18th week of 2015 patent applcation highlights part 63 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150119898 | SUBCUTANEOUS ELECTRODES FOR CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable subcutaneous electrode system is disclosed. A minimally invasive delivery device and methods for delivery of an implantable electrode system is also provided. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119899 | RETRACTABLE SEPARATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating means is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating means is undeployed. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119900 | ROBOTIC DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING ACCESS CHANNEL - A device for establishing an access channel to a target location is presented. The device includes a plurality of cylindrical segments. A plurality of backbones each extends through a backbone channel of each segment to join the plurality of segments together. When joined together, the central bore of each of the plurality of cylindrical segments align to form an access channel. A distal segment is fixedly attached to each of the plurality of backbones such that an orientation of the distal segment can be adjusted by linear movement of one or more of the plurality of backbones through the plurality of cylindrical segments. Furthermore, when linear movement of the plurality of backbones is restricted, the shape of the access channel can be adjusted by external forces while maintaining the orientation of the distal segment. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119901 | SURGICAL TOOL - A surgical instrument including a manipulator, a proximal joint mounted to the manipulator, a hollow elongated member mounted to the proximal joint, a distal joint mounted to the hollow elongated member, and an end effector mounted to the distal joint. The proximal joint and the distal joint may each include a base at each end with a central feature disposed between the bases. The central features may provide for articulation about two perpendicular axes, may be substantially ball-shaped, and may define guides in their surfaces to receive cables, and perpendicular slots may be provided to receive projections from the bases. Cables engage the central features to operatively couple the manipulator, proximal joint, and distal joint, and may concurrently operatively couple the manipulator and the end effector. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119902 | FRAME FOR FIXATION OF EQUIPMENT TO THE HEAD OF A PATIENT DURING NEUROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS, STEREOTACTIC IMAGING, THERAPY OR SURGERY - A frame for fixation of equipment to the head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery is adapted to enclose the head of the patient. The frame includes a number of mounting slots arranged in the frame. The mounting slots are adapted to receive a number of fixation pins adapted to fixate the frame to a bone in the head. The frame further includes two anterior longitudinal posts and two posterior longitudinal posts, extending along a longitudinal axis A, an anterior portion, adapted to be arranged at the anterior side of the head, the anterior portion interconnecting the two anterior longitudinal posts, and a posterior portion, adapted to be arranged at the posterior side of the head, the posterior portion interconnecting the two posterior longitudinal posts. The anterior longitudinal posts and the posterior longitudinal posts are interconnected with two lateral portions, adapted to extend one on each side of the head, and wherein the lateral portions are axially offset, along the longitudinal axis A, with respect to the anterior and posterior portion. A stereotactic frame system includes such a frame. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119903 | LINK SYSTEMS AND ARTICULATION MECHANISMS FOR REMOTE MANIPULATION OF SURGICAL OR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS - An articulating mechanism for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool comprises an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of axially aligned links located at the distal end of the shaft. The articulating mechanism also includes an actuating element connected to and configured to cause movement of the axially aligned links and a locking mechanism located proximal of the axially aligned links. The locking mechanism including a collar mechanism through which the actuating element extends and a locking member movable between first and second positions. The collar mechanism frictionally impedes motion of the actuating element when the locking member is in the first position and the collar mechanism allows translation of the actuating element when the locking member is in the second position. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119904 | LINEAR CUTTING ELEMENT WITH E-SHAPED GUIDING ELEMENT - A linear cutting element ( | 2015-04-30 |
20150119905 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a system for closing a wound created at least partially across a tissue structure wall, comprising: a helical needle; a suture member coupled to the helical needle and configured to be pulled along a helical pattern with helical movement of the helical needle; an outer delivery member rotatably coupled to the helical needle; a drive shaft axially movably coupled to the outer delivery member; and a plurality of suture guide struts projecting distally from the outer delivery member; wherein upon helical insertion of the helical needle relative to the outer delivery member, the helical needle is advanced such that it becomes disposed around the guide struts, such that the guide struts prevent radial migration of the suture as it is helically wound into the tissue structure. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119906 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TISSUE CLOSURE - Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119907 | FILAMENTOUS TISSUE IMPLANT - A tissue fixation system including a delivery tube and an elongated fastener with a loop at a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal end of an elongated curved needle is attached to the delivery tube. A distal end of the needle is configured to penetrate tissue. The needle includes an open channel sized to receive the elongated fastener with the loop located near the proximal end of the elongated curved needle and the distal end of the elongated fastener located near the distal end of the elongated curved needle. A capture needle is slidably positioned in the delivery tube to slide through the loop in the proximal end of the elongated fastener. The capture needle is configured to grasp the distal end of the elongated fastener and pull the distal end of the elongated fastener through the loop to cinch the elongated fastener. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119908 | EXTRAVASCULAR DEVICES SUPPORTING AN ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA - A medical device includes a curved tubular body configured for being used as an extravascular device to support vein maturation following the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. The tubular body is curved. The tubular body has an entrance angle of less than about 40 degrees to improve blood flow from the artery into the vein. And the tubular body includes a cuff or edge at the proximal end to stabilize the tubular body at the fistula. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119909 | ROTATIONAL ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH EXCHANGEABLE DRIVE SHAFT AND MESHING GEARS - An atherectomy device with an exchangeable drive shaft is disclosed, having a drive shaft gear at a distal end of the exchangeable drive shaft for meshing engagement with a prime mover gear on the output shaft of the prime mover. The exchangeable drive shaft is inserted into an opening at the distal end of the handle housing and moved axially in a proximal direction. Surface features on at least the prime mover housing and the engageable drive shaft help to align the drive shaft gear with the prime mover gear for meshing engagement. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119910 | REENTRY CATHETER AND METHOD THEREOF - The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119911 | TONGUE SCRAPER - The tongue cleaner includes an elongated generally straight scraping member terminated at each end by grip structures. The scraping member is constructed of a flexible and resilient material allowing the scraping member to be bendable from its generally straight configuration into at least a curved shape, ‘C’ shape, ‘V’ shape or ‘U’ shape configuration. The scraping member resiliently returns to its straight configuration in the absence of any bending forces. The flexible and resilient material is preferably a plastic, silicone, rubber, metal, wood or a combination of such materials. The preferred material is silicone rubber. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119912 | FINGERNAIL DRILL - A fingernail drill has a drill bit and a tip which is capable of drilling through a thickness of a fingernail. The tip extends longitudinally outwards from an abutment integrally formed with the drill bit, and the drill cannot drill past the abutment. The distance from the abutment to a distal end of the tip is such that the drill can drill through the thickness of the fingernail but cannot damage tissue under the fingernail. A kit is provided that includes the fingernail drill and a dispenser for dispensing a substance through a hole drilled by the fingernail drill. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119913 | SAFETY SCALPEL - An ergonomically balanced safety scalpel that includes a pair of matched handle halves slidingly cooperative into a closed position and an open position. When in use, the handle halves are slidingly positioned in the closed position to expose the blade. The handle halves are slidingly repositioned relative to each other into the open position, when the safety scalpel is not in use, to extend one handle half relative to the other handle half whereby the blade is shielded therebetween. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119914 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further comprises an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic blade is coupled to the transducer and comprises a body and a treatment region. The body comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface. The distal end of the body is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The treatment region extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises a protective sheath disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the ultrasonic blade. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119915 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument configured to be coupled to a transducer configured to produce vibrations. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade, a protective sheath, and outer tube and an aperture. The ultrasonic blade extends along a longitudinal axis of the end effector and is configured to be coupled to a transducer. The protective sheath extends at least partially around the ultrasonic blade. The outer tube extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. The aperture defines a channel extending at least partially through the end effector along the longitudinal axis. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119916 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MOVING CUTTING IMPLEMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119917 | INTERNAL PRESERVATION FLUID DISPENSER FOR ENDOSCOPIC VESSEL HARVESTER - An endoscopic vessel harvester includes a vessel keeper for capturing a target vessel within a tunnel that has been dissected along the target vessel. A cutter member cuts and cauterizes side branches while the target vessel is slidably captured in the vessel keeper. A spray nozzle carried by the vessel keeper delivers a preservative fluid via a manual control valve and a conduit. The preservative fluid is sprayed on the target vessel proximate a respective side branch immediately after being cauterized. Thus, a harvested vessel is bathed in preservative fluid prior to being actually removed from the body, enhancing endothelial preservation from cascading events. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119918 | Medical Instrument And Method For Pivoting Such A Medical Instrument - A medical instrument for guiding a tool into an operating space including a shaft having first and second shaft segments connected to each other in an articulated manner, and an adjustment element arranged on one of the first and second shaft segments so as to be longitudinally movable along an adjustment direction, and adjustable in order to pivot the first and second shaft segments relative to each other. Furthermore, a connection element is provided as being connected in an articulated manner to the adjustment element via a first hinge connection and connected in an articulated manner to the other of the first and second shaft segments via a second hinge connection, such that, by adjusting the adjustment element along the adjustment direction, the first and second shaft segments are pivotable relative to each other. Accordingly, a medical instrument is disclosed that is easy to handle and permits advantageous force support. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119919 | Drive Shaft for a Surgical Tool - The present disclosure relates to a drive shaft for a surgical handpiece including a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prong are asymmetric. A surgical handpiece and a method of coupling a surgical handpiece and a cutting tool are also disclosed. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119920 | Genetically-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment - A method for treating a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. At least one implant is advanced into an airway of a lung having a genetically associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The at least one implant is delivered into the lung to increase tension of the lung and thereby improve breathing function of the lung. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119921 | INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - According to aspects of the present disclosure, a retrieval catheter assembly for retrieving an intragastric balloon may include a tubular member configured to pass through a wall of the intragastric balloon. The retrieval catheter assembly may also include a retrieval member coupled to the tubular member and movable between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the undeployed configuration the retrieval member may be substantially aligned with the tubular member. In the deployed configuration at least a portion of the retrieval member may diverge from the tubular member and may be configured to engage the wall of the intragastric balloon. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119922 | ADJUSTABLE LENGTH DILATION BALLOON - The present invention relates to an adjustable length dilatation balloon catheter that includes a balloon catheter, a sheath that is slidably disposed around the balloon catheter, and an inverting tethering system that permits the selective adjustment of the exposed balloon length. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119923 | Enhanced Gripping Features for Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Systems - A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119924 | MECHANICALLY DATACHABLE VASO-OCCLUSIVE DEVICE - A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen extending between distal and proximal ends. An elongate releasing member is slideably disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A retaining member is disposed on the distal end of the elongate pusher member and includes a finger portion having an aperture sized to receive the distal end of the elongate releasing member. An occlusive element such as a coil is provided and includes a securing member positioned at a proximal end thereof. The securing member is releaseably secured to the finger portion of the retaining member. The securing member is secured to the finger portion when the elongate releasing member is disposed in the aperture of the finger portion and unsecured when the elongate releasing member is retracted proximally from the aperture of the finger portion. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119925 | Tissue Compression Device With Tension Limiting Strap Retainer - Tissue compression devices having a tension limiting strap retainer and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices described herein may include a strap retainer that is attached to a base by an elastic member that is configured to draw the strap retainer towards the base. The tissue compression devices described herein may also include a tension indicator that extends between the base of the tissue compression device and strap retainer. The tension indicator may be configured to limit the travel distance of the strap retainer away from the base in response to forces acting on the strap retainer. The tension indicator may also provide visual feedback to a user of the tension force in a strap to attach the tissue compression device to a patient. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119926 | Tissue Compression Device with Pressure Indicator - Tissue compression devices having pressure indicators and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices provide feedback to a user with respect to the pressure being applied to selected tissue at a selected location such as a radial artery to assist the user in applying the desired amount of pressure to the tissue (such as the pressure needed to achieve hemostasis at an access site). The pressure indication may be provided by a ring indicator that moves between two configurations (e.g., a concave configuration and a convex configuration), a bellow chamber in a housing, a bladder located below a bladder window, etc. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119927 | COMPLIANT SURGICAL GRASPERS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - This disclosure describes compliant graspers for use in endoscopic surgeries. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119928 | VASCULATURE CLOSURE DEVICES - Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable into a vessel through a puncture site and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. The support frame is positioned along a periphery of the sealing membrane. Upon expanding the support frame within the vessel, the support frame is configured to intraluminally push the sealing membrane against the puncture site. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119929 | VASCULATURE CLOSURE METHODS - Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes deploying a vasculature closure device including a support frame and a sealing membrane into a vessel through a puncture site, wherein the support frame is in a collapsed configuration during deployment, and expanding the support frame into an expanded configuration within the vessel such that the sealing membrane is pushed against the puncture site. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119930 | System and Method for Vessel Access Closure - Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119931 | PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER DIRECTED INTRAVASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICES - The present invention provides an improved vascular occlusion device having improved flexibility and retention of the type fabricated from braided tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and shaped to create an occlusion of an abnormal opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained. The device further including at least one disk portion adjacent a body cylindrical portion formed from the fabric and having a transition diameter between the disk and cylindrical portion, significantly smaller than the diameter of the disk and the diameter of the cylindrical portion. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119932 | ENDOCUTTER WITH AUTO-FEED BUTTRESS - Surgical apparatus may include a staple holder and a buttress positioned on the upper surface of the staple holder, where the staple holder is configured to fire multiple sets of staples, and where the buttress is advanceable between firings such that the staple holder is configured to deploy multiple sets of staples through the buttress. A surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing an endocutter having a staple holder and having a plurality of staples, where a plurality of but less than all of the staples are arranged in a firing position within the staple holder; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; deploying the plurality of staples in firing position through a buttress and into tissue of the patient; disengaging the end effector from tissue of the patient; moving a plurality of staples into firing position; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; advancing a segment of buttress relative to the staple holder; and repeating the deploying. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119933 | ANCHORING DEVICE - An anchoring device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop further includes a plurality of anchors disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. Methods for securing anchoring devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119934 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a system for closing a wound created across a portion of a tissue structure, comprising a suture member having proximal and distal ends; an anchor member coupled to the distal end of the suture member; a tension retainer assembly releasably coupleable to the suture member; and a suture buttress movably intercoupled to the suture member between the anchor member and the tension retainer and configured to minimize direct sliding contact between the suture member and the tissue structure portion around the location of the suture buttress. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119935 | Absorbable Poly (p-dioxanone-co-glycolide) Monofilament Fibers Possessing Mid-Term Strength Retention Post-Implantation - Novel absorbable monofilament sutures and fibers having unique and improved properties are disclosed including mid-term strength retention post-implantation. Also disclosed is a novel method of manufacturing absorbable monofilament sutures and fibers. The sutures and fibers are extruded from poly(p-dioxanone-co-glycolide) copolymers. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119936 | PERCUTANEOUS TETHER LOCKING - A tether-securing device is provided that includes a tubular element, which is shaped so as define a lateral wall that surrounds a lumen. The lateral wall is shaped so as to define a one-way locking opening. The tether-securing device further includes at least one tether, which (a) has at least a first tether end portion, and (b) passes through the lumen and the one-way locking opening. The tether-securing device additionally includes first and second tissue anchors. The first tissue anchor is connected to the first tether end portion. The one-way locking opening is configured to (a) allow sliding of the at least one tether in a first direction through the one-way locking opening, and (b) inhibit sliding of the at least one tether in a second direction opposite the first direction. Other embodiments are also described. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119937 | ANCHOR - The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes an outer member including a body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity includes a proximal portion configured for receipt of a delivery device and a distal portion having area of increased diameter. The anchor also includes an inner member coupled to the outer member, wherein the inner member includes a proximal portion having a projection configured for receipt in the area of increased diameter and a distal portion having a transverse through hole. A delivery device and method for tissue repair are also disclosed. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119938 | TRANSVERSE FIXATION DEVICE FOR SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEMS - A transverse fixation device is disclosed. The device includes one or more connecting bodies disposed substantially between two elongate rods. Each connecting body includes a receptacle that is capable of engaging with the two elongate rods. A c-ring comprising an outer surface having a spherical curvature is also included. A third rod may be inserted into the c-ring. A clamp included in the connecting bodies may then be disposed about the c-ring and third rod to allow the connecting bodies to slidingly engage with the third rod. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119939 | Systems and Methods for Spinal Stabilization - Spinal stabilization systems are disclosed having spanning portions extending between and securable to pedicle screw assemblies, the spanning portions have stiffness characteristics that may be variable or selectively adjustable, and/or have non-linear behavior with respect to force versus distortion. Additionally, the systems may utilize a plurality of spanning portions in which two or more of the spanning portions have different stiffness characteristics. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119940 | CERVICAL BONE ANCHOR WITH COLLET RETAINER AND OUTER LOCKING SLEEVE - A cervical polyaxial bone anchor includes a shank having an integral spherical head and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a rod and a lower seat near a lower opening for receiving a closed retainer that includes a compressible upper portion engaged with the receiver seat and an expandable lower portion capturing the shank head. An outer sleeve slidable with the receiver prohibits expansion of the retainer lower portion during operation. A compression insert engages the retainer upper portion and is in friction fit with the shank head prior to fixing of an angle of the shank with respect to the receiver. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119941 | SURGICAL CONNECTORS AND INSTRUMENTATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a system of apparatuses to correct spinal deformities along with associated surgical techniques. The apparatuses comprise passages or channels in which spinal rods of differing diameters may be secured to allow a surgeon to vary the diameter of rods used along the length of the spine. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward instrumentation for reduction of spinal rods into spinal pedicle screws. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119942 | SPLAY CONTROL CLOSURE FOR OPEN BONE ANCHOR - Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119943 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURING A BONE PLATE - A drill guide includes an outer body and an inner sleeve. The outer body defines a main bore. The outer body includes a tip extending therefrom, wherein the tip is coaxial with the main bore. The tip includes a plurality of deflectable leaves. The inner sleeve defines a receiving bore, and the inner sleeve is adapted to be removably received within the main bore. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119944 | SURGICAL IMPLANT FOR CORRECTION OF HALLUX VALGUS OR TAILOR'S BUNION - Methods and devices for correcting hallux valgus and tailor's bunion are disclosed. An implant includes a bone engaging feature on each end connected by an intermediate portion. The implant is configured to be positioned on the dorsal side of the metatarsals and stabilizes two adjacent metatarsals toward one another, thereby decreasing the intermetatarsal angle. Depending on the severity of the deformity, a single or multiple implants may be used. In addition, the implant may be used as an adjunctive device in combination with other surgical procedures. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119945 | SET SCREW TO MINIMIZE SPLAYING IN PEDICLE SCREWS - A bone screw assembly including a bone screw that has a head portion with a base, a pair of arms extending upwardly from the base, and an internally threaded slot defined by the pair of arms, and a screw portion extending downwardly from the base of the head portion. The assembly further includes a set screw having a body with a threaded outer surface and a distal tip, wherein the distal tip comprises a truncated taper portion extending from a base to generally flat distal end. The threaded outer surface of the set screw is engageable within the internally threaded slot of the head portion of the bone screw. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119946 | Community Orthopedic Fixation Device, System and Method - An orthopaedic fixation system for closing a resection of a body part, including a plurality of anchors located on either side of a resection which separates a body part into adjacent portions, such that there are a set of first anchors on one side of the resection and a second set of anchors on the other side of the resection. A first cable member is wound around and between the first and second sets of anchors, with the cable member extending generally orthogonally across the resection between at least certain pairs of the first and second anchors, with one of the pairs of anchors comprising a node. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119947 | Method and Apparatus for Determining Cardiac Performance in a Patient - An apparatus for determining heart transplant rejection of a heart in a patient includes at least two electrodes adapted to be sewn into the heart that span the left ventricle. The apparatus includes a voltage generator adapted to be inserted in the patient which generates a voltage to the two electrodes and senses the resulting voltage from the two electrodes. A method for determining heart transplant rejection of a heart in a patient. A pacemaker for a patient (including bi-ventricular pacing and AICDs). The pacemaker includes an RV lead having four electrodes adapted to be inserted into the RV apex. The pacemaker includes a voltage generator which generates a voltage signal to the electrodes and senses the instantaneous voltage along the length of the RV and determines the real and imaginary components to remove the myocardial components of the septum and RV free wall to determine absolute RV blood volume. The pacemaker includes a battery connected to the voltage generator. The pacemaker includes a defibrillator connected to the battery. The pacemaker can also be a bi-ventricular pacemaker to restore RV and LV synchrony during contraction. A method for assisting a heart of a patient. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119948 | METHOD FOR LOW VOLTAGE DEFIBRILLATION WITH FAR-FIELD STIMULI OF VARIABLE TIMINGS BASED ON FEEDBACK FROM THE HEART - The present invention includes a method for cardiac defibrillation, especially low-voltage defibrillation, in a subject, including converting fibrillation into tachycardia and using feedback or an estimation thereof from the heart to time stimuli to occur when large amounts of tissue are excitable in the heart of the subject. The resultant tachycardia can then be terminated using a tachycardia termination protocol known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. The method can be implemented using a currently available defibrillator or an internal cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) configured to apply a lower voltage shock, such as a far-field stimulation. A device designed especially for the method or another device employing this method can also be used. Because the proposed defibrillation method requires less energy than current approaches using single biphasic stimulus, defibrillator battery life is improvable or battery size decreasable. The method reduces pain and cellular damage resultant from traditional defibrillation. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119949 | SENSING UNIT FOR A TISSUE STIMULATOR - A tissue stimulator including a sensing unit, wherein the sensing unit includes an A/D converter that samples an analog signal using a sampling clock and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The tissue stimulator includes a digital filter with an input, wherein the input is connected to an output of the A/D converter. Using a filter clock, the digital filter filters the digital signal, and wherein the filter clock is a multiple of the sampling clock for a specific period of time T. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119950 | AUTOMATED PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION AND PACING CAPTURE THRESHOLD TEST - A medical device system performs a method for determining pacing threshold data. Signals are received from a cardiac capture sensor and a phrenic nerve stimulation sensor. A cardiac capture threshold is determined from the cardiac capture sensor signal and a phrenic nerve stimulation threshold is determined from the phrenic nerve stimulation sensor signal for multiple pacing electrode vectors. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119952 | Systems and Methods for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - Systems and methods for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include at least one electrically stimulating electrode coupled to a pulse generator. Individuals with GERD are treated by implanting a stimulation device within and/or proximate the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, gastric fundus, or other nearby gastrointestinal structures and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and/or fundus, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. Electrical stimulation provided by the disclosed systems results in an increase in the length of the high pressure zone of the LES and/or modulation of the receptive relaxation response of the fundus to decrease gastric pressure, creating a longer barrier to the reflux of gastric contents or increasing functional lower esophageal pressure respectively, thereby treating GERD. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119953 | RESPONSIVE GASTRIC STIMULATOR - A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119954 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT PROVIDE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO A NERVE TO REDUCE A REFLEX THAT AFFECT A BODILY FUNCTION - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for electrical stimulation. A waveform generator can be configured to generate an electrical waveform. An electrode can be electrically coupled to the waveform generator and configured to deliver the electrical waveform to a nerve to reduce at least one reflex that affects a bodily function. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119955 | System For Stimulating A Hypoglossal Nerve For Controlling The Position Of A Patient's Tongue - A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119956 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD UTILIZING MULTI-MODAL STIMULATION PARAMETERS - Multi-modal stimulation therapy may be utilized in which two or more stimulation therapies having different stimulation parameters may be delivered to a single patient. This can preferentially stimulate different nerve fiber types and drive different functional responses in the target organs. The stimulation parameters that may vary between the different stimulation therapies include, for example, pulse frequency, pulse width, pulse amplitude, and duty cycle. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119957 | AUTOMATIC ANODE AND CATHODE FRACTIONAL CONTROL AND LOCATION TO SELECTIVELY AVOID DORSAL ROOT STIMULATION - A therapeutic neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The neurostimulation system comprises a neurostimulation lead having an array of electrodes arranged along a longitudinal axis configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a neurostimulation device configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to active ones of the electrode array, and control/processing circuitry for instructing the neurostimulation device to configure an active electrode as a cathode, and two active electrodes longitudinally flanking and laterally offset from the cathode as anodes, selecting a ratio of stimulation amplitude values for the two anodes based on a known longitudinal location of the implanted neurostimulation lead relative to the spinal cord, and instructing the neurostimulation device to distribute the electrical stimulation energy between the two anodes in accordance with the selected stimulation amplitude value ratio. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY INCORPORATE LEAD INFORMATION FROM MEDICAL IMAGE INTO PROGRAMMABLE USER INTERFACE - An external control system for use with a neurostimulation device and at least one neurostimulation lead implanted within the tissue of a patient is provided. The external control system comprises a user interface configured for receiving input from a user, output circuitry configured for communicating with the neurostimulation device, and control/processing circuitry configured for receiving a medical image of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to an anatomical structure, processing the medical image to detect the location of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to the anatomical structure, generating a set of stimulation parameters based on the user input and the detected location of the neurostimulation lead(s) relative to the anatomical structure, and directing the output circuitry to transmit instructions to the neurostimulation device to convey electrical stimulation energy in accordance with the stimulation parameter set. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119959 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF CERVICAL VAGUS NERVES FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION WITH BOUNDED TITRATION - A system for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. The system includes a patient-operable external controller to transmit a plurality of unique signals. The system further includes an implantable neurostimulator, which includes a pulse generator to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses that result in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within the cervical vagus nerve of a patient through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead. The neurostimulator also includes a recordable memory storing an autotitration operating mode that includes a maximum stimulation intensity and is configured to increase an intensity of the delivered electrical therapeutic stimulation up to a level not exceeding the maximum stimulation intensity upon receipt of one of the unique signals. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119961 | Malignant Tumor Heat Therapy Kit Comprising Anti-Regulatory T Cell Antibody and Magnetic Fine Particles and Heat Therapy Method Thereof - The present invention discloses a heat therapy kit for malignant tumor treatment that comprises a pharmaceutical agent containing anti-regulatory T cell antibody and a pharmaceutical agent containing magnetic fine particles, and a heat therapy method that uses that kit. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119962 | TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for managing patient temperature are disclosed. Temperature management systems that are suitable for an out-of-hospital setting are disclosed. Temperature management systems having a low power requirement are disclosed. Temperature management systems that include a disposable, single-use reservoir are disclosed. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119963 | MECHANICALLY BISTABLE THERMAL DEVICES - Mechanically bistable thermal devices and methods of utilizing the same. The mechanically bistable thermal devices include a mechanically bistable element and a thermal element. The mechanically bistable element is configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle an encircled form. The thermal element is configured to exchange thermal energy with the encircled form when in thermal contact with the encircled form and includes a thermal material that includes a fluid and/or a granular solid. The methods include activating the thermal element and transitioning the mechanically bistable element from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation to at least partially encircle the encircled form with the mechanically bistable device. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119964 | MEDICAL LEAD FASTENER INCLUDING INTEGRATED CLAMP - This disclosure includes techniques for securing the proximal ends of a medical lead to the connector block of an IMD with a fastener device that incorporates a flexible clamp. A fastener device for a medical device comprising a flexible clamp forming a clamp aperture, wherein the flexible clamp includes a clamp protrusion configured to facilitate actuation of the flexible clamp, a rigid body, wherein the rigid body connects to and surrounds the flexible clamp, and an actuator configured to actuate on the clamp protrusion to change a perimeter of the clamp aperture, wherein the change of the perimeter of the clamp aperture by the actuator is configured to apply a compressive force about a perimeter of an electrical contact of a medical lead in the clamp aperture to electrically and mechanically connect the medical lead to the fastener device. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119965 | LEAD ANCHOR WITH PIVOTABLE PADDLES AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING THE LEAD ANCHOR - A lead anchor includes a first paddle assembly and a flexible housing. The first paddle assembly includes an assembly housing, an actuator, and at least one pivotable paddle attached to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator. The at least one pivotable paddle is suitably arranged to pivot out of the assembly housing when a user operates the actuator. The lead anchor also includes a flexible housing disposed around the first paddle assembly and defining at least one lead lumen extending adjacent to the first paddle assembly so that the at least one pivotable paddle pivots into a one of the at least one lead lumen to constrain any lead disposed within the one of the at least one lead lumen. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119966 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING STIMULUS SITES AND PROVIDING IMPLANT GUIDANCE - A method and system for characterizing an accessibility of potential left ventricular stimulus sites in connection with surgical planning for transvenous implant of a cardiac medical lead in or near a heart of a patient are provided. The method and system include obtaining image data representative of a coronary venous system for the heart of the patient to receive the lead. The method and system generate a venous map, based on the image data, representative of venous pathways for the heart of the patient. The method and system analyze the venous map to identify pathway features of interest (PFOI) within at least one select region of the venous pathways. The method and system assign scores to the PFOI based on at least one of predetermined feature-complexity relations or physician-entered complexity updates. The method and system display treatment planning information to a user based on the scores. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119967 | Stimulating Assembly Fixation Features - Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant. The stimulating assembly comprises one or more fixation features configured to be inserted into a recipient's cochlea via an opening in the cochlea. Following insertion, the one or more fixation features are configured to engage an inner surface of the cochlea adjacent to the opening to prevent movement of the stimulating assembly out of the cochlea through the opening. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119968 | STIMULATION DEVICE - A stimulation device for the application of a transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear, which includes a holding element an electrode arranged in a electrode carrier. The holding element has a linear guide. A resting part is arranged at the holding element. The holding rod has a first axis and runs from a first position, which adjoins to the linear guide, to a second position, which adjoins to the electrode carrier. The resting part defines a first plane with a resting area at the ear, on which area a second axis is arranged perpendicular. The first axis and the second axis span a middle plane. The holding rod lies at the first position in the middle plane and departs from the middle plane from the run from the first position to the second position in a first rod section until a reversal point. The holding rod moves to the middle plane from the run from the reversal point to the second position in a second rod section, so that it lies in the middle plane after arriving at the second position. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119969 | UNIT AND DEVICE HAVING A UNIT FOR POSITIONING A PROSTHETIC COMPONENT - A prosthesis delivery handle with a bushing ( | 2015-04-30 |
20150119970 | VALVED STENT, BASE MATERIAL FOR FORMING VALVED STENT, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING VALVED STENT - The present invention provides a valved stent that can provide a valve function without blocking a branch blood vessel, and also can provide a valve function with minimum covering of blood vessel tissue in a stent indwelling section. Specifically, a cylindrical stent body | 2015-04-30 |
20150119971 | STENT-MESH ASSEMBLY AND METHODS - A method of affixing a stent jacket to a stent, comprising aligning the stent jacket coaxially with the stent, placing a portion of the stent within a portion of the stent jacket, wherein a central axis of the stent is aligned with a central axis of the stent jacket, and affixing the stent jacket to the stent with a plurality of stitches, wherein the plurality of stitches form a plurality of consecutive loops that pass through one or more holes in the stent jacket and through an outer surface of the stent. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119972 | SUPPORT FOR TREATING VASCULAR BIFURCATIONS - A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis has a radially expansible support and a bifurcation traversing portion. The radially expansible support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. The bifurcation traversing portion has a biostable portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is located adjacent to the radially expansible support. The bifurcation traversing portion also has a biodegradable portion having a first end coupled with the second end of the biostable portion. The biodegradable portion has a second end disposed at an end of the prosthesis opposite the radially expansible support. When deployed, the bifurcation traversing portion extends from the radially expansible support across a bifurcation and into a main body lumen such that the carina is supported thereby. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119973 | ELLIPTICAL ELEMENT FOR BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION - Apparatus is provided for treating hypertension of a subject. The apparatus includes an implantable element which has a non-circular shape and which is configured to reduce the hypertension by facilitating an assumption of a non-circular shape by a blood vessel in a vicinity of a baroreceptor of the subject, during diastole of the subject. Other embodiments are also described. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119974 | MODULAR VALVE PROSTHESIS WITH ANCHOR STENT AND VALVE COMPONENT - A modular valve prosthesis includes an anchor stent and a valve component. The anchor stent includes a self-expanding tubular frame member configured to be deployed in the aorta and a proximal arm component extending from a proximal end of the tubular frame member and configured to be deployed in the sinuses of the aortic valve. The anchor stent further includes attachment members extending from an internal surface of the tubular frame member. The valve component includes a valve frame configured to be deployed within the tubular frame member of the anchor stent such that the valve frame engages with the attachment members of the tubular frame member and a prosthetic valve coupled to the valve frame. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119975 | BRANCHED VESSEL PROSTHESIS FOR REPAIR OF A FAILED STENT GRAFT - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a branched vessel prosthesis for repair of a failed stent graft. The branched vessel prosthesis can include a main stent graft body having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a frusto-conical midsection that tapers to the distal end portion. The main stent graft body can include a tubular wall that defines a main lumen. The midsection can include a fenestration in the tubular wall and a collapsible internal limb that extends from the fenestration into the main lumen. The internal limb can be configured to receive an iliac limb extension. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119976 | EXTRAVASCULAR DEVICE FOR LIMITING BLOOD FLOW ADJACENT AN ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA - A medical device that can be wrapped around a segment of an artery downstream of an arteriovenous fistula. The wrap, when used in this manner, creates a stenosis for reducing retrograde flow at the fistula. Sutures are positioned in holes present in the upper and lower halves or connecting ends of the wrap, after which the sutures are pulled to oppose the two sides in order to create a stenosis. When the surgeon is satisfied that the stenosis is appropriate, the sutures are tied in place. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO LIMIT CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA - A system to limit cerebral ischemia occurring as a consequence of aortic valve replacement includes an aortic valve having proximal and distal ends, a sleeve having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the sleeve disposed at the distal end of the aortic valve, and a filter attached to the distal end of the sleeve to receive blood and particles passing from the proximal end of the sleeve to the distal end of the sleeve and to separate the particles from the blood. A related method includes introducing a system into a heart of a patient, the system comprising an aortic valve having proximal and distal ends and a sleeve having a proximal end disposed at the distal end of the valve, implanting the valve in an aortic valve annulus, and filtering blood that has passed through the valve into the sleeve. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119978 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF TRANSCATHETER PROSTHETIC VALVES - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a catheter assembly and a handle assembly that can be removably coupled to the catheter assembly. A valve holding tube defines a lumen configured to receive a prosthetic mitral valve in a compressed configuration and can be removably coupled to a distal end portion of the handle assembly. The valve holding tube can be received within a hub of the catheter assembly when coupled to the handle assembly. The actuator when actuated is configured to cause the tensioning unit to travel along a traveler strap of the catheter assembly moving the handle assembly distally such that a distal end of an elongate shaft of the handle assembly moves the prosthetic mitral valve distally out of the valve holding tube and out a distal end of the sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is free to move to a biased expanded configuration. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119979 | HEART VALVE REPAIR SYSTEM - Techniques are described for use with one or more sutures. For some applications, techniques are described for fixedly-coupling two or more sutures to each other. For some applications, such techniques are used for treating a heart valve of a subject. Techniques are also described for treating a heart valve of a subject by coupling leaflets of the heart valve to a support using tissue-piercing elements. Other embodiments are also described. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119980 | Stented Prosthetic Heart Valve - A stented prosthetic heart valve including a stent assembly, a leaflet assembly, and mounting members. The stent assembly includes a stent post frame, a stent post frame covering, and a base frame. The stent post frame includes a continuous rail forming a closed-curved shape defining a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced posts projecting from cusp segments in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The cloth covering encompasses the rail. The base frame supports the cusp segments. The valve leaflet assembly is attached to the stent assembly, and includes a leaflet clamped between one of the cusp segments and the base frame. The mounting members each directly pass through the stent post frame cloth covering, the first leaflet and the base frame. The rail can have a constant cross-sectional shape with a major axis dimension that is greater than a minor axis dimension. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119981 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER TREATMENT OF VALVE REGURGITATION - The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance devices for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, and one or more of the following: transseptal sheath, anchor delivery catheter, implant delivery catheter, and clip delivery catheter; and methods for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119982 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - Mitral valve prosthesis are disclosed that include a frame or support structure having an inflow portion, a valve-retaining tubular portion and a pair of support arms. The inflow portion radially extends from a first end of the valve-retaining tubular portion and the pair of support arms are circumferentially spaced apart and radially extend from an opposing second end of the valve-retaining tubular portion. The inflow portion is formed from a plurality of struts that outwardly extend from the first end of the valve-retaining tubular portion with adjacent struts of the plurality of struts being joined, wherein each strut of the plurality of struts has a substantially s-shaped profile and at least one twisted area. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119983 | COSMETIC SURGERY SIZER - Disclosed herein is a sizer for use in cosmetic surgery augmentation procedures, along with methods for using same. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119984 | Flexible Tibial Sheath - A radially expandable sheath is provided having a substantially closed distal end with at least two sidewalls extending proximally therefrom and defining a central lumen. Each sidewall can have a substantially concave outer surface adapted to seat a graft member, and each side wall is at least partially separated by a longitudinally oriented slot that extends from a proximal end along a substantial length of each sidewall. The slot preferably terminates at a position just proximal to the distal end. The device can also include a sheath expander that is adapted to be disposed in the central lumen of the radially expandable sheath and that is configured to flex the sidewalls to radially expand the sheath so as to fix a graft member within a bone tunnel. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119985 | FILLER FOR REMOVING WRINKLES - The present invention relates to a filler for removing wrinkles, comprising: a slim and long tubular main body penetrating through the subcutaneous tissue; and a through-hole provided so as to enable the cells of the peripheral tissue of the main body to move to the inside of the main body so as to form a fibrous tissue, the through-hole being formed so as to communicate with a hollow portion formed inside the main body in the longitudinal direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body. The filler for removing wrinkles according to the present invention is not deformed or moved by the pressure of a skin or external forces after being inserted into the subcutaneous tissue, and can be applied to various body parts having wrinkles, including body parts having deep wrinkles so as to achieve (semi)permanent effects. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119986 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MINIMALLY INVASIVE FACELIFTS - A system for performing minimally invasive facelifts is provided. The system includes a plate having a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The base has a plurality of through holes formed therein that extends between the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of barbs extends outwardly from the bottom surface. At least one anchor screw is adapted to secure the plate to the bone of patients. A method for performing minimally invasive facelifts is also provided. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119987 | IMPLANT DESIGN USING HETEROGENEOUS BONE PROPERTIES AND PROBABILISTIC TOOLS TO DETERMINE OPTIMAL GEOMETRIES FOR FIXATION FEATURES - An implant, and a method of designing the implant, takes into account heterogeneous bone properties. The method may be directed to designing a fixation feature of the implant using a virtual bone model. Bone property information derived from image data may be mapped to the virtual bone. A virtual model of the implant may be created, including a virtual fixation feature characterized by an input parameter. One or more simulations may be performed, the simulations being of an implantation of the virtual implant on the virtual bone. Values for at least one input parameter may be used for each simulation, each simulation resulting in a value for an output parameter. The input and output values may be analyzed to derive a relationship between the values, the relationship being used to design the fixation feature of the implant. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119988 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR FACET JOINT TREATMENT - A method of resurfacing a facet joint with a facet implant system. The facet joint includes a superior facet and an inferior facet that are adjacent to each other and movable with respect to each other. A first facet implant component is provided that has a first visualization marker. The first visualization marker includes a first marker section and a second marker section. The first marker section is oriented at an angle with respect to the second marker section. The first facet implant component between the superior facet and the inferior facet. A location and an orientation of the first facet implant component are determined using an imaging technique that locates the first visualization marker. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119989 | Surgical Access System and Related Methods - A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119990 | Intervertebral Body Implant, Instrument and Method - Interbody implant systems and methods of implant interbody implants are described. In one aspect, an implant includes a body have a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a first articulation surface formed at a proximal end of the proximal end portion. An insertion instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and a second articulation surface formed at a distal end of the distal end portion. The second articulation surface is configured to interface with the first articulation surface. An attachment member is configured to connect the implant to the insertion instrument. The attachment member is actuatable to compress the first and second articulation surfaces together in a locked configuration with sufficient force to prevent relative rotation between the first and second articulation surfaces. The attachment member is actuatable to reduce an amount of compression force existing in the locked configuration to place the first and second articulation surfaces in an unlocked configuration such that the first articulation surface can rotate relative to the second articulation surface. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119991 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS AND METHOD - The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119992 | SPINAL IMPLANT CO-INSERTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for substantially simultaneous co-insertion of an implant, such as a cage and plate. An inserter is secured to the cage and plate and is used to hold the components while implanting the components during a surgical procedure. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119993 | METHOD FOR FUSING A HUMAN OR ANIMAL JOINT AS WELL AS FUSION DEVICE AND TOOL SET FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119994 | INTEGRATED ORGAN AND TISSUE PRINTING METHODS, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A method of making an organ or tissue comprises: (a) providing a first dispenser containing a structural support polymer and a second dispenser containing a live cell-containing composition; (b) depositing a layer on said support from said first and second dispenser, said layer comprising a structural support polymer and said cell-containing composition; and then (c) iteratively repeating said depositing step a plurality of times to form a plurality of layers one on another, with separate and discrete regions in each of said layers comprising one or the other of said support polymer or said cell-containing composition, to thereby produce provide a composite three dimensional structure containing both structural support regions and cell-containing regions. Apparatus for carrying out the method and composite products produced by the method are also described. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119995 | MAGNESIUM ALLOY, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF AND USE THEREOF - A magnesium alloy, implants and method for the production thereof. The magnesium alloy includes 1.5 to 7.0% by weight Zn, 0.5 to 3.5% by weight Al, the remainder being magnesium which contains impurities, which promote electrochemical potential differences and/or the formation of precipitations and/or intermetallic phases, in a total amount of no more than 0.0063% by weight of Fe, Si, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Y, Sc or rare earths having the ordinal numbers 21, 57 to 71 and 89 to 103, Be, Cd, In, Sn and/or Pb as well as P. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119996 | WEARABLE ROBOT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided is a method of controlling a wearable robot, the method including: measuring a ground reaction force (GRF) exerted on a wearer's soles; calculating a time variation rate of the measured GRF; measuring the wearer's knee joint angle; and detecting a time point at which the calculated time variation rate of the GRF and the measured knee joint angle cross each other. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119997 | Adjustable Prosthetic Limb Socket - The present relates to an adjustable prosthetic limb socket system having a partial rigid support, a non-elastic, flexible support and adjustment means. The adjustable socket system of the present invention can be used for several types of amputations including transfemoral amputations, transtibial amputations, transhumeral amputations, transradial amputations, and other types of amputations. The present invention further includes kits having the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system, as well as methods of making the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system. Methods of using the socket system are further encompassed by the present invention. | 2015-04-30 |
20150119998 | EXOSKELETON ARM HAVING AN ACTUATOR - The invention relates to an assist arm intended to be fitted on an exoskeleton, having a mounting plate ( | 2015-04-30 |
20150119999 | Communication Apparatus, Communication System and Communication Method - A communication apparatus according to the embodiment, which is capable of receiving a control command from an operation terminal and transmitting the control command to at least one equipment, includes a communication unit that receives the control command which controls the equipment, an equipment state determination unit that determines whether the equipment is in a state of being able to execute the control command, and a control unit that, if the equipment state determination unit determines that the equipment is not in the state of being able to execute the control command, does not transmit the control command to the equipment, and if the equipment state determination unit determines that the equipment is in the state of being able to execute the control command, transmits the control command to the equipment. | 2015-04-30 |