| 18th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 67 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20100114026 | DOSAGE SENSING UNIT WITH TACTILE FEEDBACK - A drug infusion assembly comprises a drug delivery device arranged to adhere to a patient's skin and includes a reservoir that holds the drug, a cannula that delivers the drug to the patient, and a pump that causes the drug to flow to the cannula. The assembly further includes a monitor device for providing information about the operation of a drug delivery device. The monitor device includes a housing arranged to be attached to and detached from the drug delivery device, a sensor that senses the operation of the drug delivery device and generates an activation signal, a clock mechanism that generates a time signal, a memory that receives and stores the activation signal and the time signal and creates an information packet coordinating the time signal and the activation signal, an interrogator that interrogates the memory such that the memory generates a memory signal in response thereto, and a responder that receives the memory signal and generates a response. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114027 | FLUID MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERY MONITORING OF SECONDARY MEDICATIONS - A fluid medication delivery system comprises a primary medication reservoir, a secondary medication reservoir, an infusion pump, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first y-site, and a fluid flow sensor assembly. The primary medication reservoir has a first fluid. The secondary medication reservoir has a second fluid. The infusion pump pumps fluid from at least one of the primary medication reservoir and the secondary medication reservoir. The first valve assembly controls the flow of fluid from the primary medication reservoir in a first fluid line segment. The second valve assembly controls the flow of fluid from the secondary medication reservoir in a second fluid line segment. The fluid flow sensor assembly determines the flow rate of a fluid from the secondary medication reservoir in the second fluid line segment. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114028 | Device and Method Employing Shape Memory Alloy - A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114029 | Device and Method Employing Shape Memory Alloy - A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114030 | PERFUSION OR ENTERAL/PARENTERAL FEEDING PUMP - This pump with a battery-powered drive device comprises a circular elastic diaphragm ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114031 | INTRODUCER LOCALIZATION ASSEMBLIES - An introducer assembly is disclosed. The introducer assembly comprises an introducer cannula, an introducer hub and an introducer stylet body. The introducer cannula is defined by a distal end and a proximal end and has a lumen extending therebetween. The introducer hub is operatively connected to the introducer cannula, and wherein the introducer hub is configured for selective connection with multiple medical devices. The introducer stylet body is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and is removably disposed within the introducer cannula. The introducer stylet body may further comprise an imagable feature having a predetermined size disposed on a distal end thereof. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114032 | SURGICAL ACCESS PORT WITH FLEXIBLE SEALING CANNULA - A surgical access device for surgical instruments comprises a housing with an instrument port and zero closure valve. A cannula is disposed distally relative the housing. The cannula comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and a flexible tube having a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends. An instrument seal is positioned adjacent the distal end of the cannula. The instrument seal is dimensioned to have an interference fit with a surgical instrument inserted into the cannula. Longitudinal movements of a surgical instrument are accommodated by buckling of the flexible tube while the relative longitudinal position of the instrument seal and instrument are substantially unchanged. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114033 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE - The present disclosure relates to a surgical access device for use during a surgical procedure that includes a housing, an access member extending distally from the housing, and a valve that is at least partially disposed within the housing. The access member is dimensioned for positioning within tissue, defines a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal opening, and has proximal and distal ends. The valve has a passage for the reception of a surgical object, and includes a proximal collar segment, a distal tapered segment that extends contiguously from the proximal collar segment, and a fluid resistive shelf. The fluid resistive shelf is generally defined at a juncture of the proximal collar segment and the distal tapered segment. The fluid resistive shelf and the distal tapered segment cooperate to substantially minimize the egress of fluids from the operative site about the valve. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114034 | SECUREMENT DEVICE FOR CATHETERS - A system for securing a medical device such as a catheter or other medical article having various shapes or sizes in place on a patient includes a securing device. The securing device may optionally include a retainer having one or more receiving areas and one or more retention arms adjacent to the receiving areas. The securing device may also include a retention strap having a latching element that is removably connectable to a retention arm to securely hold a catheter in place. The retainer may optionally be connected to a base which may optionally be connected to an adhesive pad for easy attachment of the securing device to a patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114035 | BACK NEEDLE - A needle assembly for an injection device comprising a needle cannula which is mounted in a hub connectable to an injection device, and which needle assembly comprises a back needle. Further the needle assembly is provided with means which, when activated, prevents a user from physically contacting the back needle. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114036 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR A NEEDLE ASSEMBLY - The invention provides a protective device ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114037 | REVERSELY ROTATABLE DOSE SETTING MECHANISM FOR AN INJECTION DEVICE - A dosing mechanism for use with an injection device to adjust a dose to be discharged from the injection device, the dosing mechanism including an adjusting element which can be moved relative to the dosing mechanism and including a coupling element for being releaseably coupled to a threaded bar associated with the injection device such that the adjusting element can be moved relative to the bar in one direction while a relative movement in the opposite direction is prevented, the dosing mechanism further including a retaining element with an engaging element for preventing the bar from being rotated in at least one direction, and a releasing element for uncoupling the adjusting element and bar. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114038 | MEDICINE DELIVERY APPARATUS - There is provided medicine delivery apparatus including a casing, a drive shaft which, in use, engages a medicine containing cartridge, an automatic driver, a user actuable trigger for causing the automatic driver to move the drive shaft through the casing, and a user actuable brake for allowing a user to control a rate of delivery of medicine. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114039 | Juxtascleral drug delivery and ocular implant system - Ophthalmic drug delivery devices useful for delivery of pharmaceutically active agents to the posterior segment of the eye are disclosed. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114040 | FLUID MIXING CONTROL DEVICE FOR A MULTI-FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing, first and second actuators associated with the housing, and an electronic substrate disposed within the housing and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. The second actuator is operatively associated with the electronic substrate and initiates output signals to the injector corresponding to desired mixture ratios of the injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114041 | FLOW CONTROLLER - A flow controller controls flow through a deformable conduit by compressing the conduit. The conduit may be compressed along a section of its length. The controller may include a cam driven by an actuator, the cam driving a clamp to compress the conduit. The actuator may be a dial. The cam may be shaped such that the flow rate varies linearly with rotation of the dial. The controller may include a clicker to allow the controller to be set in a number of different positions, allowing ease of adjustment and preventing drift or accidental adjustment of the flow rate. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114042 | COATED MEDICAL DEVICE - The invention relates to an article comprising a coating, which coating comprises at least two layers, of which the inner layer is a primer layer, comprising a supporting network comprising a supporting polymer, and the outer layer is a functional layer comprising a multifunctional polymerizable compound. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114043 | Hollow Type Microneedle and Methods for Preparing It - Disclosed herein are hollow microneedles and a fabrication method thereof. The microneedles are small in diameter and are long and hard enough to pass through the stratum corneum. Therefore, the hollow microneedle of the present invention can be used in blood sampling or drug injection through the skin. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114044 | ADHESIVE BODY FITMENT FOR OSTOMY APPLIANE - A body fitment for an ostomy appliance comprises an adhesive wafer including a body-facing side for adhesively contacting the user's body. The adhesive wafer includes a moldable region shapable by the user, and a hole therethrough for allowing the user to manually mold a stomal aperture in the moldable region. The body fitment is provided with the inner peripheral region of the adhesive bordering the hole being pre-shaped with a non-planar configuration, e.g. bent or curled away from the body-facing side of the adhesive, prior to be being molded by the user. The pre-shaped, non-planar, configuration is supported by a release device that initially protects the body-facing side of the adhesive but which is intended to be removed prior to use of the body fitment, to enable the adhesive then to be molded by a user. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114045 | OSTOMY POUCH APPLIANE - An ostomy appliance comprises an ostomy pouch having front wall, a rear wall with a stomal aperture, and an adhesive body fitment secured or securable around the stomal aperture. At least a portion of the adhesive of the body fitment is moldable. The front wall of the pouch comprises an access aperture providing access through the pouch interior for molding the adhesive. The access aperture is closable by a closure panel attachable over said access aperture by a peelable/resealable adhesive. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114046 | Training Progress Indicator - The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. An absorbent article may be provided with selected electrical components used as wetness or other type sensors which may be determined by a coupled signaling device. An attached signaling device may automatically determine physiological changes of a wearer of the absorbent article including increases in void volume over time, increases in time between voids and proximity to bathroom fixtures. The signaling device may provide data analysis and/or display, and may provide remote alarm functions. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114047 | Absorbent Articles with Impending Leakage Sensors - In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an absorbent article capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine as well as impending leakage of urine is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable layer, a liquid permeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the substantially liquid impermeable layer and the liquid permeable layer. A plurality of sensors are integrated into the article across the width of the article and positioned such that the sensors are in fluid communication with urine when provided by a wearer of the article. At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator. At least one of the sensors is capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine and at least one of the sensors is capable of indicating impending leakage of urine from the article. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114048 | Absorbent Garments With Improved Fit in the Front Leg Area - Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are provided. Of particular advantage, the carefully controlled stretch properties can prevent too much tension in the front leg area of the garment. The outer cover is constructed such that the front leg zone has a tension of less than about 1200 grams-force at about 160% to about 175% stretch in the lateral direction, and each of the front waist zone, the front crotch zone, the back crotch zone, the back leg zone, and the back waist zone of the outer cover has a tension of greater than about 1500 grams-force at about 160% to about 175% stretch in the lateral direction. Methods of making such an absorbent article are also provided. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114049 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING ABSORBENT ARTICLE - Bulging that occurs due to swelling of superabsorbent resin in an absorbent article is suppressed. The present invention includes an absorbent article including an absorbent body material including an accumulated absorbent fiber and a superabsorbent resin, wherein the absorbent body material includes interspersed interspersed sections that are interspersed, and a densely gathered state of the absorbent fiber in the interspersed sections is less dense than a densely gathered state of the absorbent fiber in areas surrounding the interspersed sections, and an occupied volume ratio of the superabsorbent resin in the interspersed sections is higher than an occupied volume ratio of the superabsorbent resin in the areas surrounding the interspersed sections. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114050 | ABSORBENT MATERIALS AND ABSORBENT ARTICLES INCORPORATING SUCH ABSORBENT MATERIALS - An absorbent material formed at least in part of a crosslinked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10 | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114051 | STRETCHABLE COMPOSITE SHEET AND DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE USING THE SAME - A stretchable composite sheet used in a waist region of a disposable wearing article. The stretchable composite sheet has a stretchable sheet and a non-stretchable sheet, and the stretchable sheet is stretched. Nip roll mechanisms are respectively arranged on one end side in the stretch direction (SD) and the other end side, and the stretchable sheet is bonded to the non-stretchable sheet by the nip roll mechanisms with the stretchable sheet contracted in the direction (CD) orthogonal to the stretching direction (SD). The above processes provide the stretchable composite sheet with basic weight change regions in which the basis weight of the stretchable sheet is changed depending on stretch conditions of the stretchable sheet. The basic weight of the basic weight change regions is greater than that of a center region of the stretchable composite sheet. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114052 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH WAIST SEAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - Absorbent articles with waist seals are disclosed. The seals are formed from folded stacks, discrete segments, or pleated material arranged to provide a resiliently compressible seal that can be located at one or more locations within the absorbent article, e.g., along a central portion of the rear waist region of a diaper. The seals may be constructed from relatively thin materials that (through folding, stacking, pleating, etc.) can provide a resiliently compressible seal that is thick enough and appropriately shaped to conform to the wearer's anatomy well enough to provide the desired sealing. At the same, time, the continuous web material used to form the seal is preferably thin enough to be economically delivered to the manufacturing line in roll form. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114053 | BIRTHPAD - The present invention relates broadly to a therapeutic cooling or heating pad or garment. One aspect of the invention relates to a therapeutic cooling or heating pad comprising a sanitary napkin and a cooling or heating agent coupled to or included within the sanitary napkin. Another aspect of the invention relates to a therapeutic cooling or heating garment comprising an undergarment and a cooling or heating agent coupled to or included within the undergarment. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114054 | TAMPON AND A METHOD OF PRODUCING A TAMPON - A tampon is proposed, with an insertion end and a rear end, made from a pressed absorbent strip ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114055 | DISPOSABLE DIAPER - A disposable diaper is provided with a skin-contactable sheet piece above a liquid-pervious topsheet. The skin-contactable sheet piece is formed with openings extending in a back-and-forth direction through which body waste is guided toward the topsheet and both lateral zones of the sheet piece on both sides of these openings as viewed in a transverse direction B are provided with elastic members attached under tension. Outside the skin-contactable sheet piece as viewed in the transverse direction B, leak-barriers are provided and the lateral zones of the skin-contactable sheet piece are bonded to the leak-barriers along regions defined between proximal edges and free edges of the respective leak-barriers. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114056 | SPECIMEN CONTAINER - A specimen container includes a specimen storing portion for storing a specimen, wherein the specimen storing portion is provided with an opening on an upper end, a sealing member for sealing the opening, wherein the sealing member is enabled to be passed through by a suction tube for sucking a specimen stored in the specimen storing portion, and a cylindrical portion having a predetermined height to allow insertion of the suction tube, wherein the cylindrical portion is arranged in series with the specimen storing portion on a side provided with the opening. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114057 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF BIOLOGIC AGENTS - A container for housing a therapeutic agent includes a body member, a sealing element, and a rupturable membrane. The body member has a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The sealing element is slidably disposable in the lumen. The sealing element is configured to sealingly engage the body member as the element is slid within the lumen. The rupturable membrane is disposed across the lumen in proximity to the distal end of the body member. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114058 | MULTIDOSE VIAL ASSEMBLIES AND ADAPTERS THEREFOR - A multidose vial assembly which comprises a multidose vial ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114059 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF BIOLOGIC AGENTS - A delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a catheter, a stop feature, a container and a bar. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body defining a lumen that extends to the distal end of the catheter. The stop feature is in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. The container is configured to house the therapeutic agent and is insertable and slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. The container is also configured to engage the stop feature of the catheter. The bar is slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. Sliding of the bar distally in the lumen forces the therapeutic agent out of the container and out of the lumen when the container is engaged with the stop feature. The stop feature is configured to inhibit the container from exiting the lumen. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114060 | System and method for controlling an implantable medical device subject to magnetic field or radio frequency exposure - A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller. In response to the generated input signal, the microcontroller automatically triggers (i) a safety mode enabling a predetermined safety mode operation that alters some operation, without ceasing all operation, of the implantable medical device and/or (ii) after expiration of a predetermined safety mode time interval when the at least one field being detected falls below its corresponding predetermined threshold level or a predetermined period of time elapses, a self testing mode enabling a predetermined self testing operation to verify proper operation of the implantable medical device. Preferably, both the safety and self testing modes are automatically triggered. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114061 | APPLYING SHEAR STRESS FOR DISEASE TREATMENT - Herein disclosed is a system for applying shear stress ex-situ to a fluid. In some embodiments, the system comprises a shear device; and at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient, the devices defining a fluid passage configured to be sterilized and maintained sterile during use, the fluid comprising at least one therapeutic fluid, blood, or a combination thereof. The shear device of the system is in fluid communication with the at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient. Herein also disclosed is a method of preparing a fluid for intravenous administration to a patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114062 | Methods and devices for providing oxygenated blood distal to an obstruction - The catheter is positioned within an obstruction so that the distal end is positioned distal to the obstruction and proximal openings are positioned proximal to the obstruction. Blood enters the proximal openings and passes through the lumen to the distal end to perfuse blood distal to the obstruction. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114063 | CATHETER INJECTION MONITORING DEVICE - A catheter is provided that has at least one lumen which extends from a proximal end of the catheter to a distal end of the catheter. The catheter also has a catheter hub that has a body with a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, and defining an interior cavity. The exterior surface of the body further defines at least one opening. At least one opening is defined therein the proximal end, and at least one opening is defined therein the distal end. The catheter also has a means for measuring and displaying the number of times that the catheter is injected with an infusate at a pre-determined pressure. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114064 | MITIGATION OF CONTRAST-INDUCED NEPHROPATHY - A system, includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize a fluid including a contrast enhancement agent for delivery to a patient; and a control system in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism. The control system includes a system to adjust control of fluid injection based upon a measurement of renal function of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114065 | DRUG DELIVERY SHOCKWAVE BALLOON CATHETER SYSTEM - A catheter comprises an elongated carrier and a balloon carried by the carrier in sealed relation thereto. The balloon has an outer surface and is arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon. The catheter further comprises a shock wave generator within the balloon that forms mechanical shock waves within the balloon, and a medicinal agent carried on the outer surface of the balloon. The medicinal agent is releasable from the balloon by the shock waves. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114066 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING DRUGS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES TO TREAT SINUSITIS AND OTHER DISORDERS - Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to locations within the body of a human or animal subject to treat or diagnose sinusitis and a variety of other disorders. The invention includes implantable substance delivery devices that comprise reservoirs and barriers that control the rate at which substances pass out of the reservoirs. The delivery devices may be advanced into the body using guidewires, catheters, ports, introducers and other access apparatus. In some embodiments the delivery devices may be loaded with one or more desired substance before their introduction into the body. In other embodiments the delivery devices are loaded and/or reloaded with a desired substance after the delivery device has been introduced into the body. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114067 | Multi-Chamber Mixing System - Mixing systems for storing and mixing multiple components of various medical compositions are provided. Generally, the instant mixing systems comprise a barrel, a plunger slidably disposed inside a barrel, and a pushing rod slidably disposed inside the plunger. The instant mixing system may further comprise multiple chambers for storing individual components or mixtures of components, with at least one chamber disposed in the barrel and at least one chamber disposed inside the plunger. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114068 | Autoflush Syringe Method - A two-chambered, sequentially injectable syringe is disclosed. The syringe has two concentric barrels, substantially cylindrical in shape. The outer barrel has an open end adapted for receiving an inner barrel/first piston. The inner barrel/first piston contains a flushing liquid. The syringe has a second piston slidably movable in the inner barrel and a latching mechanism that can alternate between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the latching mechanism prevents the second piston from substantially all longitudinal movement relative to the inner barrel. In the unlocked configuration, the latching mechanism permits longitudinal motion of the second piston within the inner barrel. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114069 | Methods, Systems, and Devices for Treating Intervertebral Discs Including Intradiscal Fluid Evacuation - Methods, systems, and devices for of treating intervertebral discs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. A contrast or imaging media is introduced into a nucleus of the intervertebral disc without removing any of the nucleus. The intervertebral disc is imaged with the contrast media within the nucleus. Then the contrast media is evacuated from the nucleus to reduce intradiscal pressure. Finally, a disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced into the nucleus. The disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced in such a manner that the disc augmentation biomaterial is maintained within the nucleus without having to repair an opening in the annulus surrounding the nucleus. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114070 | Methods and devices for providing oxygenated blood distal to an obstruction - The catheter is positioned within an obstruction so that the distal end is positioned distal to the obstruction and proximal openings are positioned proximal to the obstruction. Blood enters the proximal openings and passes through the lumen to the distal end to perfuse blood distal to the obstruction. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114071 | APPARATUS FOR CLEANING A NASAL CAVITY - One embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning a nasal cavity includes a housing member and a hollow cleaning member. The housing member includes a first orifice, a second orifice and a chamber communicated with the first orifice and the second orifice. The chamber may be adapted to store fluid therein. The hollow cleaning member may be adapted to be received in the second orifice. The hollow cleaning member includes a head portion adapted to be received in the chamber of the housing member and a handle configured to fill the fluid from the chamber into the head portion. The head portion filled with the fluid is capable of cleaning the nasal cavity. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114072 | HYDROGEL BASED DEVICE FOR DETECTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATE - The invention relates to a transducer device ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114073 | Device and Method Employing Shape Memory Alloy - A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114074 | Sustained delivery of an active agent using an implantable system - The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114075 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIRECTIONAL DELIVERY OF A DRUG DEPOT - Drug depot delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering one or more drug depots to one or more sites beneath the skin of a patient with or without repositioning the cannula. The device has a cannula capable of insertion to the site beneath the skin of the patient and one or more side port openings for delivering a drug depot. The side port openings are spaced a distance from the blunt tip, which will allow the user to implant at a set distance from a nerve. The device may also include an electronic monitor for detecting the proximity of the tip of the cannula to a nerve. In some embodiments, a method of delivering a drug depot is provided by detecting the nerve and delivering the drug depot at or near the nerve. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114076 | METHOD OF PERFORMING REFRACTIVE LASER EYE SURGERY CENTERED ALONG THE VISUAL AXIS OF A HUMAN EYE - A method of performing refractive laser eye surgery on a human eye is provided wherein the ablation pattern is centered along the visual axis, rather than along the line of sight. First, a wavefront, either ocular, corneal or a combination thereof, is generated by a wavefront sensor centered along the line of sight. This measured wavefront is centered on and encompasses a patient's pupil. Then, an analysis pupil is determined which encompasses the measured pupil. The analysis pupil is centered along the visual axis at the point of intersection with the cornea. Consequently, the measured wavefront is reconstructed over the analysis pupil only using data taken over the area covered by the measured pupil. This reconstruction is done through a least squares fit of a series of slopes from the measured wavefront and/or through the transformation of aberration coefficients. Finally, an ablation pattern, or a lenticule generation pattern, to be performed by a refractive laser centered on the corneal intersect of the visual axis is produced in accordance with the reconstructed wavefront. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114077 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FINE-TUNING REFRACTIVE SURGERY - Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive shapes for vision treatment are provided. Techniques encompass determining a variable index of refraction for a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable index of refraction. Techniques also encompass determining a variable radius of curvature of an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable radius of curvature. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114078 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UNIVERSAL IMPROVEMENT OF VISION - “Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114079 | LENTICULAR REFRACTIVE SURGERY OF PRESBYOPIA, OTHER REFRACTIVE ERRORS, AND CATARACT RETARDATION - Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114080 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT - According to one aspect, a system includes an energy application device configured to apply energy to a treatment area of a subject, a sensing device configured to determine the energy received by one or more regions of the treatment area, and a user interface configured to provide a user with feedback concerning the energy received by the one or more regions of the treatment area, wherein the feedback provided to the user includes an image that illustrates the current status of the treatment. According to one embodiment, the illustration includes quantitative information. According to a further embodiment, the illustration includes highlighting of the treatment area. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114081 | BIASING LASER CATHETER: MONORAIL DESIGN - In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises a catheter having an elongated housing with a channel disposed therein. A laser delivery member is movable and at least partially disposed within the channel. A ramp is disposed within the housing at an angle to its central axis and proximate to its distal end. The ramp is adapted to move the distal end of the laser delivery member outwardly from the central axis of the housing. A guidewire biases the distal end of the laser delivery member generally inwardly toward the central axis of the housing. In some embodiments, without limitation, the offset of the central axis of the tip of the laser delivery member from the central axis of the housing is determined by adjusting the extent to which the laser delivery member travels on the ramp, and disposition of the laser delivery member on the guidewire maintains the offset tip substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing. Thus, in accordance with the invention, the distal end of the laser delivery member may be biased in a desired direction or offset, permitting ablation of an area larger than the area of the distal end of the catheter. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114082 | Method and Apparatus for the Ablation of Endometrial Tissue - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114083 | Method and Apparatus for the Ablation of Gastrointestinal Tissue - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114084 | PERCUTANEOUS PRINGLE OCCLUSION METHOD AND DEVICE - Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure. An elongated access device having a lumen and a tissue piercing, open distal end in communication with the lumen is used to percutaneously access a vessel that supplied blood to the tissue to be treated. An elongated balloon deployment device is used to deliver a balloon into the interior of the vessel. The balloon is inflated, resulting in the occlusion of the vessel. The tissue to be treated is ablated. Because there is little or no blood to transfer the thermal energy away from the heated tissue, the ablation procedure is performed more efficiently. The balloon may be subsequently deflated allowing normal flow through the vessel to return. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114085 | METHODS FOR TREATING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114086 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-INVASIVE DELIVERY OF MICROWAVE THERAPY - Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. Microwave energy may be applied to epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is applied to a target tissue via an energy delivery applicator connected to an energy generator. The energy delivery applicator may comprise one or more antennas, including monopole, dipole, slot and/or waveguide antennas (among others) that are used to direct the microwave energy to the target tissue. The energy delivery applicator may also comprise a cooling element for avoiding thermal destruction to non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize thermal treatment at specific portions of a skin fold. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114088 | Electrosurgical Pencil With Drag Sensing Capability - An electrosurgical pencil configured and adapted to support an electrocautery blade. A strain gauge is affixed to the proximal end of the electrocautery blade and measures the displacement of the blade as a result of resistance and drag acting on the blade. The electrosurgical pencil also includes a meter electrically connected to the strain gauge for monitoring either a change in voltage, a change in electrical current or a change in optical wavelength. The amount of blade displacement as measured by the strain gauge is available for display to the surgeon and/or as sensory input for a control circuit in the electrosurgical generator that modulates the generator output waveform. The electrosurgical pencil further includes a control circuit electrically coupled between the electrocautery blade and the electrosurgical generator. The control circuit is configured and adapted to control power supplied to electrocautery blade based on the displacement measured by the strain gauge. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114089 | ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION DEVICES AND SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114090 | ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATOR AND SYSTEM - An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporization at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with an instrument having both bipolar coagulation electrodes and a remote return pad, the generator including means for varying the RF voltage outputs to vary the relative preponderance of bipolar and monopolar coagulation. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114091 | DIRECTED CURRENT FOR HAIR REMOVAL - A device and system for applying a directed electrical current to heated hair, for at least damaging if not destroying the hair follicle with the electrical current. The current may optionally be AC or DC current. The device for hair treatment, may include a heat source; and a source of electricity for delivering a charge upon contact of the hair with the heat source. The heat source may include a filament. Further, the filament can be a wire of about 0.03 mm to about 0.2 mm in diameter and/or constructed from a nickel chrome alloy. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114092 | BIPOLAR INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR ELECTROSURGICAL TREATMENT OF TISSUE - A bipolar surgical instrument comprising an electrode means connected to a high-frequency generator for generating a high-frequency current at a distal end of the instrument with at least first and second electrodes for forming electric arcs therebetween. The surgical instrument further comprises a pipe, a tubular probe or a similar gas supply means with at least one lumen for supplying argon or a similar inert gas at least into a space between the first and second electrodes so that the arcs can be formed in a protective gas atmosphere. The first and second electrodes are arranged relative to one another in such away that the tissue can be heated in a currentless manner at least partly by heat generated by the arcs. A bipolar instrument prevents the tissue damage normally seen with monopolar surgical instruments and thus allows treatment to be carried out as simply and efficiently as possible. A method for electrosurgical treatment of tissue using the bipolar surgical instrument is also disclosed. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114093 | Epicardial Ablation Catheter and Method of Use - An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention system and method provide, but not limited thereto, a novel means for epicardial ablation using a double-curve steerable sheath and a double-curve deflectable open irrigated-tip/suction catheter that can be guided around the apex of the heart and adjusted so as to position the distal tip optimally. The catheter can also both deliver fluid to and withdraw fluid from the pericardial space. Access to the epicardial surface of the heart is via a subxiphoid entry. The method and means presented include, but are not limited to, steering, energy delivery, bipolar mapping, placement and use of electrodes, irrigation, suction of irrigation fluid, and other details of the subject invention. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114094 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANATOMICAL MAPPING OF TISSUE AND PLANNING ABLATION PATHS THEREIN - Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114095 | Ablation Apparatus and System to Limit Nerve Conduction - An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of placing an electrosurgical probe such as described above for specific ablation procedures. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114096 | Tissue Coagulation Method and Device Using Inert Gas - A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114097 | Implant Devices Constructed with Metallic and Polymeric Components - A device for treating bone comprises a rigid body including a polymeric material extending over at least a target portion thereof. The device further comprises a locking element extending into the bone and attached to the device by forming a permanent bond therebetween by melting a portion of an outer surface of the locking element and the polymeric material. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114098 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING A SPINAL REGION - Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for delivering implants through a posterior aspect of a vertebral body such as a pedicle and placing the implant or performing a procedure into the anterior aspect of the vertebral body. A representative apparatus includes an outer cannula, and advancer tube and a drill assembly. It is envisioned that at least one of the outer cannula, the advancer tube or the drill assembly can be viewed in vivo using for example, a CT scan or fluoroscope. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in bone material. The apparatus includes and advancer tube and a drill assembly. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114099 | SURGICAL NAVIGATION - A method of surgical navigation into' the brain includes establishing a trajectory through the skull into the brain to a target, drilling a hole in the skull using a drill ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114100 | TECHNIQUE AND DEVICE FOR LAMINAR OSTEOTOMY AND LAMINOPLASTY - This invention relates to a technique for performing laminar osteotomy (dividing of the spinal lamina, a posterior structure of vertebra). The term osteotomy is derived from os (bone), tomy (to cut or remove), and laminoplasty (the reshaping of the lamina). This technique can be performed with or without visual assistance such as cameras used with endoscopy, or image guidance such as fluoroscopy, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114101 | METHOD OF RESECTING A FEMORAL HEAD FOR IMPLANTATION OF A FEMORAL NECK FIXATION PROSTHESIS - A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis, which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114102 | FEMORAL CUTTING BLOCK - A method of resecting a distal femur is disclosed. The method includes attaching a first block to the distal femur, the first block having a first surface providing a guiding surface for making an anterior chamfer cut on the femur, and a second surface providing a guiding surface for making a posterior chamfer cut on the femur, and making anterior and posterior chamfer cuts on the distal femur. The method further includes attaching a second block to the first block, the second block having a first surface providing a guiding surface for making an anterior cut on the femur, and a second surface providing a guiding surface for making a posterior cut on the femur, and making anterior and posterior cuts on the distal femur. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114103 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ALTERATION OF ANATOMICAL FEATURES - Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient. An implant such as an internal jackscrew is implanted at the anatomical and has first and second attachment points that secure to spaced-apart locations on the anatomical feature. An internal motor is coupled to the jackscrew, and is configured to drive motion of the jackscrew to manipulate the anatomical feature. The system further includes an external driver that is inductively coupled to the internal motor to manipulate the anatomical feature. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114104 | SYSTEM FOR ALIGNING A METERIAL-ABRADING TOOL RELATIVE TO AN INTERVERTEBRAL-DISC COMPARTMENT - A system for aligning a material-abrading tool ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114105 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERTEBRAL INTERBODY FUSION - A surgical inserter and a fusion cage system which may provide for simplified fusion cage attachment and positioning. The inserter may comprise a collapsible collet with a locking rod. The fusion cage with a rectangular cross-section head may be secured to the inserter through the reverse tapered aperture of the fusion cage. The collet may be inserted into the reverse tapered aperture and the locking rod may control collapse of the collet. The collet may lock the fusion cage to the inserter allowing simplified manipulation of the collet with the inserter. The inserter with the attached fusion cage is inserted into a surgical patient. The fusion cage may be positioned within an intervertebral space. The locking rod may be withdrawn from the collet allowing collapse and withdrawal of the collet from the fusion cage leaving the fusion cage positioned between two vertebrae and the inserter withdrawn from the surgical patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114106 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE AN INTERVERTEBRAL SPACE - The invention is a surgical instrument for measuring an intervertebral space. On the distal end of a handle of the instrument there are at least two measurement plates, whereby an interval between the measurement plates, and an angle enclosed by the measurement plates, are adjustable. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114107 | Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Implants and Methods - Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering the implants. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114108 | MULTIPLANAR TAPER LOCK SCREW AND LOCK INDICATOR GAUGE - A lock indicator gauge is provided to provide an indication as to whether a bone screw construct is in a locked or an unlocked condition when the lock indicator gauge is operatively engaged with the bone screw construct. A plunger longitudinally disposed within a housing of the lock indicator gauge translates within the housing by a distance that corresponds to the relative positions of inner and outer housings of the bone screw construct, wherein the relative positions of the inner and outer housings is dependent on whether the bone screw construct is in a locked or an unlocked condition. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114109 | METHOD FOR PREVENTION OF REJECTION AND SEVER ENCAPSULATION OF A SUPPORTIVE OR FUNCTIONING IMPLANT - A method of preventing rejection of an implant in the eye, includes forming a flap in the cornea of the eye, inserting an implant under the flap, cross linking corneal tissue surrounding an implant to make the corneal tissue surrounding an implant less vulnerable to enzymatic degradation, inserting polymeric material under the corneal flap so as to overlie corneal tissue, compressing a layer of the cornea from outside using a lens having a predetermined curvature to correct refractive error of the cornea, and cross linking corneal tissue that the polymeric material overlies. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114110 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ACCESS ASSEMBLY - A surgical access system for managing the minimally invasive access of treatment electrodes to an intervertebral disc, when treating spine abnormalities such as disc herniations. The system includes an access port and a cannula assembly. The access port provides atraumatic access to the target area for the cannula system and a subsequent treatment electrode. The access port also manages the insertion travel and penetration depth of the cannula assembly, so as to minimize unintended damage to local tissue during use. The cannula system includes an adjustable and removable stop to mate with the access port that limits the extension of the cannula beyond the distal tip of the access port and into the target tissue. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114111 | DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBROSTENTING - The invention relates to a method of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. The invention also relates to devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy a stent. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114113 | Occlusion Remover and Method - An occlusion may be removed from a graft or other body passageway using occlusion removing apparatus, comprising a catheter having a lumen through which an elongated occlusion engaging element can pass and a blocking mechanism at the open distal end thereof. The catheter is inserted into the body passageway with the blocking mechanism radially compressed during insertion. The blocking mechanism is radially expanded to near to the wall of the body passageway after insertion. After radially expanding the blocking mechanism, the occlusion engaging element is advanced into the occlusion. The expanded state of the blocking mechanism is used for blocking proximal passage of occlusion material around the outside of the catheter. Occlusion material may be moved proximally through the open end and into the lumen. The distal end of the occlusion engaging element may have an engagement mechanism, such as a balloon. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114114 | CORONARY VEIN NAVIGATOR - A system and method for navigating coronary vasculature involves use of a guide catheter system which includes a guide catheter, a navigator catheter longitudinally displaceable within the guide catheter, and a deflection arrangement provided at a distal end of the navigator catheter. The guide catheter is advanced to at least a patient's coronary sinus ostium, and the navigator catheter is extended from the guide catheter to a location proximate or within an angled vein distal to the coronary sinus ostium. Using the deflection arrangement, a guide wire passing through the navigation catheter is directed into the angled vein. A lead having an open lumen is advanced over the guide wire to direct the lead to an implant site within the angled vein. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114115 | FIBER OPTIC INSTRUMENT SENSING SYSTEM - A medical instrument system comprises an elongate instrument body; an optical fiber coupled in a constrained manner to the elongate instrument body, the optical fiber including one or more Bragg gratings; a detector operably coupled to a proximal end of the optical fiber and configured to detect respective light signals reflected by the one or more Bragg gratings; and a controller operatively coupled to the detector, wherein the controller is configured to determine a geometric configuration of at least a portion of the elongate instrument body based on a spectral analysis of the detected reflected portions of the light signals. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114116 | Medical Device Control System - A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114117 | INSTRUMENT SUPPORT APPARATUS - An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument on the arm assembly. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114118 | FOLLICULAR EXTRACTION METHOD AND DEVICE - A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes aligning a dissecting punch over a follicular unit and rotating the dissecting punch to score the epidermis layer of the skin so that hair follicles are disposed within the lumen. The dissecting punch is then moved through the dermis layer and fatty tissue layer of the skin to dissect the follicular unit from the tissue surrounding the follicular unit. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114119 | Tacking Device - The present embodiments provide apparatus and systems suitable for coupling a graft member to tissue. A wire having a proximal end and a distal end are provided, each having a delivery state suitable for delivery and further comprising a deployed state. In the deployed state, the distal end is configured to engage tissue at a first location, and the proximal end is configured to engage the graft member to secure the graft member to the tissue. Optionally, a loop member may be provided for receiving a suture for further securing the graft member to the tissue. The present embodiments may also be used without a graft member to close openings in tissue. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114120 | Assemblies for deploying fasteners in tissue and snares for use in such assemblies - An assembly is provided to facilitate the deployment of at least one fastener through tissue, such as stomach tissue. The assembly comprises a fastener deploying device arranged to deploy a fastener through the tissue and a snare arranged to bind the tissue and fastener deploying device together as the fastener deploying device deploys a fastener through the tissue. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114121 | ANASTOMOSIS SUTURING DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - The present invention provides an anastamosis suturing device (ASD), comprising an integrated suturing mechanism comprising a plurality of suturing wires, each of the wires is incorporated within a set of distal and proximal threading needles being positioned in a similar angular orientation, selected inter alia from 12′, 2′, 4′, 6′, 8′ and 10′ o'clock. the middle portion of each of the wires is arranged in a stack arrangement. Each needle is either operated separately or integrally with at least one another. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114122 | SEWING DEVICE FOR MAKING A MECHANICAL ENCIRCLING STITCH - The inventive sewing device for overcasting a mechanical twisted suture comprises a body ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114123 | ARTHROSCOPIC SUTURE PASSING DEVICES AND METHODS - A system for transdermal repair of soft tissue includes an instrument comprising a proximal actuator portion, a fixed needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion, and a movable needle having a lumen and extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. The movable needle is movable axially between an advanced position and a retracted position relative to the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed within the lumen of one of the fixed and movable needles, and has a length of suture connected thereto. Needle graspers are disposed in the lumen of each needle, for securing the suture needle and assisting in the transfer of the suture needle from one needle to the other to complete a suture passing step. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114124 | Method and apparatus for partioning an organ within the body - The preferred methods and devices described herein relate to devices and methods for joining segments of soft tissue together. More particularly this invention relates to partitioning a body cavity or organ by joining together portions of the organ interior walls. This securement is particularly useful in gastric volume reduction surgery whereby the volume of the stomach is reduced by partitioning the stomach into a smaller pouch. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114125 | METHOD OF REMOTELY ADJUSTING A SATIATION AND SATIETY-INDUCING IMPLANTED DEVICE - An system, including an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The system includes a member having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The member has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The system includes an external means in communication with the member, the external means is remote from a patient, the external means comprises a means for remotely adjusting the shape of the member, and a means of powering the implant. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114126 | MAGNETIC POSITIONING OF SURGICAL MESH - A method of appropriately positioning a surgical mesh relative to body tissue during surgery, using at least two magnets or alternatively, at least a magnet and a magnetically responsive material. The magnet or magnetically responsive materials are delivered to the surgical site for example through a laparoscope. A magnet or magnetically responsive material may be in sheet form and coiled or otherwise made compact to accommodate the laparoscope, then expanded to a final effective configuration. If the surgical mesh is not appropriately located relative to the body tissue, it may be appropriately repositioned by urging it using a tool, which may act by magnetic attraction, such that the mesh slides along the body tissue. The surgical mesh may then be fixed to body tissue using conventional surgical fasteners. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114127 | Soft Tissue Attachment Device - Methods and devices are disclosed for the attachment of a soft tissue structure (e.g., tendon or ligament) to bone or a prosthetic implant. In one form, the device includes a clamp comprising a porous metallic material. The clamp includes a convex tissue engaging surface. The device also includes a fastener for compressing the soft tissue between the tissue engaging surface and the bone or the prosthetic implant. The porous metallic material allows the ingrowth of soft tissue into the clamp. In another form, the device includes a second clamp comprising a porous metallic material. The second clamp including a first surface, a concave tissue engaging surface opposite the first surface, and a throughhole extending from the first surface to the concave tissue engaging surface. The second clamp is placed adjacent the bone, the soft tissue is placed adjacent the second clamp, and the first clamp is placed adjacent the soft tissue. A fastener is inserted through the throughhole of the first clamp, through the soft tissue, through the throughhole of the second clamp and into the bone such that the soft tissue is compressed between the convex tissue engaging surface of the first clamp and the concave tissue engaging surface of the second clamp. | 2010-05-06 |
