allow fixation of equipment for diagnosis, therapy or surgery to the frame without they being distorted as a consequence of the deformation of the frame. The invention also relates to a method for fixation of the head of a patient by means of such a device. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069812 | RIB FIXATION WITH AN INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL - Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing rib bones with a fixation device including an intramedullary nail connected to a generally U-shaped plate. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069813 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONE FIXATION WITH SECONDARY COMPRESSION - Disclosed is a fracture fixation device, for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone. The fixation device includes an elongate body comprising a first portion and a second portion that are detachably coupled to each other. The first portion defines a helical cancellous bone anchor and the second portion defines a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device and is rotationally locked to the first portion. The device is rotated into position across the femoral neck and into the femoral head, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to lock the device into place. The second portion is then detached from the first portion. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069814 | Medical Device for Rapid and Accurate Entry through Soft Tissue and Bone - A device for entering soft tissue and bone of a body, including a spike with a grommet thereabout. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069815 | Method and composition for use in reinforcing bone - The invention provides a method and a kit for administering bone cement to the interior cavity of a bony member to enhance bone strength, stabilizing an existing fracture thus reducing susceptibility of the bone to further fracture and/or collapse. The method and kit may include additional components, such as, bone growth enhancing agents, radiopaque components or the like. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069816 | Intramedullary Nail Distal Targeting Device - The present invention relates to an intramedullary nail distal targeting device ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069817 | INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL MODIFICATION - A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. The live cornea is first separated into first and second opposed internal surfaces. Next, a laser beam or a mechanical cutting device can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired. The laser beam or mechanical cutting device can be then used to incrementally and sequentially ablate or remove a three-dimensional portion of the cornea for making the cornea less curved. An ocular material is then introduced to the cornea to modify the curvature. The ocular material can be either a gel or a solid lens or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a pocket is formed in the central portion of the cornea to receive an ocular material. In another embodiment, a plurality of internal tunnels are formed in the cornea to receive the ocular material. The ocular material can be either a fluid such as a gel or a solid member. In either case, the ocular material is transparent or translucent, and can have a refractive index substantially the same as the intrastromal tissue of the cornea or a different refractive index from the intrastromal tissue of the cornea. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069818 | Individual Surgical Instruments, Surgical Instrument Set and Method for Inserting an Intraocular Lens into an Eye - An instrument and method for inserting a dual optic IOL into an eye includes in one aspect a three prong forceps and in another aspect a folder for folding the IOL. The three prong forceps and folder are cooperatively configured to allow a user to first fold the IOL with the folder and then grasp and remove the folded IOL from the folder using the three prong forceps. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069819 | COMPRESSIBLE DEPLOYMENT DEVICE - A cannula for a marker deployment system is provided, including a tubular sidewall and at least one slit intersecting through the sidewall. The slit selectively permits at least a portion of the sidewall adjacent the slit to deform generally radially outward from an axis of the cannula. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069820 | LASER-RESISTANT BASKET - A medical device includes a sheath defining a lumen, an elongate member disposed within the lumen, and a basket connected to a distal end of the elongate member and being retractable within and extendable from the lumen. The basket includes a plurality of legs. At least one leg of the plurality of legs includes a material that is substantially resistant to Holmium laser energy. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069821 | ROBOTIC DEVICES WITH AGENT DELIVERY COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an agent delivery component. The devices include mobile robotic devices and fixed base robotic devices as disclosed herein. The agent delivery component can have at least one agent reservoir and a discharge component in fluidic communication with the at least one reservoir. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069822 | TISSUE FASTENING TOOL, STENT, APPLICATOR FOR PLACING THE SAME, AND TISSUE FASTENING METHOD THROUGH NATURAL ORIFICE - The tissue fastening apparatus includes: a tissue fastening tool provided with a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a first biological tissue and a second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue adjacent to the first biological tissue; a stent provided with a dilating portion having a diameter which increases from a front end to a rear end of the dilating portion, an indwelled portion which is connected the dilating portion, and a through hole which passes through the dilating portion and the indwelled portion in a longitudinal direction of the stent; and an applicator provided with a tubular puncturing tool in which the tissue fastening tool is inserted, a fastening tool pusher inserted into the puncturing tool to dispenses the tissue fastening tool inserted into the puncturing tool from a distal end of the puncturing tool, and a sheath into which the puncturing tool is inserted to shift the stent which is detachably disposed at the distal end of the sheath relative to the puncturing tool. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069823 | IMPLANT AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - Implant and delivery systems for soft tissue repair which affix soft tissue portions to a region of bone are described. Generally, the assembly includes two bone anchors preloaded through an inserter handle such that each anchor is penetrated into the bone directly. The first anchor is inserted through the tissue and into the bone, where it is locked into position. The first anchor has a suture or wire that protrudes through the tissue and threads through the second anchor and is secured to a rotatable suture reel located along the handle. The second anchor is inserted through the tissue and into the bone independently of the first anchor. Once the second anchor is deployed, the suture or wire is tensioned to secure the soft tissue to the bone and a suture plug within the second anchor is deployed to lock the suture or wire in place. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069824 | SUTURE PASSER - An apparatus includes an elongate member, an actuator, and a thread member. A portion of the elongate member defines a central axis. The elongate member defines a slot which extends along an axis parallel to the central axis. The actuator is coupled to the elongate member and is accessible through the slot. The actuator is moveable from a first position to a second position different than the first position. The thread member is coupled to the actuator and has a receiving portion. The thread member is moveable from a first position to a second position different than the first position when the actuator is moved from its first position to its second position. A portion of the thread member is disposed within a lumen defined by the elongate member when the thread member is in its first position. At least a portion of the thread member extends from a distal opening defined by the elongate member when the thread member is in its second position. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069825 | Scaffold and Method of Forming Scaffold by Entangling Fibres - A porous scaffold is provided, which comprises tangled fibres. A porous scaffold can be formed by applying a fluid to fibres to entangle them. The fibres comprise a polyelectrolyte complex and a cross-linker. The cross-linker links polyelectrolytes within individual fibres and inhibits secondary polyelectrolyte complication between adjacent fibres. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069826 | SURGICAL IMPLANT - A surgical implant has a mesh-like base structure ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069827 | REVERSIBLE VASECTOMY DEVICE AND METHOD - A reversible vasectomy device includes a first and a second connector piece for attachment to the severed ends of the vas deferens. Each connector piece has an outer vas deferens attaching end, an opposite inner end, and a passage from the outer to the inner end. A midpiece has end portions that are connectable to the inner ends of the connector pieces, a passage in one end portion and a vent from the passage to an exterior surface. When the connector pieces are connected to the end portions, the passage in one of the connector pieces is in fluid communication with the vent, but is not in fluid communication with the passage in the other connector piece. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069828 | ARTICULATING RETRIEVAL DEVICES - The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen | 2009-03-12 |
20090069829 | Rotational Atherectomy Device with Distal Protection Capability and Method of Use - A rotational device for removing a stenotic lesion from within a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible hollow drive shaft having a distal end insertable into the vessel and an abrasive element located on the drive shaft proximal to the distal end of the drive shaft to abrade a stenotic lesion when the drive shaft rotates. The hollow drive shaft defines a lumen for fluid supplied into the drive shaft to flow in an antegrade direction along the lumen and into the vessel from the drive shaft distal to the abrasive element so that the fluid entering the vessel flows in a retrograde direction over the abrasive element and die drive shaft to entrain debris abraded by the abrasive element for removal of said debris from the patient. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069830 | EYE SURGICAL TOOL - The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting device having a body, a piezoelectric actuator received within and secured to the body and a blade associated with and in communication with the actuator. The actuator is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the blade. A method of operating the surgical cutting device is also provided wherein the cutting device includes an actuator which is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce a sinusoidal displacement of the blade in the range of 250-500 μm. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069831 | Surgical Cutting Instrument - A surgical cutting instrument for cutting tissue includes an outer cannula with a cutting opening and a cutting member within the cannula. The cutting member is connected to a source of reciprocation, and as the cutting member reciprocates the cutting member head is guided by a sloped member within the cannula to essentially a zero clearance position relative to a cutting edge of the cutting opening of the cannula. The instrument cleanly severs tissue extending through the cutting opening into the outer cannula. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069832 | Pricking Device, and Lancet Assembly and Injector Assembly That Constitute the Same - A pricking device is provided that allows a protruding tip of a distal end portion of a pricking member to be shielded from surround as much as possible and removed from an injector assembly. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069833 | DISPOSABLE LANCET - The disposable lancet mainly contains a resilient needle body with two arms extended forward into a Y shape with a needle between the two arms. The two arms and the needle of the needle body are housed inside a sleeve member and the combination is slidably installed inside an enclosure. When the lancet is not yet used, the arms are blocked by two wedges of the sleeve member and the needle is hidden and protected inside the sleeve member. By compressing the sleeve member into the enclosure, the arms are forced out of the blockage and the needle body is driven forward by its resilience to penetrate through the sleeve member to draw blood. As the needle body retreats back into the sleeve member, the sleeve member is locked by the enclosure and cannot return to its un-used state. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069834 | AUXILIARY TOOL FOR FORMATION OF IMPLANT PRE-HOLE - Auxiliary tool provides an implant pre-hole smaller than the implant hole without requiring much experience or imposing much burden on patients during the implant pre-hole formation. In addition, implant pre-holes allow safe and easy formation of implant hole(s) at the next stage and further development of the implant technique. Consequently, persons with thinner bones who have given up implant treatment could have a chance to undergo implantation. The auxiliary tool | 2009-03-12 |
20090069835 | Balloon catheter for endoscopic mucosectomy - The balloon is fixed to a catheter close to its distal portion; the catheter has two ducts passing through within in; one duct can be used for a guide wire, while the other is used to pump air in or out; after passing through the catheter, the air emerges from a hole in the wall of the distal portion of the catheter, within the balloon; the distal portion of the catheter emerging from the balloon is rigid and slightly curved with respect to the axis of the catheter so that, when used, the distal portion—fitted with a sphere at the very tip—is curved upwards; the sides of the inflatable balloon are of varying thickness so that, when inflated, it takes on the form of a mattress; its inflation enables the detachment without trauma of two layers of tissue. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069836 | TWISTED PRIMARY COIL FOR VASCULAR THERAPY - A flexible metal wire coil is formed with a twisted coil pattern, by forming a primary coil on a special mandrel formed from two or more strands of material twisted helically about a longitudinal axis to have a helical shape. The primary coil wire is wound around the mandrel to give the primary coil a twisted shape corresponding to the helical shape of the mandrel. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069837 | HAND AND INSTRUMENT ACCESS DEVICE - A surgical sealing device | 2009-03-12 |
20090069838 | INFLATABLE OCCLUSION DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion device via a percutaneous procedure, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069839 | Vascular filter with sleeve - A covered vascular filter can be placed in a blood vessel, for the purpose of intercepting thrombus. The filter may be introduced to a desired site for medical treatment through a catheter which defines a lumen or passage and a distal port or opening. The filter tends to resiliently expand from a compressed shape when it is inside the catheter lumen, to an expanded shape when the filter is pushed from the catheter lumen. A cover or sleeve over those portions of the filter that would otherwise contact the vessel wall tends to reduce pressure on the vessel wall. The sleeve also tends to resist growth of the vessel wall among the elements of the filter, called endothelialization. In other words, the sleeve resists incorporation of the filter elements into the vessel wall, enabling the filter to be retrievable for a longer time. The various features of the present invention may be used singly or in any combination, as desired in a particular vascular filter. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069840 | PERCUTANEOUS PERMANENT RETRIEVABLE VASCULAR FILTER - Retrievable vena cava filters for the temporary or permanent prevention of Pulmonary embolism (PE) are disclosed. A filter in accordance with the present invention has a tube-within-tube structure with overlapping semi-spheres. The semi-spheres comprise a plurality of expandable legs. The first tube may have a first set of expandable legs and a plurality of slots allowing for deployment of a second or third set of expandable legs on the second tube. The free end of each leg in the first set of expandable legs is oriented in a direction opposite to the free end of each leg in the second set forming a cage which comprises legs from the first and second sets of expandable legs. The filter of the present invention may be retrieved by a catheter and snare. The third set of expandable legs conveys the vector force from the closing of the first set to the second set to cause it to collapse. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069841 | Device for Filtering of Blood During Removal of Heart Valve Stenosis and Method of Removing Heart Valve Stenosis - The invention relates to a device and a method for the removal of a heart valve stenosis, in which a filter catheter is arranged in a vessel section located downstream of the heart valve, and a valvuplasty catheter is arranged in the area of the heart valve. The filter catheter has in one embodiment of the invention at its distal end a radial filter which is unfolded radially until it fits up against the vessel wall. The catheter lumen is closed in such a way that blood must flow through the filter. After the filter has been unfolded, the valvuplasty catheter is inflated in the area of the heart valve to remove the heart valve stenosis, while debris and plaque which are released are collected in the filter. In an alternative membrane, the filter catheter may be sealed relative to the vessel wall by means of a sealing element, while an external filter is connected to the filter catheter to filter debris and plaque from the blood. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069842 | Surgical instrument - A medical instrument having a proximal control handle and a distal tool that are intercoupled by an elongated instrument shaft that is meant to pass internally of an anatomic body, proximal and distal movable members that respectively intercouple the proximal control handle and the distal tool with the instrument shaft, cable control means disposed between the movable members, an actuation member at the handle for controlling the distal tool through the movable members, and a coupler for selectively engaging or disengaging separable cable segments of the actuation member. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069843 | FISTULA PLUGS INCLUDING A HYDRATION RESISTANT COMPONENT - Described, in certain aspects, are devices and methods for treating fistulae. In one embodiment, a fistula plug includes a hydratable component and hydration resistant component incorporated on or in the hydratable component. Illustratively, an inventive plug can include a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is hydratable, and the second component is less receptive to hydration than the first component (or is essentially non-hydratable). Either of these components may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. In one embodiment, the first component and the second component, while dissimilar in their receptivity to hydration, are both comprised of a remodelable, angiogenic material, for example, a remodelable extracellular matrix material such as submucosa. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069844 | Closure Device, Deployment Apparatus, and Method of Deploying a Closure Device - The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for sealing and closing passages formed through tissue. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for sealing or closing an opening formed through biological tissue comprising a distal or outside margin or surface, and a proximal or inside margin or surface (i.e., a wall thickness), and to apparatuses and methods for delivering such devices, to control (or prevent or stop) bleeding (or the flow of other biological fluid or tissue). The openings comprise percutaneously formed punctures, incisions, or other openings formed through biological tissue, such as in blood vessels, organs, and the like. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069845 | Method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint - A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069846 | TENDON REPAIR - An assembly is described for repairing torn tendons by reattaching them to a bone, in particular although not exclusively for repairing a torn rotator cuff tendon, which allows for reduction of the gap between the tendon and the humerus by pushing the tendon onto its attachment site. Also described is a method of repairing a torn rotator cuff tendon by pushing it onto its attachment site and suturing through the humeral head. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069847 | SUTURE LOCK - A suture lock, as well as related methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture lock and method are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety of suture fixation and perforation closure situations. The suture lock includes a locking cylinder and a retaining sleeve. The locking cylinder has a tubular body defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a first interior passageway. The tubular body defines a first aperture and a second aperture that are spaced apart and in communication with the first interior passageway. The retaining sleeve defines a second interior passageway sized to receive the tubular body of the locking cylinder. The suture strands are compressed between the tubular body and the retaining sleeve. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069848 | ORAL STIMULATORY DEVICE FOR SOOTHING GUMS - An aspect of the invention includes an oral stimulatory device. In certain embodiments, the oral stimulatory device is configured for soothing gums, for instance, the gums of a teething infant. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the oral stimulatory device includes a tubular body. In certain embodiments, the tubular body is configured for being partially positioned in an oral cavity of a user, such as an infant, and is adapted for being deformed. Although the oral stimulatory device may be fabricated from any suitable material, in certain embodiments, the tubular body of the oral stimulatory device is fabricated from a material comprising silicone. For instance, in one embodiment, the tubular body comprises a material that is at least about 50%, that is at least about 60%, that is at least about 70%, that is at least about 80%, that is at least about 90%, such as 95%, or even 99% or 100% food grade silicone. In certain embodiments, the oral stimulatory device includes at least one stimulatory element, for example, a plurality of stimulatory elements, which elements may be adapted for soothing the gums of an infant when positioned in an oral cavity (e.g., mouth) of the infant. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069849 | DYNAMIC SCREW SYSTEM - A dynamic screw system for stabilizing a vertebral body includes a bone screw adapted to connect to the vertebral body, the bone screw including an open concave head, a connecting element coupled to the bone screw, a joint element coupled around a middle cylindrical portion of the connecting element, an elongated bar element coupled to the upper spherical portion of the connecting element, and a pin adapted to fit inside the elongated bar element and a slot of the connecting element. The connecting element may include an upper spherical portion including a first diameter, a middle cylindrical portion including a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a lower spherical portion having a plurality of outwardly expandable legs adapted to lock into the open concave head of the bone screw. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069850 | DEVICE FOR STRAIGHTENING AND STABILIZING THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN - A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069851 | BONE FIXATION WITH SLENDER SPANNING MEMBERS DISPOSED OUTSIDE BONE - System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for bone fixation using a pair of slender spanning members to span a fracture outside bone. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069852 | Multi-Axial Bone Anchor Assembly - In one aspect, a bone anchor assembly is provided. The bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a crown member, a saddle, and a sleeve. The bone anchor assembly is configured such that the bone anchor is moveable with respect to the saddle when the sleeve is positioned around the saddle and the bone anchor is locked relative to the saddle by compression of the head portion of the bone anchor between the crown member and a seat of the saddle. In another aspect, a system for orthopedic implantation is provided. The system includes an elongated member, a compression member, and a bone anchor assembly. In another aspect, a method of assembling a bone anchor assembly is provided. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069853 | Surgical retaining screw - In order to simplify the construction and handling capability of a surgical retaining screw comprising a shaft which has an external thread, a head part which is connected to the shaft securely or movably and has an interior space open towards the upper side located opposite the shaft as well as two openings which are arranged on oppositely located sides of the head part, are open towards the upper side and form a receptacle for a bar-like connecting part, and a clamping screw which can be screwed into the interior space from the upper side in such a manner that it clamps a connecting part placed in the receptacle in this receptacle, it is suggested that the clamping screw be screwed into a screw sleeve which abuts with a conical outer surface tapering towards the upper side of the head part on the complementary conical inner surface of a bearing sleeve surrounding the screw sleeve and that the bearing sleeve be held on the head part to as to be secured against any displacement in the direction towards the upper side. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069854 | Implantable electric device - An implantable electric device comprising: a deployable round structure initially in a cramped state and adapted to be expanded into a deployed state, with at least one of a plurality of coils provided about the structure; a power source; and an electric circuitry for generating alternating currents in said at least one of the plurality of coils to generate an alternating electromagnetic field within the structure. In some embodiments of the invention it serves as a motor, and in some embodiments it serves to enhance blood flow within a patient's vasculature. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069855 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING POST-INFARCT VENTRICULAR REMODELING - A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver pre-excitation pacing to one or more sites in proximity to an infarcted region of the ventricular myocardium. The pre-excitation pacing in conjunction with counterpulsation therapy serves to either prevent or minimize post-infarct remodeling. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069856 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION AND FOR TREATMENT OF VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION - A defibrillation system for use in treatment of ventricular fibrillation includes at least one sensor to measure heart rhythm; at least one applicator to apply a defibrillation pulse to a patient; and at least one processor in communication with the sensor and the applicator to determine a first value related to the rate of change of a leading edge of a lagged phase space reconstruction of ventricular fibrillation heart rhythm measured over a period of time. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069857 | External Automatic Defibrillator - An external automatic defibrillator including an attachment device that can be externally attached and carried by a patient, an identification device for detecting an abnormal event in the cardiac activity, which can be treated by an electric shock, as well as a defibrillator allowing to exert a shock upon the patient after having detected the abnormal event. In order to ensure reliable functioning over a longer period of time, the identification device is configured so that the identification device can detect an abnormal event in an interval of not more than 90 seconds or one minute. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069858 | Capture Detection for Multi-Chamber Pacing - Multi-chamber pacing may result in capture of one chamber, capture of multiple chambers, fusion, or non-capture. Approaches for detecting various capture conditions during multi-chamber pacing are described. Pacing pulses are delivered to left and right heart chambers during a cardiac cycle. A cardiac electrogram signal is sensed following the delivery of the pacing pulses. Left chamber capture only, right chamber capture only, and bi-chamber capture may be distinguished based on characteristics of the cardiac electrogram signal. Multi-chamber capture detection may be implemented using detection windows having dimensions of time and amplitude. The detection windows are associated with expected features, such as expected signal peaks, under a particular capture condition. The cardiac electrogram signal features are compared to detection windows to determine the capture condition. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069859 | Apparatus and Method for Programming a Pacemaker - A pacemaker optimising apparatus comprising: a component ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069860 | REMOTELY-PROGRAMMABLE PERSONAL DEVICE AND CONFIGURATION AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY PROGRAMMING A PERSONAL DEVICE - The invention relates to a remotely-programmable personal device, in particular a programmable implantable medical device, such as a cardiac pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter, or the like. In addition, the invention relates to a configuration for the remote programming of such a personal medical device and a method for remotely programming a programmable personal device. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069861 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - In one embodiment, an external programming device is operable to determine and graphically display power consumption of an implantable medical device (“IMD”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the external programming device includes a graphical user interface display and a communication interface operable to receive information from an IMD. In this embodiment, the external programming device is operable to receive IMD parameter settings and/or battery parameter values from the IMD, calculate a power consumption rate for the IMD, and then display the power consumption on the graphical user interface display using a graphical visual indicator. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069862 | Adaptive Telemetry Wakeup for an Implantable Medical Device - A method for providing an adaptive telemetry wakeup for an implantable medical device includes accessing programmer usage statistics or patient controller usage statistics associated with an implantable medical device, and adjusting a wakeup protocol for the implantable medical device depending upon the programmer usage statistics or patient controller usage statistics. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069863 | MODULATION AND ANALYSIS OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION IN EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069864 | LOW FREQUENCY MEDICAL DEVICE, METHOD THEREFOR, PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Quantity and time for medical operation are measured after starting the medical operation (step S | 2009-03-12 |
20090069865 | FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A gait modulation system including: (a) a sensor device including a sensor adapted for associating with at least one lower limb of the patient, the sensor for transducing at least one parameter related to a gait of the patient, so as to obtain gait data related to the gait, and (b) a muscle stimulator including: (i) an electrical stimulation circuit, the circuit adapted to supply an electrical stimulation output to an electrode array for performing functional electrical stimulation of at least one muscle of the lower limb, and (ii) a microprocessor, operatively connected to the at least one sensor, the microprocessor adapted for: receiving a stream of gait information based on the gait data; processing the gait information, and controlling the stimulation output based on the processing of the gait information, and wherein the microprocessor is further adapted to identify a failure in the stream of gait information, and to consequently control the electrical stimulation circuit to deliver a fail-safe stimulation output over a portion of a duration of the failure. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069866 | IMPLANT TESTER - An implant testing device and a method of detecting an airway implant are disclosed. The testing device detects the presence of the implant within a patient's body and can be used to determine its location. The testing device also provides an indication of proper function of the implant electronics. A detector circuit of the testing device generates an output signal representative of proximity of the airway implant. A processing circuit receives the output signal and determines proximity of the implant based on one or more detection thresholds. The processing circuit also provides a visual and/or audible alert. In some embodiments, the processing circuit varies the flash rate of one or more light emitting diodes and/or the pitch of an alert tone based on proximity of the implant. Various embodiments of the testing device are adapted for handheld use and can include a handle, elongated portion, and detector element. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069867 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ON-PATIENT COMMUNICATION - An apparatus for providing on-patient communication is described. An implantable medical device including a sensor of physiometry is implanted in a patient. A communication module is remotely interconnected to an interrogation device external to the patient's body and the physiometry is exchanged with the interrogation device. Spoken communication from the patient is received by an implantable microphone including a communication module and is relayed to the interrogation device. voice prompts received from the interrogation device are played by An implantable speaker including a communication module. Pre-defined uniquely identifying patient characteristics are further included with at least one of the implantable medical device, implantable microphone, and implantable speaker and the characteristics are presented on demand by the communication module of the implantable medical device, implantable microphone, and implantable speaker. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069868 | Secure Pairing of Electronic Devices using Dual Means of Communication - The present invention relates to secure paring of electronically controlled devices adapted to communicate with each other. Thus, a medical system is provided comprising a first unit and a second unit, the system comprising first means of communication allowing a first group of data types to be transmitted between the first unit and the second unit, and second means of communication allowing a second group of data types to be transmitted between the first unit and the second unit. In this way different properties of the two means of communication can be used to secure that certain data, e.g. during pairing of the two devices, can be transmitted in a more controlled way whereas other data can be transmitted in a less controlled way. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069869 | ROTATING FIELD INDUCTIVE DATA TELEMETRY AND POWER TRANSFER IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - An improved implantable medical device system having dual coils in one of the devices in the system is disclosed. The dual coils are used preferably in an external device such as an external controller or an external charger. The dual coils are wrapped around axes that are preferably orthogonal, although other non-zero angles could be used as well. When used to transmit, the two coils are driven (for example, with FSK-modulated data when the transmitting data) out of phase, preferably at 90 degrees out of phase. This produces a magnetic field which rotates, and which reduces nulls in the coupling between the external device and the receiving coil within the implanted device. Moreover, implementation of the dual coils to transmit requires no change in the receiver circuitry of the implanted device. Should the device with dual coils also receive transmissions from the other device (e.g., the implanted device), the two coils are used in conjunction with optional receiver circuitry which likewise phase shifts the received modulated data signals from each coil and presents their sum to typical demodulation circuitry. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069870 | Ionic foot bath array - An ionic foot bath array for generating an ionic foot bath includes an upper rod support structure, at least one electrically non-conductive support structure leg depending downwards from the upper rod support structure and adapted to extend into and rest on the base wall of a basin in the water solution in which the ionic foot bath array is being placed and a plurality of generally cylindrical stainless steel ionic rods removably mounted and depending downwards from the upper rod support structure, each of the ionic rods having a diameter of at least one-half inch and extending generally parallel with one another in spaced-apart relationship in at least two generally parallel rows with at least one of the rows being positively charged and at least one of the rows being negatively charged. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069871 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION OF NEURAL TISSUES - The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method has the steps of generating at least one beam of radiation; introducing at least one of one or more chromophores and one or more optical agents to a target neural tissue; and delivering the at least one beam of radiation to the target neural tissue, wherein the at least one beam of radiation is delivered with a radiant exposure that causes a thermal gradient in the target neural tissue, thereby stimulating the target neural tissue. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069872 | Device and method for biological tissue stimulation by high intensity laser therapy - A method for laser anti-inflammatory treatment of painful symptomatologies and for tissue regeneration includes generating a pulsed laser beam with laser at a wavelength between 0.75 and 2.5 micrometers. The laser energy is conveyed to a hand unit where the laser beam is preferably defocused. The operator then applies the defocused laser beam the skin of a patient in need of treatment. The average power density per pulse of the defocused laser beam on the skin being 8 W/cm | 2009-03-12 |
20090069873 | Transparent film for a phototherapy device - Transparent films for efficient phototherapy treatment of a patient and reducing phototherapy light exposure to non-patients are provided. Patients undergoing hyperbilirubinemia generally require phototherapy treatment, which can cause undesirable symptoms to non-patients, including caregivers, in the vicinity of the treatment area. Flexible transparent films are provided to at least partially reflect and/or absorb the phototherapy light, thereby providing comfort to the non-patients. Due to the at least partial transparency of the films, a non-patient can visually observe the patient to provide care to the patient. In addition, the transparent films can reflect the light down to the patient for increasing the phototherapy treatment efficacy. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069874 | Apparatus for Treating Migraine - An apparatus ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069875 | Esophageal cooling system for ablation procedures associated with cardiac arrhythmias - The invention involves a system and method for an esophageal cooling system suitable for use during surgical procedures associated with the left atrium of the heart and most particularly ablation procedures associated with atrial fibrillation. The esophageal cooling system is suitable for use irrespective of whether the ablation procedure is intraoperative or catheter based. The system includes an esophageal catheter constructed and arranged to fit within the patients esophagus. Suitably located along the esophageal catheter is a phoximal balloon for occluding an upper portion of the esophagus. The phoximal balloon includes a coolant lumen for transferring temperature controlled liquid to the area where the esophagus may be in contact with the atrium of the heart. The liquid is expelled through a nozzle which directs the liquid to the inner surface of the esophagus. A suction lumen also extends through the phoximal balloon to evacuate the used coolant from the lower portion of the esophagus or gastrum of the patient. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069876 | System and Method for thermally Treating Tissues - A system and method are provided for thermally treating tissues in percutaneous surgery or endoluminal treatments. The system consists of at least one catheter for thermally treating a tissue, hydraulic unit for circulating fluids through the catheters and a control station by which an operator is displayed with, and inputs and/or modifies, working parameters of the system. The catheters have an operational face, which is optionally expandable and encloses a lumen through which the fluids are circulated. The method disclosed implements cooling of the targeted tissue prior to its heating. For heating and or cooling the tissues, the operational face of a catheter is pressed against a surface of the targeted tissue while heat emitted from or conducted to the tissue is respectively transferred into or from the circulated fluids. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069877 | ELECTRODE DEVICE FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL USE, IN PARTICULAR IN CARDIOLOGY - An electrode device for physiological use, in particular in cardiology, that has an electrically insulating, elastic electrode body which, between internal and external layers ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069878 | BIFURCATION POST-DILATATION BALLOON AND METHODS - A catheter assembly includes a balloon member and a balloon restricting arrangement. The balloon member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon restricting arrangement includes a proximal portion extending around the proximal portion of the balloon member and a distal portion extending around the distal portion of the balloon member to restrict an inflated size of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The proximal and distal portions of the balloon restricting arrangement are spaced apart axially, and the circumferential bulge portion extends radially outward therebetween. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than an inflated dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon restricting arrangement. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069879 | IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MARKER INTERLOCK - An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069880 | IMPLANTABLE GRAFT ASSEMBLY AND ANEURYSM TREATMENT - Disclosed is an implantable graft assembly comprising a graft secured to a expandable tubular frame, the graft only partially covering the frame and the use of the graft assembly in treating an aneurysm, especially a cerebral aneurysm. Disclosed is also a method of treating an aneurysm by deploying an implantable graft assembly. Disclosed is also the use of serous tissue for the preparation of a cerebrovascular implant, especially as a graft, especially as a component of a cerebrovascular implantable graft assembly. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069881 | Bifurcated Stent with Open Ended Side Branch Support - In some embodiments, a stent comprises a side branch structure defining an inner side branch cell. The inner side branch cell has a shape that is different from any other cell of the stent. The stent further comprises first and second support members, which are positioned on opposite sides of the side branch structure. The first and second support members each have a strut width that is greater than the width of a strut included in the side branch structure. The stent further comprises first and second connecting members, which are positioned on opposite ends of the side branch structure. Each connecting member is connected at one end to the first support member and is connected at the other end to the second support member. Each connecting member comprises a serpentine structure having a plurality of straight struts and turns. One or both of the connecting members includes at least one straight strut that has a length that is at least ten times its width. In some embodiments, each connecting member comprises at least four struts that have a length that is at least then times their width. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069882 | Endoluminal Prosthesis - An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a tubular body which can be expanded about a longitudinal axis. A plurality of serpentines extend in a substantially circumferential direction. Each comprises arm portions and bend portions which join two subsequent arms. The bends facing an adjacent serpentine are circumferentially offset relative to the respective opposite bends of the contiguous serpentine, both when the prosthesis is collapsed and when the prosthesis is expanded. A first portion comprises at least two adjacent serpentines interconnected by at least one bridge, and at least two bends situated at the shortest longitudinal distance between the two serpentines is not connected by a bridge. A second portion comprises at least two adjacent serpentines interconnected by a number of bridges equal to the number of pairs of bends of the two serpentines, at the shortest longitudinal distance between the two serpentines. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069883 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH SPONGE COATING FOR CONTROLLED DRUG RELEASE - The medical devices of the invention comprise an expandable portion which is covered with a sponge coating for release of at least one biologically active material. The sponge coating is made of a non-hydrogel polymer having a plurality of voids. The device can further include means for infusing or expelling the biologically active material or drug into the voids. The drug is delivered to the body lumen of a patient by expelling the drug and inflating or expanding the expandable portion of the catheter or device. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069884 | STENT HAVING A BASE BODY OF A BIOCORRODABLE ALLOY - A stent comprising a base body consisting at least in part of either an arsenic-containing or selenium-containing biocorrodable alloy of at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, iron, tungsten, zinc and molybdenum. A method for producing a stent with a base body having a core and a diffusion layer covering the core and an arsenic-containing and/or selenium-containing biocorrodable alloy comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, iron, tungsten, zinc and molybdenum. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069885 | Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus - Implants or systems of implants and methods apply an upward and inward force producing a minor axis force projection vector within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069886 | PROSTHETIC VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEM INCLUDING RETROGRADE/ANTEGRADE APPROACH - A device for implanting an expandable heart valve prosthesis at a valve annulus in a patient's heart includes an implantation device configured to extend from a first opening in the patient's body, through the patient's aorta, through a valve annulus, through an opening in a ventricle, and to exit through the patient's thoracic region. The device further includes a port having a hemostasis valve for providing access through the patient's thoracic region and into the ventricle and at least two interchangeable modules configured for delivery using the implantation device. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069887 | FLUID-FILLED DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR IN SITU DEPLOYMENT OF CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - An instrument for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis, including a plurality of radially expandable portions, at an implantation site, includes a plurality of deployment elements each independently operable to obtain the radial expansion of a radially expandable portion of the valve prosthesis. Additionally, the instrument is adapted to provide a de-aired, fluid-filled, or gas filled environment in order to minimize and/or prevent air embolism during the implantation procedure. The fluid can contain a drug. A method for deploying the cardiac valve prosthesis includes advancing the instrument to an implant site and independently actuating the radially expandable portions. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069888 | Mitral Hook - A mitral hook instrument for use particularly in heart valve operations. The mitral hook is used in particular for grasping or hooking secondary chords for lysis procedures. The interior surface of the hook has a groove or channel to facilitate use of a scalpel to cut a chord or other member which has been grasped and exposed by the hook. Also, markings are preferably provided on the distal end of the mitral hook instrument in order to assist the surgeon. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069889 | STREAMLINED, APICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR IN SITU DEPLOYMENT OF CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A system for implanting a heart valve prosthesis in a patient's heart includes a balloon expandable, tissue, stented heart valve, and an apical valve delivery device for delivering the stented heart valve to a target site in the patient's heart. The delivery device includes an inflation balloon module for expanding the stented heart valve prosthesis, markers on the delivery device to assist in location of the delivery device at an appropriate location, and a streamlined cap. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069890 | STREAMLINED DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR IN SITU DEPLOYMENT OF CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A system for implanting a heart valve prosthesis in a patient's heart includes a balloon expandable, tissue, stented heart valve and a transfemoral valve delivery device for delivering the stented heart valve to a target site in the patient's heart. The delivery device includes an inflation balloon module for expanding the stented heart valve prosthesis, markers on to assist in location of the delivery device at an appropriate location; and a streamlined cap. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069891 | Breast implant selector systems - A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069892 | Impact Protection for Implants - An implantable device includes an implantable housing having an outer surface and providing a hermetically sealed interior volume. A flexible electric lead is mechanically connected to the housing and electrically connected to circuitry within the interior volume. An impact protector overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and shields the underlying housing surface from the force of a mechanical impact. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069893 | Oriented Collagen-Based Materials, Films and Methods of Making Same - In general, the present invention is related to collagen compositions and thin films, and to methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to “uniaxial pattern” or “linear pattern” collagen materials, compositions and thin films, and methods of making. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069894 | Artificial Spinal Disc - The present invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment of disc disease and spinal deformities with an artificial disc replacement. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069895 | Prosthetic Intervertebral Discs Having Folding End Plates That Are Implantable By Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques - The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069896 | Prosthetic intervertebral discs with particulate-containing cores that are implantable by minimally invasive surgical techniques - The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069897 | Spinal Interbody Device - A spinal interbody or intravertebral device is provided for fusion and non-fusion spinal applications. The spinal interbody device allows for limited motion between adjacent vertebrae to help preserve normal motion between adjacent vertebrae (superior/inferior vertebrae) relative to the implanted spinal interbody device and limited rotational motion of the spinal interbody device, once implanted. Limitation of motion is achieved through one or more protrusions incorporated into the spinal interbody device. The protrusions preferably, but not necessarily, extend radially from a hub or ball-shaped body of the interbody device. In one form, a single protrusion extends radially about the hub of the interbody device to form a continuous band, ring or base about the hub. In this form, portions of the band may extend radially further from the hub than other portions of the band. Preferably, but not necessarily, in this form the band extends radially a greater distance from the hub in the posterior and anterior directions. In another form, a first protrusion extends radially from one side of the hub while a second protrusion extends radially from another side of the hub. Anchoring means may also be provided for attachment to upper and lower vertebrae. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069898 | Proprioception Enhancement Device - A system and method for improving proprioception in a patient having a feedback site are disclosed. The method includes affixing to the feedback site a sensor adapted to provide a sensor signal indicative of a sensed parameter, providing to the patient a signaler adapted to generate a manual signal in response to actuation by the patient, providing a microprocessor programmed to receive the sensor signal and the manual signal and to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal, causing the patient to actuate the signaler on the basis of sensation at the feedback site, and causing the microprocessor to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal. | 2009-03-12 |