16th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 38 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110092955 | Pressure-Sensing Medical Devices, Systems and Methods, and Methods of Forming Medical Devices - Medical devices, perfusion systems, and methods for detecting a pressure within a space in a subject and for perfusion of fluid into a space in a subject. The space may be a fluid-filled space, or a space that is depleted of fluid due to an obstruction to fluid flow into the space. Methods for forming the medical devices. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092956 | CATHETER WITH SEPARABLE SECTIONS - The present invention relates to a catheter comprising a catheter body section ( | 2011-04-21 |
20110092957 | ADJUSTABLE DOUBLE BALLOON CATHETER WITH A THROUGH LUMEN FOR STONE MANAGEMENT - A method for removing an object from a body lumen includes dispensing fluid into the body lumen, and causing the dispensed fluid to propel the object along the body lumen. A device for removing an object from a body lumen includes a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid into the body lumen, and a pump in fluid communication with the dispenser. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092958 | WOUND TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A wound treatment apparatus ( | 2011-04-21 |
20110092959 | ELECTRONIC PILL COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF MEDICINE RESERVOIRS - Electronic pill ( | 2011-04-21 |
20110092960 | ENHANCED METHOD FOR DELIVERING BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN) INTO A BRAIN TUMOR USING AN IMPLANTED MAGNETIC BREATHER PUMP - A magnetically controlled pump is implanted into the brain of a patient and delivers a plurality of medicating agents mixed with Avastin at a controlled rate corresponding to the specific needs of the patient. The current invention comprises a flexible double walled pouch that is formed from two layers of polymer. The pouch is alternately expanded and contracting by magnetic solenoid. When contracted, the medicating agent Avastin is pushed out of the pouch through a plurality of needles. When the pouch is expanded, surrounding cerebral fluid is drawn into the space between the double walls of the pouch from which it is drawn through a catheter to an analyzer. In cases where a tumor resection is not performed, an intratumoral catheter will be implanted. Cerebral fluid drawn from the patient is analyzed. The operation of the apparatus and hence the treatment is remotely controlled based on these measurements and displayed through an external controller. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092961 | Artificial cells - The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092962 | SEMI-AUTOMATIC DEVICE CALIBRATION - A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092963 | DEFLECTABLE INSTRUMENT PORT - An instrument port for a medical instrument includes an elongate access tube having a deflectable distal portion and a lumen for receiving a medical instrument. An actuator for deflecting the distal portion includes a distal actuator portion coupled to the access tube, a proximal actuator portion, and a coil spring extending between the distal and proximal actuator portions. An elongate actuation element such as a pull cable has a first end attached to the distal portion of the access tube and a second end coupled to the proximal actuator portion. When a medical instrument is disposed through the instrument port, with its distal end extending from the lumen and its proximal end disposed outside the body cavity, movement of the proximal end of the instrument moves the proximal actuator portion relative to the distal actuator portion to bend the spring and retract the pull cable, causing deflection of the deflectable distal portion of the elongate access tube, steering the distal end of medical instrument. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092964 | METHODS FOR TREATING HYPEROPIA AND PRESBYOPIA VIA LASER TUNNELING - A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092965 | NON-PENETRATING FILTRATION SURGERY - Apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, especially non-penetrating filtration surgery, comprising a laser source that ablates sclera tissue at steps of intermediate thickness. Optionally, the beam is scanned using a scanner and its results viewed using an ophthalmic microscope. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092966 | ULTRASHORT PULSE LASER APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to methods of processing biological tissue using an ultrashort pulse (USP) laser. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of separating transverse layers or portions of a biological tissue using USP laser. In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a method of cutting biological tissue using USP laser. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing unwanted material from the surface of a biological tissue comprising application of the USP laser to the tissue surface. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092967 | DEFLATION MECHANISM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and system for delivering coolant to a medical device having an expandable element, a guidewire lumen movable within the medical device, and an actuator element coupled to the guidewire lumen for manipulation of longitudinal movement thereof is provided, including transferring a fluid from a console to the medical device to inflate the expandable element; manipulating the actuator element, and initiating a predetermined fluid control sequence of the console in response to the manipulation of the actuator element. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092968 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPERSING CURRENT FLOW IN ELECTROSURGERY - Methods and apparatus for delivering, monitoring, balancing, and/or dispersing high-frequency current flow in monopolar electrosurgery. The methods generally include positioning an active electrode in or on target tissue, positioning at least two dispersive electrodes on tissue remote from the target tissue, establishing electrical current flow from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, and individually adjusting the current through at least one of the dispersive electrodes to balance the current through the dispersive electrodes. By adjusting and balancing the current through two or more dispersive electrodes, safety of electrosurgical systems may be enhanced by preventing unwanted patient burns. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092969 | Ablation electrode assembly and methods for improved control of temperature - The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of the electrode temperatures while effectively irrigating the device and target areas. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092970 | ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE COMPRISING A SAFETY UNIT - An electrosurgical device for coagulating and/or cutting biological tissue that includes an instrument for application of high-frequency current, an activation switch, a high-frequency generator, and a safety unit. The instrument for application of the high-frequency current includes first and second branches having respective first and second jaw parts that are connected such that they are movable relative to one another. The safety unit interrupts the current supply to electrodes of the instrument when the jaw parts assume a position relative to one another that is not suitable for coagulation by means of the high-frequency current, e.g. when the jaw parts are open. Thus, erroneous operation of the device may be prevented. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092971 | Electrosurgical Pencil with Advanced ES Controls - An electrosurgical system is provided that includes an electrosurgical generator; and an electrosurgical pencil selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical pencil includes an elongated housing; at least one electrocautery end effector removably supportable within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery end effector being connected to the electrosurgical generator; and at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing. The at least one voltage divider network is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and controls at least one of the intensity of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrosurgical pencil and the mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrosurgical pencil. The voltage divider network generates a plurality of characteristic voltages which are measurable by the electrosurgical generator and which electrosurgical generator in turn transmits a corresponding waveform duty cycle at a particular intensity to the electrocautery end effector of the electrosurgical pencil. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092972 | Methods for Ultrasonic Tissue Sensing and Feedback - An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The instrument also includes an ultrasonically-actuated cutting element having a tissue contacting surface and a clamp member supported adjacent to the cutting element for clamping tissue. The clamp member includes a sensing mechanism that senses load variations. A handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member moves the clamp member relative to the cutting element. Also, a feedback mechanism is operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism that supplies information related to the load variations where the output of the tissue cutting element is adjusted based on the sensed load variations. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092973 | NANOSECOND PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS CAUSE MELANOMAS TO SELF-DESTRUCT - Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092974 | ACETABULAR REAMER - A method of reaming an acetabulum includes the steps of: providing an acetabular reamer including a partially hemispherical shell having a shell radius, and a base including a first circumferential base segment and a second circumferential base segment, the shell including a first part on one side of the first circumferential base segment and the second circumferential base segment, and a second part on another side of the first circumferential base segment and the second circumferential base segment, the acetabular reamer further including a first non-planar surface connected to the first part, the first non-planar surface having a first curvature not equal to the shell radius, and a second non-planar surface connected to the second part, the second non-planar surface having a second curvature not equal to the shell radius; connecting the acetabular reamer to a driver; and reaming the acetabulum. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092975 | SURGICAL SAW DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A surgical saw includes a shaft, a first saw blade mounted on the shaft, a second saw blade mounted on the shaft parallel to the first saw blade, the first saw blade having a first tooth having two distal tips, and the second saw blade having a second tooth with a distal tip, the second tooth bent towards the first saw blade and the distal tip of the second tooth aligned with a centerline between the two distal tips of the first tooth. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092976 | Kit of alignable tools for preparing an intervertebral site for implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc - We describe various alignable tools, in particular, trials and chisels, that may be used in preparing an intervertebral site in a spine, the site being suitable for placement of a prosthetic intervertebral disc as a replacement for a natural disc in that spine. We also describe methods of using those tools. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092977 | LOW PROFILE PATIENT SPECIFIC CUTTING BLOCKS FOR A KNEE JOINT - A low profile patient specific cutting block for a knee comprises a plurality of bone interfacing portions and a cutting slot. The plurality of bone interfacing portions are configured to overlie portions of an end of a bone. The bone interfacing portions each have a surface generally a negative of the portion of the bone the bone interfacing portion overlies. The bone interfacing portions are angularly offset from each other such that a first of the bone interfacing portions overlies an anterior portion of the bone and a second of the bone interfacing portions overlies a portion of bone generally perpendicular to the anterior portion of hone. The cutting slot is oriented in a fixed position relative to the bone interfacing portions such that the cutting slot directs a cutting tool at a fixed angle and at a fixed depth from the bone interfacing portions. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092978 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING SURGICAL PROCEDURES INVOLVING CUSTOM MEDICAL IMPLANTS - Systems and methods for planning surgical procedures involving custom medical implants that can involve the selection, design and/or creation of custom medical implants and/or the selection, modification, and/or design of custom surgical procedures related to those implants. Certain embodiments allow implants to be selected, designed, created, or otherwise customized and then placed in patients using non-standard surgical techniques. The invention provides greater flexibility in implant use by allowing a surgeon to revise, create, or otherwise select surgical techniques for custom implants and, ultimately, provide better treatment in a greater variety of medical circumstances. Certain embodiments of the invention involve computer assisted surgery to provide for implant-related surgery involving non-standard surgical steps and/or implants. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092979 | ACETABULAR ALIGNMENT GUIDE - An alignment guide for guiding the positioning of an acetabular cup implant includes a body having a first end and a second end. A flange extends from the first end and is adapted to rest on a labrum of an acetabulum. At least a first formation is provided at the second end which is adapted to engage with a transverse acetabular ligament of the acetabulum. A formation for accepting a trackable instrument is provided to allow a tracking system to determine the orientation of the guide. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092980 | 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. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092981 | BENDING TOOL AND METHOD FOR RESHAPING A BONE PLATE - A bending tool is provided for reshaping a bone plate that is preassembled with a pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements removably attached to the bone plate and extending above the top surface of the bone plate. The bending tool has a handle and a distal head attached to the distal end of the handle. The distal head has a cavity that is sized and shaped to fit over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements. The user, while holding the bone plate, may manually apply a leverage force to the bending tool while the cavity of the distal head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements to transmit a sufficient, regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of threaded, cylindrical elements to reshape the bone plate. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092982 | UTERUS-MANIPULATOR - A micro-invasive medical instrument includes a shaft and an end balloon on a distal end of the shaft, where the end balloon completely encloses the distal end of the shaft. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092983 | MRI Biopsy Targeting Cube with Locking Flap - A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. A probe and/or other associated components of the biopsy device are configured to selectively couple with the targeting cube, which is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate. The targeting cube may comprise a locking flap for securing the targeting cube within the grid plate and/or for securing the probe and/or other associated components within the guide hole of the targeting cube. The locking flap may be operatively configured to deflect and/or compress thereby providing assistance in securing the targeting cube within the grid plate and/or securing the probe and/or other associated components within the guide hole of the targeting cube. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092984 | Real-time Surgical Reference Indicium Apparatus and Methods for Astigmatism Correction - Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision for use in astigmatism correcting procedures. The apparatus used to generate real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision includes one or more real-time, multidimensional visualization modules, one or more data processors configured to produce real-time, virtual surgical reference indicia, and at least one user control input for adjusting the at least one real-time virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision. The associated methods generally involve the steps of providing one or more real-time multidimensional visualizations of a target surgical field, identifying at least one visual feature in a pre-operative dataset, aligning the visual features with the multidimensional visualization, and incorporating one or more real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium including data for making at least one limbal and/or corneal relaxing incision into the real-time visualization. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092985 | FINGER GUIDED SUTURE FIXATION SYSTEM - A suture fixation system includes a suture assembly having an anchor, an introducer, and a delivery device. The introducer is attachable to a finger of a person and includes a platform attached to an exterior of the introducer and a zip line attached to the platform. The delivery device is movable along the zip line and configured to removably retain the anchor. The introducer allows the finger to identify a target landmark within a patient and the delivery device is movable along the zip line and attachable to the platform to position the anchor for insertion to the target landmark. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092986 | FINGER GUIDED SUTURE FIXATION SYSTEM - A suture fixation system includes a suture assembly having an anchor, an introducer, and a delivery device. The introducer is attachable to a finger of a person and includes a platform attached to an exterior of the introducer and a zip line attached to the platform. The delivery device is movable along the zip line and configured to removably retain the anchor. The introducer allows the finger to identify a target landmark within a patient and the delivery device is movable along the zip line and attachable to the platform to position the anchor for insertion to the target landmark. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092987 | FINGER GUIDED SUTURE FIXATION SYSTEM - A suture fixation system includes a suture assembly having an anchor, an introducer, and a delivery device. The introducer is attachable to a finger of a person and includes a platform attached to an exterior of the introducer and a zip line attached to the platform. The delivery device is movable along the zip line and configured to removably retain the anchor. The introducer allows the finger to identify a target landmark within a patient and the delivery device is movable along the zip line and attachable to the platform to position the anchor for insertion to the target landmark. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092988 | Microdevices for Tissue Approximation and Retention, Methods for Using, and Methods for Making - Embodiments of invention are directed to micro-scale of mesoscale tissue approximation instruments that may be delivered to the body of a patient during minimally invasive or other surgical procedures. In one group of embodiments, the instrument has an elongated (longitudinal) configuration while with two sets of expandable wings that each have a toggle configuration that can be made to expand when located on opposite sides of a distal tissue region and a proximal tissue region and can then be made to move toward one another to bring the two tissue regions into more a proximal position. In some embodiments, multiple tissue approximation instruments are located within a delivery system for sequential delivery to a patient's body. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092989 | Surgical Connection Apparatus and Methods - Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to he joined before the clip is partially ejected. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092990 | TISSUE CAPTURING DEVICES - The present invention provides tissue capture devices configured to hold tissue in a distorted configuration. The devices may hold precaptured tissue in a distorted configuration or it may change their shape to cause the tissue to become deformed. Some embodiments of the device alter the configuration in areas that remain external to the tissue, while other embodiments change their configuration in areas that are implanted in the tissue. Other embodiments may be mechanically altered to hold the tissue in a distorted shape. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092991 | METHOD OF FIXING A SUTURE TO TISSUE - A method of fixing a suture to tissue of a patient includes placing an introducer onto a finger, the introducer including a zip line trailing from a proximal end of the introducer. The method additionally includes identifying a landmark with the finger, guiding a delivery device along the zip line toward the introducer, where the delivery device maintaining an anchor attached to a suture line, and ejecting the anchor from the delivery device and into the tissue of the patient. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092992 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL FASTENING - A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092993 | TISSUE APPROXIMATING DEVICE - The present invention is referred to a tissue approximating device comprising a two-piece anastomosis clamp that can be used to approximate two tissue sections together via an open or laparoscopic technique, via Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) or via single site surgery. The clamp may be releasable attached to a clamp applying instrument for delivery in accordance with such procedures. The clamp includes a first member and a second member, where the clamp members are operable configured to fasten together to clamp and hold tissue, in juxtaposition to establish an anastomosis. The first clamp member includes a set of spikes and the second clamp member includes a set of receptacles for receiving said spikes. Said members may have a rectilinear shape depending on the type of tissue to be anastomosed, and they are made of an absorbable material. During the surgical procedure, a soft curtain-like covering made also of an absorbable or biodegradable material will be placed over said first and second members before the procedure as well as over the tissue to be anastomosed. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092994 | Safety Knife With Curved Guard - A safety knife for ophthalmic surgical procedures has handle to which a blade holder is attached at one end, holding a pre-installed surgical blade. A blade guard is extended and retracted responsive to the movement of an actuator button on the handle. The blade assumes a curved shape as it is extended, to shape itself about and protect the blade. When the guard is retracted it straightens to allow it to slide into the handle, exposing the blade for use. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092995 | Surgical knife safety handle having user operable lock - A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances. A spring, such as leaf spring or a cantilever beam, and a pair of detents or slots are provided to fix the guard in the extended or retracted position and to provide resistance during movement between the two positions. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092996 | Surgical knife safety handle - A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092997 | MICRO-COIL ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a micro-coil assembly including: a micro-coil unit which is inserted into an cerebral aneurysm region of a patient and prevents inflow of blood by leading the blood to clot; a coil pusher unit which is arranged adjacent to the micro-coil unit and carries the micro-coil unit to the cerebral aneurysm region of the patient; a tie which connects an end part of the micro-coil unit and the coil pusher unit; and a tensile wire which is relatively movably arranged in the coil pusher unit and coupled to the tie to tense and cut the tie when the micro-coil assembly is separated. Thus, the micro-coil assembly has a simple structure and makes a micro-coil unit and a coil-pusher unit be conveniently and accurately separated, so that the micro-coil unit can be precisely inserted in an cerebral aneurysm region, thereby efficiently meeting a surgical operation of an operator. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092998 | BALLOON HYDRAULIC AND GASEOUS EXPANSION SYSTEM - Apparatus is provided, including an intrabody balloon configured to be in a folded state during insertion into a subject's body, and to become inflated inside the subject's body. The apparatus also includes one or more bands disposed annularly around the balloon at respective longitudinal positions along the balloon. The bands are configured, while the balloon is in the folded state thereof, to secure the balloon in the folded state, and due to the balloon becoming inflated, to slide and become coupled to a portion of the apparatus. Other applications are also described. | 2011-04-21 |
20110092999 | MEDICAL DEVICE EMPLOYING LIQUID CRYSTAL BLOCK COPOLYMERS AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093000 | VASCULAR MEDICAL DEVICES WITH SEALING ELEMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ISOLATED VESSEL SECTIONS - Devices for the isolation of a selected portion of a vessel are described. In some embodiments, the device comprises an introducer sheath and a sealing catheter that are movable relative to each other to create an isolated volume with adjustable size and location. The methods for the treatment of vascular aneurysms using the devices are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of stabilization agent to an isolated volume that encompass the aneurysm. The device optionally has an aspiration means to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093001 | BALLOON CATHETER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING IT - The invention relates to a balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube and an inflatable balloon. The ends of the balloon are attached to the catheter tube. The outside surface of the balloon in an uninflated state is provided with a relief structure which in an inflated state of the balloon is substantially disappeared. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a balloon catheter. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093002 | STENT-WITHIN-STENT ARRANGEMENTS - A variety of stent arrangements are described in which multiple stents expand and coordinate to block the spaces between the struts of the outer stent to create a tubular stent not prone to tissue in-growth. One or more stents are selectively positioned within an outer stent such that the struts of the one or more stents at least partially fill the openings of the outer stent. Alternatively, the one or more stents may be permanently affixed to the outer stent to produce a stent arrangement in which the openings between the struts of the outer stent are blocked by the struts of the one or more stents. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093003 | COMPRESSION VEST FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS AND IN CRITICAL CARE - A method of inhibiting hypotensive symptoms in a patient undergoing treatment or a procedure involves elastically constraining the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient while applying non-pulsating, compressive pressure to the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient. The method may also involve one or more of infusing fluid, applying the compressive pressure using compression device, or applying the compressive pressure based upon bio-indicator measurement parameters. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093004 | Nasal Dilator and Methods of Fabricating Medical Devices - Methods are disclosed for converting on a mass scale elongated material webs into finished parts or devices. Slits form strands in a web, the strands comprising interconnected objects which correspond to parts of finished devices. Strands are combined with additional webs to form a material laminate from which finished devices are die cut. The methods are suitable for a range of converting applications including medical devices, particularly the external nasal dilator. Complex dilator devices produced from the methods are formed as a single body truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Methods of manufacture comprise separate steps for fabricating and assembling the elements and layers of finished dilator devices and for packaging finished devices individually or in groups. Waste material is incorporated into subsequent fabrication processes to produce the same or complementary devices. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093005 | Single Port Instruments - Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093006 | BIOCOMPATIBLE PHASE INVERTIBLE PROTEINACEOUS COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a crosslinker and a proteinaceous substrate. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and a polyamine, where the polyamine and a proteinaceous substrate are present in synergistic viscosity enhancing amounts, and may also include one or more of: a carbohydrate, a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093007 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SEPTAL DEFECTS - A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus, devices for controlling delivery of the treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, and a proximal control device for controlling delivery of the implantable apparatus, among others. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093008 | DEVICE TO BE IMPLANTED IN A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BODY FOR MATERIAL OR SIGNAL DELIVERY OR ACQUISITION WITHIN THE BODY, AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING THE DEVICE - For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion (P) and/or a cover portion (C) which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion (P) or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion (C). The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion (P) can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion (C) can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093009 | OTOMY CLOSURE DEVICE - A surgical instrument for closing an otomy includes a handle portion, an outer tube, an inner tube, and at least one deployable/retractable tissue engaging hook. The handle portion may comprise an actuator configured to move the inner tube and the at least one deployable/retractable tissue engaging hook. The outer tube may comprise a distal end and a proximal end, and the inner tube may also comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The inner tube may be configured to be movably retained in the outer tube and may be configured to be coupled to the actuator. The deployable/retractable tissue engaging hook may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The deployable/retractable tissue engaging hook may be configured to be movably retained in the inner tube. The distal end of the deployable/retractable tissue engaging hook may be configured to engage to a portion of tissue. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093010 | BARBED SUTURE CREATED HAVING BARBS DEFINED BY VARIABLE-ANGLE CUT - A barbed suture is disclosed having barbs defined by a variable-angle cut surface. A cutting bed supports the suture during cutting. A cutting device is moved through the suture thread along a selected path. The angle of the cutting device is changed during cutting thereby changing the angle of the cut surface which defines each barb. A cutting arm is articulated to allow change of the angle of the cutting device. The change in the angle of the cutting device is used to control the shape and depth of cut of the barbs. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093011 | COMPARING HUMAN MUSCLE STRENGTH ON OPPOSITE SIDES - A muscle strength measuring apparatus has a force receiver connected to a force sensor. An upright bracing surface is rigidly positioned with respect to the force receiver to provide a testing space between the surface and the force receiver. The receiver is adjustable such that a person standing in the testing space can brace against the surface and exert a force against the force receiver with a first muscle on each side of the person's body, and can then adjust the position of the force receiver and exert a force against the force receiver with a second muscle on each side. Thus comparative strengths of muscles on opposite sides of the person's body can be accurately determined by measuring the isometric force exerted by corresponding muscles on each side. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093012 | Prosthetic facet and facet joint replacement device - Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093013 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACER INSERTION DEVICE - An interspinous process spacer insertion device that positions an interspinous process spacer between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive percutaneous surgical procedure. The device includes a trocar rod that extends through a cannulated sleeve. The spacer is attached to the end of the cannulated sleeve, where a trocar tip of the trocar rod extends through the spacer. The trocar rod is moved through the cannulated sleeve and an incision in the patient, and is positioned between the spinous process of the vertebra to align the device. The cannulated sleeve is then moved down the trocar rod so that the spacer slides between the spinous process, and the trocar rod is then withdrawn from the patient. The spacer is then rotated so that it locks behind the spinous process, and the cannulated sleeve is detached from the spacer and removed from the patient. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093014 | Rod with Removable End and Inserter Therefor - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a rod and a corresponding rod inserter. The rod has an elongated body with a removable end configured for an insertion tool engagement. The removable end of the rod has a part that can be securely attached to a rod holder of a rod inserter ex situ prior to minimally invasive rod insertion. A breakable portion is located between the part and the elongated body. The part can be broken off from the rod in situ to release the rod inserter. The broken off part of the rod is removed with the rod inserter and separated from the rod inserter ex situ. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093015 | SPINAL IMPLANT WITH A FLEXIBLE EXTENSION ELEMENT - A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093016 | SPINAL PLATE WITH COMPRESSION LOCKING - A spinal plate system includes a screw, spinal plate and cap. A head of the screw includes a portion of a first sphere that has a first center and a portion of a second sphere that has a second center approximately concentric with the first center. A body of the screw extends from the first sphere. The spinal plate includes an opening through the spinal plate and an associated recess in the spinal plate that is eccentric with the opening. The cap includes an alignment opening and is configured to be rotationally engaged in the recess between a first rotational configuration and a second rotational configuration. In the first rotational configuration, the body threads into a vertebra in a selected trajectory through the alignment opening and the opening in the spinal plate and the head engages at least a portion of the opening in the selected trajectory. In the second rotational configuration, the cap compresses the second sphere into the first sphere approximately through its center such that the head is compressed into the engaged portion of the opening. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093017 | METHOD AND PLATE FOR FUSING THE MEDIAL COLUMN BONES OF THE FOOT - A method for joining together a first, a second and a third bone part of a surgical patient includes obtaining a bone plate having a first, a second and a third portion arranged along a longitudinal axis. The first portion contains a first slot for receiving a first compressing screw. The second portion is adjacent to the first portion and contains a second slot for receiving a second compressing screw. The third portion is adjacent to the second portion and contains a threaded hole for receiving a locking screw. The method further includes positioning the first, second and third portions over the first, second and third bone parts. The method further includes inserting the locking screw into the threaded hole and into the third bone part, inserting the second compressing screw into the second slot and into the second bone part, and inserting the first compressing screw into the first slot and into the first bone part, thereby urging the first, second and third bone parts together. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093018 | DORSAL MIDFOOT BONE PLATE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A bone plate system for joining together adjacent bone parts of a surgical patient includes a bone plate having a first slot defining a first centerline axis, a second slot defining a second centerline axis, and a third slot defining a third centerline axis. The first, second and third slots are disposed in a triangular arrangement and simultaneously positionable over each of three adjacent bone parts. Each of a first compressing screw, a second compressing screw and a third compressing screw has a threaded shank for passage through the first, second and third slots, respectively, and engagement into the underlying bone part. Each of the first, second and third compressing screws also has a screw head configured to forcefully interact during insertion until fully seated with the first, second and third slot, respectively, thereby urging the first, second and third compressing screws to move along the first, second and third centerline axis, respectively, such that the three bone parts are multi-axially compressed towards each other. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093019 | Bone Anchoring Element - A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free end and a base connecting the barb element to the shaft. The barb element has a first portion adjacent to the base and a second portion adjacent to the free end. The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093020 | Poly-porous hollow screw for target delivery of growth factors and stem cells:the design and potential clinical application - Present invention depicts a poly-porous (micropore) hollow screws as diffusion chamber filled with core matrix for targeted delivery of growth factors and bone marrow stem cells. The screws comprise at least two parts: the distal part of the screw consists of the tip of the screw made of poly porous material and hollow inside proximally. It has threaded navel attached to the threaded nipple of the distal part of the proximal screw which has the screw head and is made of the solid material of the same kind. The screw head had hexagonal recess targeted for screw driver insertion. Assembly of screw created a chamber in the middle of the screw. The chamber is filled with core matrix consisting of gelatin nano-particles pre-impregnated with BMPs (BMP2/BMP7 for bone or BMP12 for tendon, ligament) and fibrin sealants or Chitosan dispersed with bone marrow stem cells and/or other growth factors. Bioactive protein core material is prepared during the surgery and filled the chamber of the screw by the surgeon. Fibrin sealants or Chitosan will polymerize to form a gel to hold the growth factors and stem cell in place. The screw can be used as the lag screw or other function to provide mechanical fixation in variety of condition. Once the screw implanted in the human body, the fibrin sealant or Chitosin/gelatin nano-particles are gradually degraded and slowly release growth factors and stem cells via micropores of screw to facilitate the bone healing and regeneration. The gelatin nanoparticles and fibril sealant/or Chitosan matrix also serve as the scaffold and platform for bone in-growth to the screw or alternatively, the stem cell inside of screw can regenerate new bone, providing the biological fixation. At the mean time as the bone regenerate and/or in growth, mechanical strength of the screw increased. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093021 | Bone Anchor Assemblies and Methods of Manufacturing and Use Thereof - A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, an insert positioned in the proximal end of the receiver member having a pair of spaced apart insert arms defining a recess therebetween, and a closure mechanism positionable between and engaging the insert arms to capture a spinal fixation element within the recess of the insert and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093022 | Instruments and Methods for Bone Anchor Engagement and Spinal Rod Reduction - An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging member by a pair of opposed integral spring members located proximal to the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pair of opposed spring members to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093023 | Surgical implant guide and method of manufacturing the same - The present invention illustrates a method of manufacturing a surgical implant guide to increase the precision, safety and reliability of the surgery. First the present invention plans an invasive position for implanting an implant, and then, plans an invasive path for the implant to invade from the invasive position of an affected tissue, and finally, produces an implant guide based on the invasive position, the invasive path, and the shapes of the implant and the affected tissue. The surgical implant guide includes a coupling portion matching the shape the affected tissue, and a guiding portion matching the shape of the implant, the invasive position, and the invasive path. When the coupling portion is disposed on the affected tissue, the guiding portion is aligned with the invasive position, so that the implant is implanted in the affected tissue under guidance of the invasive path. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093024 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONE REMOVAL - Methods and apparatus for surgical treatment of vertebrae, comprising a brush-like tamp component for addressing cancellous bone and a slider component that may be distally advanced over the brush-like tamp component while both are (preferably) aligned within a working cannula providing access to a drill channel within the vertebrae. Distal advancement of the slider creates a combination of it and the brush-like component. A handle provides mechanical advantage. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093025 | BONE CAVITY CREATION AND METHOD WITH MAGNETIC FORCE RETRIEVABLE BEADS - The present invention discloses a method of using beads to create a cavity in a bone, which includes introducing beads into a bone by applying a pressure on said beads, wherein the beads are metallic beads able to be attracted by a magnet; and withdrawing the beads from the bone by magnetic force. Preferably, a pocket is disposed in the bone prior to the introduction of beads, and the introduction and withdraw of the beads are carried out with respect to said pocket. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093026 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARDIORENAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - An implantable cardiorenal stimulator delivers cardiorenal stimulation in response to detection of decompensation associated with heart failure. The cardiorenal stimulation includes delivering renal stimulation pulses to promote diuresis and/or natriuresis and delivering cardiac stimulation pulses to enhance the diuretic and/or natriuretic effects of the renal stimulation pulses. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093027 | Active Implantable Medical Device For Cardiac Resynchronization With Automatic Optimization Of Atrioventricular And Interventricular Delays - An active implantable medical device for cardiac resynchronization with automatic optimization of atrioventricular and interventricular delays is disclosed. The device collects an endocardial acceleration signal EA and calculates the atrioventricular delay AVD and the interventricular delay VVD. The device isolate in the EA signal a component EA4 corresponding to the fourth EA peak and measure a temporal parameter related to a time interval between the detection of an atrial event (P/A) and the occurrence of the EA4 component. The device isolates an EA1 component corresponding to the first EA peak and measures a non-temporal parameter (A | 2011-04-21 |
20110093028 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS TO MODIFY GENE EXPRESSION IN CARDIAC TISSUE - The description above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described, which are provided merely as examples or illustrations. The scope of the invention encompasses interchangeable substitutions that are known to or would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Many other variations are possible. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by only the examples given above. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093029 | NERVE STIMULATION DEVICE - To shorten the length of a lead, alleviate physical burden on a patient in installation of a device into a body, and miniaturize the device while allowing both treatment based on cardiac stimulation and nerve stimulation. Provided is a nerve stimulation device implanted in the body together with a cardiac treatment device supplying an electric pulse to a heart depending on a cardiac rate, including a stimulation signal outputting part that stimulates a vagus nerve via a stimulation electrode disposed on the vagus nerve, an electric signal detecting part that detects an electric signal transmitted through a tissue outside the heart by a detection electrode disposed on the tissue, a cardiac event determining part that determines a cardiac event containing the electric pulse supplied to the heart by the cardiac treatment device based on the electric signal detected by the electric signal detecting part, and a controlling part that controls the stimulation signal outputting part based on the cardiac event determined by the cardiac event determining part. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093030 | MANAGING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY BASED ON VARIABLE ELECTRODE COMBINATIONS - Various programming techniques are described for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy that may include mapping between discrete electrical stimulation parameters and a graphical view of the electrical stimulation representing a stimulation zone generated by the parameters. In one example, a method includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input that graphically manipulates at least one of size and a shape of a graphical representation of at least one electrical stimulation zone displayed on the programmer, and defining a program to control delivery of electrical stimulation therapy based on the user input. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093031 | CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEM EMPLOYING MECHANICAL MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC WALLS - Methods and devices are disclosed for employing mechanical measurements to synchronize contractions of ventricular wall locations. Accelerometers that may be placed within electrode leads are positioned at ventricular wall locations, such as the left ventricle free wall, right ventricle free wall, and the anterior wall/septum wall. The accelerometers produce signals in response to the motion of the ventricular wall locations. A processor may then compare the signals to determine a difference in the synchronization of the ventricular wall location contractions. The difference in synchronization can be determined in various ways such as computing a phase difference and/or amplitude difference between the accelerometer signals. One or more stimulation pulses may be provided per cardiac cycle to resynchronize the contractions as measured by the accelerometers to thereby constantly and automatically optimize the cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093032 | Systems and methods for maintaining airway patency - Systems and methods according to the present invention use an electrical pulse generator system, which may be external to or implanted in an animal body, to provide therapeutically effective electrical stimulation to maintain or improve airway patency, such as to treat sleep apnea by the stimulation of target nerve(s) or their branches using one or more leads and one or more electrodes implanted in, on, around, or near the target nerve(s). Examples of a target nerves to be stimulated to maintain or improve upper airway patency, preferably through upper airway muscle reflex activation, are the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN), the glossopharyngeal nerve, and/or the trigeminal nerve, and/or any of the trunks, branches, or divisions of such nerves. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093033 | ELICITING ANALGESIA BY TRANSCRANIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A method of eliciting analgesia in a human subject by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TCES, herein “TES”) is provided. Electrodes secured to the skin of the subject's head at particular sites provide an electrical current that includes a direct current combined with rectangular AC current pulses delivered at a particular frequency of between 10 and 100 Hz. In an embodiment the total current transmitted, a sum of the DC component and a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of the current pulses, has a value between 0.2 and 20 mA. The method is used to produce analgesia during perioperative period, surgery and the post-operative procedure. It can also be used for treating acute chronic pain and a wide variety of other conditions. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093034 | BIFURCATED LEAD WITH INTEGRATED ANCHOR AT BRANCH REGION - An implantable medical lead includes a proximal portion having first and second contacts. The lead further includes a first distal arm having a first electrode that is electrically coupled to the first contact, and includes a second distal arm having a second electrode that is electrically coupled to the second contact. The lead also includes a branch region where the proximal portion transitions to the first and second distal arms. A tissue anchoring element is attached to the branch region for securing the branch region to tissue of a patient into which the lead is implanted. Such bifurcated leads may be used to apply electrical signals to occipital nerves of the patient via the electrodes. A lead extension includes a distal connector with two lead receptacles and a tissue anchoring element attached to the connector. An adaptor having three lead receptacles includes an anchoring element attached thereto. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093035 | CUFF ASSEMBLY - A cuff assembly includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned about a limb of a user and support a functional electrical stimulation system, and an over center closure mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame assembly relative to the limb, the over center closure mechanism being located on a medial side of the limb when the frame assembly is positioned about the limb. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093036 | Implantable Electrical Stimulator - An implantable stimulator for stimulating muscles or nerves, including, an array of electrodes for electrically stimulating muscles or nerves, a controller for controlling the activity of the electrodes, and wherein the controller is adapted to dynamically select the electrodes that are used to participate in stimulating the muscles or nerves. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093037 | COMPLIANT ELECTRODE FOR PATENT FORAMEN OVALE CLOSURE DEVICE - A medical device for use in delivering RF energy to a tissue opening is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical device comprises a compliant electrode. The compliant electrode can include a shape memory material, such as NITINOL, to facilitate the electrode having at least one relaxed orientation. The electrode can be deployed from a delivery shaft inside the left atrium, for example, of a heart through the delivery shaft. The electrode can be configured to substantially conform to the tissue proximate the tissue opening. After energy is applied to the tissue between the left and right electrodes, the left electrode can be removed from the left atrium by being received back into the delivery shaft and the delivery shaft thereafter removed from the opening. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093038 | FOCUSED STIMULATION IN A MEDICAL STIMULATION DEVICE - A medical stimulation device such as a cochlear implant configured to provide stimulation of one or more spatially-restricted contiguous portion(s) of the spiral array of auditory nerve fibers in the cochlear (“discrete stimulation regions”). Each discrete stimulation region is defined by the constructive and/or destructive interference of stimulating and limiting signals simultaneously applied to electrode channels of an implanted electrode array, the stimulating and limiting signals being determined based upon transimpedance measurements of intracochlear electrode channels of the implanted electrode array representing specific spread functions of an individual recipient. The stimulating signal is preferably applied through a targeted electrode channel; that is, one or more successive electrodes which is/are adjacent to the discrete stimulation region. The targeted electrode channel is selected to represent a sound based on the outputs of a sound processor to stimulate neural activity in the discrete stimulation region to thereby cause a percept of the represented sound. The size of the discrete stimulation region is defined by the limiting signal(s) applied to electrode channel(s) other than the targeted electrode channel, and which negate(s) current spread which would otherwise occur in response to the stimulating signal. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093039 | SCHEDULING INFORMATION DELIVERY TO A RECIPIENT IN A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A hearing prosthesis for use by a recipient. The hearing prosthesis includes a receiver configured to receive sounds external to the recipient, a stimulator configured to stimulate tissue of the recipient to enhance recipient hearing, a sound analyzer configured to analyze the sounds received by the receiver, the sound analyzer further being configured to output a sound analysis signal indicative of the analyzed sounds, an information signal generator configured to output an information signal upon which an inputted indication that is provided to the recipient via the stimulator may be based, and an information scheduler configured to control the time at which the information signal is delivered to the stimulator based on the sound analysis signal. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093040 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH SELECTIVELY CONFIGURABLE EXPOSURE OPERATING MODE PROGRAMMING OPTIONS - An IMD is selectively configurable to support a plurality of programming options for enabling and disabling an exposure operating mode of the device. In one example, the IMD may support at least two of a manual exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is manually enabled and manually disabled, an automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is automatically enabled and automatically disabled, or a semi-automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is either automatically enabled and manually disabled or manually enabled and automatically disabled. In this manner, the IMD may support more than one way for enabling and disabling the exposure operating mode to provide flexibility in the clinical workflows associated with programming the IMD into an exposure operating mode for a medical procedure, such as an MRI scan. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093041 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY USING DECAYING CURRENT PULSES - This disclosure describes generation of electrical stimulation pulses for electrical stimulation therapy. The stimulation pulses have a pulse current level and pulse width, and may be generated by a current regulator. The pulse voltage level may be a voltage level delivered by the current regulator while maintaining regulation of the pulse current level. During delivery of a pulse, a supply voltage level may decrease due to discharging of a supply capacitance, and the pulse voltage level may increase due to charging of a load capacitance. The pulse current level may be controlled to decrease during the pulse width such that a sum of the pulse voltage level and a headroom voltage of the current regulator does not exceed the supply voltage level. In some examples, the pulse may include sub-pulses with different sub-pulse current levels, where an earlier sub-pulse has a higher pulse current level than a later sub-pulse. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093042 | STIMULATION WITH UTILIZATION OF CASE ELECTRODE - This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093043 | PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES FOR STIMULATION WITH UTILIZATION OF CASE ELECTRODE - This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093044 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODELING ELECTRODE MORPHOLOGIES - A system for a neurostimulation device comprises a user input device configured for receiving an electrode morphology having at least one electrode, memory storing at least one basis electrode model, and at least one processor configured for modeling at least one electrode by recalling the at least one basis electrode model from the memory, and using the recalled at least one basis electrode model multiple times to construct a model of the at least one electrode. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093045 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING VOLUME OF ACTIVATION IN TISSUE - A system for a neurostimulation device comprises at least one processor configured for estimating at a plurality of spatial points a respective plurality of electrical field vectors resulting from a stimulation lead operating in accordance with the set of stimulation parameters, determining an amplitude of each electrical field vector and an angle between each electrical field vector and a vector aligned with an axis of the stimulation lead, and estimating a tissue of volume activation about the stimulation lead based on the determined amplitude and angle of each electrical field vector. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093046 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH SELECTIVELY CONFIGURABLE EXPOSURE OPERATING MODE PROGRAMMING OPTIONS - An IMD is selectively configurable to support a plurality of programming options for enabling and disabling an exposure operating mode of the device. In one example, the IMD may support at least two of a manual exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is manually enabled and manually disabled, an automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is automatically enabled and automatically disabled, or a semi-automatic exposure mode programming option in which the exposure operating mode is either automatically enabled and manually disabled or manually enabled and automatically disabled. In this manner, the IMD may support more than one way for enabling and disabling the exposure operating mode to provide flexibility in the clinical workflows associated with programming the IMD into an exposure operating mode for a medical procedure, such as an MRI scan. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093047 | STORING IMAGE OF THERAPY REGION IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This disclosure describes techniques for obtaining an image of an anatomical implant region where leads associated with an implantable medical device are implanted in a patient, manipulating the image to show lead locations and placements, performing necessary image compression and manipulations, adjusting the image to associate it with information (e.g., patient, metadata, annotations, etc.) useful to a subsequent programmer retrieving the image, and transferring a copy of the captured image to the implantable medical device. The image stored in the implantable medical device may be retrieved at a later time by a user of programmer, where the user can use the image and other associated information to program subsequent therapy. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093048 | External Charger for a Medical Implantable Device Using Field Inducing Coils to Improve Coupling - By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093049 | APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING AURICULAR POINTS ON THE HUMAN EAR - An apparatus for stimulating auricular points on the human ear is provided using low voltage pulses that are generated and delivered by portions of the apparatus that may be readily removed from the neck and ear, and then easily replaced by the patient to continue therapy. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093050 | Insulated thermal therapy wrap designed specifically for podiatry - The Footie is an insulated thermal wrap designed specifically for application to the foot, but can be used on other limbs such as ankles, knees and elbows as well. Noted unique features are that it is available in two sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. The interior layer of the wrap comprises an insulated pouch for containment of the thermal medium and can be used with either heat or cold pack therapy. The pouch itself is held closed by Velcro strips located at the top. The wrap encases the foot and is tapered at the top to fit the toe area. The wrap is held in place by two wide, stretchable Velcro straps which are strategically placed to allow for desired compression adjustability. The exterior layer of the wrap is made from flexible cloth. This is a low-cost treatment and allows the patient mobility while applying therapy for extended periods of time. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093051 | ASSIGNMENT AND MANIPULATION OF IMPLANTABLE LEADS IN DIFFERENT ANATOMICAL REGIONS WITH IMAGE BACKGROUND - This disclosure describes techniques for combining an image of a region defined by the user to receive stimulation therapy with an image of representation of leads which will deliver the therapy to the defined region, and importing the combined image on an implantable medical device connected to the leads that will deliver the stimulation therapy. During the process of combining the images, the user manipulates one or both of the images to combine the image such that the leads are placed for accurate therapy delivery. In some examples where more than one region is to receive stimulation therapy, each region can have a different image and/or a different set of leads associated therewith, and a combined image of each region may be produced, manipulated, and imported on the implantable medical device. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093052 | NEURAL INTERFACE SYSTEM - A neural interface system including an electrode array and a carrier that supports the electrode array, in which the electrode array includes a substrate rolled into a three-dimensional shape, a plurality of conductive traces patterned on the substrate and adapted to transmit electrical signals, and a plurality of elliptically shaped, externally facing electrode sites coupled to the plurality of conductive traces that electrically communicate with their surroundings. The plurality of electrodes are arranged in a triangular lattice circumferentially around and axially along the carrier, and the substrate includes an edge that extends axially along the carrier and is constrained between a first axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites and a second axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites adjacent to the first axial row portion. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093053 | MEDICAL LEAD ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION THEREOF (As Amended) - An assembly includes a medical implantable lead adapted to be attached with a distal end of the lead to an organ inside a human or animal body, the medical implantable lead being formed with an inner lumen extending along essentially the entire length of the lead. The assembly also includes a support core that has a desirable stiffness and a suitably cross sectional dimension such that it is insertable into the lumen in order to increase the stiffness of the lead along its length during its working life when being implanted into a body. A method for implanting a medical implantable lead into a human or animal body makes use of such an assembly. | 2011-04-21 |
20110093054 | MRI COMPATIBLE TACHYCARDIA LEAD - A medical device lead includes a proximal connector configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator, an insulative lead body extending distally from the proximal connector, and a conductor assembly extending distally from the proximal connector within the lead body. The conductor assembly includes a conductor having a proximal end electrically coupled to the connector and a distal end electrically coupled to a defibrillation coil. A first portion of the defibrillation coil is exposed at an outer surface of the medical device lead and a second portion of the defibrillation coil is insulated at the outer surface of the medical device lead. | 2011-04-21 |